2020 is the year we will never forget. The COVID-19 global pandemic is taking the world by storm; closing schools, businesses and restaurants. Uncertainty and anxiety are record high as people scramble and try to figure out their next move.

Staci Swiderski, CEO of Family Source Consultants, states “As intended parents have been waiting for this day to finally arrive to meet their son or daughter that they have been longing for, now the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is adding a new layer of anxiety for all parties involved. For our intended parents who are approaching their due date via surrogacy, whether domestic or international, it is essential that everyone is prepared for unexpected processes as every hospital and birthing center will differ as most are taking new measures to protect patients and staff, excluding extra people from the delivery room in an effort to keep the gestational surrogate and baby safe.”

FSC is remaining proactive every day to ensure that our intended parents and surrogates are fully prepared and well informed so that they can focus on their journey, pregnancy and soon to be little miracle.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises pregnant women to follow physical distancing guidelines, and thankfully thus far scientists have found no evidence that pregnant women who test positive for COVID-19 can transmit it to the baby.

COVID-19 has its way of showing us what’s important in life – family. When looking at the bright side, the stay at home order has given thousands of families an opportunity to cherish one another, make up for lost time and develop deeper bonds. Although, we must not forget the superwomen surrogates who are carrying a miracle in midst of the pandemic.

“Pregnancy is never easy. There are so many unforeseen twists and turns. Although you can’t control what is happening inside utero, you usually can control what happens on the outside. Except when there is a worldwide pandemic.

Appointments must be rescheduled or moved to another location. In my case, this has happened more than twice. I’ve had to see my OB in another location due to a high volume of patients in my usual location. Although it is frustrating, I’m glad that my Dr. has taken her pregnant patients’ health into a higher consideration.

Having no control over when this pandemic will end has me worried about my Intended Parents and what the future holds when baby decides to come. It’s out of our control who can be in the delivery room. It’s out of our control when they can hold their baby for the first time. My heart hurts for their unknown future with the family they have been waiting so long to create. Thankfully, they are always optimistic, and I know they will make the best out of whatever situation is thrown at us.

During this pandemic I lost control of my ability to live life how I want it. With my previous pregnancy I was always out doing something with my family. I had plans of being very active with this surro-baby as well, but all I can do now is take a walk down my block. It’s unfortunate, but I know in other countries they can’t even do that.

There as so many things out of our control during this pandemic. There’s a lot of uncertainty and worries, especially while being a surrogate. Yet, there ways to see the positives. I’m blessed to be able to have my family altogether during this time, making new memories at home, and to be carrying healthy baby. ” – TeamFSC Surrogate, Rebecca – IL

“One blessing during this pandemic is that I have gotten much needed rest. I had a rough first trimester with nausea and being able to relax and not be on the hustle everyday was very helpful. I am not due until October, but I am worried that my Intended Parents might have trouble traveling as they are from China. I am also worried about not having them both present for the birth. I’m praying that around the time of October we will have less restrictions and everything will be smooth.” – TeamFSC Surrogate, Amber – TX

“When I came into surrogacy, I knew but also didn’t know the challenges I’d face until I experienced them firsthand. It is been a great journey so far! I have developed a sweet relationship with my Intended Parents and being only three hours apart, we looked forward to spending some quality time getting to know each other’s families.

When the stay at home order was set in place for COVID -19, all those plans suddenly vanished. There was anxiousness surrounding future appointments, sadness that my Intended Parents could not attend their baby’s 20-week ultrasound and fear of who can be in the delivery room if this whole thing lasts until baby arrives. Although no amount of worry will change the situation, I am thankful and grateful for the love and support from friends and family, my FSC case managers and my sweet intended parents. There’s not a moment of this journey I have felt alone despite the uncertain circumstances.”

–TeamFSC Surrogate, Katie – IN

“No one ever thought any of us would be in the situation the world is in today. Unfortunately, it’s our reality and we are all doing the best we can in this very uncertain and scary time. This is my story about being a Surrogate during this Pandemic.

Our journey started with matching with our amazing Intended Parents back in November 2018. Moving through all the phases of surrogacy we were able to complete the embryo transfer in September 2019. It was a successful double embryo transfer which we were hoping for. Everything was progressing wonderfully, always keeping my IPs up to date on all appointments, any and everything baby related! Never having twins before this was a new process for me in that way too but it everything seemed to go as planned. Fast forward to March 2020 when news started spreading about the Coronavirus and how it was affecting China, Italy and then Spain. Spain is the home of our Intended Parents L&R. When President Trump announced the travel ban it was very hard news to hear. In my mind that was going to make traveling for them extremely difficult if not impossible. But we stayed optimistic and prayed for the best. The Dads have been letting us know how things are going for them and how their dealing with it. We are all just trying to make the best out of this less than ideal situation.

So today I am 33 weeks along with these beautiful little baby girls. I feel so very fortunate to be able to bring these miracles into the world and complete a family. That was the main reason our family decided I would pursue surrogacy. After completing our family with our 3rd child in 2018, I just knew in my heart I had more to give to this world. I do have some reservations, especially now that it’s a very real possibility that the Dads may not be able to be at the hospital for delivery. FSC has been very helpful and extremely reassuring that we will have a solid plan in place for care for the babies if, worst case scenario, the Dads aren’t here in time. Another worry has been due to restrictions at our hospital we will be delivering, I will only be allowed one support person with me during my stay. In addition to that restriction, the support person cannot leave and return to the hospital either. My husband will be my support person which is a change where in my past experiences I was fortunate enough to not only have my husband but my mother and sister as well during delivery. But with keeping a positive attitude, I know we will get us through this. If I was asked again if I would be a surrogate under the same circumstances, I believe I still would. As scary as times are right now, I’m healthy, my family is healthy, the Dads are healthy, and these little miracles are healthy and growing so fast! Before we know it, they will be here with us and I just can’t wait to meet them!” –TeamFSC Surrogate, Lauren – MD

There are so many deserving couples and individuals who have not lost hope on building their family, no matter what tragedy they have to face. Now is more important than ever to give back and help those around us. If you, or anyone you know is interested in becoming a TeamFSC Surrogate Superwoman – apply now!