Big Miracles: Which couples and individuals are now parents?
“I wanted our story to inspire others and bring some hope into their lives.”
The dream of starting a family is one that many share but the heartbreaking reality is that one in six Australians will experience infertility each year.
Today more than ever people are seeking the help of highly skilled fertility specialists to start a family.
Taking viewers on a closer look inside the world of infertility is the heartfelt series return of Big Miracles. The first season premiered in 2023 and we were emotionally invested as we saw Australian couples and individuals as they tried to fall pregnant against overwhelming odds, through IVF and other fertility treatments.
The second series returned in February, 2024 and followed some of the original couples as well as some new ones.
From women with endometriosis to men with low sperm counts, and same sex couples, Big Miracles follows the highs and lows of couples and individuals on a their intimate and emotional journey to have a baby.
Narrated by actress Lisa McCune, you can catch up on episodes of Big Miracles on 9Now. But, brace yourself, as this show will pull on your heartstrings – so make sure you have the tissue box handy.
Read on to find out where the couples and individuals of Big Miracles are now and if their dream of becoming parents has come true.
Where are they now? Catch up with the couples from season 2 of Big Miracles
Sheila, 46, and Tyson, 47
Season 2 storyline:
Sheila and Tyson also appeared on the first season. After a whirlwind romance, the couple began trying for their first child but their age is making the journey challenging.
Although Sheila had 11 eggs frozen when she was 38, they couldn’t produce a pregnancy. The
couple tried another five rounds of treatment with her 45-year-old eggs, but were still
unsuccessful.
Now, Sheila and Tyson are look for an egg donor to help them achieve their parenthood dream.
Where are they now?
Sheila and Tyson welcomed their baby boy, Phoenix Denali Salijevic into the world on April 11, 2024.
“Our lives are changed forever. I now understand what instant unconditional love feels like. It has been an emotional roller coaster which we knew it would be – but nothing can really prepare you for one of lives greatest transitions. We are in a bubble and are emerging slowly and will reply to your loving and generous messages. Thank you all for following our journey and for your open hearts. We did it! I have pinched my self everyday for the last 6 days. Phoenix is our miracle come true,” Sheila shared to Instagram.
The couple shared their pregnancy news earlier this year.
“We can’t believe our dreams have come true after waiting for so long and we are so grateful for the miracle of our son,” says Sheila.
“We are on the countdown now to delivery and we are both so nervous and excited at the same time. Our life is about to change in the most miraculous way.”
Sheila feels like their story connected with many people who watched Big Miracles.
“It has been incredible sharing our journey with the audience. The outpouring of emotions and DMs and even gifts has touched us. I think a lot of the audience resonated with our pain. Perhaps we even allowed them to acknowledge their own pain, which has helped heal them a little,” she says.
“Tyson and I feel truly blessed that we were able to have our entire journey documented.”
Sheila and Tyson will return in Big Miracles, season 3.
(Image: 9Now)
Samantha, 35, and Jason, 38
Season 2 storyline:
We met Samantha and Jason in series one of Big Miracles. Falling pregnant was difficult for Sam due to severe endometriosis. After two unsuccessful IVF attempts, Sam became pregnant with her last remaining embryo. Sadly, a dating scan revealed a miscarriage and the couple were heartbroken.
The couple underwent one more round of IVF, leading to their miracle pregnancy. In series 2, we continue to follow their journey as they anticipate the birth of their baby, fulfilling their family and granting their daughter, Georgia, a sibling.
Where are they now? The couple have welcomed their son, Romain.
“Romain is growing so fast, he is one in May, so we feel like time has absolutely flown. He is the happiest little boy, only upset if he is hungry or tired so he has made it easy on us to transition to a family of 4,” says Sam.
“What was life without him?! He has been the perfect addition to our family.”
(Image: 9Now)
Emily, 36, and John, 37
Season 2 storyline:
After trying naturally for four years, Emily and John turned to IVF eight months ago due to fertility issues.
Emily has a low egg count, and John, once known as “Super Sperm John,” has low sperm count and motility, giving them only a 3% chance of natural conception.
Despite the odds, they embarked on a weight-loss journey, with Emily losing around 20 kilos.
Now, we follow Emily and John in the next stage of their journey as they pursue IVF, with their chances increased to 20%.
Where are they now? Emily and John were overjoyed to welcome their daughter, Honey.
“I love it. I feel privileged every single day to be a mum, especially Honey’s mum. She is absolutely perfect. Motherhood itself, and the journey to get here, has been such a wild ride but I can’t help but to feel blessed,” says Emily.
“Even during those long nights or when she is upset, I still pinch myself that she is here and that she is ours. Those smiles and giggles just melt me. She makes me a better person. I feel so fulfilled and complete. My heart really is full.”
