Gestational Surrogate Highlight - Shay

Discover Shay’s powerful and deeply emotional journey as a two-time gestational surrogate with Kindred Surrogacy, where resilience, connection, and unwavering heart come together to help build families.

A Journey Rooted in Compassion

Shay’s path to surrogacy began with empathy and a desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood. A devoted mother, she was inspired after someone close to her shared their infertility struggles. What started as research to support a friend quickly became a calling of her own. Since then, Shay has completed two surrogacy journeys, each uniquely meaningful in its own way. In this heartfelt Q&A, Shay opens up about her challenges, triumphs, and the meaningful relationships she built along the way.

What was the moment you knew surrogacy was the right path for you? 

“I realized I wanted to pursue surrogacy when my best friend shared that she had endometriosis and was unable to have children,” Shay shares. “After she told me, we began researching surrogacy together. However, she later became nervous about becoming a single mother and decided to explore other options. Even after she stepped away, I knew this was still something I wanted to do to help someone else build a family. That’s when I reached out to Kindred, and the rest is history.” Her decision was grounded in compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference.

How did your family or close friends react when you shared your decision to become a surrogate? 

Shay’s journey began with questions and concern from her loved ones. “When I first told my family, there was a lot of confusion,” she explains. “My husband didn’t fully understand the process at first and even asked if it meant I would have to be unfaithful.” Through open conversations and research, understanding grew. “My mom was very nervous because of the risks, but her concerns came from a place of love. I felt confident in my decision—I was healthy, committed, and passionate about helping someone create a family.” Over time, her confidence helped transform hesitation into support.

What was your favorite part of the matching process with the intended parents? 

For Shay, connection was everything. “My favorite part was getting to know the intended parents. Seeing their faces for the first time, whether in person or over video chat, was something I can’t fully put into words,” she says. “Building a relationship with people who were once strangers and knowing we were about to go through such a life-changing journey together was truly special.” What began as a match quickly turned into a meaningful bond.

Can you share a memorable moment from your pregnancy that made you feel connected to the parents? 

One unexpected moment left a lasting impact on Shay. “During my pregnancy with the twins, we lost contact for a short time due to a phone issue,” she recalls. “When I finally reconnected with the intended father, he was so relieved and emotional, saying how worried he had been about me.” That moment shifted everything. “It showed me how much he truly cared—not just about the babies, but about me. It deepened our connection in a way I’ll never forget.”

What was the biggest challenge you faced during the surrogacy journey, and how did Kindred support you through it? 

Shay faced one of the most difficult hurdles a surrogate can experience. “The biggest challenge was struggling to become pregnant. The embryos weren’t sticking, and after multiple attempts, I began to lose hope,” she shares honestly. “I felt like I was letting my intended parents down.” After nearly two years, switching clinics, and creating new embryos, she finally became pregnant. “Kindred supported me every step of the way. They checked on me constantly, reassured me, and reminded me it wasn’t my fault—even when I struggled to believe that.” Their support transformed a difficult journey into one filled with strength and perseverance.

How did you feel when you met the intended parents for the first time after delivery? 

“The moment they held their baby for the first time made everything worth it,” Shay says. But one memory stands above the rest. “When the twins’ father met them for the first time after waiting two years, it felt like something out of a movie. It was so emotional and powerful. Even though they came early, that moment was everything. I just remember thinking, ‘Thank God they’re finally here.’”

What surprised you most about the surrogacy experience? 

“What surprised me most was how long everything takes,” Shay admits. “From appointments to medications to each phase of the journey, it requires so much patience. It’s something I didn’t fully understand before starting.” Her experience highlights the importance of resilience throughout the process.

How has being a surrogate changed the way you view family or community? 

Surrogacy reshaped Shay’s perspective in profound ways. “It’s made me appreciate my own children even more and the gift of being able to carry life,” she shares. “Not everyone has that opportunity.” The experience also deepened her compassion. “I’ve learned so much about infertility and what families go through. It’s made me even more passionate about helping others.”

What role did Kindred’s team play in making your journey feel personal or unique? 

“Kindred made me feel seen and valued from the very beginning,” Shay says. “Over time, the connection grew into something deeper—like family. It wasn’t something I realized I needed, but it changed me in the best way.” The relationships she built became one of the most meaningful parts of her journey.

If you could go back and talk to yourself before starting this journey, what would you say? 

Shay’s advice to her past self is filled with strength and grace: “Be patient—this journey takes time. Believe in yourself and never blame yourself, because it’s not you. You were chosen for a reason, and nothing is wrong with you. Stay focused on the bigger picture and remember why you started.”

What’s a small detail from your journey that you’ll always remember? 

“I’ll always remember the relationships I built—the connections, the support, the love,” Shay reflects. “It meant more than I ever expected.”

How did you celebrate or mark the end of your surrogacy journey? 

For Shay, the ending was really a beginning. “I was able to build deeper, more personal relationships with both families,” she shares. “We spent time together talking, sharing meals, and reflecting on everything we went through.” These moments brought everything full circle. “It wasn’t just about the end of the process—it was about celebrating the life we helped bring into the world and the bond we created. Those relationships will always be a part of my life.”

A Story of Strength, Patience, and Connection 

Shay’s surrogacy journey with Kindred Surrogacy is a powerful reminder that the path to helping build a family isn’t always easy—but it is always meaningful. Through perseverance, compassion, and deep connection, Shay not only helped bring life into the world across two journeys, but also built lasting relationships that will stay with her forever. Her story is an inspiring testament to the impact one person can have when they lead with heart.

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