41) LOVING BEING A SURROGATE

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, the host engages in a heartfelt conversation with Carey, a surrogate, exploring her journey into surrogacy, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and the importance of mental health support throughout the process. They discuss the dynamics of being a surrogate, the relationships formed with intended parents, and the unique experiences of postpartum as a surrogate. The conversation highlights the altruistic motivations behind surrogacy and the profound impact it has on families. Carey Flamer-Powell, Founder and Director Carey Flamer-Powell, Founder and Director of Surrogacy Mentor, is an experienced gestational surrogate, surrogacy agency founder and surrogacy non-profit co-founder, with over a decade of experience in the surrogacy industry.​ She also currently serves as the co-Vice President of SEEDS, The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy. As the Founder and former owner of All Families Surrogacy, an award-winning gestational surrogacy agency, Carey spent 6 years helping hundreds of surrogates and parents navigate their journeys. Carey also co-founded and served as Co-President of the Oregon Surrogacy Professionals Association (OSPA), served as the LGBTQ Surrogacy Advisor for Parents Via Egg Donation (PVED), and has served on several committees for SEEDS over the years. Carey brings her vast surrogacy expertise to Surrogacy Mentor®, in addition to over 25 years in business operations management and PR, to help surrogates find the right agency for them. In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, the host engages in a heartfelt conversation with Carrie, a surrogate mother, exploring her journey into surrogacy, the emotional complexities involved, and the importance of mental health support throughout the process. Carrie shares her motivations for becoming a surrogate, the challenges of failed transfers, and the unique bond she formed with the intended parents. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of surrogacy, emphasizing the need for strong support networks and the normalization of diverse family structures. Takeaways Carey's's journey into surrogacy began with her own experience of becoming a parent. She felt a strong desire to give back after her own successful pregnancy. Gestational surrogacy involves carrying a baby that is not genetically related to the surrogate. Failed transfers can lead to feelings of guilt for surrogates. A strong support network is crucial for surrogates during the process. Mental health support is now integrated into the surrogacy process. Surrogates often face unique social situations when explaining their role. The bond between a surrogate and intended parents can be profound. Surrogates do not typically feel a parental connection to the baby they carry. The emotional recovery after birth can differ significantly for surrogates. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Surrogacy Journey 02:48 The Decision to Become a Surrogate 06:02 Understanding Gestational Surrogacy 08:55 Emotional Challenges of Failed Transfers 11:47 Mental Health Support in Surrogacy 14:57 Living Life While Pregnant for Others 18:07 The Connection with Intended Parents 21:00 Postpartum Experience as a Surrogate 23:50 Maintaining Relationships After Birth Keywords surrogacy, gestational surrogacy, emotional challenges, mental health, support network, intended parents, pregnancy, IVF, family dynamics, parenting