Yesterday’s People.com headline, Celine Dion Will Keep Trying for a Baby, caught my attention (and I’m sure millions of other’s). According to the article, Dion and her husband René Angélil are trying to have a second baby through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment. While her latest IVF attempt didn’t result in a successful pregnancy, she is undeterred and plans to continue with another IVF cycle.
Her story highlights the fact that not all IVF procedures are successful and it is similar to many women undergoing IVF treatment today. The journey to parenthood isn’t always easy. For those of you who have chosen assisted reproduction as a means to build your family, you are part of a greater community “ you are not alone.
Dion’s experience is not unusual. According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), in 2007, about 60% of women under the age 35, almost 70% of women age 35-37, and almost 50% of donor egg recipients needed more than one IVF treatment cycle to have a baby. Unfortunately, many patients drop out of treatment too early and do not realize their dream of having a baby.
“We are living the reality of the majority of couples who have to use [IVF]. The process can be long and arduous,” Dion’s husband René Angélil, 67, told the Canadian paper Journal de Montreal of their failed attempts. “But today, we are full of confidence. Celine is more determined than ever.”
As you go through your own journey to have a baby, I hope the information and community we hope to build here is helpful and inspiring. I also look forward to hearing you share your own stories so we can all learn and support one another along the way!
