Surrogacy in Canada: My Final Journey with Surrogacy
Michelle is a mom of six, and surrogate to five. She’s been in the surrogacy world for nearly ten years and has had a wealth of knowledge and experiences with every scenario. She recently wrote a few words reflecting on the birth of her 5th and final surrogate baby, who was born after a lengthy hospital bedrest and a case of Placenta Accreta.
July 24th, 2019
“Today was our scheduled C-Section day – instead, baby is already twelve days old. Although I was sad that I didn’t get the last few weeks I had hoped for, I am thrilled that he is at home and thriving with his Mom and Dad. I had a lovely visit with them when they were home.
My recovery is going well, although the first 6-8 days really took their toll me. The swelling in my feet and hands have subsided, and I’m very thankful for that.
Twelve days post-surgery and I’m still processing the severity of it all. The surgery itself took a little over an hour longer than a normal C-section. By the time the bleeding was under control I had lost about 2 litres. I still have the wounds from the blood pressure cuff going off every 10 minutes, for 10 hours, in the ICU, while they attempted to get my blood pressure under control without medication. Even when my blood pressure crashed the next day, I fought back without meds. I have a battle scar from the PICC line. My C-section incision had a minor infection, which after being treated with topical ointment, seems to be much better.
When I think about it all I get teary. I don’t consider it a sacrifice or anything like that – my body will be fine, but I do need to remember my limitations.
Emotionally, I’m doing very well. Seeing the new family in their home environment settled my heart. Despite every challenge I’ve faced, with this journey or any previous journey, I still wouldn’t change a thing. Each one has taught me so much. To know that families are made and hearts are completed is the most amazing feeling.”
- Michelle Avery, Legal Liaison