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Twins as a surrogate mother

                  My story is not a typical pregnancy story. I recently gave
birth to twins, a beautiful little boy & girl in April 1998. The part that
makes this story a little differant is that I was a surrogate mom. It began in
July 1997 when I met my couple in person for the first time. We hit it off so
well we decided that we felt comfortable going through with this exciting
adventure together. In September we did our first embryo transfer using the
fathers sperm, and the mothers eggs. The Dr. transfered 4 fresh embryo's into
my uterus. About 2 weeks later I went in for my first blood test. The results
came back positive for pregnancy, actually the blood Beta count came back
high. After 2 more weeks, I went in for the first sonogram, to determine how
many sacs there were. To our suprise there was three!! I was asked to return
in another week for a second sonogram. At that appointment we noticed that one
of the sacs had been re-absorbed into my body. This left the two embryo's,
which looked great, and by the 6th week we could see the heartbeats. 
                  The babies parents flew out from their home in Chicago, at
every possible chance they could.The pregnancy went very well until about 28
weeks, when I started having more contractions.I was put on limited bedrest,
and my couple hired a lot of help for me, such as a housecleaner, nanny for my
kids, and cook. This helped out considreably. I made it to 33 weeks, and my
cervix began to dilate, which concerned the Dr..He advised me to be admitted
into the hospital to try to get the contractions to stop. I went in, and was
giving medication (Mag.sulfate). this helped, but has horrible side effects. I
was given a shot of steroids to help develop the babies lungs in case the
babies were born early. The babies parents flew out on spur of the moment, and
were a great support for me and my husband. I was moved to another hospital
with a better NNICU.(neonatal intensive care unti). I was at that hospital for
6 days, when the Dr., there decided to send me home. We were a little upset
with that, but went along with it. At this stage I was dilated to 3cm. The
babies parents stayed in hotel about 2 miles from my home, and came and
brought me food daily, and took care of my family. By now all of our nerves
were on end, and we just wanted to have these babies. 
              At 35 weeks I began having severe contractions. I waited at home
for a couple hours, then decided to go get checked. (husband's took me
protesting!) I got the hospital, and was now dilated to 4cm. they finally
decided to admit me. I went all night having mild contractions, but ones I
could'nt sleep through. The parents of the babies and my husband stayed next
to my bed all night. The next morning I took a shower, and walked the halls,
by 3:00pm. I was so exhuasted from no sleep, the Dr. on call decided to break
my water. by 4:15pm. I was pushing, and at 4:18 the first baby was out. I
delivered the second baby at 4:25 (7 min. apart) they were both delivered
vaginally with no medication. The babies were taken off to the the nursery
right away, and the parents went to the nursery with them, after making sure I
was doing O.K., I was released from the hospital 2 days later, a little tired,
and pale. 
                  The babies were released to thier parents from  the hosptal
after 5 days. The parents stayed at the hotel and extra 2 days after the
babies were released, and then decided to fly home. After them being here for
3 weeks we were all ready for a break. The babies are doing great now. When
the were born their birth weights were 5lbs6oz, & 5lbs8oz. Now they're much
bigger, and chubby cheeked. We talked to the parents every couple of weeks,
and plan  to see them for the babies baptism in a couple months. I got more
out of this experiance then I ever thought I would. Not only did I have the
bond with my new husband I was wanting, but we have friends for a  lifetime,
and I would'nt have changed a thing!

Sincerly,
Debbie
(firemum@aol.com)