Aleza’s Birth Story

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In these times when social distancing is required especially in medical situations, Aleza and her husband created a moment that will be remembered by Shannon and Randi forever.  On August 26, 2020 at the 11th hour, they made a three-way call so they could be present for Aleza’s delivery.  How amazing was that??!!

The little cutie pie made her grand entrance weighing a perfect 6lb 7oz!!  Aleza shared that the moment she saw the new mommy holding her newborn baby girl, every twinge, inconvenience, anything remotely negative went flying out the window.  This is what she will recall when she thinks about her pregnancy and surrogacy journey always.

Pregnant During COVID-19 : Annette’s Story Final Installment

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My last article left off at my watching the progression of COVID-19 on television.  It was hard to believe it was real.  But the isolation I was living and having to rely on phone and video calls to see my younger children was evidence enough that this was actually happening.

 

As days turned into weeks, I knew the end of my journey was around the corner.  Throughout my stay in the hospital, I had many calls and texts from BFI which I appreciated so much.  I knew they would have been here with me if they could.  One time, Carol came to my room stating she had documents for me to sign and told the staff she couldn’t just leave them.  Not sure why they believed her, but I’m glad they did!  I’m not sure how she pulled it off, but she also brought In-N-Out!  Yum!

 

It was soon thereafter that I learned that Intended Dad wasn’t going to make it for the birth.  I had a feeling that would happen, but I still had hope.  He sent me an email apologizing for not being able to come.  I tried to reassure him that it was fine, but truthfully, we were both sad and disappointed.  But I had already decided early on that I would make the best of whatever came my way.  

 

The idea of a C-Section was hard to imagine as all of my children were born naturally and quite easily.  The unknown usually causes fear or anxiety so I was glad that Shannon, once again, talked me through it and calmed my nerves.  The other concern I had was that they would only let me get to 34 weeks before doing the C-Section.  I worried that he would not be ready, were his lungs developed enough, what hurdles will he have to overcome, will he be ok?  Then I just prayed.  At some point, you realize that it is not in your hands so I just gave it God.

 

To my surprise, Baby J was born weighing 5lbs!  I couldn’t believe how big he was!  And he required very little assistance.  The medical staff couldn’t believe he was only 34 weeks gestation.  I was fortunate to visit Baby J often in the NICU throughout his 3 week hospital stay.  

 

Baby J was discharged to Carol and a foster family who were so gracious to Dad and to all of us.  They sent pictures at least daily, but usually more often.  I was able to see him grow so strong and remain in good health.  When Dad was finally able to arrive in California, we all got together so I could finally see Dad and son united.  I was so sad for him as he missed the first two months of his son’s life but to see him beaming as he held his son, there are no words to describe that moment. 

 

I am glad to report that Dad and son are now home and are joined with Baby J’s mother and sister.  I am still receiving pictures and the love I see between each person and Baby J is incredible.  Clearly he is finally where he is meant to be.  

 

Note from Carol:  Annette, thank you so much for sharing your story with us and the world.  Your journey took so many unexpected twists and turns and you handled them all with such grace.  I am and will always be in awe of you and your beautiful family.  XOXO

 

 

Pregnant During COVID-19; Annette’s Story Part 2

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A quick look back.  After giving in to her nerves, Annette was a wreck when she arrived for her embryo transfer.  Then after just a few minutes with Shannon, her nerves were settled and she made a vow that she would only have positive thoughts from that point forward.  Little did she know how important this vow would become.

 

I was on a high after becoming pregnant after only one try.  The first trimester of pregnancy was going by so fast.  As we were heading into the 2nd trimester, an ultrasound detected an issue with the placenta.  It was a diagnosis, Vasa Previa, that I recall hearing about in a recent Group meeting with Dr. Rad.  I maintained my positive outlook and told everyone at BFI, “I got this!”  I followed the doctor’s advice and knew that the day would come when I would be hospitalized for the remainder of the pregnancy. I focused on the things I could control and I knew I had work to do.  

 

I was working full-time and a single mom to 3 kids.  I explained the situation to everyone and my job was phenomenal in understanding my situation and my kids were amazing.  They helped me pack a bag of things to do. We packed coloring books, puzzles, and books.  I even splurged on a Nintendo Switch!  Of course, I had my laptop too.  And we made plans for our daily visits. I prepared for the worst and hoped for the best.  I mentally prepared everyone for two months knowing my stay would not be any longer than that.  Never in a million years could I have anticipated what would happen next.

