About one in five couples will face challenges with conceiving at some point in their lives.
For many, this period is extremely stressful and challenging—yet, as many can attest, perseverance and patience can eventually lead to success.
Desiree and Ryan Fortin waited many years before deciding to try in-vitro fertilization, praying that it might finally bring them the pregnancy they longed for. Soon after their IVF treatment, they received the life-changing news that Desiree was pregnant—though nothing could have prepared them for what was to come.
College sweethearts who married in 2009, Desiree and Ryan had one major hurdle: they struggled with fertility for a long time. After Desiree was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism, and low progesterone, the couple endured three long and painful years trying naturally before turning to IVF. Instead of positive test results, Desiree experienced recurring periods, making the journey mentally and emotionally draining.
Reflecting on those difficult times, Desiree wrote, “It wasn’t just that I couldn’t get pregnant. Infertility brought more tears than I ever thought I could shed. I often found myself lying on the bathroom floor in despair after endless negative pregnancy tests. Fertility treatments meant enduring shots, bruises, and a barrage of medications—it’s an expensive and exhausting ordeal physically, emotionally, and mentally.”
So, you can imagine the joy Desiree and Ryan felt when they learned that their first round of IVF had worked. Their excitement grew even more when an ultrasound revealed not one, but three babies developing—they were expecting triplets!
Yet, the challenges were far from over. Although Desiree had finally conceived, doctors warned her that she might not be able to carry all three babies to term. “I was told I was too thin, too short, and that it was my first pregnancy,” she recalls. “But my hope and determination proved them wrong.”
In the summer of 2015, the Fortin triplets—Sawyer, Jack, and Charlize—were born at 34 weeks and one day via C-section, each weighing over 5 pounds. “I’ll never forget my delivery day,” Desiree recalled. “After the triplets were born, Ryan took them to the neonatal intensive care unit while I was sent to recovery.”
Due to complications and heavy bleeding, Desiree required emergency surgery, which delayed her chance to see her babies immediately. However, Ryan kept her connected by FaceTiming so she could catch a glimpse of her little miracles. After spending two weeks in the NICU, all three infants finally came home, marking the start of their new life.
Settling into life with triplets proved to be a wonderful yet demanding experience. “We are incredibly blessed, but parenting is a challenging job filled with immense responsibility—especially when caring for three babies with severe reflux and colic. Establishing a routine and maintaining our relationship amid crying, sleepless nights, and constant change isn’t easy,” Desiree explained.
Now, at seven years old, the triplets are thriving, and the entire family is doing well. You can follow their adventures on Desiree’s Instagram, where she has 150K followers. “I never imagined God would use our story to reach so many people. It’s been an incredible journey,” she shared.
And the good news continues: Desiree recently announced on Instagram that she and Ryan are expecting again, so their family will soon grow to six.