Meet Ashley!

“FSC made the process of being a gestational surrogate easy. They literally outlined and guided your every step so you always knew what to expect next. In addition, their staff provided much needed emotional support and advice; they really bring all of their surrogates together. All of these things make it seem like you are part of a family rather than just an agency – truly cared for and valued. Thank you FSC for being there in every possible way for me!”

Q: What led you to become a Surrogate?

My significant other and I decided we were happy with our 2 children and did not plan on having more children. I was 25 at the time my youngest was born. Both of pregnancies were relatively easy. I became more aware of the struggles those around me suffered: family, friends, coworkers – not being able to become pregnant, miscarriages, complications during pregnancy, and stillbirth. All of these factors led me to become a surrogate.

Q. Who was your greatest support person throughout your journey?

Aside from my intended parents, case manager, other FSC staff, and fellow surrogates (because honestly, these individuals provide huge support from a mutual perspective), my significant other, my daughter, my mother, and my best friend were all my largest support persons as well. My significant other for taking on more of the shared responsibilities in the household and all of my additional requests on top of it. My daughter for always offering to help me with anything from laundry to getting me things to make me feel better to help to take off my compression stockings. My mother for helping my significant other and me with our children. And my best friend for offering advice and support especially since I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (I never had this and she had it with her most recent pregnancy).

Q. What made you decide to choose your Intended Parents?

With this being my 1st journey I was pretty open on my preferences with intended parents. Initially, I was unsure about having IPs from another country, however, after meeting them, I realized that this is such an amazing opportunity to learn. Their profile also mentioned spending time with family and friends being part of their interests/hobbies in which was something we shared in common.

Q. What are some of the highlights of your journey?

By far the delivery, but the embryo transfer, positive beta, and heartbeat confirmation were also top moments. The delivery was just what we all waited for and to know everything you did thus far was beyond worth it to see my IP’s meet their new additions.

Q. Do you have advice for women who are interested in becoming a gestational surrogate?

My advice is to take that leap and reach out to an agency. FSC answered all of my questions and guided me every single step and detail along the way – there were never any unexpected surprises with the process.

Q. What would you like other people to know about surrogacy?

There are a lot of factors that go into the entire process of becoming and being a surrogate that you don’t necessarily think about or realize (the medications, the contracts, matching, etc.). This is why I am beyond thankful that I had FSC to guide me.

Q. What did you do to prepare yourself for separating from the baby after it was born?

Just with any new relationship you develop with someone, you set boundaries/expectations for that relationship from the beginning. It was always in my mind that these were my IP’s babies and I was just literally there to carry/nourish/grow them until they were ready to be united.

Learn more about becoming a surrogate by submitting a request for information, or start your surrogate application today!