Becky’s Birth Story
Surprise, it’s TIME!
We scheduled an induction at 39 weeks, a commonly recommended practice for IVF pregnancies. Baby’s parents booked an Airbnb and planned to arrive 2 weeks before our induction. We hoped this would give us lots of time to spend together before baby. Our plans did not pan out when at 37 weeks the mild polyhydramnios I had experienced the entire pregnancy suddenly progressed to severe polyhydramnios. Baby had to be delivered soon! Since he was transverse, a C-section was our only option.
We scheduled a C-section for the next day at 7:00 pm, and baby’s parents were scheduled to fly in and arrive at the hospital at 7:30. They somehow managed to arrive just before 7:00. After long and teary hugs, we walked back to the OR together. With the unexpected early delivery, the parents had to book new last-minute flights and an Airbnb. We were in touch daily, I called my intended mother immediately after learning we would require an urgent C-section. A BIG shock to us all!
Strong Support System
My husband and intended mother were both allowed in the operating room and the intended father was able to watch through a window. Hospital staff were amazing and incredibly supportive during my entire stay. As this was my first C-section, I didn’t know what to expect. Unfortunately, it was quite painful and I don’t remember much besides attempting to manage the pain and stay calm. Nothing about the birth went to plan, haha! Baby is healthy and his family is in love with him, which is the best outcome I could ask for.
Relief and Recovery – Becky’s Birth Story
The C-section was more painful than I had expected, so my memory is fuzzy. I didn’t hear him cry immediately after staff lifted him out, and I remember feeling worried that he might need oxygen since we had delivered at 37 weeks. Once I returned to the recovery room my IPs brought him to visit and my worry dissipated. He was big and healthy with no oxygen or NICU time needed – such a relief!
In contrast to my vaginal deliveries, after which I went home 12-24 hours later, I stayed in the hospital for 3 days. Getting around was difficult. The nausea and pain were intense, and I didn’t know what recovery would entail. My husband stayed with me the entire time, sleeping on that little uncomfortable couch, for which I will be forever grateful. Baby and his parents came to visit every couple of hours, and their room was my first destination when I was finally able to walk far enough. Coming home was wonderful, though it really sunk in that this recovery would not be like that of previous births. As an extremely active and independent person, my lack of mobility and strength felt a little scary and extremely discouraging.
Postpartum and Recovery
The first week was painful and difficult. I developed blood clots that caused stabbing pain in my leg when walking and developed into deep vein thrombosis 12 days post-surgery. Those first weeks I felt relief that it was over and that baby was healthy. But now, looking back a few months out from birth, I experience a flood of gratitude for my support system and deep pride in the beautiful little person I helped to bring earthside. His family feels complete and my heart feels full. There is nothing more rewarding than taking part in creating a much-wanted family.
Agency Appreciation – Stronger Together Surrogacy
I’m sure other agencies can manage the process well, but what really stands out to me about Stronger Together is how the coordinators truly care about my well-being. The support feels so personal! I loved having the confidence that support for any questions or problems was just a phone call away. At literally any time of the day or night. I appreciated the well-timed gifts that arrived in the mail as well as the phone calls and text messages from my coordinator to see how I was doing. With the plethora of agencies out there to choose from, I feel like I lucked out with this one!
Dear Future Surrogate:
The most important thing I’ve learned through my three journeys is that this process is unpredictable. The term “journey” is an apt description for a surrogacy experience where the unexpected is to be expected and predicting how things play out or when they will happen is truly impossible. Although it can be a wild ride, it’s also an experience of a lifetime. It will almost certainly be remembered as one of the most beautiful and rewarding things you’ll ever do.
My first two journeys were simple, smooth, and 100% complication-free in every way, from matching to birth. I was induced at 39 weeks both times, home 12 hours later, and back out on the pickleball courts a week after that. Naturally, with this being my third journey, my IPs and I thought we knew exactly what to expect. I’m here to tell you that surrogacy will teach you to stay on your toes and “roll with the punches”. So much is out of anyone’s control. I’m also here to tell you that it is 100% worth it!! If you’re seeking a deeply emotionally rewarding experience, something that really makes a difference in the world, surrogacy might be right for you.
Becky’s Birth Story
