Gestational Surrogate Highlight - Carley
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Three Journeys, Countless Lessons, and a Heart for Helping Families Grow
For Carley, surrogacy became more than a one time experience. After experiencing pregnancy loss before welcoming her son, she realized how many families struggle with infertility and pregnancy loss. Knowing she had been blessed with a healthy pregnancy, she was inspired to help someone else experience the joy of becoming a parent.
Now on her third surrogacy journey, Carley has experienced firsthand how every journey is different. From navigating unexpected challenges during her first journey to witnessing the unforgettable moment intended parents met their baby during her second, each experience has strengthened her passion for helping families grow. Along the way, she has learned the importance of finding the right match, leaning on a supportive agency, and cherishing the meaningful relationships that continue long after delivery.
What was the moment you knew surrogacy was the right path for you?
I knew surrogacy was the right path for me shortly after having my son. Before becoming pregnant with him, I experienced a miscarriage, and that changed the way I looked at things. It made me realize how many women in my life had struggled with infertility and pregnancy loss. I was lucky to have a healthy pregnancy, and because of that, I knew I wanted to help someone become a parent.
How did your family or close friends react when you shared your decision to become a surrogate?
When I first told my family and friends I wanted to become a surrogate, they had a lot of questions. Since it was something most of us did not know much about, there were some concerns. But after doing a lot of research and finding Kindred, I was able to answer their questions and help them understand the process. Once they learned more about it, they became supportive of my decision.
What was your favorite part of the matching process with the intended parents?
My favorite part of the matching process is finally finding the right match. I love being a surrogate and would love to help everyone become a parent, but not every match is the right fit. It is such an amazing feeling when you finally connect with intended parents that you truly click with. It makes the whole journey feel even more special.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the surrogacy journey, and how did Kindred support you through it?
The biggest challenge I faced during my first surrogacy journey was that my intended father could not be at the birth because of COVID restrictions. I had always imagined handing the baby directly to the parent, so I was nervous about giving the baby to someone else. Kindred made sure I got to know the nanny who would be taking care of the baby until the father could come get him. This really helped put me at ease.
It was hard because everyone talks about that special moment when the parents meet their baby for the first time, and I did not get that experience. Kindred checked in on me and did everything they could to make sure I was okay emotionally afterward.
When it came time for my second journey, they remembered how important it was to me that the intended parents be at the delivery. They made sure to match me with intended parents they knew would be there.
How did you feel when you met the intended parents for the first time after delivery?
Seeing the intended parents meet their baby for the first time after delivery was such an emotional experience. The look on their faces when they saw their baby is something I will never forget. Watching that moment made everything worth it. I still get teary eyed thinking about it.
What surprised you most about the surrogacy experience?
What surprised me the most about the surrogacy experience was how some people handled the fact that I was carrying a baby for someone else. I expected that not everyone would understand, but I was still surprised by some of the comments and questions people felt comfortable asking me.
What role did Kindred's team play in making your journey feel personal or unique?
Kindred always made me feel like more than just a surrogate. They really took the time to get to know me and understand what was important to me throughout my journeys.
One thing that stood out to me was that they remembered how important it was for me to have the intended parents present at the delivery. They took that into consideration when matching me again, and it made my second journey even more meaningful.
If you could go back and talk to yourself before starting this journey, what would you say?
If I could go back and talk to myself before starting my first journey, I would say to wait for the right match. I took the first match that Kindred sent me, and I am so grateful I did because it was a special experience. But after matching with my second and third intended parents, I realized it is worth being patient. Finding the right match makes the journey even more meaningful.
What’s a small detail from your journey that you’ll always remember?
A small detail from my journey I will always remember is telling my intended parent that the baby had been having hiccups for a couple of days. The intended father was so concerned that it was bothering me that he apologized and said he hoped it would stop soon. I let him know that it was not bothering me at all.
This moment showed me how caring and thoughtful the parents are, and it is something I will never forget.
How did you celebrate or mark the end of your surrogacy journey?
I did not really do anything to celebrate the end of my surrogacies. I do make sure to bring a Coke with me to the hospital to enjoy after delivery, and a few days after I get home, I go out for sushi.
The best part was getting so many messages from my family and friends thanking me for what I had done. That made it feel like a celebration.
Carley's Journey Continues
Now on her third surrogacy journey, Carley continues to lead with compassion, patience, and an unwavering desire to help families grow. Each experience has taught her something new, from the importance of finding the right match to cherishing the unforgettable moments that make surrogacy so meaningful.
Her story is a reminder that every surrogacy journey is unique.
While there may be challenges along the way, the relationships built, the lives changed, and the dreams fulfilled make every step worthwhile. Through each journey, Carley has remained committed to giving intended parents the incredible gift of parenthood while creating lifelong memories and meaningful connections of her own.
At Kindred Surrogacy, we are honored to walk alongside incredible women like Carley. Her kindness, resilience, and dedication continue to inspire everyone around her, and we cannot wait to see the memories she creates on her third journey.
Interested in learning more about becoming a gestational surrogate or working with Kindred Surrogacy? Visit our website for more stories and information.
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