61-Year Old Woman Who Gave Birth To Her Own Granddaughter 'Has the Body of a 40-Year-Old,' Doctor Says

Jun 26, 2019 by apost team

When 61-year-old Cecile Eledge found out her son wanted to have a child via surrogacy, she knew what she had to do.

According to People, Matthew Eledge and his husband, Elliot Dougherty, have longed to become parents since they married in 2015, so the Omaha, Nebraska couple decided to try in-vitro fertilization.

Elliot's sister donated her eggs, which were then combined with Matthew's sperm to create several embryos. This way, any babies born would be biologically related to both men, but they still needed to find a surrogate mother. Using a paid surrogate can cost as much as $130,000, and Matthew and Elliot didn't expect any of their friends or family members to volunteer. There are always risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, and it takes a special kind of person to bring a new life into the world for another couple.

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Cecile Eledge wanted nothing more than to see her son so happy, but she was only joking the first time she suggested that she could be the surrogate. She would do anything for her family, but she didn't think there was any chance of her having a successful pregnancy at her age.

As weeks went by, and the couple struggled to find a surrogate, Cecile became more insistent with her offer. Matthew and Elliot thought it was sweet that Cecile offered to carry a baby for them, but they didn't think it was medically possible. She was over 60, and the risk to her health was too great.

The couple was shocked when Dr. Carolyn Maud Doherty, a reproductive endocrinologist, didn't immediately dismiss Cecile's offer to be a surrogate. Dr. Doherty normally advises women over 50 to forgo in-vitro fertilization, but this case was different. Cecile wasn't trying to get pregnant for her own sake; she wanted to help her son and son-in-law start a family.

For the next month, Cecile underwent a series of medical exams. A team of doctors conducted blood, gynecological and cardiovascular tests. She passed with flying colors. Dr. Doherty told People Magazine that Ms. Eledge is healthier than many 20 year old women:

“She has the body of a 40-year-old and is actually in better shape than some 20-year-olds. I’m pretty conservative about these sorts of things, but Cecile really turned out to be their best option.”

Cecile Eledge was overwhelmed with joy when she was told she has a "beautiful uterus." She knew at that moment that she would be able to help her son realize his dreams of becoming a father. The people closest to Celine weren't surprised when she told them that she received a clean bill of health. She runs five miles a day, cycles and uses an elliptical machine regularly.

Dr. Doherty explained that she never thought she would even consider helping a 61-year-old get pregnant. Most women over 50 are not capable of carrying a baby to term without suffering from serious complications. Celine Eledge, however, is genetically blessed.

Celine may have had the reproductive system of a 40-year-old, but that doesn't mean her labor and delivery was easy.

She was in labor for more than 18 hours. After watching Celine fight through intense contractions, Matthew Eledge assured his mother that he would never ask her to be a surrogate again. Her reply? "Don't worry; I had no intention of offering."

On March 25, 2019, Celine Eledge gave birth to her granddaughter, Uma Louise Dougherty-Eledge.

Matthew and Elliot couldn't be more grateful. Baby Uma has changed their lives and brought their entire family closer together. There are very few people who have an origin story as unique as Uma's. As for Celine, she has officially retired as a surrogate, but she wants the world to know that she didn't give birth to her granddaughter for the shock value. She did it out of love.

Upstream Pictures is filming a movie and docuseries about Uma Eledge's birth story.

Would you ever consider being a surrogate mother? Let us know how you feel in the comments, and don't forget show this story to your friends. This heartwarming story is something everyone can appreciate.