Part I:

I don’t have a big backstory that lead me to surrogacy. It was actually quite simple, I have easy pregnancies, love being pregnant so why wouldn’t I help someone?! I felt and still feel, that there isn’t a reason NOT to help someone else. Like if you’re in a parking lot and you see someone struggling to put something in their car and you know that you could easily help them, why wouldn’t you? It costs $0 to be a good person.

I remember receiving the profile for my IP. It wasn’t even a thought in my head for me to form an opinion about them if that makes sense. I don’t feel like you have to like someone to help them. Honestly, my concern was whether or not they’d like me! But, it wasn’t my place to like them or judge them. I signed up to help someone have a family and if a relationship formed, that would be a bonus but not something I would allow myself to hope for.

So, for me, one of the first of many “big” days arrived in December 2016. It was time to meet a potential Couple. As is BFI’s custom, they attended this event that they like to call a blind date. I am not kidding when I tell you that it only took 30 seconds for me to know that this was the Couple that I was meant to help. The moment the Intended Mother made eye contact with me, I felt like she was the reason I had signed up for this journey. Mark & I left the lunch knowing that we wanted to move forward, but we weren’t certain they felt the same way. We spoke about how difficult it must be for them when considering and selecting the woman who will carry their child. Knowing she and their baby would be thousands of miles away. As parents, it was difficult to fully imagine what they were feeling. We respected them all the more. Obviously, LOL, we picked each other and our journey began.

We’re so thankful that we were able to meet up with some of our Intended Parents in San Jose! Seeing them build relationships with each other as well is so rewarding. Thank you to all who attended!

#buildingfamiliesinc #bumble #timewellspent

The last time Dr. Parks at San Diego Fertility Center held this sweet bundle, he looked much different! We love when a couple is able to visit the clinic where their journey began with the baby in tow. Dr. Parks and the rest of the team at SDFC has been helping us create miracles for over 20 years. No matter how much time passes, each experience feels like the first!

We are over the moon to announce that Melissa’s two week wait is over and the pregnancy has been confirmed! Nataly is also confirmed pregnant and we couldn’t be happier for her and her couple! Congratulations all around!

Who is a surrogate? What kind of woman signs up to grow a child for a stranger? We are asked this time and time again from intended parents, curious friends, and anyone else we encounter. The short answer is that surrogate mothers are not one size fits all.

One surrogate mother describes herself as a busy mom of three who enjoys keeping a full calendar with her children’s school and extracurricular activities. We also have full time students, career women, small business owners, work at home moms, single moms, and every mom in between. In addition, a majority of the Building Families team have delivered surrogate babies.

While defining the types of women is complex, the commonalities are simple. As surrogates, we are all mothers that have the desire to share the experience of parenthood. We want to offer our intended parents the participation in the growth, delivery, and development of their child(ren) that physiology hasn’t granted them. It is that common goal that defines us as surrogate mothers.

Who are our surrogates? It is a seemingly simple question with one important answer.Our surrogates are fully vetted women who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and join our intended parents on their journey to sleepless nights…errr…parenthood.

As Stephanie and her surrogate enter the two-week wait, listen to her interview on Beat Infertility detailing her journey to surrogacy.

Listen to the podcast here: https://beatinfertility.co/unexplained-recurrent-loss-stephanie-journey/

#beatinfertility #intendedparents #infertilityawareness #buildingfamiliesinc

Our story starts off similar to a typical love story. We met, fell in love, had a beautiful wedding, bought a house, and started planning our family. It wasn’t too long before we realized “trying” for a family wasn’t going according to plan.

We soon found ourselves in a Fertility Clinic. We were so young at the time so naturally, our concerns were becoming more stressful. We spent three years as the youngest patients at the clinic. Finally, after many years, we were pregnant with our first baby! The feeling was indescribable. Amazing enough, my pregnancy was “textbook” so naturally, we tried again! We were blessed with the two amazing kids we were meant to have. Finally, a family of four!

When my daughter was about a year old I told my husband I was interested in becoming a surrogate. I called our Clinic, and spoke directly with my Fertility Dr. to ask who she recommended. Immediately, she said: “Carol Weathers with Building Families”. I made a phone call to Carol and my Surrogacy Journey began! Fast forward and I can proudly say I am a successful 3-time surrogate. All three experiences were different. Each of them was special in their own way. I always say, “ the birth of my surrogate babies, along with my own kids, is the greatest thing I have ever done.” Every year on their birthdays my heart swells with love and pride as I know I’ve given these families the greatest gift in the world.

I loved my Surrogacy’s so much I knew I wanted to stay connected to BFI in some way if possible. Carol was gracious enough to offer me a position as Case Manager in her company. I have loved every moment of being a part of her company. She provides a family feel throughout the company and there is truly nobody out there who does it better. The personal relationships she strives for are unmatched in the industry. I’m proud of my time as Building Families Team member and surrogate. I am grateful for the journey that has brought me here and can’t wait to see all of the beautiful families we are able to help create in the future.