Former Huddersfield University student realises publication and baby dreams

Sep 23 2009 By Hilarie Stelfox

"I’d been home for a family christening where there were a lot of sniffles and tummy bugs around.

"I came back feeling poorly, but put it down to something I’d picked up at the christening. I started to get worried, thinking I was very ill.

"Then I was chatting to a friend who asked how I was. I said "still being sick, especially in the mornings" and finally the penny dropped.

"I did a pregnancy test and was amazed and overjoyed. I cannot overstate the absolute joy.’’

Isla and Paul’s bundle of joy, Tallulah, is now eight months old and proving to be everything they had hoped for – and more.

Her name means dancing water in native American – the family lives on the coast – and is similar to the Irish Gaelic word for abundant.

"I know it’s a cliche, but that’s how we feel,’’ says Isla.

"I felt this huge rush of love for her when she was born. She’s a very good baby, bright and lively during the day but sleeps well at night.’’

Ironically Isla and Paul had just been approved to adopt a child before they discovered that Tallulah was on the way and are still thinking seriously about giving their daughter an adopted brother or sister.

Although she’s now a busy mum, Isla is still writing, currently working on a screenplay of Pink for a Girl following interest from a film production company. She is also trying her hand at a novel and has produced articles about infertility.

Paul has retrained as a photographer (www.landscapeireland.com) and took the picture for this page.

Although they have happy memories of their years in Huddersfield, they say they are extremely happy in Ireland and believe it’s a good place to raise the family they once thought they would never have.

Unexplained infertility

At one time, infertility due to female factors was thought to be the reason for all fertility problems. Now experts recognise that female infertility accounts for about 40 % of all infertility cases, the most common reasons being tubal blockages, ovulation problems and endometriosis.

Around one in six couples face difficulties in conceiving. If you've had unprotected sex for more than 12 months (or, if you're over 35) and are still not pregnant, it may be worthwhile visiting a doctor.

Around 15 to 20 % of cases have no obvious cause, leading to a diagnosis of unexplained infertility.

Couples with unexplained infertility who have been trying for less than five years have about a 15 to 30 % chance of conceiving. After this, less than 10 % do so without treatment.

Pink For A Girl is published by Hay House and still available.