Sheena gave birth to her Couple’s first son in April 2010 and said she was done having babies as she already had two of her own kids. But when her Couple told her they wanted another child, she wanted to be the one to help them again. So, Sheena came out of retirement and on December 13, 2011 she gave birth to another baby boy for her loving Couple and he arrived weighing 7lb 13oz. We still have frozen embryos…….will this be the last story for them? We’ll find out in a year or two!
NCHS Issues Data Brief on Increase in Twin Births
ASRM BULLETIN – Volume 14, Number 1 – January 4, 2012
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) released a data brief on the increase of twin births over the last three decades. Among the key findings reported by the NCHS:
- In 2009, 1 in every 30 babies born in the United States was a twin, compared with 1 in every 53 babies in 1980.
- The twin birth rate rose 76 percent from 1980 through 2009, from 18.9 to 33.3 per 1,000 births.
- If the rate of twin births had not changed since 1980, approximately 865,000 fewer twins would have been born in the United States over the last three decades.
- Over the three decades, twin birth rates rose by nearly 100 percent among women aged 35–39 and more than 200 percent among women aged 40 and over.
- The older age of women at childbirth in 2009 compared with three decades earlier accounts for only about one-third of the rise in twinning over the 30 years. The remaining increase is assumed to be from an increase in the use of infertility treatments.
The report highlights the impact that the rise in the rate of twins has had on perinatal health and rates of preterm birth and low birthweight.
To view the data brief, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db80.htm
I saw something else on his face, something new. It was hope.
I was speaking with an Intended Father recently while his wife was undergoing an egg retrieval. He was telling me about how they were able to spend some quality time with their Surrogate Mother, her husband and their children the last few days and they so enjoyed that time together.
He showed me picture after picture of their time together. He may not have realized it, but he was smiling bigger than I had seen since their arrival. And I saw something else on his face, something new. It was hope.
I saw it on both of their faces before the Intended Mom was taken back for her procedure. After showing me the 100 or so pictures, and I am not exaggerating, he leaned in and almost began to whisper his next words. It wasn’t as if anyone else in the waiting room was listening or could have understood us speaking a foreign language. But I leaned in too as I wanted to hear him.
He admitted that he thought that a big motivation for Surrogate Mothers was the money. But after spending so much time with his Surrogate Mother and seeing how complete her life is, he knew this was not the case. I asked him how much he thought the work his Surrogate Mom was doing was worth. He quickly answered, “There isn’t enough money in the world to pay her what she deserves!” I completely agreed, of course! But he was perplexed by something so he went on whispering as he began to describe the last day they had with their Surrogate Mom and how his thoughts constantly went to, “Why would this woman help us?”
He proceeded to tell me things like what a great mom she is to her several children and what a huge responsibility she has in caring for them. He described the loving relationship between her and her husband. And then he says, “I just can’t understand why she is offering to help in this way”. In the same voice he was using, I whispered to him, “You just told me the reasons.”
He sat back with a confused look on his face. I explained that she had everything she could have ever wanted, a wonderful marriage and children for them to love and cherish together. She knew that there were Couples out there who had achieved a happy marriage but couldn’t have the family they so desperately wanted. Not without the help of a Surrogate Mother.
He was quiet for a bit but then that smile came back on his face and if possible, it was even bigger.
Made in the USA
Made in the USA!!
What is the purpose of the contract?
A well written contract provides a detailed outline of your surrogacy story. It will ensure that each party is fully aware and comprehends their role, rights, and obligations for the journey. It will provide peace of mind that all parties are represented and protected and will allow you to relax and enjoy the fun parts!
Latasha’s Surrogacy Story
In a short time, Latasha made Danny into a big brother. He had no idea how much his life would change, but we are sure he knows now that Jake is home safely with his family!! October 6, 2011 marks the day that many lives were changed forever.
Jennifer’s Surrogacy Story
True Love!
Jennifer surprised us all by going in to labor on August 26, 2011, 6 days before her Couple were due to arrive. It was no problem for these new parents to catch the next flight, however they had to travel internationally so it would still be a day before they would arrive. Jennifer waited with much anticipation for their arrival to the hospital as she wanted to introduce them to their new babies. They finally arrived and after the Couple were satisfied that Jennifer was ok and came through the surgery well, she and Danny walked them to the nursery. Jennifer stood back as she wanted to view the whole scene and it was like a beautiful movie. Dad quickly picked up his son and Mom picked up her daughter and they had this look that could only be described as true love at first sight. We all got goosebumps and became teary eyed as she described the events. It was such a beautiful moment and definitely the highlight for her. Awwwww! These cutie pies came into the world weighing 5.12lbs and 4.9lbs. Great Job Jen!!!!!
Karlee’s Surrogacy Story
After being surrounded by girls, this new baby boy is changing the order of things in his home with his Mom, Dad & two sisters. It was also a surprise to Karlee as she has only had girls herself!! But Dad is super happy to finally have someone on his team! This little guy was welcomed into the world on August 17, 2011 by his awaiting family when he arrived weighing in at 8lb 4oz. Way to go Karlee!!!!
I can’t remember the last time my wife smiled like this
This week Carol and I went to visit a Couple that had a baby boy by a wonderful Surrogate.
The new Mom was doting over her little guy and we were all staring at them in awe of the love they clearly shared. Then her husband, who has seen so much pain on his wife’s face for so many years says to us, “I can’t remember the last time my wife smiled like this. Seeing her face makes me very, very happy.” I know Carol will agree with me when I say it was super difficult not crying at that moment. The depth of emotion that this Couple have endured really impacted us. The profound sadness before meeting us and their incredible Surrogate Mom and then the healing happiness that they have when they are holding their son. So amazing! -Breann
Keyly’s Surrogacy Story
I met Keyly’s Couple for the first time in 2009. They explained how she was a cancer survivor and were fortunate enough to create embryos to build their family one day. They needed time to prepare for their surrogacy so they did not contact me to begin the process for another year. Of course, in 2009 I hadn’t met Keyly yet. As they say, timing is everything! They became instant friends talking on Skype every day! I am honored to have been a part of what can be described as a beautiful and incredible journey that ended on August 2, 2011 when Keyly delivered twins weighing 7lb 6oz and 7lb 9oz!! Of course they are on a new journey now which I expect will last a lifetime.