My sister had my baby
Surrogate mum gives birth to niece
A WOMAN has given birth to her own niece after acting as a surrogate for her sister who could die if she had children.
Ebony Hutt gave birth to Rae Ebony Ann Hooper with sister Lauren Hooper, her husband Michael and her own partner Gavin Leech at her side.
The 6lb 12oz baby was passed straight into Lauren’s arms after Michael cut the umbilical cord.
Lauren, 31 said: “It felt like a dream. We’d been picturing that moment for four years, and she was finally there.”
Rae was born after a difficult 12-hour labour when doctors discovered she was in the breech position.
But after medical checks, the proud couple were allowed to take Rae home later that day and Ebony, 35, was discharged from hospital. Lauren said: “Our whole family was waiting to meet Rae. It was so special.
“Her cousins – Ebony and Gavin’s kids Tegan, nine and Sonny, six – got to meet her first. They’ve always known this is their little cousin.”
The sisters, of Okehampton, Devon, have now begun the legal process to make Lauren and Michael Rae’s official parents. Ebony is still expressing milk to feed Rae, which Gavin, 41, delivers daily.
Ebony said: “Having Lauren, Michael and Gavin there for support at the birth was amazing. We did a lot of laughing and that’s what got me through.
“This has always been their baby and I’ve always known that. The minute she was born, I just wanted her to be with them. Seeing her with them was so special – it’s what I always wanted.
“We’ll always have a special bond but I’m just enjoying being her auntie.”
FATAL
Lauren and Michael, 36, were devastated to learn in 2014 that her childhood heart problems meant carrying a baby could be fatal for her and the child. When Ebony heard, she volunteered. She got pregnant on the fourth attempt during the second cycle of IVF, for which they crowdfunded £15,000. Ebony revealed: “It has been a really positive experience and I’d have no doubts about being a surrogate again.” But Lauren said: “I’m not sure – partly because of the cost but even if we did have the money, I don’t know if I‘d want to put her through it again. “It has been an incredible journey. We’re so in love with our Rae and Auntie Ebony will always be very special to her.” scoops@sunday mirror.co.uk