Triplet mum becomes one of Britain’s youngest surrogates at just 21

A BRIT mum has become one of the UK’s youngest surrogates after giving birth to triplets, aged 21.

By Louise Berwick

SUPERMUM: Shaniece Sturdy gave birth to triplets for another couple

Shaniece Sturdy wanted to help a couple have a child after watching a TV documentary as a teenager.

But it was not until she had a baby of her own four years ago that she decided to go through with it.

She said when she met the prospective parents she would be helping, Joanna and Steve, she knew it was the right decision.

ALL HERS: Shaniece waited until she'd has her own son, Rylee, before becoming a surrogate

She added: “I decided to conduct all my own research and it wasn’t until I met the hopeful parents that I told anyone.

“I had Joanna and Steve’s embryo inserted in Los Angeles so it was biologically their child not mine. I was just the host womb.

“Even though I was only 21 and it was a huge responsibility carrying their babies, it was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Shaniece and the couple were all delighted when doctors found three heartbeats.

BUNS IN THE OVEN: Shaniece was due for a planned C-section, but her waters broke early

She said: “I was only supposed to be helping the family have a brother or sister for their little girl but I ended up giving them three babies at once.

“At our first scan at just a few weeks pregnant, we were all told I was carrying twins. Joanna and Steve had already picked their twin pram.

“At the 10-week scan I joked: ‘I wonder if they will find another heartbeat.’ And just minutes later they did.

TOT OFF THE PRESS: Willow, Daisy and Harrison were all perfectly fine

“We opted for a planned C-section at 33 weeks but my waters broke on Halloween. All I cared about was ensuring the babies were delivered safe.”

Willow, Daisy and Harrison were all perfectly fine, weighing 4lb 2oz, 3lb 7oz and 3lb 11oz.

Shaniece, of Carshalton, Surrey, added: “I would advise anyone thinking about becoming a surrogate to do it.”