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- I have 3 kids of my own and am on my 9th surrogate baby. At 39, I’m done being pregnant. (businessinsider.com)
Celina Mom Nears Historic 12th Pregnancy, Bringing Hope to Families Across the Nation
Celina, Ohio is home to many remarkable individuals, but few stories shine as brightly as that of Emily Westerfield. At 39, Westerfield is currently 22 weeks pregnant with her ninth surrogate baby, a journey that will bring her total number of pregnancies to an astonishing twelve, including her three biological children.
Westerfield, a mother to McKenna, 14, Jack, 12, and Charlie, 11, has dedicated years to helping others grow their families. By February 2026, with the arrival of her current non-biological child, she will have given birth to an equal number of six boys and six girls. The sheer volume of pregnancies, she admits, is sometimes “hard to wrap my head around.”
Despite the significant number of pregnancies, Westerfield reassures those who question the safety of her repeated journeys. She consistently experiences mild symptoms, often describing a food aversion rather than typical morning sickness.
She notes that all her deliveries, including two sets of twins, have been vaginal. While twin pregnancies are considered high-risk due to increased chances of premature labor and hypertension, Westerfield proactively sought specialized care from a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, ensuring close monitoring.
She remains mindful of the elevated risks associated with multiple pregnancies, such as gestational diabetes or placenta issues. To mitigate these, she meticulously follows doctor’s advice, typically observing a six-month waiting period between giving birth and undergoing another embryo transfer.
In one instance, in 2018, she received clearance for a transfer just three months postpartum. Throughout every pregnancy, Westerfield prioritizes her health with healthy eating and gentle daily exercise.
Her husband, Max, 43, a propane service technician, offers unwavering support, understanding that her family always comes first. Even while heavily pregnant, Westerfield continues to manage household chores, tackling tasks like vacuuming and dishes.
For Westerfield, the decision to become a gestational carrier is rooted deeply in altruism. “There are so many people who need the help of a surrogate, and so few women are willing to make the sacrifice,” she explains. She finds immense joy in helping complete families, describing the moment intended parents hold their baby for the first time as “like a hundred Christmases at once.”
In 2022, Westerfield channeled her extensive experience into founding Carrying Dreams, her own surrogacy agency. This endeavor allows her to oversee the entire process, ensuring ethical practices, building trust with intended parents, and operating at a comfortable pace. Her agency provides education and resources, maintaining transparency regarding surrogate earnings, which can range from $30,000 for new surrogates to $65,000 for proven carriers who have demonstrated a successful track record with IVF medications and the process timeline.
Now 39, Westerfield acknowledges that the physical demands of pregnancy have increased, bringing both bursts of energy and days of profound fatigue. She anticipates that this 12th pregnancy will likely be her last, marking the culmination of an extraordinary journey dedicated to bringing new life and hope into the world.
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- I have 3 kids of my own and am on my 9th surrogate baby. At 39, I’m done being pregnant. (businessinsider.com)