Kayla

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

December 2023

What originally inspired you to look into surrogacy?

I really enjoyed pregnancy and wanted to help a couple struggling with infertility.

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

Giving birth. The birth went exactly how we planned it and seeing the parents hold their baby that they had waited so long for was the absolute best.

What was the most unexpected part of this process?

The most unexpected part of the process was how many hands went into making this happen- the intended parents, the surrogate, the agency, the IVF clinic, monitoring clinic, psychologist, the hospital staff- the list goes on. Its beautiful to see so many people come together to help welcome a very wanted baby into the world.

How was the matching process?

The matching process was very smooth. The agency matched us based on how we filled out our applications. We then got to view each others profiles and learn more about one another prior to meeting on a zoom call. Once we agreed to move forward, we exchanged phone numbers and got to know one another.

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

The pregnancy went great- I talked to the intended mother on a weekly basis and we got together any time we were in each others states.

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

I loved answering questions from friends, family and strangers. Everyone's initial reaction was normally surprised, but most people thought it was awesome and it led to a lot of education on the topic.

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

My son turned two years old when I was about 4 months pregnant with surrogate baby. He was too young to understand at first, but once my belly got bigger and he was a little older, I explained to him that I had a baby in my belly and when the baby comes out, we are going to give her to her mommy and daddy. My son thinks this is a totally normal behavior and I love that surrogacy has been normalized for him right from the start. After the baby was born, my son met the baby and watched the baby go home with her parents. Whenever the parents send me pictures, I always show them to my son and tell him that was the baby we grew- he loves it.

How was your delivery and post-pregnancy?

Delivery was excellent. This being my second birth, my body was more familiar on what to do. For post-partum, I still dealt with some post partum emotions, but they didn't last and I was back to feeling like myself a few months after birth. I was able to put a lot of focus towards my own healing since I did not have a newborn to look after.

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

My heart just felt pure joy- they were so happy, it was the best feeling.

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

They thought she was very cute and were so happy for the intended family. My two year old son was so excited to meet and hold the baby.

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

I talk with the intended parents a couple of times a month, we catch up and send updated pictures of our kids. We also keep in touch through social media.

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

The agency was so incredibly helpful from the very start. They helped me get everything together that I needed for the application process- they were always available to answer any questions. Once we were matched, we were placed with Ashley and I could not speak higher of her. She helped with any and everything and was always available for me. She helped me with booking flights, managing money, helping with lawyers, and talked me through SO many questions. She was the best and this journey would not have been what it was without her.

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

Most people think what you are doing is wonderful, but some people tend to get hung up on you "giving the baby away" at birth. No matter how much you educate them to explain that it is not your baby or how much you try to express your feelings on the subject, they just don't get it- and that is okay! Not everyone will get it and that makes what you're doing even more special because not just anyone could do this.

If you decided to be a gestational carrier again, what would be the reason?

For the same reason as this journey- I want to use my love of pregnancy to help deserving couples have their baby's.