Lauren Wallman, 36, from Perth, WA shares her sweet story.
The message took me by complete surprise.
When I opened Instagram, I saw that Jess, an old friend I’d first met at uni, had reached out to me.
We hadn’t seen or spoken to each other for years, but as I read on, I learned that she needed help.
I was wondering if I could ask you a favour? she began.
Turned out that Jess and her partner, Tristan, had been trying to conceive for over two years with no luck.
Not even five rounds of IVF had delivered the good news they both longed for.
An egg donor was their best shot, and Jess hoped that I’d share her story to my Instagram page as I had thousands of followers who might be able to help.
Lauren and Jess became friends at uni.
(Image: Supplied)Of course, I replied instantly, thinking back to the sweet woman who I’d spent years studying with.
There was no doubt in my mind she’d make an excellent mother.
But the more I thought about it, I couldn’t shake the idea that I should just volunteer to donate my own eggs to the couple.
I was a single mother to a two-year-old girl, Rosie, who had brought so much happiness to my life.
They deserved to experience that joy, too.
Given I’d already had a healthy child, the chances of me being able to provide eggs were stacked in my favour.
Lauren with her daughter, Rosie.
(Image: Supplied)When I sent them an Instagram message with my suggestion, we agreed to catch up and discuss the idea.
“Five years have passed and you haven’t changed a bit!” I said to Jess, wrapping her in a hug.
Tristan was a real legend – he had a great sense of humour and was so passionate about his work with disabled children.
“You’re going to make the best parents,” I told them.
That afternoon, the three of us got along so well it seemed like a done deal.
But legally there were a few more hoops to jump through.
Lauren preparing to donate her eggs.
(Image: Supplied)First, we had to visit a fertility clinic to check that I was a suitable donor, followed by counselling and then a three-month cooling off period before going ahead.
But we all knew in our hearts that there was no going back – in fact, we couldn’t wait to begin!
Rosie was too young to really understand what was going on.
“I’ll let her know once you have a big belly!” I said to Jess.
Together, we agreed that once there was a baby, Rosie and I would remain involved in its life forever as research suggests this is morally the best thing to do for the child’s wellbeing.
Unfortunately, they only managed to extract five eggs from me, which was disappointing as I knew the chances of creating embryos weren’t high.
Baby Cohen was born in June.
(Image: Supplied)But amazingly, out of those five, four became embryos.
One month passed before Jess called one day when I was in the supermarket.
“I’m pregnant!” she cried down the phone to me in September 2021.
I couldn’t have been happier for her and Tristan, though once she was expecting I also took a slight step back and let them go to the appointments without me as they were to be the parents, not me.
Being the lovely person she is, Jess still sent me photos from the scans and kept me updated – just like a true friend would.
Tristan and Jess with Cohen, Lauren and Rosie.
(Image: Supplied)Looking back, it’s to see how much this pregnancy has brought me and Jess together after all these years.
I can see her becoming one of my closest friends.
And when she gave birth to baby Cohen in June this year, I was thrilled for her and Tristan.
Whatever happens, their bub is always going to be part of my world, and I’m delighted to know that I’ve played some part in making Jess and Tristan’s dream come true.
Jess tells Take 5:
Lauren’s the kindest person I’ve ever met and Tristan and I are so grateful to her. She’ll always have a place in our lives.