She continues: “Don’t get me wrong, it is hard, but it is also magical. Some days are diamonds and some days turn to dust but I can’t help but to feel grateful.”
John adds: “We read Honey a book that says ‘so honey-sweet you’re such a treat you make my days all buzzy’ and that really sums it up.
“We know how hard it was to get her here, and how tough she had to fight, so I think that helps with our perspective. After going through what we went through, you can’t help but to feel lucky,” he says.
“We won the lotto when we got her. She is our greatest achievement. It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it. We try to really treasure every moment with her. Everyday is different. She is growing and changing and learning at a rapid speed. We wish time would slow down, just a little.”
(Image: 9Now)
Maddie, 29, and Nathan, 28
Season 2 storyline:
Both teachers, Gold Coast couple Maddie and Nathan long to be parents but Maddie faces challenges with ovulation due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Despite three failed embryo transfers in five rounds of IVF, the reason for the setbacks remains unknown but the couple are determined to introduce a great-grandchild to Nathan’s beloved grandfather, “Ba Ba Blue.”
Where are they now? Maddie and Nathan have welcomed a baby boy, Roman.
“It’s been an incredible two months. Hard to believe that we once went about life without this amazing little boy in it,” says Nathan.
“Roman is a happy baby who brings us joy everyday. Watching him grow is a dream come true and seeing Maddie tackle parenthood so naturally is an inspiration to me.”
Maddie says she hopes their story inspires others who are struggling with infertility.
“I loved filming Big Miracles, I was excited to be able to share our story and journey with people that were also struggling with infertility. I watched season 1 and took a lot of inspiration from the bravery that those couples displayed throughout their journey,” she says.
“I wanted our story to inspire others and bring some hope into their lives. Being the youngest couple, I believe it was important to share our infertility and IVF journey as this isn’t something often openly spoken about.”
(Image: 9Now)
Rachel, 36, and Heather, 35
Season 2 storyline:
Together for four years after meeting on Tinder, Rachel and Heather’s dream of starting a family began in 2022.
Unfortunately, their first attempt resulted in tragedy, with Rachel experiencing Preeclampsia and their daughter, Eden, passing away five days after birth.
After grieving, they are prepared to embark on another IVF journey, and despite the difficulty, Rachel wishes to carry the baby this time to find healing after the emotional challenges of their previous experience.
Where are they now? Rachel and Heather are now parents!
“Rowan has been such a magical addition to our family. She is the happiest, most joyful baby. We love watching her grow and learn new things everyday. We feel so privileged to be her Mums. We look forward to making more memories with her and are hoping to make her a big sister in the near future.”
(Image: 9Now)
Christie, 32, and Perry, 39
Season 2 storyline:
In February 2022, after a year of trying, Christie discovered she was pregnant. However, this turned into a traumatic experience when she had a severe ectopic pregnancy, resulting in a burst fallopian tube and a life-threatening situation.
Following this, the couple tried IVF, but two failed transfers left Christie’s fertility issues unresolved.
Now, we follow their journey as they try to figure out why things aren’t working.
Where are they now? Christie is pregnant and the couple are looking forward to meeting their longed-for little one.
“The first trimester is really exciting but also really nerve wracking. I know this baby is meant for us but I’m really looking forward to being in the second trimester so I don’t have to worry as much,” says Christie
“I’m so excited to have a cute baby bump. It’s literally been my dream forever!”
Adds Perry: “It’s been such a long and trying journey, it’s really nice to finally be in a position to get what we’ve always wanted and start our own little family.”
Christie and Perry will return in Big Miracles, season 3.
(Image: 9Now)
Ilina, 35, and Nick, 29
Season 2 storyline:
After five years of attempting to conceive naturally, Ilina was diagnosed with severe endometriosis, requiring frequent surgeries.
With blocked fallopian tubes, IVF became their sole option. Despite five challenging egg collections, only six viable embryos were obtained, all of which failed to transfer.
Ilina also faced life-threatening situations, like collapsing during her last surgery, resulting in cardiac arrest. After a three-month recovery, she questions her body’s ability to continue treatment and looks to a new fertility specialist for guidance.
Where are they now? Ilina has undergone egg retrieveal. In season 3 of Big Miracles we will find out if they have any fertilised embryos for egg transfer.
“Seeing Ilina going into egg retrieval was hard knowing we had 1 on our last cycle I was hoping for good news and my god we were blown away with the results,” says Nick.
“The next steps are waiting now and seeing how many fertilise and hoping we have one or more for egg transfer, the hardest part is waiting. I do believe at the right time and moment if it’s meant to be it will be it’s just the question of when.”
