Kelsey, a dedicated lactation consultant from Cincinnati, Ohio, joins Kristin to share her remarkable journey as a gestational surrogate Through candid and emotional storytelling, Kelsey brings to life the profound impact surrogacy has had on her and her intended parents' lives. Themes of family, connection, and selflessness shine through as Kelsey narrates her experiences, offering valuable insights into the world of surrogacy.

The episode explores the powerful process of matching with intended parents, overcoming initial awkwardness during Zoom calls, and the transformation of her relationship with her intended parents into a genuine connection. Kelsey's journey stands as a testament to the power of empathy and compassion in forming unbreakable bonds, highlighting the importance of intuition in surrogacy and the challenges surrogates may face with IVF medications. The discussion also delves into creating birth plans for surrogacy deliveries, sharing surrogacy stories with friends and family, and offering advice to potential surrogates. Overall, today’s episode reveals the emotional and physical aspects of surrogacy with candid conversations that shed light on a journey filled with intuition, challenges, and ultimately, profound fulfillment. Throughout, it showcases the extraordinary impact of surrogacy, where bonds are forged, families are created, and selflessness knows no bounds.

Thank you for listening!

If you'd like to learn more about surrogacy, you can visit our website. If you'd like to chat with one of our team members, please reach out:

• Become a surrogate (email: applications@circlesurrogacy.com)
• Become a parent (email: info@circlesurrogacy.com)
• Become an egg donor (email: eggdonation@circlesurrogacy.com)

We'd love to hear your story and see how we can support you.

In this latest episode, listeners are invited to join in a remarkable journey—the awe-inspiring tale of Stephen and JR, two loving souls who embarked upon the path of surrogacy and egg donation to fulfill their dreams of parenthood. Their story here today makes for a wonderful listen as a very special duo joins them for the discussion: Stephen's parents, Ann Marie and Tom. We hear from the grandparents as they lovingly share their unique perspective, shedding light on the remarkable bond that surrogacy has created within their family and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary woman who brought their newest grandchild into the world.

Throughout the episode, Stephen and JR recount their inspiring journey, revealing the origins of their desire for parenthood and the fortuitous involvement of close friends in the realm of surrogacy. Their unwavering determination and the obstacles they encountered while seeking the perfect match, including navigating the creation of embryos and searching for a trusted agency, are discussed. The fruition of their search is also revealed—the discovery of their truly extraordinary surrogate, Kristen—and their story becomes intricately woven with the threads of Kristen's selflessness, resulting in a celebration of love, parenthood....and grandparenthood.

Grandparents' Day was Sunday, September 10th and we are celebrating all month long with this special podcast episode.

Thank you for listening!

If you'd like to learn more about surrogacy, you can visit our website. If you'd like to chat with one of our team members, please reach out:

• Become a surrogate (email: applications@circlesurrogacy.com)
• Become a parent (email: info@circlesurrogacy.com)
• Become an egg donor (email: eggdonation@circlesurrogacy.com)

We'd love to hear your story and see how we can support you.

This episode contains sensitive content about pregnancy loss.

In this episode of The Family Circle podcast, Tara shares her journey to motherhood, which involved IVF, secondary infertility, surrogacy, and multiple miscarriages. Throughout her story, Tara discusses the emotional turmoil she went through, from the joy of getting pregnant to the heartache of losing a baby, and the stress of waiting to start IVF. Despite the challenges, Tara's story highlights the resilience and determination of parents who go through infertility, and her openness and humor provide insight into her journey to motherhood.

In recounting her experience after suffering the loss of her first surrogate baby, Tara also reflects upon what it was like working with an agency overseas and the difference in support she received compared to her first experience with surrogacy. The emotional journey of surrogacy, how it impacted her mental health, and the magical connection that was formed with her surrogate are also discussed. As you will hear, today’s episode provides powerful testimonies to the strength and determination of parents who go through infertility and surrogacy. Through the stories shared, the emotional and logistical challenges of these processes become clear, as well as the resilience and joy that come with finally having the family one has dreamed of. Listen in to today’s conversation for valuable insight and perspectives and witness the insurmountable power of perseverance and hope.

Episode Highlights:

• Tara’s IVF and surrogacy experiences
• The emotional toll of facing infertility and multiple miscarriages
• The late-term loss that Tara faced
• How she found humor throughout her journey
• Some words of inspiration for others who are going through infertility
• Tara’s experience of working with Circle
• Her mental health journey
• Finding a surrogate match
• The difference between her first and second surrogacy experience
• The emotional connection that forms with your surrogate
• Cultural differences between surrogacy in the UK and the US.
• The importance of being respectful throughout the surrogacy process

Thank you for listening!

If you'd like to learn more about surrogacy, you can visit our website. If you'd like to chat with one of our team members, please reach out:

• Become a surrogate (email: applications@circlesurrogacy.com)
• Become a parent (email: info@circlesurrogacy.com)
• Become an egg donor (email: eggdonation@circlesurrogacy.com)

We'd love to hear your story and see how we can support you.