IVF baby born in Sydney lockdown finally meets grandparents

Introducing their miracle bub to the grandparents after four months of lockdown was a heartwarming moment to cherish for one family.

There were a million tearful family reunions across Sydney last week but none like this — lockdown “miracle baby” Elizabeth Goddard got to finally meet her relatives.

Elizabeth was born in June, just as the lockdown began but it was an even longer and harder road for her and parents Jeni and Phil, who call her their Covid baby.

Last year, they couple started IVF again after using it to conceive son William, now two.

In March, just as the pandemic locked down the country, they had one frozen embryo implanted from the same round that had brought them William.

It failed but then all non-essential medical procedures, including IVF, were paused.

When IVF restarted, the couple’s attempts were marred by miscarriages and unviable eggs until October, when another round resulted in Elizabeth.

Jeni and Phil Goddard with Elizabeth as she meets grandparents Stephen and Sharon Goddard and Kay and Lawrie Barclay. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“She’s a little miracle. My sister held her for the first time on Tuesday and that’s it, it has only been me and my husband,” Jeni said.

“William was a Covid baby as well, not to the same point but he couldn’t have a first birthday party because of Covid, we couldn’t get him christened because of Covid and the same with his sister.”

Lockdowns have been tough on everyone but locked down with a toddler and a newborn without help from family or friends was a real challenge for the Lapstone family.

“I’m a strong person mentally but it broke me. William is two and has decided sleeping is for the weak so he doesn’t have day sleeps. I was dealing with him and with the mum guilt of giving so much attention to the newborn,” she said.

Jeni Goddard with newborn Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Goddard in her big brother's hand-me-downs.

“I had two really bad days and I had no support at all, except my husband, who is amazing.

The only good thing to come out of the lockdown is his overtime was cut so he is home by 3.30pm, so not as long a day for me alone.

“We’ve only done FaceTime with family, so no-one has seen her and as we kept all William’s clothes she was in boys’ clothes for weeks. I had to do an online order for her, she had nothing pink to wear.”

But last Wednesday the grandparents and aunties finally got to meet baby Liz — as well as Dr Jinny Foo from Monash IVF.

“She has never seen so many people, but it was so lovely, I cried, mum cried and Dr Foo cried,” she said.

Dr Jinny Foo with proud parents Jeni and Phil Goddard, and baby Elizabeth. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“I love seeing the babies when they are born but I just got a photo, so it is very special when you see those kids, it always brings tears to my eyes. You know how hard the journey is but you see how they really cherish their family,” Dr Foo said.

Grandmother Kay Barclay, 75, was also overcome with emotion at meeting her newest grandchild.

“It was a dream come true seeing this little treasure, it was pretty special,” she said.

“Until you are a grandparent you don’t know the pain you go through not seeing them. Every second with a baby is precious.”

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