Ilina says she couldn’t believe the egg retrieval surgery went so well.
“Oh my god 7 eggs, I was in shock, I’ve never had 7 my emotions took over, I felt like all the setbacks finally paid off. Slow and steady in this case won the race,” she says.
“As much as we are on cloud nine there’s always another anxious next step and that is praying and hoping we have fertilised embryos for egg transfer, it only takes 1 and I’m hoping for a miracle.”
(Image: 9Now)
Sarah, 39
Season 2 storyline:
Single mum Sarah has an 11-year-old son, Braxton and has always dreamed of a big family. After separating from her partner in 2018, she found herself single at 34, facing age-related fertility issues.
Sarah looked into fostering and joined a sperm donor list. Despite the financial outlay, and with her son’s support, she scraped together funds for three rounds of IVF. After two unsuccessful IUI procedures, we follow Sarah as she begins her first and final IVF cycle in her journey to expand her family.
Where is Sarah now? Sarah has welcomed a baby girl
“Zariah is the happiest, easiest little baby who has brought so much love, light, joy and excitement to our world! We are one year on and can’t wait for the future as our little family of 3 – one day hopefully 4 plus!”
(Image: 9Now)
Where are they now? Catch up with the couples from the first season of Big Miracles
Amy and Ryan now have baby Mila
Season 1 storyline:
Country couple Aimee and Ryan met in the police force. To access fertility services, they must travel seven hours from their home town of Walgett in rural NSW to Sydney.
It’s a gruelling journey but one phone call from the fertility clinic could change their lives forever.
“To start a family it’s all we’ve wanted,” says Aimee during the first episode of Big Miracles.
“We’ve got the good jobs, we’ve got a home… everything. We’re just missing that one little piece. Hopefully today with be the day we can stop waiting. Our whole life is riding on the news that we’re going to receive today.”
(Image: Channel 9)
Amelia and Andrew have been blessed with baby Aria
Season 1 storyline:
After trying to fall pregnant for a long and heartbreaking five years, doctors finally identify the cause of Andrew and Amelia’s infertility.
Amelia and Andrew are hopeful as they begin their IVF journey.
“Sixty disappointments I’ve had in this journey of not being pregnant,” says Amelia of her fertility journey.
“It has actually taken a long time to get here. You just can’t think or focus on anything else.”
(Image: Channel 9)
Courtney and Woody welcomed baby Eddie
Season 1 storyline:
Courtney and Woody have been trying to have a baby for three years. The couple have discovered they can’t conceive naturally because Courtney doesn’t ovulate each month. With the help of medication, Courtney gets one step closer to becoming a mum.
“I just feel like a failure. I feel out of touch with myself, with my body. I don’t understand why it’s doing what it’s doing,” shares Courtney while holding back tears.
“Who knew making a baby was so tricky.”
(Image: Channel 9)
Angus and Adam have baby Vivienne
Season 1 storyline:
Angus and Adam have been together 18 years and beginning their journey to become fathers.
With the help of IVF, Adam’s sister Corrinne and surrogate, Kate their dream may become a reality.
“For a sibling to donate an egg it is incredibly special,” says Adam.
Adam continues: “All you can do to find a surrogate is put your story out there in the hope that a very special person comes to find you.”
(Image: Channel 9)
Katrina and Steve welcomed daughter Layla
Season 1 storyline:
Cancer survivor Katrina hopes groundbreaking science can reverse the fertility damage caused by chemotherapy.
“I feel I’m a lot more patient now doing IVF after going through cancer,” says Katrina.
“We’re up to round 11 of egg collection. You do feel a little bit crazy doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. But we have to do whatever we can do get our future baby. It’s really important to both of us.”
(Image: Channel 9)
Since the show, Chantelle and Dylan have kept their personal life private.
Season 1 storyline:
Sexologist Chantelle Otten and her partner, tennis player and 2022 Australian of the Year recipitent, Dylan Alcott speak about their decision to freeze her eggs.
Chantelle and Dylan have been together three-and-a-half years and met when she attended the launch for Dylan’s book, Able, at the tail-end of 2018.
The couple would love to have children in two years.
Writing about her egg freezing journey in Big Miracles, Chantelle says:
“The decision to freeze my eggs has been a long time coming and with the help of @melbourneivf_official & a team of experts working around me, I hope to share our journey with you and give you a glimpse into the world of fertility.”
She continues: “This decision to freeze my eggs at 32 was made to ensure that I have healthy eggs preserved for when the time is right to start a family. And I hope that by sharing this process on a national platform, it will help others to feel less alone and more empowered to make informed decisions about their own fertility.”
(Image: Channel 9)
