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Hilton's decision to wear a prosthetic bump was driven by a desire to feel the weight and presence of a growing life within her, despite not carrying the child herself. "Feeling that weight on the front of me, running my hands over it, envisioning a whole life in front of us," Hilton expressed, highlighting her longing for a deep, personal connection to the experience of expecting a child.
Hilton and her husband, Carter Reum, welcomed two children via surrogates within the same calendar year, a decision that was intentional to have them grow up as twins. Despite the risks associated with implanting multiple embryos, the couple chose separate surrogates to give their embryos the best chance of survival. Hilton described this outcome as "a real-life miracle" and shared the emotional rollercoaster of the surrogacy process.
While waiting for the arrival of her babies, Hilton felt a compelling need to act, leading her to the decision to wear the prosthetic stomach. She described the experience as making her feel "kinda pregnant" and filled with "joy and possibilities and new life." This act of wearing the prosthetic bump, even if just for a day, was a small way for Hilton to make the experience feel real for herself.
By the end of the day, Hilton realized the symbolic nature of her actions. She acknowledged that the physical manifestation of pregnancy was less important than the emotional journey she was on. Hilton concluded that her "emotional baby bump was real, precious, and exactly where it needed to be," growing with each passing day.
Hilton's story offers a unique perspective on the emotional dimensions of surrogacy and the lengths to which some will go to feel a part of the miraculous journey of parenthood.
