Why I Became a Surrogate: A Personal Surrogacy Journey of Hope, Infertility and Family
With so much negativity surrounding the surrogacy world right now, I feel strongly that it’s important to shine a light on the positive journeys, too. To remind people that while difficult situations do happen, they are rare compared to the countless beautiful, life-changing ones that happen every day.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing so many of these journeys as a Case Manager, but I’ve also experienced the magic of surrogacy personally as a Surrogate.
My journey began after a very close family member struggled with infertility. I offered to carry for her, and although I never had the opportunity to do so, that experience left a lasting impression on me. It sparked something deep within my soul and fueled my desire to help another family.
In 2020, in the midst of the uncertainty and fallout of COVID, I was referred to Family Makers Surrogacy—and I quickly learned that their name truly meant something. They cared. They supported you. They treated you like family. And, most importantly, they helped me find the perfect match.
I was matched with Intended Parents who quickly became dear friends. We shared so many of the same interests and values, but it was their story, their journey through infertility that truly touched my heart!
Thankfully, the IVF gods were on our side, and our very first transfer was successful. I had the incredible honor of carrying their baby to term, with only a few minor hiccups along the way. At 37 weeks, I was diagnosed with gestational hypertension and was induced.
And then came the moment that changed everything. A healthy, beautiful baby was born and placed into the loving arms of the couple who had waited, hoped, prayed, and longed for her for years. To say that moment altered the course of my life would be an understatement.
When you witness someone so deserving finally become a parent after enduring the heartbreak of infertility, I truly believe it’s something your heart never forgets. The love, emotion, gratitude, and pure joy that exist in that single moment is completely intoxicating.
That moment is what ultimately drove my passion to become a Case Manager. I wanted to help create more of those moments for other families.
Are there hard days? Absolutely. There are moments that can be absolutely heartbreaking and incredibly difficult. But in my experience, the good days have always far outweighed the bad.
The triumph of delivery day is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. The compassion, kindness, selflessness, and genuine intention of the people I’ve met through these journeys have, in so many ways, restored my faith in humanity.
So, while the difficult stories deserve to be acknowledged and addressed, I also want to make space for the beautiful ones!
Because behind the headlines and the negativity are thousands of families, surrogates, and professionals walking through extraordinary journeys together.... and so many of those stories end with something truly incredible: a baby, a family, and a love that will last a lifetime
For all of my fellow surrogates - and Intended Parents, I encourage you to share those beautiful, heartwarming surrogacy stories - because the world needs more positivity and love!
~Ashley C.
