Meghan Trainor just welcomed her third child, daughter Mikey Moon, via surrogate—and she’s breaking down why surrogacy was the right choice for her family.
The decision wasn’t easy, but after difficult experiences with her first two pregnancies, medical guidance led her in a different direction.
Now, she’s speaking out to normalize surrogacy and support other mothers navigating their own challenging journeys.
Her candid revelations about trauma, mental health struggles, and postpartum challenges offer powerful validation for parents everywhere.
Why Meghan Trainor Chose Surrogacy
Trainor, 32, and husband Daryl Sabara, 33, welcomed Mikey Moon on Sunday, January 18. The “All About That Bass” singer carried both of her sons—Riley, 4, and Barry, 2—but chose surrogacy for baby number three after extensive medical consultations.
It wasn’t our first choice, but we had endless conversations with our doctors on this journey, and this was the safest way for us to be able to continue growing our family.
Trainor told PEOPLE that she and Sabara are “forever grateful” for the surrogacy option. Safety became paramount after the singer experienced serious complications during previous pregnancies.
Breaking Stigma Around Alternative Family Building
Rather than keeping her surrogacy journey private, Trainor made a deliberate choice to speak openly about it. She wants to erase judgment and shame around non-traditional paths to parenthood.
I want people to know that surrogacy is just another beautiful way to build a family. It’s not something to whisper about or judge. It’s rooted in trust, science, love, and teamwork.
Her message emphasizes that every family’s journey looks different, and all paths are equally valid. This public stance helps dismantle outdated stigmas and creates space for honest conversations about reproductive choices.
An Incredible Bond With Her Surrogate
Trainor described her relationship with the surrogate—whose identity remains private—as deeply connected and meaningful. The experience exceeded her expectations.
Our surrogate is one of the most selfless, strong and loving people I’ve ever met. We felt so connected throughout the entire journey, and I’ll always be grateful for the care and love she showed our daughter.
The Grammy winner stayed actively involved throughout the pregnancy, regularly checking in with the surrogate to ensure her wellbeing. Their partnership created the greatest gift of Trainor’s life—her daughter Mikey Moon.
Traumatic Birth Experience With Riley
Trainor’s previous pregnancies were marked by frightening complications that left lasting psychological scars. When Riley was born, he immediately struggled with breathing issues and spent days in the NICU.
While Riley fought for stability with Sabara by his side, Trainor remained alone on the surgical table for 45 minutes being sewn up. This separation during a critical moment created deep trauma.
Usually when you’re being sewn up for 45 minutes, you’re like, ‘Look at my gorgeous baby. We did it. This is everything.’ But I was laying there alone.
Trainor revealed to PEOPLE in 2023 that she developed post-traumatic stress disorder following Riley’s birth. The magnitude of what happened didn’t fully register until she processed it later.
In the moment, I was so drugged up, I was calling my mom, and she’s crying on the phone, like, ‘Are you okay?’ And I was like, ‘We’re fine.’ And then when I tell people what happened, they’re like, ‘Jesus Christ,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, that was kind of messed up, right?’ … I had to learn how traumatic that was.
Breaking Point After Barry’s Birth
Barry’s arrival brought similar challenges. Trainor hit what she called a “breaking point” while struggling with both mental and physical health issues postpartum.
In a January 2025 essay for Today.com, she described an intense panic attack while alone with her crying newborn. Her body felt like it was shutting down completely.
I was alone with Barry and he would not stop crying and then I was crying. I was having a panic attack and I was just over-exhausted, but I felt like I was dying. I felt if I stood up, I would pass out. I didn’t feel safe holding the baby and at the same time I felt like my body was giving up on me.
Why She Shares Her Struggles Publicly
Trainor, who authored pregnancy and parenting book Dear Future Mama in 2023, refuses to pretend motherhood is easy. She believes transparency helps other mothers feel less isolated.
Society expects mothers to appear fine regardless of what they’re experiencing internally. Trainor challenges this harmful expectation by discussing her darkest moments openly.
Having a kid is the hardest thing. When I talk to other moms about it, I’m like, ‘Isn’t this traumatic and crazy?’ And we’re expected to walk around like we’re fine. That’s why I want to share my own experience — to show other moms that they’re not alone, and also to encourage them to ask for help and seek support.
Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s survival. Trainor emphasizes the critical importance of building and utilizing support systems during the postpartum period.
Welcoming Mikey Moon
Trainor announced Mikey Moon’s arrival on Instagram January 20, expressing profound gratitude for everyone who made surrogacy possible. Her sons Riley and Barry participated by choosing their sister’s middle name.
The family is now enjoying precious time together bonding with their newest member. For Trainor, surrogacy provided safety where previous pregnancies brought danger—allowing her to expand her family without risking her health.
Her journey proves that there’s no single “right” way to become a parent. Whether through natural conception, surrogacy, adoption, or other methods, love defines family—not biology alone.