Laura Hendrickson
WHEN ARE YOU DUE WITH THE SURROGATE BABY?
“March 2020”
WHAT ORIGINALLY INSPIRED YOU TO LOOK INTO SURROGACY?
"An acquaintance shared her story on social media a few years prior to me looking into the process and after having our second child I decided that I wanted to provide a loving family with a child as well!"
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT DURING THIS WHOLE PROCESS?
“The most memorable moment was the embryo transfer! The IPs were able to be there as support and the experience of seeing the embryo on the monitor and seeing their reaction to the process was amazing!”
WHAT WAS THE MOST UNEXPECTED PART OF THIS PROCESS?
“Initially, I had an expectation that the matching process could take months and sometimes can be a long waiting process. While I was ready for a match at anytime after finding that I could be a carrier, it was an unexpected, but pleasant surprise that it was only a few short months to be matched!”
HOW WAS THE MATCHING PROCESS?
"The first meeting with the IPs was a little awkward, similar to a blind date! Answering personal questions when first meeting someone can be a little unnerving at first, but knowing that they were only asking with the best of intentions made it easy!
The IPs and my husband and myself clicked right away! We have a very similar background and interests and sense of humor which is so helpful in keeping the experience from being overwhelming at times!"
HOW WAS THE PREGNANCY AND HOW INVOLVED WERE THE INTENDED PARENTS DURING THE PREGNANCY?
"The pregnancy was similar to my own birth experiences. There were no issues that I was concerned about. The IPs were able to make it to many doctor appointments, ultrasounds and a few pregnancy classes through the clinic. We communicated weekly about how things were going and they were so wonderful in asking if they could support me and my family in any way!"
HOW DID YOU TALK TO OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT THE PROCESS, LIKE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY? EVEN STRANGERS?
"It was pretty easy for me to explain that I enjoyed being pregnant with my own children and that I was doing this for another family out of love. At first my husband's family was a little concerned from a health standpoint but when they realized how fairly normal the experience would be for me they understood why I wanted to be able to give this gift to another family!"
HOW DID YOU TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT SURROGACY BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE BIRTH?
"We explained to my 6 yo that I was helping another family, we shared their photos with the him, to have a baby and that I was only the "oven" keeping her warm for the first 9 months of her life! We explained that they weren't able to in the way that we were able to have him, so they needed my help in making their family whole! Our 2 yo is a little young to understand but we showed him pictures of her after being born and explained how she was with her family and I was keeping her safe and warm for the first months of life!"
HOW WAS YOUR DELIVERY AND POST-PREGNANCY?
"Delivery went very well! A few things happened that were a new experience from my previous birth experiences; preeclampsia and induction, but nothing crazy! Post pregnancy has been a little more challenging than anticipated with being home with my two kids full time after only 5 days after the birth, due to school closures following COVID-19 pandemic. However, we got through the challenging few months postpartum closer as a family than ever!"
WHAT WERE YOUR FEELINGS WHEN YOU SAW THE IP(S) HOLD THEIR BABY/BABIES FOR THE FIRST TIME?
"I was overwhelmed with happiness for them and their family!"
WHAT WAS ONE THING YOU WISHED YOU WOULD HAVE HAD IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG THAT YOU FORGOT?
"I was more prepared the 3rd time around and didn't forget anything!"
WHAT DID YOUR KID(S) AND/OR PARTNER SAY WHEN MEETING THE BABY?
"My husband was proud of me for going through this experience and was happy that he didn't have to bring home a new baby! Unfortunately, my kids were not able to meet the baby in person due to hospital policy surrounding COVID-19, but when they saw a photo, they were so happy to see her doing well with her family!"
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP AND CONTACT WITH THE INTENDED PARENTS NOW?
"We continue to reach out periodically to share photos and see how each other are doing and are connected through social media as well!"
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH AN AGENCY?
"Without having any experience as a carrier previously, I would have never been able to navigate the legal, health insurance, and medical process on my own. The agency has been so helpful and supportive in all aspects of the process."
WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM WOULD YOU SHARE WITH OTHER/NEWER GESTATIONAL CARRIERS?
"Go into the experience with an open mind. Ask questions and know what you are willing to do before going into the process."
IF YOU DECIDED TO BE A GESTATIONAL CARRIER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD BE THE REASON?
"I enjoyed the experience of getting to know the IPs and their family and would love to be able to provide a loving family with a child again!”
