Chilliwack’s New Year’s baby arrived healthy and in typical fashion, but River Bradfield den Ouden still has a very unique story.
He was conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Chayne den Ouden, 40, said for years she knew she wanted be a mother, but it was two years ago when she realized “I would have to do it on my own.”
With the support of her family, including her parents Colleen and Ryk, she went to a fertility clinic at the age of 38. It was a long process with many doctor’s visits and appointments, but her family was there by her side the entire time.
“He’s been a family baby,” said proud grandmother, Colleen.
In past years, some of Chilliwack’s New Year’s babies have been born late into Jan. 1, or sometimes even on Jan. 2, but not River. He entered the world while most people were still ringing in the new year at 12:24 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2019.
Chayne’s due date was Jan. 5, but was induced five days early on the morning of Dec. 31 due to her age. She went into labour that evening and after six hours, River was born at Chilliwack General Hospital. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 49.5 cm (19.5 inches) long.
Chayne says she is an outdoorsy person and has liked the name River since she was a teenager. She’s looking forward to many adventures in the great outside with her new son.
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