Brooke’s Birth Story

Brooke’s Birth Story

We had an induction set for Saturday Feb 8th at 39 weeks. On Feb 6th I felt labor coming on when I laid down for a nap. I headed to Colorado Springs where I was seen and sent home after contractions stayed mild and was only dilated to 3. Few hours pass by at the hotel and I went back into the hospital with much stronger contractions. He was born on February 7th at 10:38am, it was a very sunny morning!

I texted the IP’s as well as my STS Coordinator, both were very excited! One IP was staying in Denver, about an hour away from the hospital, and the other IP was still in Taiwan. My mother, one intended father was present, one was on FaceTime, and Melissa from STS was at the hospital with me during delivery. I was very pleased with the hospital staff caring for me as a surrogate. I was very supported by all parties. The nurses were very attentive.

A Quick Delivery

Throughout labor, all I could think about was being able to see the IPs’ faces once their baby had arrived. I did not have a labor playlist, but I want one next time! Contractions were very intense and painful until epidural time, then I was very comfortable. I pushed for 1 minute 20 seconds before the little man arrived. Labor went very smoothly from start to finish.

I was so happy after delivery, and I felt so fulfilled that my body and mind just delivered a baby for someone else. The first thing I told the IP’s was how beautiful he was and how his little nose looked just like in the 4D ultrasounds. There were no problems during delivery.

Recovery

I stayed in the hospital for a little over 24 hours. My mother came to visit the next morning. Before leaving the hospital, I sat and rocked the baby and just stared at him, and cried. He was so precious and perfect, and I couldn’t believe that I grew every inch for someone else. I felt so happy and overjoyed for his parents. It was agreed with the Intended Parents that I would breastfeed him while in the hospital, and I was honored to do so. When I came home from the hospital, I of course felt a little empty only because I wasn’t feeling him in my tummy anymore, I felt a little lonely without his movement, but pumping around the clock made me feel better, like I had a purpose.

After the first few days, I was still feeling good and was enjoying pumping very much. After a few weeks, when the baby was heading home, I, of course, was very sad that he would no longer be in driving distance anymore, but I was overjoyed for his parents to be able to go home as a family.

The Perfect Agency

STS was absolutely amazing! From start to finish of the journey, I felt supported and heard. Everyone I came into contact with was very helpful and knowledgeable.

One piece of advice for a future surrogate would be to enjoy every moment, cherish all of the small milestones, and remember your purpose! Don’t let the outside world and its opinions get in the way of your beautiful journey. This was my first delivery as a surrogate, and I look forward to my next journey!