Torbay couple says surrogate mother an 'angel on earth'

A Torbay couple who turned to surrogacy after two heartbreaking pregnancies of their own say they've been blessed with a beautiful daughter and a new appreciation for the kindness and generosity that some people are capable of.

Geoff and Christina Gallant are the proud parents of Sydney Josephine Gallant.

Sydney, born six months ago,  is their biological child, but she was carried by a surrogate mother.

The option allowed the Gallants to realize their dream of having a family, and they couldn't be happier.

"She's our angel on earth," Christina said of the surrogate mother during an interview recently with the St. John's Morning Show.

"I think there should be a statue of her somewhere," Geoff added.

Painful losses

These are happy times for the Gallant family, and they want the world to know.

There's plenty of mystery about surrogacy, but they agreed to speak publicly about their journey in hopes that other couples struggling to have a child can benefit from their experience.

"Everyone's put on this earth for different reasons. Some people are great warriors and some people are great poets," said Geoff.

"Some people are put on this earth to help other people's dreams come true. That's pretty much the best way I can express my thanks to her."

But life wasn't always this joyous for the Gallants.

Christina had two very difficult pregnancies over a two-year period.

During the first pregnancy, Christina gave birth at 25 weeks after she was hospitalized with preeclampsia. The baby lived for five weeks.

The outcome was the same the second time. Christina's uterus ruptured five months into the pregnancy, and doctors were forced to deliver the baby, which lived for just 24 hours.

It was also a close call for Christina.

Doctors advised that Christina was unable to carry a child.

A bundle of joy

They were devastated, but they remained determined to have a child.

They began researching their options, but admit to feeling "overwhelmed" by the process.

The surrogacy option took root after they were contacted by another couple they knew in western Canada who had begun the process.

They linked up with the same consultant who was helping that couple. Two years later, "We ended up with a little bundle of joy," said Christina, who spoke with the surrogate mother nearly every single day.

It's illegal in Canada to pay a surrogate mother.The 2004 Assisted Human Reproduction Act forbids exploiting the reproductive capabilities of children, women and men for commercial gain. 

The Gallants were able to cover all expenses such as medical, travel and clothing costs. All these details were handled by the consultant.

"[The surrogate is] a very generous, caring person that was willing to help people she didn't know very well," said Christina.

The Gallants were in the delivery room for the birth, though Geoff said he kept his eyes closed.

After 12 hours of labour, Sydney was delivered in about 10 minutes, Christina said.

"She knows the good that she's done in this world for us," said Geoff, who is the deputy mayor for the Town of Torbay.

Keeping it quiet

Because of their past experiences, the Gallants were reluctant to tell many people about the pregnancy until very late in the process.

They had a funny encounter with one of Geoff's pregnant co-workers at a store that specializes in baby products. The co-workers asked the Gallants what they were doing at such a store.

'There is good in this world and believe it or not there are people out there that are going to give their heart and soul to help you realize your dreams."- Geoff Gallant

"I said, 'Well, the gig is up.' I said, 'Well we're eight months pregnant.' And she was a bit puzzled by all that," he said.

Without exception, the Gallants said there was universal excitement and enthusiasm from their family and friends.

"There's still a stigma surrounding surrogacy, but it is a viable and wonderful option for intended parents that can't have a baby by conventional means," said Christina, who still gets emotional when talking about their experience.

Geoff said his message to others is to not lose faith, and to realize "there is good in this world and believe it or not there are people out there that are going to give their heart and soul to help you realize your dreams."