Flavia Alvaro, an Italian woman, has defied all odds and become the oldest mother in Italy at the age of 63. Through fertility treatment in Ukraine, she has given birth to a healthy baby boy named Sebastian. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Flavia’s determination and resilience have paid off, making her an inspiration to women around the world.
Flavia’s journey began with months of IVF treatment in Ukraine, even amidst the chaos of war. Against all odds, she welcomed her son, Sebastian, on June 3. Born at 31 weeks and four days, Sebastian weighed a healthy 4.4 pounds and was delivered via C-section at Versilia Hospital in Lido di Camaiore, northwest Italy.
What makes Flavia’s story even more incredible is that she kept her fertility treatments a secret from her doctor, Andrea Marsili. Described by Dr. Marsili as a “stubborn woman,” Flavia independently organized her trips to Ukraine, where there are no legal age limits for fertility treatment. It wasn’t until after her return that Dr. Marsili learned about her journeys.
Sebastian is currently in the hospital’s premature ward, where he will remain until he reaches a healthy weight. The path to his arrival was not an easy one. When Flavia traveled to Kyiv last autumn, the city was under attack by Russian forces. In the midst of the chaos, Flavia got lost in Kyiv, prompting the Ukrainian fertility clinic to contact her hospital in Italy to ensure her safety. Unfortunately, Flavia also experienced a heartbreaking miscarriage on her first attempt at IVF.
Despite these hurdles, Flavia’s determination prevailed, making her the oldest woman to give birth in Italy, surpassing the previous record set by Italian singer Gianna Nannini, who gave birth at 56. However, Flavia’s story still falls short compared to the global record holder, Indian woman Erramatti Mangamma, who gave birth to twins at 73 in 2019. Mangamma and her husband consulted with several local doctors and underwent IVF treatment in Hyderabad, India, before delivering the twins via C-section.
Flavia’s age is comparable to that of the UK’s record holder, Elizabeth Adeney, who gave birth to her son at 66 in 2009. Like Flavia, Adeney also sought IVF treatment in Ukraine due to restrictions in the UK, where clinics do not treat women over 50 and the NHS does not recommend fertility treatments for women over 40.
Flavia’s incredible journey highlights the extraordinary lengths women are willing to go to fulfill their dreams of motherhood. It sheds light on the ever-evolving landscape of fertility treatments and the increasing age at which women are choosing to have children. Moreover, Flavia’s experience emphasizes the accessibility and regulations surrounding fertility treatments in different countries.
As Flavia prepares to bring Sebastian home, her story serves as a testament to the advancements in reproductive medicine and the enduring desire for motherhood. Her successful birth at 63 offers hope and inspiration to countless women who are facing similar challenges, proving that with determination and modern medicine, the impossible can become possible.
