In a heartwarming tale of love and determination, Breanna Lockwood, a 29-year-old woman, and her husband, Aaron, triumphed over infertility to fulfill their dream of becoming parents. Their journey took an extraordinary turn when they found a surrogate in the most unexpected place—their own family. Breanna’s mother, Julie, selflessly stepped forward to offer her womb as a vessel for their hopes and dreams.
Breanna and Aaron faced numerous obstacles on their path to parenthood. After a year of unsuccessful attempts to conceive, they sought the guidance of fertility specialists, enduring surgeries, multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization, and the heartbreak of miscarriages. The couple discovered that the main hurdle lay with Breanna’s uterus, which couldn’t support a pregnancy to term. It was at this point that they were advised to explore the option of surrogacy.
The weight of infertility took a toll on Breanna, with each setback leaving her feeling devastated. Among the most heart-wrenching moments was the loss of a twin pregnancy due to miscarriage. Faced with the staggering costs associated with surrogacy agencies, which often exceed $100,000, Breanna’s doctor suggested finding a trusted family member or friend who could act as their surrogate.
In an extraordinary act of love and selflessness, Julie, Breanna’s mother, proposed becoming the surrogate herself. Initially, Breanna was hesitant, but Julie’s unwavering determination and her own healthy track record of two successful pregnancies convinced her daughter to reconsider. Julie, an active and fit woman who had completed 19 marathons and numerous triathlons, had experienced smooth pregnancies in the past.
With the support of their family and medical team, Julie’s offer became a serious consideration. The family underwent thorough tests and consultations with top-tier physicians, including their primary doctor, Dr. Brian Kaplan. Despite the uniqueness of the situation, Dr. Kaplan found no medical reasons to dissuade Julie from carrying her daughter’s child, albeit emphasizing the exceptional circumstances surrounding their case.
Overcoming initial reservations due to Breanna’s history of pregnancy losses, Julie underwent a successful embryo transplant in February 2020 and received the joyous news of a positive pregnancy test in March 2020. However, cautious optimism prevailed as the couple remained vigilant about the progress of the pregnancy.
In June 2020, Breanna and Aaron joyfully announced that they were expecting a daughter, with the due date set for November 12, 2020. Throughout the pregnancy, Breanna dedicated herself to ensuring her mother’s comfort and well-being, visiting her daily. Julie, in turn, took a leave of absence from work to prioritize her health and the safety of the baby, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic.
The Lockwood family plans to share this extraordinary birth story with their daughter as she grows older, with Julie meticulously documenting their journey through a heartfelt scrapbook. Dr. Kaplan, reflecting on the profound experience, acknowledged the remarkable strength and unity of this family, describing it as a humbling encounter even from a physician’s perspective.
This inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope for countless others facing the challenges of infertility. It reminds us of the boundless love and unwavering support that families can provide, transcending any obstacle on the path to creating a new life.
