The Family Circle

• Episode 20: All Things Being a Surrogate with Kelsey

  Kelsey, a dedicated lactation consultant from Cincinnati, Ohio, joins Kristin to share her remarkable journey as a gestational surrogate Through candid and emotional storytelling, Kelsey brings to life the profound impact surrogacy has had on her and her intended parents' lives. Themes of family, connection, and selflessness shine through as Kelsey narrates her experiences, offering valuable insights into the world of surrogacy. The episode explores the powerful process of matching with intended parents, overcoming initial awkwardness during Zoom calls, and the transformation of her relationship with her intended parents into a genuine connection. Kelsey's journey stands as a testament to the power of empathy and compassion in forming unbreakable bonds, highlighting the importance of intuition in surrogacy and the challenges surrogates may face with IVF medications. The discussion also delves into creating birth plans for surrogacy deliveries, sharing surrogacy stories with friends and family, and offering advice to potential surrogates. Overall, today’s episode reveals the emotional and physical aspects of surrogacy with candid conversations that shed light on a journey filled with intuition, challenges, and ultimately, profound fulfillment. Throughout, it showcases the extraordinary impact of surrogacy, where bonds are forged, families are created, and selflessness knows no bounds.Thank you for listening!If you'd like to learn more about surrogacy, you can visit our website. If you'd like to chat with one of our team members, please reach out: Become a surrogate (email: [email protected]) Become a parent (email: [email protected]) Become an egg donor (email: [email protected]) We'd love to hear your story and see how we can support you.

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• Episode 19: Surrogacy Makes Grandparenthood Possible, Too!

  In this latest episode, listeners are invited to join in a remarkable journey—the awe-inspiring tale of Stephen and JR, two loving souls who embarked upon the path of surrogacy and egg donation to fulfill their dreams of parenthood. Their story here today makes for a wonderful listen as a very special duo joins them for the discussion: Stephen's parents, Ann Marie and Tom. We hear from the grandparents as they lovingly share their unique perspective, shedding light on the remarkable bond that surrogacy has created within their family and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary woman who brought their newest grandchild into the world.Throughout the episode, Stephen and JR recount their inspiring journey, revealing the origins of their desire for parenthood and the fortuitous involvement of close friends in the realm of surrogacy. Their unwavering determination and the obstacles they encountered while seeking the perfect match, including navigating the creation of embryos and searching for a trusted agency, are discussed. The fruition of their search is also revealed—the discovery of their truly extraordinary surrogate, Kristen—and their story becomes intricately woven with the threads of Kristen's selflessness, resulting in a celebration of love, parenthood....and grandparenthood.Grandparents' Day was Sunday, September 10th and we are celebrating all month long with this special podcast episode.Thank you for listening!If you'd like to learn more about surrogacy, you can visit our website. If you'd like to chat with one of our team members, please reach out: Become a surrogate (email: [email protected]) Become a parent (email: [email protected]) Become an egg donor (email: [email protected]) We'd love to hear your story and see how we can support you.

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• Episode 18: Tara's Story of Secondary Infertility, Loss and Coming to the U.S. for Surrogacy

  This episode contains sensitive content about pregnancy loss.In this episode of The Family Circle podcast, Tara shares her journey to motherhood, which involved IVF, secondary infertility, surrogacy, and multiple miscarriages. Throughout her story, Tara discusses the emotional turmoil she went through, from the joy of getting pregnant to the heartache of losing a baby, and the stress of waiting to start IVF. Despite the challenges, Tara's story highlights the resilience and determination of parents who go through infertility, and her openness and humor provide insight into her journey to motherhood.In recounting her experience after suffering the loss of her first surrogate baby, Tara also reflects upon what it was like working with an agency overseas and the difference in support she received compared to her first experience with surrogacy. The emotional journey of surrogacy, how it impacted her mental health, and the magical connection that was formed with her surrogate are also discussed. As you will hear, today’s episode provides powerful testimonies to the strength and determination of parents who go through infertility and surrogacy. Through the stories shared, the emotional and logistical challenges of these processes become clear, as well as the resilience and joy that come with finally having the family one has dreamed of. Listen in to today’s conversation for valuable insight and perspectives and witness the insurmountable power of perseverance and hope.Episode Highlights:Tara’s IVF and surrogacy experiencesThe emotional toll of facing infertility and multiple miscarriagesThe late-term loss that Tara facedHow she found humor throughout her journeySome words of inspiration for others who are going through infertilityTara’s experience of working with Circle Her mental health journeyFinding a surrogate matchThe difference between her first and second surrogacy experienceThe emotional connection that forms with your surrogate Cultural differences between surrogacy in the UK and the US.The importance of being respectful throughout the surrogacy processThank you for listening!If you'd like to learn more about surrogacy, you can visit our website. If you'd like to chat with one of our team members, please reach out: Become a surrogate (email: [email protected]) Become a parent (email: [email protected]) Become an egg donor (email: [email protected]) We'd love to hear your story and see how we can support you.

