Meet Chelsea!
“FSC is not just a business; they really do care about creating families and the love and support it takes. Before, during, and post partum I never felt alone or unappreciated. I look forward to working with them in the future for another journey, if fate allows!”
Q: What led you to become a Surrogate?
I saw a post on Facebook from a local surrogate who was sharing how great FSC had been to her.
Q. Who was your greatest support person throughout your journey?
My greatest support people were my Intended parents! We were able to talk almost every day, and I truly felt as if I had gained two more family members! They were very supportive of my decisions, and I felt really comfortable talking about any concerns I had.
Q. What made you decide to choose your Intended Parents?
I really enjoyed their profile, It seems like during our first video meeting that it was an FSC match made in heaven. They were so sweet and funny, and I felt such a great connection with them. I wanted to put more love into the world, and they seemed like the perfect couple to help make that happen!
Q. What are some of the highlights of your journey?
I was so excited to be able to meet my IPs in person at the embryo transfer. Since my intended parents are international, we had only been able to message and video chat up to that point. I remember as soon as I saw them, I just hugged them with happy tears, excited that we were going to bring a little baby into their world!
Q. Do you have advice for women who are interested in becoming a gestational surrogate?
My advice would be to feel comfortable reaching out to FSC with any questions, thoughts, or concerns! I had actually applied two times because the first time, I wasn’t within the time frame post delivery(applied right after having my son) to be able to start on a journey. They did a great job providing a fully realistic picture of what surrogacy looked like and helped me understand how to advocate for myself as a surrogate. At no point did I feel left in the dark or skeptical of the process like I was originally afraid of before applying!
Q. What did you find was the biggest misconception people had about surrogacy?
I think the biggest and also the most entertaining misconception I came across was people asking me how the impregnation process worked. After patiently explaining it is a full medical procedure in which no relations occur, they seemed to be amazed… Which is somewhat ironic to me that there would be a thought otherwise!
Q. What would you like other people to know about surrogacy?
I would like for people to know that surrogacy is probably one of the coolest, most unique life journeys a person can go on. It is such a breathtaking moment to be able to transition a beautiful couple or person into teary-eyed head-over-heels in love parents!
Q. How has becoming a surrogate impacted your life?
Surrogacy has only impacted my life for the better. It has opened me up to new and unique opportunities, allowed me to go back to school to gain an amazing job, and it has taught my kids that families can be built in all sorts of ways!
Q. How was this pregnancy different from your other pregnancies?
This surrogacy journey wasn’t very different from my first pregnancy outside of IVF protocols such as meds and initial clearance appointments. I was still free to live my life how I felt fit and felt happy and healthy throughout!
Q. What did you do to prepare yourself for separating from the baby after it was born?
The best way I can describe it is that it is like your best friends are having a baby, and you get to help! I never felt the need to prepare for separation because from the beginning, I viewed it as if I was taking care of my friend’s baby, and we would get to meet all at once! So I think having that love in your heart but the disconnected view helped with my journey!
Q. What would you tell someone who was considering working with a surrogate?
For intended parents, I would suggest really thinking out how you want your journey to parenthood to play out. Envision the level of communication, what kind of personality you would like to see your surrogate have, etc. I think having a good idea as to what you want out of your journey is important, but keep in mind that as a parent, nothing ever goes perfectly according to plan! As surrogates, we are so excited to be able to watch you become the amazing parent you have held in your heart for so long. All love and sticky thoughts for your future journey!
Learn more about becoming a surrogate by submitting a request for information, or start your surrogate application today!
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.
