A Surrogate shares her story

My First surrogacy journey

My IVF success story starts in 2005, when I started researching information about being a surrogate mother. I wanted to be able to stay home with my one year old daughter and still contribute to our family’s income. What better way than to be able to carry someone’s baby for them! Afterall, I loved being pregnant! I read up and learned that there are two types of surrogacy, traditional and gestational. I thought gestational surrogacy would be a better fit for me, personally (I would only be the carrier).

I saw two ads in local magazines about agency’s looking for surrogate mothers. I thought to myself I could REALLY do this. I called the first agency, the lady on the phone was not friendly and not warm at all. I decided to call another agency, which was “Surrogate Alternatives.” When I called, the woman who answered was so happy to speak with me, and gave me so much information about the entire process. I was excited to get the process started!

My first surrogacy journey was with a wonderful couple who just wanted to have the joy of becoming parents! We started our friendship immediately with phone conversations and emails. We discussed our options if the IVF transfer did not take. They did not ever want to give up. Then I received my calendar and soon, I knew I would begin hormone medications. It was all worth it to me, to help this couple become parents. The medications made me very emotional and tired, but I became determined. Especially because of the friendship between myself and my couple. Then we received our calendar of dates from our IVF physician. We could not wait till our embryo transfer date!

The IVF transfer day came and my emotions were running deep. My husband was there with me for support. I couldn’t believe that I could possibly be pregnant today! I definitely felt pregnant with all the hormone injections and medication I was taking. The bed rest part was so boring, considering I am used to being an on-the-go girl with my kids, so three days where I am only able to use the rest room was VERY hard on me. Luckily I had my husband and kids to make me meals, they were so good too me! My Intended Parents also made me a goodie bag full of magazines, books and DVD’s to help pass the time. Once my bed rest was complete, I went on with normal life. I felt more tired than usual due to the medications, or I so thought. I took a home pregnancy test 10 days after the embryo transfer and it came up POSITIVE! I was so thrilled for my couple, but I knew not to get my hopes up until the HCG blood draw.

Finally, the date came and the blood results were as I hoped, positive with a strong number of 189. We were so excited for the upcoming ultrasound. It seemed like there was always something to look forward to on this wonderful journey.

During the ultrasound, we discovered there was one healthy strong heartbeat. We recorded the ultrasound because the Intended Parents could not be there, due to distance. But they were immediately contacted after the ultrasound to let them know the results. I was so excited to start this wonderful journey for Intended Parents that so deserved to be parents. I was so happy to be part of this journey with them.

The pregnancy was very uneventful and I gave routine updates to my Intended Parents every two weeks. I loved to hear the excitement in their voice during our calls. At Christmas time, I went to have a special 4D ultrasound done, that way they could find out the sex of the baby as their Christmas present. We found out on December 23rd it was a GIRL! I mailed them the DVD and all of the pictures, I even included a stuffed animal that had a recording of their daughter’s heart beat. They loved it! Our friendship become stronger, they told me they appreciated everything I was doing for them. I let them know, that this is something I chose to do, and I was thrilled they were going to be parents.

After every month that went by, we got more excited for the upcoming birth. The Intended Parents came to California about a month before my due date. We went out to dinner, to the movies, and did all sorts of activities. Then the BIG day came for my scheduled c-section. We were lucky enough to have a delivery nurse allow the Intended Mother to come in to the OR for the delivery. Right when her daughter was born, she was given straight to her Mother. It was amazing! Seeing my surrogate daughter being held by HER Mother for the first time was indescribable. There were no words for it! The best part is that isn’t even the end of my surrogacy story! The relationship I now have with them is still wonderful. We both consider each other, extended family always. I receive pictures every month, and I enjoy seeing my surrogate daughter grow up. I love that I was a part of the beginning of her existence……