O-mama - Opinionated Moms

Photo: David Comeau

The first test-tube baby gave birth to her very own baby this week. New mommy Elizabeth Comeau was, herself, the very first child born in the United States through IVF (in-vitro fertilization) in 1981. She instantly became the most photographed and written about baby in the U.S.  She quips that her first press conference was at 3 days old, and that was just the beginning of a life led in the public eye. Her life continued to attract media attention, including her most recent event, her own child’s birth.

MOMism: “ We’ve come a long way, baby.”  As MAMAs we carefully record all of our KID-Os firsts...the first time they sleep through the night, their first teeth, their first steps.  These are major life MOMents!  

People are always fascinated by the “firsts” - trailblazers, so to speak, for any achievement and/or innovation.  Journalists followed Comeau her entire life, wondering what it was like to be the first ever test-tube baby. Was life different, or was it the same as other kids conceived the old fashioned way?  She even claims that she was thrilled to take her husband’s name when she got married, if for no other purpose than to be able to escape the spotlight and stigma of her unique history.

Now we know that life is no different for the millions of children that have been conceived through IVF, even though the conception part may be a little different (and not nearly as much fun!). We have certainly come a long way with medical technology. IVF is an incredible process that provides couples with fertility challenges an opportunity to realize their dream of becoming parents.  Congrats Elizabeth - on your incredible FIRST.