CHENNAI: We have been waiting for this happy moment for the last 42 years,” said Senthamilselvi, a 63-year-old who underwent a specialised fertility treatment at Palani Balaji Fertility center in Chennai. Holding the healthy 3.25-kg baby girl, whom she delivered on May 21, the proud parent said, “We tried and failed for so many years. But, a friend of ours successfully delivered her first baby at the age of 60. That pushed and motivated us to not give up.
Our family members were also encouraging and supportive.” A visibly ecstatic Krishnan, Senthamilselvi’s husband recalled their painful journey. “A year into our marriage, we began taking various treatments, all of which failed. All our attempts were futile. The doctors in our native place (Goppichettypalayam) couldn’t diagnose the problem. It was a gruelling period for us. But, we never gave up,” smiled the 71-year-old.
While the arrival of their ‘precious baby’ has brought immense joy to the new parents, the process was embedded with several risk factors. “She was 61 when she approached us for treatment. She had already reached her menopause, 10 years ago. But, she was determined to have a baby in spite of her age. After preliminary diagnosis, we found that she was suitable to become a mother,” said Dr D Senthamarai selvi, MD and Chief Infertility Specialist, Palani Balaji Fertility Center.
During the treatment, it was found that Senthamilselvi was diabetic. According to the doctor, her diabetic condition was put under control before the IVF procedure began. She was also given extensive psychological and medical counselling before preparing for the procedure. “For the past two years, she has undergone specialised infertility treatment at our centre. During the course, a combination of IVF and embryo transfer procedure were also done successfully,” said the doctor.
After several medical investigations, the couple entered into the high-risk pregnancy. “She was kept under continuous medical supervision by a team of medical experts,” she shared. “Not having a child was very painful. I was ready to endure anything to have a baby and now, we are extremely happy,” said the mother.
While the couple and the fertility clinic celebrated this breakthrough, several questions about the future of the child have been raised. “People are asking us about how we would give proper care, attention and nutrition to the child, given our old age. We have thought this through and we will do our best to take care of our child. We have a strong close-knit family and everyone will be there for her,” they added.
Before the IVF
Senthamilselvi’s diabetic condition was put under control. She was also given extensive psychological and medical counselling before starting the IVF procedure