Leading Up to Delivery
I was induced at 39 weeks and 2 days. We scheduled the induction on the OBs recommendation due to my age (42yo). The IPs also has a daughter from a previous marriage, who was born the day before our induction date, and we were trying to avoid the two kids having the 
same birthday. Although we did enjoy joking about their shared 2 year old and 16 year old birthday being “cars” themed. Thankfully, I did not go into labor spontaneously a day early! Planning went seamlessly.
The IPs arrived about a week before the induction date. We met up a few times that week, took some maternity photos, saw a movie together, and met for tea with just the IM. We had dinner the night before with the IPs at our favorite burrito place. They were very excited and nervous. I encouraged them to try to get some good sleep.
Induction Arrival
I drove myself to the hospital for a 7am check in, which is only a 10 minute drive from my house. In the morning I ate a large bowl of oatmeal, and made an egg English muffin sandwich to bring with me (and eat at the last minute), and prepared a protein smoothie for my husband to bring to the hospital, since I would not be allowed solid food after they started the Pitocin. The weather was chilly but clear. Once I got checked in I was excited to see I was given a room with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge mountains. It was peaceful and beautiful watching the sunrise light up the mountains.
I texted the parents once I was all checked in to let them know what room I was in. We had planned for them to come in around 8am when the doctor was on call so they would be able to be there and help make decisions about how the induction will go.
Progressing Labor
Progressing LaborI started out dilated nearly to 4 cm and they did not need to do any cervical ripening so we started the induction with pitocin. After several hours and increasing the Pitocin incrementally, I was still around 4-5cm. I also got the epidural as soon as I started to feel the contractions. My husband arrived around noon with my smoothie! In the afternoon they broke my water, thinking it would jump start labor.
By dinner time, things were still not progressing much. My husband went to pick me up some soup and check on our cats. I called my daughter at the house where she was having a sleep over during this time and was happy to hear that it was all going well. The IPs went for short walks around the hospital, to break up the long periods of sitting in the room trying not to stare at me, pretending to read, looking at the monitor, and calling the nurse to stop the beeping that seemed to happen for no apparent reason.
The OB we had worked with most closely was off around 5pm and he transferred our care to an OB we did not know, but she was great and we felt very well cared for. The IPs also decide to get dinner at the hospital. I was checked around 7:30 and was finally in active labor. I called them immediately and told them that they should come back as it is getting close.
Looking Back
The only thing I remember thinking was wondering when the baby would come. I brought my computer to watch shows and my phone to listen to podcasts while I waited. But I also tried to make conversation with the IPs. I felt bad that the nurses and doctors gave them the expectation that it would be quick, so they felt a little bored but stuck in the room or at least in the hospital so they did not miss it.
Prepare to Push!
I was also worried that I would not know when it was time, the OB said I would feel the pressure when it was time to push, but I wasn’t sure I would with the epidural. I started to feel the contractions around the 8pm hour. They weren’t super painful and I was kinda glad I could feel something, eventually we timed them and they were coming every minute so I asked to be checked. And she said I was complete and it was time to push.
They went over the plan again. The IM planned to do skin to skin, they wanted delayed cord clamping and, the IF would cut the cord. They decided to empty the catheter and waited for all the nurses to get there. The pushing lasted about 20 minutes. I was supported by the IPs and my husband and was well coached by the OB.
Gratitude
After the baby came out the IM needed to get on the the bed to do skin to skin because baby had a shorter cord. At first she said it was 
okay, it didn’t need to happen immediately, but I encouraged her to get close to make it work. She was overcome with emotion, relief, gratitude, joy. Baby cried at first but calmed down pretty quickly. We stayed in the birthing room for a few hours, before we moved to separate room for recovery. I was a little shaky after the birth but otherwise fine.
I was discharged from the hospital around 2 pm the following day. My husband picked up my daughter from her sleep over and brought her to the hospital to meet the baby before we left.
Home… Then Vacation!
I rested in bed for a few days. My husband and daughter brought me whatever I needed. After a few weeks I was totally fine. I had a wonderful Mexico vacation 4 weeks postpartum! My experience with Stronger Together Surrogacy was great! Ashley has been so supportive and responsive during all my surrogacy journeys.
Dear Surrogate:
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Each journey is beautiful in its own way. I was drawn to surrogacy because of my deeply held belief that everyone deserves a family if they want one. It was my first time working with a straight couple. Witnessing these incredible people become parents after enduring so much to get to this moment made it even more amazing!
Birth Stories
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