A grandmother from Chicago has made headlines for her remarkable journey as a surrogate for her own daughter. Julie Loving, 57, gave birth to her granddaughter, Briar, in November 2020, an experience that has profoundly shaped their family dynamics.
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Breanna Lockwood, Julie’s daughter, has long dreamed of becoming a mother. Her path to parenthood was fraught with challenges, including an ectopic pregnancy, several failed embryo transfers, and multiple miscarriages. After years of extensive fertility treatments, Lockwood faced a crossroads where traditional methods appeared exhausted. In the face of these obstacles, it was her mother’s willingness to step in that sparked a new avenue for hope.
Following a particularly devastating miscarriage where Lockwood lost twins, she was diagnosed with Asherman syndrome, a condition that can lead to infertility due to the formation of scar tissue in the uterus. It was during this turbulent time that Loving first contemplated becoming a surrogate. She reflected on her feelings while driving home after her daughter’s loss, thinking of how she could help.
After attending numerous fertility appointments with her daughter, Loving formally offered to carry a child for Lockwood. At first, Lockwood was sceptical, considering her mother’s age. However, both women consulted with her fertility specialist, who began warming to the idea given Loving’s health and athletic history. The idea soon transformed from mere suggestion to a feasible plan when Loving underwent the necessary medical evaluations, passing all tests with flying colours.
On February 25, 2020, the family celebrated news of a successful embryo transfer. The subsequent months of pregnancy unfolded amidst the unprecedented backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the circumstances were daunting, Loving found a silver lining; with many businesses closed, she was able to take the necessary time off work to rest and focus on her health.
As news of the pregnancy became public in June 2020, Lockwood did not anticipate the viral attention it would garner. Excitedly, she shared their story on social media, only to find it rapidly spreading beyond her circle. Although the overwhelming response included many positive comments, it also brought unwanted scrutiny, making the journey feel even more challenging, especially during a time when both women were navigating uncharted territories.
Ultimately, the day Briar was born on November 2, 2020, was a mixed bag of emotions. Lockwood recalls the tension during her mother’s labour when medical staff opted for an emergency cesarean section due to complications with the baby’s heartbeat. Nevertheless, the moment Briar entered the world marked a significant triumph for the family, and Lockwood and Loving both exuded pride in their unique relationship.
Since Briar’s birth, the family has expanded, welcoming another daughter, Brynn, in September 2024. However, this journey too was marked with its own hurdles. Lockwood and her husband, Aaron, explored additional surrogacy options, encountering heartbreak through multiple miscarriages. In a testament to their enduring hope, they sought assistance from Dr. Mohamad Irani at Weill Cornell Medicine, achieving their goal of a healthy pregnancy despite the difficulties faced.
Lockwood describes her experience with Brynn as a “miracle baby,” highlighting the emotional toll of a late-term loss that left her feeling shattered. Yet, her resilience and determination led her to try again, with their joy culminating in the successful birth of their second daughter.
Today, Julie Loving celebrates a unique bond with her granddaughter Briar, understanding that this relationship, built on love and sacrifice, carries a significance unlike any other. As their family continues to evolve, Loving nurtures a hopeful outlook for the future, leaving the door open for the possibility of welcoming additional grandchildren in time.
Throughout this extraordinary journey, the Loving-Lockwood family has proven that while the road to parenthood can be fraught with challenges, love and support can lead to meaningful connections and joyful beginnings. The family’s story, marked by resilience and commitment, continues to inspire those who face their own struggles with fertility and parenthood.