Carrying, Giving, Recovering: A Surrogacy Journey

In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Mara Aguilar to explore her firsthand experience as a gestational surrogate and the journey that led her to make the decision to carry a baby for intended parents.Mara shares what motivated her to become a surrogate, what she looked for when choosing an agency, and what an ideal relationship with intended parents looked like for her. She walks us through some of the practical aspects of the process, including the requirements to qualify as a surrogate, what goes into a contract between a surrogate and intended parents, and the many decisions that have to be considered before the journey even begins.Mara also gives an honest look at the physical and emotional experience of surrogacy. From the hormonal preparation and embryo transfer to the unexpected challenges she encountered throughout pregnancy and the different things she tried to do to manage and mitigate those issues. She opens up about labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, and what the experience was actually like from her perspective.And, of course, Mara answers the question that she gets asked all the time: Would you do it again?Whether you’ve considered becoming a surrogate yourself, know someone who has, or are simply curious about what the process is really like, this episode offers an opportunity to hear about surrogacy directly from someone who has lived it.Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or ask Mara any further questions you may have on her IG.IG: @mara.aguilar11Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove