We never gave up for a moment: a story of love, trust, and two little miracles

Imagine that..

Iva Kuneva: I am currently 42 years old, with over 20 years in the field of pharmacy and clinical research.

Biser Kunev: I am currently 49 years old, with over 30 years of experience in leading Bulgarian and international companies engaged in marketing and advertising, media, and human resources.

When did you realize that you would need help to become parents?
After a series of natural attempts over nearly 2 years, during which we did not achieve the desired result, we decided to seek consultation with a reproductive specialist.

What did you feel at that moment – fear, uncertainty, hope?
Honestly, none of the above. We were calm, positive, determined, and consistent in our desire to act, without wasting another day.

How did you choose the clinicand what convinced you that this was your place?
We wanted to find a clinic where we would not be just another couple on the conveyor belt, preferably convenient in location, and most importantly - to literally feel it as the right place for us, because we both trust our intuition. We researched various clinics and hospitals in Bulgaria and Turkey, sought opinions and recommendations from acquaintances who had gone through assisted reproduction. In one of the conversations, a friend shared that things had happened for them on the first try, and they as a couple were super impressed with the entire team at Invitro Clinic Sofia. We made our decision quite easily and quickly after visiting the clinic and meeting Dr. Vladimirov. This was our place.

Do you remember the first consultation – what impressed you most?
Yes, of course. It feels like it was yesterday. We went in with completely positive expectations and confidence that we would achieve the desired result. The mindset is very important, never overlook this fact. We were welcomed by a cheerful team, who felt like we had known for a long time. They quickly put us at ease and before long we were already in Dr. Vladimirov's office. Our first impression of him was that he is a very serious person who inspires trust and truly loves his work. Each subsequent visit reinforced our feeling that we were in safe hands.

When did you feel that you could trust the doctors and the team?

Immediately. That was the most important condition we had set for ourselves. If we hadn’t felt it right away, we wouldn’t have continued. Trust is the foundation of success, immediately following a positive mindset and expectations. The truth is, we felt comfortable at every moment when we crossed the threshold of Invitro Clinic Sofia - starting from the security at the door, through the reception, the people waiting around us, and ending with all the specialists involved in our examinations, preparation, and implementation of procedures.

Was there a moment when a word or gesture from a doctor gave you particular strength?

We were very pleased by the posters with collages of photos of parents and their wonderful little miracles, created within the clinic. We will never forget the first time we sincerely made Dr. Vladimirov smile with our next question. And we, being a health-marketing tandem, asked many specific questions, pre-written, to ensure we didn’t miss anything. And we always received comprehensive and equally specific answers.

What was the most difficult stage for you - physically and emotionally?

Here we will share, that things did not happen for us on the first try, but on the third. Of course, after the first two there was some disappointment, but we felt the right support and that we were in the right place. We were convinced that the saying “third time’s the charm” would hold true, and it became a fact. Within 9 months, I had three excellently conducted stimulations, and 9 months after the third, our wonderful and “ordered” twins, who were requested during our first meeting with Dr. Vladimirov, were born.

How did the preparation go – did you feel informed and supported?

Yes, Dr. Vladimirov is a true encyclopedia on the topic of “In Vitro”. He answered every one of our questions quickly and confidently, without a second of hesitation and without any unnecessary talk or emotions. To this day, we feel sincere respect and love for every member of the team at Invitro Clinic Sofia.

How did you help each other during this period?

There was never any stress between us in this regard. These things are not discussed around the clock, life continued normally. Our confidence that we were becoming more ready physically, mentally, and emotionally to be parents, as well as the fact that we had chosen the right clinic for us, gave us the calmness and confidence that our moment was approaching – and it came not long after. Our calmness was so strongly expressed that even the people around us could not believe it. The pregnancy itself also went under this sign. There was not a second of stress. Everything happened extremely smoothly.

How did the day of the in vitro procedure go? What do you remember most clearly?

As we mentioned above, we became parents on the third attempt. All three at the same clinic. In all three cases, there was excitement, which was completely normal. Well, by the third attempt, we were so confident in the success that we apparently challenged fate to be on our side. Everything, absolutely everything is in the positive mindset and in the trust towards the clinic and its team. And, specifically on the day of the successful procedure – we arrived a little early and while we waited for the moment, we spent about 30 minutes telling jokes and laughing with the security staff.

What was the role of the doctors and embryologists at that moment - how did they inspire calmness in you?

With their professionalism, individual approach, smile, and calmness, they “nudged” luck every single day. We felt like we were not going to a clinic, but to coffee with friendly close friends.  It probably sounds incredible, but that is the positive emotion we still carry.

When did you realize that you were going to become parents?
On the third-fourth day after the transfer, symptoms related to improved perfusion appeared, which were totally different, and we were sure that the attempt was successful. The blood test a few days later confirmed it. The test after 48 hours and the tripled result of hCG indicated to us that both embryos had implanted, and the examination with Dr. Vladimirov a few days later validated  our expectations.

How did you react when you found out you were expecting twins?
Naturally, the feeling was incredible and expected, triggered, desired. This is the true reward, the true appreciation for our relationship. And no, they have not always been cloudless, but we have always overcome difficulties and become more united and stronger.

How did the clinic support you during the pregnancy?

Invitro Clinic Sofia was our meeting place with friends outside the home during Covid. At that time, we were not allowed to see many other people. So, we said at home…if we can build friendships even in an in vitro clinic, then we are in the right place and environment for a successful outcome.

When you first held your children in your arms, who did you think of?

Probably our parents, now we were like them. The feeling was incredible, it couldn’t have been any other way. But we also never stopped joking (and still do) that our children have other parents too: Dr. Tacheva and Dr. Vladimirov from our now beloved clinic.

How would you describe the entire journey in one word?

A test of whether we are meant to be parents and whether we will be a true family.

What would you say to the doctors at the clinic today?

A huge “Thank you”! We would sincerely hug them. These are people we still mention with respect and the best feelings.

What would you say to other couples who are now starting on this path?

Calmness, confidence, and good mood in your home are crucial for success, research and preparation accelerate the process, and trust in the specialists, their professionalism and goodwill should be maximized. Even if there are intermediate failures, their analysis and subsequent conclusions are a step towards the final success. Expect miracles, challenge miracles, and you will receive miracles.

Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What held you back?

We never had such a moment. We were held back by the desire and feeling that we had found the right people with whom success is inevitable.

What quality of the doctors impressed you the most - professionalism, humanity, patience?

We will admit that Dr. Vladimirov's seriousness at first even slightly worried us. But we quickly realized that this was an expression of absolute professionalism and calling, which put us at ease maximally. Whenever we needed to ask questions or discuss a given topic, Dr. Vladimirov responded as quickly as possible, despite his busy work schedule, and always approached us with great professionalism, humanity, honesty, and patience.

If you had to describe the clinic not as a medical institution, but as a feeling – what is it?
Security, calmness, friendship and joy – a place for fulfilling dreams and creating goodness.

How has your relationship as a couple changed after this journey?

When two people harmoniously direct their energy in one direction as a team, there is no way for the growth not to be positive. We both believe that we receive what we expect and sincerely desire when we are ready for it.

What would you wish for other couples who are now starting on this path?

We sincerely wish everyone success. The feeling is indescribable.