IVF at 70

Walter MJ for NTV recounted the team's visit to the Woman's Hospital International and Fertility Center. He mentioned that upon their arrival, the NTV team was courteously led to an exclusive chamber where Saina Namuka had been secluded for five days, eagerly anticipating her imminent delivery. Namuka, a resident of Masaka District in Uganda, reportedly exhibited a tangible sense of unease as she awaited her forthcoming operation.

Reflecting on Dr Edward S's benevolence, Saina Namuka expressed difficulty finding adequate words. She narrated that her journey to the hospital was facilitated by a friend who had previously undergone the same procedure. This friend assured her that, after an extended period of trying, she too would experience the joy of motherhood. Namuka, candidly sharing her ordeal, elucidated that bearing twins at her age presented a formidable challenge. She recounted a time when the burdens of pregnancy left her gravely ill, depleting nearly all her financial resources.

In a desperate search for solace, Namuka sought medical intervention in Chakuza, where her condition captured the interest of Dr Edward S. A call to Dr Edward S initiated a chain of events that underscored his benevolence. Dr Edward S arranged transportation to Kampala and assumed responsibility for Namuka's well-being. Unfortunately, Namuka's partner chose to abandon her upon learning about the twins – a disheartening reality faced by many in similar circumstances.

Dr Edward S, unwavering in his commitment, provided steadfast support, assuming a role similar to that of a paternal figure for the unborn children. Namuka's decision to embark on this journey was rooted in a painful incident from her past, where societal taunts and the loss of a child during her marriage haunted her. This narrative highlighted the profound emotional and societal challenges women like Namuka face.

As Walter queried Namuka about her readiness to embrace motherhood once more, she responded with unwavering trust in the divine, affirming that every child carries its unique blessings. Her resilience shone through as she contemplated caring for twins at an age when physical strength waned. The impending birth marked Namuka's second within a span of three years. The elder child was born in 2020 and resides in Masaka under a guardian's care.

Approximately 40 minutes into the discourse, the theatre nurses summoned Namuka for the delivery – a momentous event challenging conventional beliefs about the age at which a woman could conceive. Despite the prevailing narrative suggesting that menopause looms after 50, Safina Namuka, under the expert care of Dr Edward S, shattered these preconceptions, poised to leave the hospital with twins at the age of 70.

Dr Edward S, the hospital's proprietor and the mastermind behind the IVF procedure, emphasized the importance of physical fitness as the primary criterion for assessing a woman's ability to carry a pregnancy at such an advanced age. He underscored the comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular and vital organ functions, dismissing age as a mere number in the era of advanced medical technology.

The discussion then shifted to the often-overlooked aspect of breastfeeding. Dr Edward S illuminated the lesser-known fact that one need not be pregnant to nurse a child. He revealed that a baby, when placed on the breast, can trigger the sucking reflex, enabling breastfeeding even without a preceding pregnancy. The medical community affirms that this natural connection can be established within 7 to 10 days.

Pregnancies at such an advanced age are indeed rare due to the natural decline in fertility and heightened health risks. Nam, having delivered at 34 weeks, navigated through potential complications that could arise from the 30th week onward. Dr Edward S highlighted the significance of antenatal care in mitigating these risks, emphasizing regular monitoring for blood pressure, diabetes, and infections.

The interview concluded with the uplifting news of Nam's successful delivery of a set of twins, each weighing a commendable 1.7 kg. As she embarks on her postpartum journey, Dr Edward S assures that her recovery will be swift and concerns about breastfeeding and dietary needs will be addressed. Infertility, the primary impetus for seeking assisted procedures like in vitro fertilization, serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional and financial toll such journeys undertake.

Dr Edward S estimated that an IVF treatment could cost between 25 to 30 million Shillings, exclusive of pregnancy care fees. The delivery itself may incur an additional 5 million Shillings, though these figures may vary based on the service provider. In the midst of Nam's triumph, her story resonates as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, defying societal norms and embracing the possibilities afforded by modern medical science. Walter MJ reported for NTV.