What led you to become a Surrogate?
After having close friends struggle with fertility and pregnancy, I often felt guilty that I so easily was able to conceive and carry a full term pregnancy with no complications. I often dreamed of being a Surrogate and sharing my gift instead of feeling guilty about it. I couldn’t imagine not having children and I would love to give that opportunity to someone else. rather than harbor any guilty feelings I decided to share our blessings, so once my husband and I decided our family was complete, we started talking about surrogacy journeys.
Why did you choose FSC?
FSC was recommended to me by my neighbor who had worked with them as a Surrogate twice. After researching a few agencies, I reached out to FSC and heard back immediately. Megan was very sweet and caring and answered all my questions! I felt the love and support of the agency from the moment I contacted them and still feel that way!
FSC does an amazing job of communicating every step of the journey and being there with/for you as well. They are a close-knit group who make sure the Surrogates feel loved and supported throughout the entire process.
The ladies in the FSC online support group are knowledgeable and supportive. I have learned more from them than anyone else. There is no negativity, just love, support, and compassion! It is a great group to be a part of, just another asset of FSC!
What made you decide to choose your Intended Parents?
Honestly, I just loved them after reading their profile. They seemed very much like my husband and I and I just followed my initial feelings. After talking with them on skype, we loved them even more and found that talking was so easy, it was like we were old friends catching up.
Who has been your biggest support person and why?
My husband. He was there through every step and listened to my worries and reassured me all would be ok.
How did your children react to you being a Surrogate? How did you tell them?
My children knew from the beginning (applying). They loved it! They helped with shots, went to appointments, talked with the IPs and gained some new “cousins.” We simply explained to them that some mommy’s have broken tummies and that since mine worked I was going to put someone else’s baby in there to grow.
What comment(s) or question(s) from strangers do/did you get most often?
How could you give up your baby?
How much are you getting paid?
“Oh, I could never give away a baby.”
“Wow, that is amazing.”
“You are a miracle worker.”
“You are amazing.”
What is the best/most exciting part of being a Surrogate?
Seeing the baby with his parents for the first time! Pure love, joy, and excitement and I felt so honored and privileged to be able to witness that moment.
What is the one thing about your journey that most surprised you?
How truly close and loving we have become with our surrofamily. I always dreamed of becoming close friends with them, but we are like family. Also, the fact that we were asked to help name our surroboy, talk about stressful, lol (but such an honor as well!)!!
I was also surprised by how well my children handled everything and how much they gained throughout it as well!
How is being a Surrogate different than your own pregnancy(ies)?
Really the biggest difference was just that after each appointment I had to not only update my hubby, but the IPs and agency as well. Sometimes I would forget to get the information to Ronda (so sorry).
I also talked to the baby a little differently, but still read stories, sang and rubbed my tummy like all my kids’ pregnancies. I just would say how Aunt Erika loved the baby or talk about the baby’s family.
What do you wish you had known before becoming a Surrogate?
I wish I would have known more about IVF. I thought I knew quite a bit, but I still learned a lot with the first embryo transfer. However, I feel that it is just like each of my pregnancies, I continued to learn more and more each time and each one did have its own differences.
I also wish I would have done a bit more research about what all items are paid for by the IPs. For example, I used 10 of my vacation days for the maternity leave after my C-section (only because I didn’t k now that IPs would be covering lost wages).
But, the main thing I wish I had known was how truly amazing it would be and that each moment should be cherished more.
Do you have advice for women who are interested in becoming a gestational Surrogate?
Research before jumping in and make sure you have a good support group (family, friends, etc.). Ask lots of questions and be honest with yourself and throughout the entire process.
I would not try to convince someone else to become a Surrogate. That has to be something that someone wants to do and feels in their heart is right for them. I would however share what a wonderful bond my family and I have developed so far with our IPs and what an all-around positive experience it has been for everyone in my family!
Would you like to add anything else?
Being a Surrogate was far better than I ever dreamed it would be. I have wanted to be a Surrogate for many years and I always imagined it would be a wonderful experience. Little did I know it would change my life in the most positive way and we would gain new family members!
My journey would not have been so great had it not been for FSC. From the applying process, to the matching, to the appointments, to the support throughout and after, they have been nothing short of amazing! Thank you FSC for making my journey an outstanding one.
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.
