A Scots mum who spent years dreaming of starting a family is encouraging others not to give up on parenthood and to explore IVF finance options after welcoming surprise IVF triplets.
Fiona Zebik, 39, from Larbert near Falkirk, is today celebrating the joys and challenges of life with three toddlers; Romy, Raye, and Louie. She says becoming a parent has fulfilled a long-held dream as she had wanted to become a mum since her early twenties.
Despite desperately wanting children, she and her husband Ricki did not qualify for NHS-funded IVF treatment because her husband had a child from a previous relationship. Having to fund treatment themselves, the couple researched their options and discovered an alternative route.
The couple joined an Access Fertility refund programme, which offered up to three rounds of treatment and the reassurance of a refund if treatment did not result in a pregnancy.
“The finance side is a huge element of the IVF journey and I think that’s what puts a lot of people off. When you’re looking at private treatment, it’s a significant investment and there are no guarantees. However, the Access Fertility refund programme was such a good idea because it gave us confidence to move forward. For many people, the first round of IVF isn’t successful, so having the security of knowing we could have three attempts or receive a refund was incredible.”
The couple did not need a second treatment cycle as Fiona fell pregnant on the first cycle. “It was amazing news, and an even bigger shock when we found out it was triplets. We were completely stunned!” she said. Eighteen months after giving birth to triplets, Fiona is sharing her story to give hope to others who may think their fertility journey has reached a dead end.
Following the premature arrival of her babies, the triplets and Fiona spent 10 weeks in hospital receiving specialist care. Today, the triplets are thriving at 18 months old, and the delighted mum says she wouldn’t change it for the world.
“Having triplets is amazing. It’s also exhausting at times, but it’s wonderful. They’re all developing their own personalities and watching them grow has been the most rewarding experience of my life,” she said.
Reflecting on her IVF journey, she is keen to reassure others that being turned down for NHS treatment does not necessarily mean the end of the road. Fiona continued: “My advice would be that if you’ve exhausted NHS IVF options, it doesn’t have to be it. There are other ways. Look at all the options available, especially when it comes to finance. Do your due diligence and shop around. You’re a customer at the end of the day and different providers offer different programmes and approaches.”
She hopes that by speaking openly about her experience, and the finance side, more people will feel empowered to explore fertility treatment if becoming a parent is something they truly want. “IVF has helped me achieve my dream of becoming a mum. I went into the process hoping for one baby and ended up with three! If having a family is something you want, don’t be afraid to explore your options. You’ll never regret IVF,” explained Fiona.
Ash Miller, CEO & Founder of Access Fertility, said: “The cost of fertility treatment can pose a significant barrier to many people who need to pursue the private IVF route. Starting a family should be more accessible for potential parents and different payment and refund programmes can ease some of the stress.
“For many people, like Fiona and Ricki, an IVF refund programme provides reassurance and peace of mind during their IVF journey.”
This story was first published in the Scottish Daily Express, which you can read here.