In a rare case reported in Lebanon earlier this week, 61-year-old Mariam Awada gave birth to twins, Annahar reported.
For decades, Awada and her husband dreamt of having a child of their own and never lost hope, even after years of failed fertility treatments. Luckily, their last attempt succeeded.
After undergoing a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure, they have finally become the proud parents of two baby boys, Amir and Hasan.
According to local media sources, both the twins and their mother are in good health.
Speaking to Bint Jbeil news site, the new mother shared details of her story.
"I am incredibly happy and I pray every woman becomes a mother. I waited for 23-24 years to hear the word 'mom.'"
Awada's doctor, OBG-YN and IVF specialist Dr. Chadi Fakih, also spoke to the media outlet, explaining that the mother had to undergo a cesarian surgery to deliver her babies at eight months. In another statement to Annahar, Fakih explained how his patient was able to undergo fertility treatments at her age since she still hasn't gone through menopause.
"She was given supplements and hormone replacement injections to help sustain the pregnancy," Dr. Fakih said.
The specialist added that advanced medical exams and checks were conducted on the eggs used in the IVF process before they were transferred to the uterus.
People were thrilled for Awada and her husband
"May God protect them and may you celebrate their future."
"A message to every woman who lost hope in having a child"
"Mashallah"
Even though it's rare, this isn't the first time a similar case is reported in the Arab world
In 2017, a 63-year-old Sri Lankan woman gave birth to a baby girl in Dubai.
The woman's birth procedure was supervised by Dr. Jagaud Nirmala, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist at Thumbay Hospital.
At the time, the woman declined to disclose her name but issued a statement to Gulf News.
In it, the mother expressed her joy at giving birth to a girl after undergoing successful IVF treatment.