This picture of a baby girl asleep has gone viral for a touching reason

A photo of a baby girl fast asleep and surrounded by syringes has sparked an outpour of heartfelt messages from parents who have conceived through IVF.

The special image was taken by new mum Angela who wanted to document the three-year journey it took to conceive her daughter.

After multiple IVF cycles over the past year-and-a-half, she told ABC News that the injections were the least of her worries. “The needles were the easy part. It was the emotional struggle, the ups and downs that really took a toll,” she said.

Since being posted on Facebook this week by the US fertility clinic Angela used, the picture has been shared more than 5,000 times. Sher Institues commented in the post that the photo “shows the true definition of love that went into making this gorgeous new baby girl”.

Alongside the photo are heartfelt messages, stories and photos of children of varying ages who were conceived through IVF. One parent writes, “Amazingly moving picture, brought tears to my eyes. Every single shot, ultrasound, pill & blood draw….completely worth it. My living IVF miracle is nine.”

Another comments reads, “I love this! The hopeful miracle in the middle is why my fear of needles means nothing anymore, because now every needle means I’m getting closer and closer to my dream.”

The powerful picture serves as a reminder of just how much parents go through to conceive through IVF.