For the Chanou family from Paris, Abiba and Moukalamou, the journey to parenthood was far from easy. It began in 2012 and was followed by years of fertility treatments, unsuccessful attempts, difficult conversations, and moments when their dream of having a child seemed increasingly out of reach.
After being told in France that their chances of conceiving with their own eggs were extremely limited, they faced a difficult decision: accept the options they had been given or explore whether another approach might still be possible.
They chose to keep looking.
Today, they share their story as parents, reflecting on the challenges they faced, the support that helped them continue, and the overwhelming emotions of finally welcoming their long-awaited baby.
Why They Chose Unica Clinic
When the couple began researching fertility clinics abroad, both partners looked into different options.
Interestingly, it was Abiba's husband, Moukalamou, who first received a response from Unica.
“I had sent several messages to other clinics and didn't hear back. But when he sent a message to Unica, he received a reply straight away. We believe a lot in signs, so we thought that was a good sign.”
What ultimately convinced them was not simply the quick response, but the communication that followed.
They had many questions, and after years of treatment, they wanted to understand their options before making another important decision.
“The person we spoke with really listened to us. We had so many questions that we wondered whether we were bothering them. But no, they had answers to everything.”
Travelling from France for IVF Treatment
The idea of undergoing fertility treatment abroad initially raised some concerns.
“At first, I thought it would be complicated because everything was happening at a distance. But the instructions were so clear that, honestly, everything went smoothly.”
By the time they arrived at Unica, the couple felt prepared.
Twelve Pregnancy Tests and an Unforgettable Result
After their IVF treatment, the couple faced one of the most emotionally challenging stages of IVF: waiting to find out whether the embryo transfer had been successful.
For someone who had experienced years of disappointment, believing that the outcome might finally be different was not easy.
When the first home pregnancy test came back positive, Abiba could hardly believe it.
So she took another.
And another.
“I bought 12 pregnancy tests. Every day, I took one, and every time it was positive. But I kept thinking, this is strange, I'll do another one.”
When the blood test confirmed the pregnancy, the emotions were overwhelming.
“I don't even have the words to describe it. I believed it, but at the same time I thought, wow, after all these years of waiting, it's finally happening.”
Why Emotional Support Matters During IVF
Looking back, one of the most important aspects of their experience was the difference that emotional support made. The physical demands of fertility treatment are often discussed, but the psychological impact can be just as significant.
For the Chanou family, feeling understood and supported was something they had missed during earlier stages of their journey.
“What I had really been missing was support. Someone who would listen.”
A Message to Others Still on Their Journey
When asked what advice she would give to others experiencing fertility difficulties, Abiba spoke openly about the discouragement that can come after repeated unsuccessful attempts.
She understands how difficult it can be to find the strength to try again when previous treatments have not worked.
“Sometimes, the result comes at the very end of the journey.”
For the Chanou family, deciding to explore another treatment option gave them an opportunity they had not expected.
Their story is a reminder that every fertility journey is different. While no treatment can guarantee a successful pregnancy, access to clear information, individual medical assessment, and compassionate support can help patients make informed decisions about their next steps.
We sincerely thank the Chanou family for sharing their story with such honesty and openness.
Watch the full video interview to hear the Chanou family's story in their own words.
