When the dream of parenthood clashes with a diagnosis of infertility, even the strongest people break down. Ellina Fedorova went through this path – painful, exhausting, but ultimately victorious. 12 IVF attempts, five clinics, thousands of injections, expectations, tears, and hopes. There were moments when she wanted to give up – but she kept going.

Her story is about struggle, the search for the right doctor, faith in a miracle, and the path to the birth of her son, and later, her daughter. And also about a book. "Baby Marathon. IVF: Frankly with Humor, Step by Step", which Ellina wrote to support those who are currently in this marathon.

LIGA.net tells a story for those who don't lose hope.

IVF (in vitro fertilization) — is a method of assisted reproductive technology, which is often called "artificial insemination" in everyday life. With this method, the egg is fertilized with sperm outside the woman's body – in laboratory conditions. After that, the embryo is transferred to the uterus with the hope that it will implant. If this happens, the pregnancy then develops normally.

Mom through IVF: How it all started

Ellina Fedorova (Photo provided by Ellina Fedorova)

"My husband and I dreamed of being young parents. Everything looked promising: I was 27, we were healthy, motivated, and full of energy. We quickly and easily agreed to the first IVF – and naively expected a quick miracle. But it didn't happen," says Ellina Fedorova.

After the first failure, more followed. And more. And more. Protocol after protocol – without result. With each time, hope faded.

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That's when I understood: it just wouldn't be easy. A long struggle lay ahead, not an easy path to happiness.

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IVFmotherhood and fatherhoodartificial inseminationreproductive healthinfertility treatment