Surrogate Stories

My decision to become a surrogate began after watching a friend's journey and realizing how deeply some people long to become parents. When I started my own journey, I connected with the intended mother immediately. She visited my home, met my family, and made me feel that we could move through the experience together.

The medical process was easier than I expected. My husband and mother helped with my injections, although the medication caused a persistent migraine. The embryo transfer itself was quick, calm, and painless.

My pregnancy began just before COVID-19 changed everyday life. The intended mother had hoped to attend every appointment, but restrictions prevented that. She continued checking on me and sometimes waited outside my doctor's office simply to show her support. I explained to my children that I was helping another family have a baby, and they accepted the pregnancy naturally. My husband focused on making sure I was physically and emotionally well.

The delivery went smoothly. The moment I remember most is watching the intended mother meet her son. She cried with happiness, and seeing her face light up made every difficult part worthwhile.

Recovery was faster than I expected because I could focus entirely on healing. Caring for a new kitten helped me redirect my nurturing energy afterward. I still check in with the family and enjoy receiving updates. BabyTree also gave me a supportive local community through surrogate lunches and family gatherings. My first journey was so meaningful that I would gladly help another family experience the same joy.

My path to surrogacy began when my sister learned she might have difficulty having another child. I offered to carry for her, but she later decided her family was complete. Years afterward, I met a BabyTree representative at a county fair and realized I could still help another family become parents.

I matched quickly because I was open-minded about the intended parents' background and preferences. Our first meeting was slightly awkward, especially with a translator, but it allowed us to ask honest questions. Once the journey began, I carefully organized every appointment, medication, and injection. My husband usually gave me the shots, though I learned to manage them myself when necessary.

The screening and embryo transfer were surprisingly simple. Carrying twins, however, was more physically demanding than my own pregnancies. My children, ages nine and twelve, understood that I was carrying babies for another mother and supported me throughout the pregnancy.

The twins arrived before our planned C-section, leading to an emergency procedure. Although unexpected, the delivery went well, and recovery was easier because I could focus on healing. Meeting the intended parents afterward became my favorite memory. They were completely in love with their daughters, and seeing their dream become real gave me an enormous sense of accomplishment.

We continued exchanging photos and staying in touch after the birth. BabyTree's staff also checked on me throughout the journey and long afterward, while surrogate gatherings connected me with women who understood the experience. I used my compensation to pay off debt and buy a much-needed vehicle, but the greatest reward was helping two people become parents. That is why I would choose surrogacy again.

I first considered surrogacy because I had friends who could not have a baby. Although their relationship ended, my desire to help someone build a family remained. I wanted another couple to experience the joy I felt every day as a mother.

Before starting, I learned what to expect, which made the medical process feel manageable. The screenings went smoothly, the medical team explained every step, and the embryo transfer was quiet and relaxing. I also enjoyed meeting the intended parents and understanding the family I would help create.

The pregnancy went very well. I carried twins to full term without bed rest, and the intended parents checked on me almost every week. When people asked about my pregnancy, I explained that I was safely carrying babies for someone who could not carry them. I gave my children the same simple explanation, and my family's support made the journey easier.

We initially hoped for a vaginal birth, but the doctor recommended a C-section for the twins' safety. The delivery went well, and I recovered quickly with help from my family. The most meaningful moment was seeing the intended parents meet their babies. Their smiles filled the room, and I knew the entire journey had been worthwhile.

We continued talking and sharing pictures after the birth. The experience also showed me the value of working with a local agency, because having knowledgeable people nearby made every stage feel supported and secure. My advice to future surrogates is to keep an open mind and an open heart. Helping a couple become parents was one of the happiest and most meaningful experiences of my life.