Surrogacy babies a 'miracle'

The birth of Lisa Banfield's twin boys, Joshua and Lucas, is the final chapter in a six-year journey she has shared with her husband John, to start a family.

During that time she has defied medical odds, battled the Australian and New Zealand governments and overcome many painful setbacks.

But that was all forgotten at 5.50pm last Monday (US time) when surrogate mother Krisy Prelewicz gave birth to the first of Mrs Banfield's twin boys at Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, California.

Seven minutes later, obstetrician Leonard Kurian delivered Lucas Kristopher (named after Krisy).

Their trouble-free birth came only seven hours after Mrs Prelewicz, who was 37 weeks' pregnant, was given her first dose of Pitocin, a drug that helps induce labour.

After short labours with her own two children, Mrs Prelewicz was confident the twins would waste no time entering the world and she wasn't wrong.

While rushing her into the delivery room, Dr Kurian had to tell Mrs Prelewicz not to push for fear the babies would come before he was ready.

But once he was satisfied he had enough staff in the room, he declared: "Let's get this party started."

During the birth, Mr Banfield stood behind Mrs Prelewicz in "the northern stand" while Mrs Banfield waited anxiously next to Dr Kurian. Mr Banfield said: "I remember the whole emotion of Lisa saying 'I can see the head'."

After two big pushes from Mrs Prelewicz, Joshua took his first breath. After another two pushes Lucas arrived.

The births of Joshua and Lucas, described by Mr Banfield as an experience "you can't prepare for", had everyone in the room crying.

Tears streamed down Mrs Prelewicz's face when the boys were lifted up to her so she could hold them for the first time.

Maybe she also realised the finality of her 17-year wish to be a surrogate mother.

Meanwhile, in the waiting area, Mr and Mrs Banfield's proud mothers, Annie Banfield and Yvonne Meister, were relieved it all went smoothly.

And when Mrs Banfield brought the boys into the newborn nursery for everyone to ooh and aah over, it was obvious the anguish and pain she had suffered was a distant memory.

She finally had her "miracle babies".