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Rocio Olbes-Ressano: Modern Science Encouraging Modern Moms
Amid the ongoing pandemic, Rocio Olbes-Ressano raises her twin boys thanks to her successful IVF journey
The set of procedures an IVF pregnancy entails may seem simple in theory, but the complex social and psychological ramifications of, on top of the obvious physical consequences on the mother, is a continually evolving education in the world of modern science. Rocio Olbes-Ressano, who has undergone the procedure, shares her inspiring journey.
“Infertility is a condition that affects one in every ten individuals,” Rocio explains. “Couples in their twenties have the best chances of conceiving children, but we are all settling down much later in life in the pursuit of our dreams. This is the era of the modern family. Once we hit our thirties, the medical chances of having a baby decreases significantly and by the age of 35, chances of a woman becoming pregnant is around 20%.”
In addition to age, genetics also plays a part in this reality. And with Rocio, both sides of her family exhibit a history of infertility. She did continue to try conceiving, optimistic yet aware. In the end, she decided to seek the advice of medical experts who could pinpoint what could be hindering her from achieving her goal.
What she would find out, however, was not exactly encouraging: on top of APS (Antiphospholipid syndrome, more commonly known as sticky blood), they also found a cyst in her uterus.
The Path To Plus Two: Saying Yes To IVF
It took Rocio and her husband, Antonio, two years to warm up to the idea before finally committing to IVF. In the course of the preparations, the arduous process required her to undergo an incredible amount of intensive tests to check her immune system and to surgically remove the cyst that was in the way.
It was physically and mentally taxing for her and those with her since day one of her journey. But with the hope of growing her family, she was determined to give her all. She proudly tells us, “From the moment we made the decision to begin this journey, I felt a strong sense of empowerment. I did not feel any despair or frustration. I had the love, support, and encouragement of my husband, my family, and our closest friends.”
After two rounds of IVF, Rocio became pregnant not just with one, but with two babies! Gracious for the miracle, she was just as cautious. For almost six weeks, she opted to rest, lying down for most of the period. Rocio was also apprehensive about doing anything that might cause her to lose the pregnancy.
“I would close my eyes and dream of my sons,” she says. “I relied on God and my faith. Even though IVF is a more medical or scientific way to help you start your family, I truly believe it is God who is in control. My faith played a big part and it made me even stronger.” Indeed, faith and fortitude soon rewarded her with the sound of her sons’ heartbeats.
And while it took her more than five months to share the wonderful news of her pregnancy with her supporters, excitement finally replaced her anxiety. In fact, she insisted on celebrating New Year’s Eve with the rest of the family in Batangas, a few weeks prior to giving birth.
“I remember getting contractions when the fireworks were going on and I could feel my boys dancing in my belly. That was the only time I became a little nervous but soon enough they settled down,” she shares.
On January 25, 2020, Rocio gave birth to her twin boys, Fonsi and Fede. “It was the happiest day of my life. This was right before the global pandemic, so I was able to seize the experience of giving birth in the ‘old world.’ My entire family was in the birthing suite before I was wheeled out to the operating room. Reflecting it on it now, it almost seems like a dream. I remember when I first heard them crying and when they were brought to my chest. My heart was ready to explode with so much love,” she exclaims happily.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
“From the very beginning I knew motherhood was not going to be easy, but I learned this early on while I was doing IVF,” Rocio tells us. “You put yourself last. My body had to face so many changes because of the amount of hormones and medications I had to undertake. I surrendered to the process and took the approach that my body was not mine anymore. It belonged to my sons. It was there for them—to carry them, to grow them, to birth them, and to feed them. I knew one day I would get to have my body back, but until then, it belonged to them. I had surrendered to all the changes I had to undertake physically because it was for our sons.”
Nowadays, Rocio finds herself enjoying most of her time at home together with her newly-grown family. Cognizant of how the pandemic has changed the way moms are bringing up their “lockdown babies,” she has found comfort in the company of friends who have been through the same experience like Cristalle Belo-Pitt and JonJon Rufino, both godparents of her twins. They also have a trusted playgroup (everyone is swabbed weekly) where she developed a “sensory development class” with a teacher who helps the children learn new things.
“This was not the ‘world’ I envisioned when I became a new mother,” Rocio muses. “In terms of the how it has affected lockdown babies is still yet to be seen. The boys are developing in unique ways, since ultimately they still have no freedom to go out and explore the world. During infancy the growth and development exposure is vital in our adult years. So it will be rather amazing to see all these lockdown babies grow up.” That would certainly be another interesting story.
Hopeful for what the future brings to her family, regardless of the constraining effects of this pandemic, there is no way but forward for Rocio. “I believe that this pandemic has shifted life so much that there is no way back, only forward. So let us move forward to a better world, where we are all better people. For our children.”
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