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• Episode 17: Family Building and Advocacy: Securing Rights for All Families

  Welcome to a very special episode of The Family Circle featuring guest host Dean Hutchison, Circle's Vice President of Legal, and his two exceptional guests: Kate LeBlanc, Executive Director of Resolve New England, and Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD). Together, they delve into the Massachusetts Parentage Act, a groundbreaking bill that aims to establish gender-inclusive parentage statutes and champion the rights of diverse families. Their discussion here today stands as a profound exploration of the importance of advocacy, and provides invaluable insights on how individuals can actively engage in this noble cause and drive real change for children and families. Two vital themes are interwoven throughout their conversation: the immense significance of advocacy in the realm of family building and the enormous impact of the Massachusetts Parentage Act. Our trio sheds light on the essential role of personal narratives and grassroots movements in effecting lasting transformations and securing equal rights for families from diverse backgrounds. Taking a deep dive into the intricacies of the Massachusetts Parentage Act, they highlight its mission - to establish comprehensive and inclusive parentage statutes while safeguarding the rights of children born through assisted reproduction and surrogacy. They also emphasize the urgent need for this transformative bill, particularly in Massachusetts, which currently stands as the last state in the region to update its parentage laws. Rest assured that you are in for an enlightening and empowering experience as you listen in today as Dean, Kate, and Polly inspire you to take decisive action and lend your voice to the resounding chorus advocating for the rights of LGBTQIA+ families. The time for change is now.Episode Highlights:The importance of advocacy and ways individuals can get involvedOverview of the Massachusetts Parentage Act and its purpose Addressing gaps in current parentage laws and advocating for clarity and inclusivityImpact of the bill on LGBTQIA+ families and children's rightsUrgency to update parentage laws in MassachusettsSignificance of Massachusetts as a hub of reproductive healthcare and the need to protect all familiesCalls to action for listeners to engage, contact legislators, and support the Massachusetts Parentage ActHere are links to websites mentioned in this episode:Circle SurrogacyResolve New EnglandGLBTQ Legal Advocates & DefendersThe Massachusetts Parentage ActThank you for listening!If you'd like to learn more about surrogacy, you can visit our website. If you'd like to chat with one of our team members, please reach out: Become a surrogate (email: [email protected]) Become a parent (email: [email protected]) Become an egg donor (email: [email protected]) We'd love to hear your story and see how we can support you.

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• Episode 16: Meghan's Story: Surrogacy & The Ultimate Surprise

  This episode contains sensitive content about IUI, IVF and infertility.In today's episode of The Family Circle podcast, our very special guest, Meghan, shares her inspirational story of becoming a parent through surrogacy following unsuccessful experiences with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Despite the challenges she faced along the way, including the emotional turmoil of infertility, Megan persevered and found hope through surrogacy. Her journey to parenthood –made possible by an incredible surrogate who helped her realize her dreams – comes with a surprising twist when Meghan finds herself pregnant just days after finding out her surrogate had a successful embryo transfer and is pregnant!The emotional and physical rollercoaster of infertility treatment is explored, revealing the painful process of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and IVF, and highlighting the isolation that comes with it, as well as the importance of having support from loved ones throughout the journey.  Meghan shares humorous anecdotes and personal stories, covering everything from interactions with different doctors to touching moments of being pregnant alongside her surrogate. Ultimately, Meghan’s tale, as told in today’s episode, reinforces that the journey to parenthood can be filled with challenges, that every journey is different, and sometimes you can get even more than you hoped for.Episode Highlights:Meghan’s story of starting to try for a baby Her infertility journeyThe IUI procedure and IVF processThe process of surrogacy and how Meghan found her surrogateThe challenges she faced during the surrogacy processThe incredible bond Meghan formed with her surrogate Finally becoming a mom through surrogacyThe surprising twist to her story when Meghan finds herself pregnantThe impact upon personal relationships during the infertility journeyCommunication and empathyTaking care of yourself mentally and physically during the processSome humorous anecdotesDifficult emotions associated with not being able to carry a childHow the experience of childbirth can be different for everyoneThank you for listening!If you'd like to learn more about surrogacy, you can visit our website. If you'd like to chat with one of our team members, please reach out: Become a surrogate (email: [email protected]) Become a parent (email: [email protected]) Become an egg donor (email: [email protected]) We'd love to hear your story and see how we can support you.

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