If you’ve thought about starting your family via surrogacy, you’ve probably already done a bit of googling and other web-based research.
The internet is a mine of information, of course – but it can be difficult to find exactly what you need. That’s why we‘ve done the work for you by hand-selecting the best resources available. And nothing beats a good book!
There are dozens of excellent tomes out there that can help to shed light on the surrogacy process. Many of these are written by – and for – people just like you. The great thing about a book is that it’s more likely to have been properly researched and edited, unlike some of the information you can find on the internet.
Family Source Consultants CEO, Staci Swiderski, wanted to join the fun and provide some insight on reading materials she finds valuable. Here is her hand-picked list of the best-reviewed books for Intended Parents (and their kids)!
Written by a surrogate mom, this book provides intended parents with an insightful view of the gestational surrogacy process from start to finish. It covers each phase of surrogacy in detail, from the initial medical evaluations through to the embryo transfer.
Along the way, the author addresses any potential concerns and answers any questions you might have. She also discusses how to select the ‘right’ surrogate for you.
Most importantly, Successful Surrogacy provides a unique glimpse into what a surrogate mother goes through – physically, emotionally, and socially. This helps Intended Parents better understand and relate to their surrogate.
This is a succinct, detailed read that will be an invaluable step-by-step resource for couples preparing for their own surrogacy journey. It’s also handy for passing on to friends and family members.
This is the true story of Melissa, a gestational surrogate, and Emily, an intended parent. The book shares the experience of the surrogacy process from both sides, leading to the birth of Emily’s daughter, Ava.
An honest and beautiful account of the many people involved in creating a miracle. Both Emily and Melissa openly share their experiences, providing a unique insight into their journey. Their story offers hope and encouragement both to intended parents who are faced with infertility and to women who are thinking about becoming surrogates.
This is a comprehensive guide to improving the chances of a successful pregnancy. It explains how egg quality is affected by age, low ovarian reserves, previous IVF cycles, recurrent miscarriage, and certain health conditions. The author also examines how everyday chemicals may harm the egg and the potential dangers of toxic exposure.
All the information is broken down into easy-to-digest bullet points. A must for any couples who need some sound advice on how to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Author Mark Trolice MD is a renowned expert in infertility. As a board-certified practitioner in OB/GYN and REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility), he shares practical knowledge he has gained from years of working in infertility medicine and with hundreds of patients. He combines science with compassion and information – along with his own personal journey to parenthood. Medical facts are discussed in a way that’s easy to understand, and the author’s voice is always heard. Most importantly, he addresses the emotional, psychological, and social challenges that many infertile individuals and couples struggle with.
A unique and thorough guide that will help you move towards building a family.
One of the best-known books for new parents, What to Expect: The First Year now has over 11 million copies in print. It’s been touted the world’s best-selling, best-loved guide to the instructions that babies don’t come with!
This book covers everything from sleep safety, feeding, attachment parenting, sleep, potty training, weaning, right through to the impact of screen time. There’s also some important information on mom’s and dad’s needs. A MUST-READ for any parent-to-be!
This is a fascinating account of the history of assisted reproduction and the incredible science behind IVF. The author, Lisa Mundy, is an award-winning journalist who weaves the business, science, and personal stories into a powerful read. She covers the human narratives alongside science and examines the impact on our relationships and the future of our species. A valuable insight into the changing nature of American families and the way we think about parenthood, childbirth, and life itself.
The book explores the experiences of doctors, families, surrogates, sperm donors, egg donors, infertile men and women, single parents, gay and lesbian parents, and children conceived through technology.
This lighthearted picture book is designed to help children understand why some families have two dads. It’s the story of two fathers, a surrogate mother, and the miracle they created. There is special attention given to the roles and sacrifices that surrogate mothers make during the process, and the illustrations to make it easy for kids to understand.
A wonderful way for same-sex couples to explain the concept of surrogacy to their children and why they are special.
Staci Swiderski, CEO and owner of Family Source Consultants, has been a prominent leader in reproductive medicine for over two decades. Through her strategic vision and dedication, she has developed Family Source Consultants into a globally recognized agency specializing in comprehensive egg donation and gestational surrogacy services. Under Staci’s leadership, the agency has become a trusted partner for intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors worldwide, known for its rigorous standards, compassionate support, and commitment to excellence in third-party reproduction.
Her professional insight is uniquely informed by her own family-building experiences. As an intended parent, Staci welcomed her son via gestational surrogacy in 2005, and as a known egg donor, she assisted an infertile couple in expanding their family. These experiences lend a rare depth to her leadership and have fueled her ongoing dedication to ethical, empathetic, and professional support within the field of reproductive medicine.
