Hi, we’re Astrid and Raúl, and this is the story of how Raúlito came into our lives—our most awaited baby.
We started trying to get pregnant about 15 years ago. At first, we thought it was just a matter of time: “it’ll happen.” We saw gynecologists, went to appointments, and heard many times that “everything was fine”… but the pregnancy didn’t happen. As the years went by, what started as patience turned into exhaustion. And then into that quiet sense of grief that almost no one understands unless they’ve lived it.
In 2023, we did two inseminations in Ciudad Victoria and they didn’t work. By that point, the truth is we were already worn out. I didn’t want to try anymore. Not because I didn’t want it, but because I didn’t want to go through that hope that ends in emptiness again. It got to a point where I preferred to say “enough” rather than keep breaking ourselves on the inside.
And here’s something that was key for us: family.
My younger brother insisted again and again. We were told about a doctor and got the recommendation to go somewhere more specialized, with a real assisted reproduction approach. And even though we went in nervous, with doubts, and with that mindset of “let’s see what happens,” we ended up having a video call with the Ingenes Monterrey team.
From that very first call, we felt something different: clarity. They explained the process, guided us step by step, and helped us make decisions with real information. We chose a two-attempt package, thinking about the peace of mind of “if it doesn’t work the first time, we still have another chance.” But life had a surprise for us: we succeeded on the first attempt.
The process wasn’t easy. There were medications, injections, schedules, and discipline. For me, as her husband, one of the hardest parts was seeing her in pain. The ampoules, the sensitive skin, the fear of making a mistake… and that internal pressure of feeling like we couldn’t fail. Even so, we kept going. Nervous, yes, but also with a firm decision: to do it right and to do it together.
The day of the transfer was a moment we’ll never forget. Two embryos were transferred, and Astrid felt it from that instant: for her, in that moment it was already a pregnancy. That certainty, that emotional calm, held us up a lot.
Then came the famous wait… and here we had to do something very “Mexican family”: Astrid told her family the result would take two weeks, when in reality it would be nine days, because otherwise the excitement and nerves would have eaten us alive. No one knew we were already about to receive the news.
When we finally sent the test to the doctor, he asked for permission to call us. And that call… we will never forget. He said:
“I have bad news…”
and our world fell apart for a second.
But right away he followed it with a smile in his voice:
“Take advantage of sleep… because when he’s born, you won’t sleep well anymore.”
And that’s when we understood: it was positive.
Raúlito was on the way.
Telling the family was another scene we’ll remember forever. Shouts, tears, jumping, hugs… my brother wouldn’t stop crying, because he was the one who insisted the most that we shouldn’t give up. And yes: from that day on, it was decided that he will be Raúlito’s godfather.
The pregnancy was calm, thank God. Astrid took great care of herself, with support at home, without major complications. But emotionally, the fear was always there: after waiting so long, all you want is for everything to go well.
Raúlito’s arrival was by scheduled C-section. He was born on October 18. We got to the hospital nervous from 6 a.m., with that inevitable thought: “please, let nothing go wrong.” But everything went well. Raúl was able to be with her, and the doctor even joked in the moment: “Sorry… the only thing he’s missing is a beard.” And between laughter and tears, our hearts settled.
That day we understood something very clearly: it was worth it. The years were worth it, the trips were worth it, the back-and-forth to Monterrey was worth it, the efforts, the activities to gather what we needed, the exhaustion, and trying again when we didn’t want to anymore—was worth it.
Today Raúlito is a baby with personality, restless, and for us… he’s everything.
If we had to tell something to a couple that has been trying for years and feels like they can’t take it anymore, it would be this: don’t give up before you have real clarity. Sometimes it’s not about “waiting longer,” it’s about finding the right place, the right diagnosis, and a plan that actually makes sense.
If one day Raúlito sees this testimonial when he’s older, we want him to know something very simple and very true: we waited for you for many years. We made sacrifices, changed plans, took a deep breath a thousand times… all so you could arrive. And even so, we would do it again. Because when you’re finally here… everything falls into place.