A WOMAN who tried for a second baby for 18 years before giving birth to two children through IVF says their family is now complete.

Kim Barrett, 40, desperately wanted another child after first giving birth when she was just 17.

Kim, from Tollesbury, became pregnant naturally and gave birth to daughter Yasmin Cook, now 22, in 2000.

Yasmin's birth was considered a "miracle" as Kim wasn't experiencing regular periods and was later diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) when she was 18.

She then met her husband James, 46, but the couple struggled to expand their family because of Kim’s PCOS.

For years, the couple considered IVF as a last option and tried different treatments including a laparoscopy to try conceive.

Kim said: “I felt like IVF wouldn't work so I didn't want to go through it, but we had no other option.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: SUNNY SMILES: Kim pictured with her two sonsSUNNY SMILES: Kim pictured with her two sons (Image: SWNS)

Some 18 years after her natural pregnancy, Kim and James went to the TFP Simply Fertility in Chelmsford to start IVF treatment.

In their first cycle, Kim got 19 eggs and considers herself "extremely lucky" and still has nine eggs frozen.

Kim became pregnant in May 2018 but admits feeling anxious during the pregnancy.

She said: "I was so scared about losing the baby. There was a lot of fear - I was worried all the time.

"It has to be the most stressful thing I have ever done.

"It was a straightforward pregnancy apart from the worry."

Maldon and Burnham Standard: HAPPY FAMILY: Kim with husband James and children Harrison and WilliamHAPPY FAMILY: Kim with husband James and children Harrison and William (Image: SWNS)

Kim gave birth to son Harrison, on January 16, 2019, at Chelmsford's Broomfield Hospital.

The tot weighed in at a healthy 7lb 7oz.

Kim said: "When Harrison was born, I just can't describe the feeling - it was magical.

"I never thought I would fall pregnant again. Having him in my arms was a magical moment."

The couple later got the good news that Kim was pregnant with her second child through IVF.

William was born in April 2021 at Broomfield, weighing 7lb 11oz.

Kim said: “Being a mum, I block out all the bad stuff, but my husband remembers all of that stuff and how stressful it was.

"I was happy to have my baby. It is a magical experience for me now."