Melissa’s Birth Story – Stronger Together Surrogacy
Melissa’s Birth Story
Why Surrogacy?
I have always had this pull to help others. With a history of several majors of study throughout college, they always were just different ways to help or support. I wanted to bring good to the world, and after having my first child, things were clear. This little person we created was our new gravity, and I knew anyone who wanted this light in their life, should be able to obtain it.
Getting Started
It took about 6 months to gather medical records due to my OB’s office refusing to send them. We had moved to another state and being over 1,000 miles away, they gave us a difficult time. It was shocking though the day my profile finally went live, and within an hour I had a match meeting set!! We met a week later and before you knew it we were quickly preparing our travel. The Intended Mother met me in California and we had a great time, with a successful first transfer! Things were going perfectly.
Preparing for Baby
The Intended Mother had joined a handful of prenatal appointments. My OB was heading out for some much-needed time off and going into labor on our own was worrisome… Luckily the day before she left, we were able to be scheduled for an induction, offering our safety net that the Intended Parents will make it to be in the delivery room!
Induction Day
My mom picked up my kids and my husband drove me to the hospital. It was a beautiful day, and the Intended Parents drove in that morning from their home, which was a 2-hour drive. We all met at the hospital at 7:00 am, where we were prepared and ready for this long-awaited little one!
The Doctor checked in with us, made our plan, and the nursing staff immediately got to work. The Intended Parents left the room while the L&D team hooked up the IV, Pitocin, and the Annestesiaologist (who did amazing!) placed the Epidural. The Intended Parents came in and out a few times. They were respectful of cervical checks and allowed me to rest while reaching active labor. Our labor plan was simple, I would rest, and the staff monitored closely to keep me and the baby safe.
I was fond of the peanut ball and it helped move things along. Contractions were felt but without pain, and a few hours after starting medications, I felt ready and called the nurse! It was time, and the nurse quickly ran to grab the necessary staff. We had a few moments of privacy, and the Intended Mother spoke. She praised all my husband and I had done for her and her family, bringing tears to all 4 of us left in the room. She filled the room with joy, hope, and excitement, just as the Doctor and several nurses entered. With 3 pushes, she was here!
The Shift
The birth went just as expected, but I didn’t expect how I could physically see the light shift from these Intended Parents, to this beautiful miracle baby! MANY years in the making for them, brought to this single moment in time. The natural pull they had to their child, and her becoming the center of their universe. Truly a lifetime’s worth of love…
As far as delivery goes, there were a few moments when the nursing staff put me on oxygen. Overall, there were zero complications. The Intended Parents elected to have the cord blood banked, which my husband ensured was done by the birthing team as the Intended Parents were quickly busy!
Postpartum
We all spent the first hour together in the delivery room before we moved to our separate “Mom Baby” rooms. My husband and I wished her a happy birthday, and I felt I could do it 100 more times if asked! Though this was not realistic, at that moment, I knew I wanted to do more to help families!
The parents invited me to visit them the following morning, where they let me hold her and take a photo together! I left the hospital a few hours later and felt well-rested. The first few days I kept things easy, but I truly felt like I could run a marathon!
Furute Surrogates
I now live and breathe IVF, Advocacy, Surrogacy, and all things baby! As you embark on becoming a surrogate, all good things come in time. Patience is key!
What an amazing person you are, even if things do not happen as planned. Whether it be becoming disqualified for any reason, having failed transfers, or loss. You are amazing.
Birth Stories
If you enjoyed Melissa’s Birth Story and are ready to read more, check them out here!
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