Janine’s Surrogacy Story

What month and year was/were your surrogate baby/babies born?

April 2025

What originally inspired you to look into surrogacy?

My situation was a bit different than normal. I didn't actually look into surrogacy. My friend needed a surrogate so I told her I was willing to become hers. I was inspired to help her and her family, so it was very specific to the situation.

What was your favorite or most memorable moment during this whole process?

I had several very memorable moments during the process. One was getting the call from the Intended Parents to inform me that we were pregnant. Another one was when we had the first ultrasound to confirm the heart beat.

What was the most unexpected part of this process?

The most unexpected part of this process was the "before getting pregnant part." All the mock cycles and transfer cycles were challenging at times and the multiple appointments to draw blood became a lot to navigate. I was not expecting that and of course it was completely necessary.

How was the pregnancy and how involved were the Intended Parents during the pregnancy?

The pregnancy itself was great. I felt very supported and overall healthy. The Intended Parents were very active. They (mostly my friend) came to all appointments.

How did you talk to other people about the process, like your friends and family? Even strangers?

In the beginning it was challenging because we were trying to respect the privacy of the intended parents. Since we are part of the same social group we had to be careful with who we told and when. So we originally only told very close and immediate family members. Once the intended parents shared the news on their own timeline, we (myself and my husband) were able to discuss it with others more broadly. With strangers, we were very direct. "I am a surrogate for my best friend..." Sometimes they had follow up questions but for the most part everyone was very supportive and kind.

How did you talk to your kids about surrogacy before, during and after the birth?

We did not discuss the surrogacy process with our kids (5 years old and 8 years old) before the process. Once I was pregnant and we knew the intended parents were going to share the news, we read the book The Kind Koala. It was great! It helped us have a wonderful discussion as a family. We revisited the book throughout the pregnancy and spoke very openly about the baby, who the baby belonged to and what would happen after the birth.

How was your delivery and post-pregnancy?

Delivery went very well. We thankfully had wonderful nurses who made everyone in the room (myself, my husband and intended parents) feel welcomed and supported. We were all in the delivery room together and shortly after birth went to our separate rooms. It worked out well for us. The post-pregnancy has been good overall. I am healthy and recovering. It is definitely important to plan for recovery. I sort of thought I would bounce back immediately and that is not true. My body is still regaining it's strength back.

What were your feelings when you saw the IP(s) hold their baby/babies for the first time?

I was elated. It was a very special moment. I felt a sense of calm and relief that everything turned out so well and that the baby was healthy.

What was one thing you wished you would have had in your hospital bag that you forgot?

I don't think I forgot anything... I know how much I appreciated having someone bring me food and a cold lemonaide after the delivery once we were in our own rooms. It was such a nice treat.

What did your kid(s) and/or partner say when meeting the baby?

My kids were very happy and excited to see the baby. They wanted to meet her and hold her. My partner was part of the entire process, which was wonderful.

What is your relationship and contact with the Intended Parents now?

We had a close relationship and continue to do so. We text very often. I have seen the baby twice in the month since delivery. We also communicate more often because I am pumping and we discuss milk pick ups.

What were some of the benefits of working with an agency?

The agency was a wonderful mediator. Even though we were very close friends ( or maybe more so because of that fact) it was great to have someone who could hear concerns from both parties (surrogate and IPs) and then provide guidance. It was also helpful to have someone who knew the process, reminded us about steps in the process and just overall provided us with a roadmap in a way we could understand the next steps. Working with an agency was invaluable.

What words of wisdom would you share with other/newer gestational carriers?

I think working with an agency is imperative. Making sure you voice your needs and desires throughout the process.

Is there anything else you want to add about your experience?

Overall, my experience with Colorado Surrogacy/Bright Futures Families has been amazing. I have felt super supported and appreciated.