Photographer: Anthony Horak Photography / Hair and Make-up: Michelle Nolan (FOTM)
Local model, graphic designer and marketer, Chantelle Owens and her husband John’s love story sounds like something out of a fairy tale.
The couple met while John was a judge at a modelling contest Chantelle took part in. There was an instant connection and they went on their first date the very next day. Shortly after the couple got married and although Chantelle became an instant mom to John’s daughter Blake, the couple knew they wanted to start a family of their own. But, what was supposed to be the best time of their lives, time and again ended in tears and heartbreak. Chantelle suffers from endometriosis and although they knew becoming parents wouldn’t be an easy journey, they never expected it would take this long.
“When after two years we still weren’t pregnant, we went to see a fertility specialist and I found out that apart from endometriosis, I also had premature ovarian failure. We were told that our chances of ever falling pregnant naturally was about 5 percent. Our only choice was IVF,” 29-year-old Chantelle says.
“Endometriosis is a very painful, chronic condition where the endometrial tissue not only grows inside the uterus but also forms in spots outside the uterus. The tissue can be found on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the ligaments supporting the uterus and even in the pelvic opening. It can also, in extreme cases, be found on the bladder, intestines or on old internal scars caused by operations or laparoscopies. I’ve had four laparoscopies myself, the first at the age of 17,” Chantelle says.
The cause of endometriosis is not yet fully known and a diagnosis often only results after numerous surgeries. It is treated using a variety of medication but mostly surgery or a diagnostic laparoscopy is needed,” Chantelle adds.
The IVF-treatment was brutal and Chantelle was put on medical menopause for three months before the process could begin. It took about six months, but finally, there was some good news.
After many back-and-forth discussions, Chantelle and John decided to openly share their IVF and pregnancy journey with the world. “It wasn’t an easy decision as it is deeply personal and emotional. But God placed it on our hearts to share our journey. We wanted to share our hope and knowledge about the process with others. There is a stigma around infertility and people don’t know how many people struggle with it. We should talk more openly about it, and should definitely not struggle through it alone,” Chantelle adds.
They started the Facebook group Owens IVF Journey and have since received lots of feedback. “The amount of people who go through the infertility journey or have already been through it caught us off guard,” she says.
In November last year, Chantelle gave birth to a baby girl, Jenica Jade Owens, and their family was complete. The pregnancy was, for the most part, smooth sailing. “I loved being pregnant and the experience was everything and more I always dreamt about,” Chantelle says.
On 38 weeks and five days, Chantelle went into labour. But after 12 agonising hours, she only managed to dilate 2cm. Her body went into shock and the baby’s heart rate dropped. She was rushed to theatre for an emergency C-section.
“Her name, Jenica, means ‘God’s gracious gift’ – exactly what she is to us. It is also the female form of John. Her second name, Jade, is John’s favourite colour and it’s also a precious stone, which indicates how precious she is to us,” Chantelle explains her name.
To Chantelle, being able to be a mom is extra special. “Motherhood to me means lots of sacrifices but it’s also the biggest privilege. To be able to be a mom changes your whole being and soul. You will never be able to be the same woman before and after having children,” she says.
To the Owens, family is everything. But, not necessarily blood-related. “I have friends that are like family to me – they keep you grounded and provide a feeling of belonging,” Chantelle says.
Alone time for the happy parents is very important and Chantelle and John try to catch-up over a cup of coffee at night after Jenica falls asleep and plan regular date nights where Chantelle’s mom babysits.
To those dreaming of one day holding their perfect little bundles of joy, Chantelle has some words of encouragement.
“I know the fertility journey is anything but easy. It’s a road full of lots of uncertainty, but I want to say to every woman who is currently still waiting on their little miracle, to never lose hope. There is nothing one can say to make it any easier, but just know – you are not alone.”
