I never set out to become a surrogate. In fact, my surrogacy journey kind of fell into my lap.
One day, a friend who was a surrogate started sharing her experience with me. As she spoke about her reasons and what the journey meant to her, I realized that everything she said echoed my feelings. Over the years, I had watched friends and family struggle with infertility and the kind of heartbreak that doesn’t always get talked about, but lingers deeply. I had also been blessed with easy pregnancies and felt a strong pull in my heart to help. It suddenly clicked: I could do this. I needed to do this.
That night, I went home and told my husband everything I had learned. His initial reaction was understandable—he didn’t feel comfortable with it. And honestly, I had my fears, too. What if something went wrong? What if this affected our family or my health? Surrogacy was still something very few people talked about openly, and there was a lot of unknown ahead.
But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was meant to help someone in this way. So, I did what I do best when facing something scary: I researched. I read, I asked questions, and I connected with other surrogates. And slowly, my husband and I both began to feel more comfortable with the idea. Eventually, we decided to take the first step.
Starting the Journey: The Match That Almost Didn’t Happen
We reached out to an agency recommended by a friend who originally opened my eyes to surrogacy. But even then, we hesitated. Surrogacy was still relatively unknown at the time, and we worried about being scammed or getting involved with an agency that wouldn’t look out for our best interests.
The application and screening process was a mix of excitement and anxiety. Every step brought me closer to this incredible goal. The agency was friendly during the screening phase, and I felt hopeful.
But when it came time to match, the experience shifted. I didn’t feel supported. The agency started sending me multiple intended parent (IP) profiles, none of which ended up working out. The process dragged on. Being young, healthy, and eager, I never expected it to take over six months to be matched. I reached the point where I almost gave up.
And then—they arrived.
The agency sent me one more profile. I read it and immediately felt something. They were perfect. We had our first meeting, and it felt right. I was officially matched, and I couldn’t wait to begin.
The First Pregnancy: Joy, Fear, and That Moment I’ll Never Forget
As my journey began, I leaned even more into the bond with my intended parents. I didn’t just keep them updated on how their baby was doing, I shared pieces of my everyday life, how my kids were, and what I was experiencing emotionally and physically. We built a real relationship based on trust and connection.
But behind the scenes, the agency’s support dwindled. I often felt alone in navigating the process, and it was tough, especially because my husband was deployed during that time. Thankfully, I had an amazing group of friends who stepped up to help with my kids and offered the support I needed to keep moving forward.
The pregnancy itself was a blessing as I had no major complications, no bed rest, and carried surrogate twins to full term. But then came the unexpected: I was told I’d need a C-section. It was my first one ever, and I was terrified. Facing it without my husband only made the fear stronger. But with the support of my friends and my amazing IPs, I delivered two beautiful, healthy babies.
I’ll never forget the moment they held their children for the first time. My heart overflowed. The emotion, the pride, the deep sense of purpose, it’s impossible to put into words. But I knew: I did that. I helped make their family whole.
The Second Journey: Redemption and Real Support
After that first journey, I couldn’t ignore the desire to do it again. The experience was so powerful, so rewarding, that I felt called to help another family. But I was hesitant. The lack of support from the first agency had left a sour taste, and I wasn’t sure I could go through that part again.
One of my surrogate friends, someone who had also used that agency, told me she was doing her second journey through a different agency and encouraged me to reach out. After some hesitation, I did.
Immediately, I felt the difference. From the very first call, the staff made me feel heard and supported. During the screening, I had a phone consult with their doctor. As soon as we started, I began talking about my medical history, but he stopped me. He said, “Thank you for that, but I don’t need it. I’ve read your records. I want to know you—as a mom, as a friend, as a person.”
I was speechless. I’d never had a doctor care that deeply about who I was beyond the medical side of things. From that moment on, I knew I had found the right agency. Every interaction was full of compassion. Every appointment felt like I mattered, not just as a surrogate, but as a human being.
The agency supported me every step of the way. My case manager even flew across the country to be with me for the delivery, even though my husband was able to be there this time. That kind of care made all the difference.
Another Beautiful Ending
My second IPs were just as incredible as the first. We built another strong connection, and I carried their baby with love and pride. The difference this time was that I never felt alone. I felt supported, understood, and valued throughout the entire process.
Now, even after both journeys are over, I’m lucky enough to still have contact with both families. We don’t talk every day, but the birthday wishes, the updates, and the smiles in photos remind me that I was a part of something truly life-changing.
Final Thoughts: Why I Did It—and Why I’d Do It Again
Becoming a surrogate changed my life in ways I never imagined. It challenged me, pushed me, and filled my heart in the most unexpected ways. The feeling of giving someone something they’ve longed for, the joy, the love, the family, it’s unlike anything else.
Yes, there were fears. Yes, it took time. And yes, there were ups and downs. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Because in the end, I didn’t just carry babies. I carried hope. I carried dreams. I carried love. And I’ll always be proud of that.
Interested in becoming a Surrogate? We’re Here to Help.
Every surrogate’s journey is unique, and it’s completely normal to want answers before taking the first step. If you’re curious about surrogacy and want to learn more, reach out to the Pinnacle Surrogacy team today at 877-261-0392 or fill out our quick interest form to see if you qualify.
Michael Anderson is a seasoned journalist and author with a knack for storytelling. His years of experience covering current events and cultural trends have given him a deep understanding of human nature, which he skillfully weaves into his narratives. Michael’s work often explores complex societal issues with empathy and insight.