 

The first week went as expected.  Shannon, Randi and Carol came to visit at different times. My entire family visited me daily which included my kids, my mom, and extended family.  We played games, watched television, and just hung out.  Then the allowed visitors dwindled down to 2 and they had to be over 16.  Two of my three children are under 16 so this was a difficult transition for everyone.  I remember thinking as I was sitting with my two youngest children, that it could be weeks before I held them again.  It was a very sad moment for me.  

 

Then overnight there was a significant change in my surroundings.  The medical staff were wearing masks and gowns and stated that they were going to minimize contact with me for my safety.  Literally, the next day everyone who entered the hospital was screened before being allowed to enter.  The hospital protocols were changing by the hour. And then I was told that I could only have one visitor for the remainder of my stay.   I spoke to my oldest daughter and together we decided she should be the one.  

 

I was isolated from the world that my family was living in. I watched the progression of COVID-19 on television and it was surreal.  I felt like I was watching a movie, it was not possible that this could really be happening, could it?  My thoughts were constantly on my kids and how they were managing this new lifestyle.  I have never been more thankful for technology than during this time.  I was able to speak or video chat with them every day and I think that helped us all tremendously.  

ASRM

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The acronyms in the reproductive world are many! Do you know what ASRM stands for?

ASRM stands for American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

From their website:

ASRM is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine. The Society accomplishes its mission through the pursuit of excellence in education and research and through advocacy on behalf of patients, physicians, and affiliated health care providers. The Society is committed to facilitating and sponsoring educational activities for the lay public and continuing medical education activities for professionals who are engaged in the practice of and research in reproductive medicine.

www.reproductivefacts.org

Melissa’s Birth Story

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Timing is everything.  I’m sure you have heard that before.  There was just one day all year that would be impossible for the Intended Mom to be away from her studies.  If she missed this course, she would have to wait another year to sit for it again.  What are the odds? No problem, right?  Wrong!!  

The morning of July 16, the only inconvenient date all year, Melissa was admitted to the hospital.  Melissa, BFI and the Intended Dad kept silent about the impending birth.  We only needed hours before the new mommy would be available so we were on pins and needles waiting to see if the baby would wait to be born.  He did decide to wait for his mommy to finish her class and arrive in time to the hospital.  The doctor was running late so mommy shared she technically could deliver the baby if needed. Just as the gloves were coming on, the doctor rushed in. So instead, she cut his cord and was the first person to hold him. Whew!!  Truly, timing is everything!!

Jamie’s Birth Story

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Surprise!  My water broke!  Those were words we didn’t expect to hear as Jamie usually needs to be induced!  It was a beautiful surprise on July 16, 2020 when she delivered a perfect little guy weighing in at 5lb 10oz.  

Due to the sudden start to labor, the new parents weren’t able to arrive until the next day.  But Jesus, Jamie’s husband, was so thoughtful and he recorded the entire delivery.  So, they still got to see the moment their baby entered the world and learn for the first time that they had a son!!

After every storm, comes the rainbow!

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For many, 2020 marks the year of missed opportunity. Working and learning from home. Canceled events. Missing loved ones. Masks you never imagined wearing to the grocery store. But these ladies? For these ladies being in a delivery room was once a far off dream, daring to hope it was in their future. For our IPs, it is hard to picture what that day might look like, and you can guarantee they never expected it to look like this! These ladies persevered and didn’t let the masks get in the way of their dream. After every storm, comes the rainbow. We are so incredibly blessed to be in an industry that allows us to have a small part in these rainbows.

 

Calling all Survivors of COVID-19!

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Hello Everyone,

 

As you know, 2020 came in with a bang and it hasn’t been all fabulous. COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. This has touched all of our lives in countless ways.  We are living in isolation and when we do venture out we see empty shelves where hand soap, sanitizer, and household antibacterial cleaners once sat. We leave our homes in our new battle gear in an attempt to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

 

Perhaps the scariest thing is that there are no proven treatments or cures for COVID-19 patients.  However, we have recently learned there is an experimental treatment called Convalescent Plasma. 

 

COVID-19 Survivors have antibodies and their plasma donation is called Convalescent Plasma. The FDA and the Red Cross have joined forces as hospitals are in desperate need of plasma donations. Please follow this link to learn more about how you can help: redcross.org/plasma4covid.

 

According to the American Journal of Pathology, Plasma transfusions from recovered patients have been used since at least 1918 during the Spanish Flu pandemic and in 2003 in the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) pandemic. It was also employed in the influenza H1N1 pandemic in 2009 and the 2015 Ebola outbreak in Africa.

 

Please join us in getting the word out. These are unprecedented times, so extraordinary measures are needed.  Donate, save a life!

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