Katrina

WHAT MONTH AND YEAR WAS/WERE YOUR SURROGATE BABY BORN?

November 2020

WHAT ORIGINALLY INSPIRED YOU TO LOOK INTO SURROGACY?

When I was 16 I read an article about surrogacy and I knew that someday I would absolutely love to be a surrogate. After having my own kids I knew it was the perfect time, my children brought me so much joy and happiness I just knew surrogacy was for me. To be able to help complete or help start a family and bring that kind of joy to someone else is incredible.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT DURING THIS WHOLE PROCESS?

My favorite moment of the whole process, hands down would be the day baby was born. To see both parents face light up when they laid eyes on their baby for the first time is something I will forever cherish. The friendship we created throughout our journey will always be a special bond as well.

WHAT WAS THE MOST UNEXPECTED PART OF THIS PROCESS?

For me the most unexpected thing was having to have a csection! I was so nervous as all my previous births were natural. In the end everything worked out for the best!

HOW WAS THE MATCHING PROCESS?

The matching process was so easy!
I loved that we had someone from the agency there with us, made me feel at ease and comfortable. Meeting anyone for the first time is always nerve racking, but I left feeling like it went well & sure enough it did.

HOW WAS THE PREGNANCY AND HOW INVOLVED WERE THE INTENDED PARENTS DURING THE PREGNANCY?

The pregnancy went as well as it could have. The ips were very much involved, well as well as they could be. We had transfer right before everything was shut down by COVID-19. After that they were only allowed at one OB appointment and that was the 3D ultrasound we had done at 30 weeks. I kept them up to date after every appointment and we talked regularly.

HOW WAS YOUR DELIVERY AND POST-PREGNANCY?

Delivery went well! Had a big healthy baby boy. Post pregnancy has been great so far.

WHAT WERE YOUR FEELINGS WHEN YOU SAW THE IP(S) HOLD THEIR BABY/BABIES FOR THE FIRST TIME?

It was such an incredible moment I felt so much happiness and joy, for the baby to finally meet his loving parents. I knew I was put on this earth to be a surrogate to help and make a difference.

WHAT WAS ONE THING YOU WISHED YOU WOULD HAVE HAD IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG THAT YOU FORGOT?

Honestly after 4 previous births I think this time I actually had everything I needed. Ha!!

WHAT DID YOUR KID(S) AND/OR PARTNER SAY WHEN MEETING THE BABY?

Sadly Due to COVID I wasn’t allowed to have anyone besides ips be there. My husband came to visit me after my cesection, so my husband nor my kids got to meet the baby this time. Hopefully once the baby is older we can all see each other again. For now pictures is how we see baby, and they love updates just as much as I do.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH AN AGENCY?

I loved that I had them to talk to at anytime. Somebody always got back to me so quickly if I needed anything and I felt like I was taken care of always. I delivered baby a few months ago and they still check up on me to ask how I am doing! I adore the agency so much.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM WOULD YOU SHARE WITH OTHER/NEWER GESTATIONAL CARRIERS?

Do your research! The process can be long and intense sometimes. Having a great support system is a must.

IF YOU DECIDED TO BE A GESTATIONAL CARRIER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD BE THE REASON?

I would absolutely do it again! I loved everything from start to finish. I would love to help grow another family.
I couldn’t imagine anything better than helping someone again.