During the long course of my career as an infertility specialist, I have met thousands of patients yearning for their own kids and by God’s grace, I could be instrumental in bringing happiness to quite a few of them. I treasure each of those memories, but some of the cases are very special and unforgettable. I would like to share the story of an amazing couple which is very close to my heart.
After several failed attempts of infertility treatment in another hospital, the couple came to me with the hope of conceiving. They were overjoyed when she conceived in the very first attempt of IVF cycle. Although we never advise patients to get admitted or take complete rest after IVF, they insisted that they want to stay at the hospital for the full term. This is a stark contrast from most of the other patients, who are reluctant to get admitted even if there is medical intervention. I had advised them to go home, but this couple was so eager and concerned about their babies that they wanted to stay around and make sure that they get expert help. They felt more safe & secure with us than in their own house. When twin pregnancy was confirmed, we were all overjoyed.
Staying at the hospital for so long, they became so close to us and the hospital staff that they were like part of our family. It was like a second home for them, the lady made lots of paintings in her spare time and the couple would walk around the organic farm around the hospital. After eagerly waiting for nine months, the twin babies were delivered via caesarean as there was some obstetric indication.
The excitement turned into shock for us, when the second twin appeared to be suffering from down syndrome. Although we were not sure, prima facie it seemed like that. One of the most difficult experiences in a gynecologist’s life is when we have to disclose the possibility of down syndrome to the parents. With exacerbating pain, expecting an outburst I reluctantly gave them the news. But to my utmost surprise, they took the news very well, both the father and mother smiled at me and said that they would love and take care of the child, just like the other twin.
There were tears in my eyes when I came back from my rounds and joy filled my heart at the thought of the unconditional love and selfless commitment of the parents. It was not just a momentous decision on their part to make a baby, they were committed from the deep abyss of their heart to give pure and continuous love to their kids despite any adversities.
Even though they were discharged after a week, they requested to stay back for ten more days, which again proved the trust factor. I made an exception to my policy of not taking gifts from my patients and cherish the handmade ornaments, dress, and painting, which she gifted me before they left for the long journey back home.
Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
+91 484 2475031, +91 484 2475034,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 18 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore, along with her spouse Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist London, DFFP from ART Warwick university and worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and Bangalore. Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.
