A widow who gave birth to her late husband’s baby 14 months after his death using frozen embryos has revealed she is now trying for a second child.
Sarah Shellenberger, 41, a teacher from Oklahoma, US, lost her husband Scott, 41, to a heart attack in February 2020.
Before his sudden passing, Sarah and Scott had struggled to conceive and had gone through two rounds of IVF – creating two viable embryos, which were frozen.
She was able to fall pregnant with son Hayes using one of the embryos, welcoming him in May 2021.
Now, she plans to give him a sibling using the second and final embryo – which was created just seven days before Scott’s passing, on Valentine’s Day 2020.
“I’ve dreamed about being a mum my whole life and can’t imagine not continuing our journey,” Sarah, who shares her journey on Instagram (@TheWesternMomma) with her 10,000 followers, told NeedToKnow.online.
“My husband and I struggled to get pregnant and wanted a family more than anything.
“I am hoping and praying that this transfer is successful and brings our second miracle baby to our family.
“In our eyes, our embryos are our children and it’s only right to do everything I can to bring our second baby home.
“It would mean the world to give Hayes a sibling. I have a brother and know what a special relationship it can be. I want this for Hayes just as much, if not more, than I want it for myself.”
Sarah is having the embryo transfer on 23 June and will find out two weeks later if it was a success.
She added: “It’s very emotional, but also exciting. I’m so thankful to have the hope of a second living piece of my husband on the horizon and know that he’s with me as Hayes and I carry on.
“I know this is what Scott would want me to do and I firmly believe he’s doing everything he can from heaven to help make this possible.”
