A Surrogate Birth at Sacred Roots Birth Center — Indiana Birth Photographer

Today I’m sharing with you all such a powerful gift. It is such loving and selfless act to carry another’s baby within yourself. To nourish and feel it grow. I have always been drawn to the act of surrogacy, and have even considered becoming a surrogate myself. In that journey, I have met so many wonderful people who have done just that. When I met Brianna and the Intended Parents (this is the term for the parents of the baby who will be carried by the surrogate), I could instantly sense the connection between them in how comfortable and trusting they were of Brianna and her ability to carry and birth their baby boy!

About a month later, after a pandemic was in its beginning stages of discovery, I got the call to head to the birth center. The IP's lived two hours away, but surprisingly we both arrived around the same time despite my short commute. They were so happy to have made it! But their baby needed to descend for quite some time. Brianna labored in the tub and everywhere around the birthing room until she finally felt the urge to push. She pushed and pushed, until his head was born! The parents were ecstatic! Seeing their joy was so amazing. Their baby did get a little stuck, and Midwife Angela Lyttle did some maneuvering, but he finally dislodged and came out. Unfortunately, he did not begin breathing air as he was born, so the paramedics were called. I could see the Intended Mother beginning to cry, so I rushed over to hold her hand while I shed a few tears myself. I prayed and begged internally that this baby would start taking oxygen into his lungs! Shortly after, he began to come to and taking in air. A relief passed through the room as the IM ran to Brianna and embraced her, thanking her for the journey she made for her baby. It was beautiful, and of course I began to cry harder! The paramedics joined us just 8 short minutes after birth to find a pink and crying baby and a happy birthing center. The IP's decided not to transfer and instead snuggle their new baby in another room located at the birthing center while Brianna got to snuggle her husband and get some much needed rest ♡