Belinda and Joshua Harbach, who bought their first home together in 2021, have spent nearly their entire married life trying to fall pregnant. What followed has been a journey marked by setbacks, dozens of appointments and emotional highs and lows.
“We started trying for a baby soon after we got married in 2020,” 28-year-old Belinda said. “Every month we hoped it would happen naturally, but after four years of trying, it felt like we were constantly bracing for disappointment."
It was Belinda’s own family who nudged the couple toward the next step. Her brother and sister-in-law had also faced infertility and recommended low-cost provider Adora Fertility after their own successful IVF journey. Belinda and Joshua saved what they could and began IVF with Adora in 2024.
Their path to parenthood was far from simple. After two egg collections, they had 28 fertilised eggs and went through multiple embryo transfers. One early attempt ended in a chemical pregnancy, an experience Belinda described as “devastating and confusing.”
Still they never let go of the hope that their family would grow.
“When we finally fell pregnant, it felt like a light had been switched back on for us,” Belinda said. “After everything we’d been through, we couldn’t believe our dream was finally becoming real.”
It was on their fourth transfer that everything changed. Belinda fell pregnant with Cleo who arrived earlier than expected on December 2nd at Campbelltown Hospital, just weeks before her original due date of December 31st - their little Christmas surprise.
“When they placed her on Belinda’s chest, it was like every setback suddenly made sense,” said Joshua. “She was worth absolutely all of it.”
Adora Fertility specialist Doctor Paul Atkinson, who oversaw the couple’s treatment, said their resilience was remarkable.
“Belinda and Joshua remained focused throughout their treatment,” said Dr Atkinson. “Infertility can be an incredibly challenging journey so finding the right doctor to work with you is crucial.”
Now soaking up newborn life, the couple say they’re sharing their story to help others facing their own uncertainty.
Belinda added, ““If even one person feels less alone after hearing what we went through, then it’s worth telling.”
