Episode 215: Stephanie Witte – Surrogacy: A Journey of Love

Stephanie Witte was born and raised in South Dakota. She has always had a passion for helping others and giving of herself has given her a wealth of experiences that have shaped her into theperson she is today. From a young age, Stephanie harbored ambitions of becoming a forensic scientist, driven by a desire to contribute to justice and help society by apprehending wrongdoers. This aspiration led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Science from Colorado Technical University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Life took an unexpected turn when Stephanie embarked on the journey of motherhood. Balancing her career aspirations with the responsibilities of raising a family became a challenge, especially when faced with the daunting task of finding suitable daycare for her children. This challenge inspired her to open her own state-certified, in-home daycare in July 2010. Over the course of 12 years, she nurtured and cared for numerous children. Through this experience, Stephanie gained a profound understanding of the importance of providing children with a safe, supportive environment where they could thrive and grow. In 2018, Stephanie’s passion for helping others was reignited when she felt compelled to become a gestational surrogate. Driven by a desire to assist individuals or couples struggling with infertility, she embarked on a remarkable journey, delivering babies for intended parents across the globe. Despite facing challenges along the way, Stephanie’s commitment to helping others build their families remained unshaken. Throughout her surrogacy journeys, Stephanie’s own family stood by her side, experiencing a range of emotions and challenges unique to their situation. Recognizing the importance of open communication and inclusion, Stephanie aims to spread awareness about alternative paths to parenthood and foster understanding among families.Stephanie is the author of Surrogacy: A Journey of Love. Book Description: All families are different. There are different numbers of sisters and brothers, or sometimes just one child, but all families are beautiful and precious. Sometimes, people need to ask for help to grow their family. One way is through adoption and another way is through surrogacy.Brian Junior shares about his family and his mommy’s decision to help other families grow by being a gestational surrogate. He helps us understand these big words and shares what it's like when mommy has a baby that isn't your sister or brother.Stepmom, mom, surrogacy case manager and gestational surrogate, Stephanie shares the story of surrogacy using her son, Brian Junior, as the narrator. Brian helps kids of all ages understand this very special gift.The Spanish, French, and Chinese translations are available or coming soon.Listen as Stephanie shares with Ellen and Jenn:Having three girls (one as a step-mom) and a boy and not feeling done. Hearing of surrogacy before she had kids. Offering to be a surrogate for her aunt, not knowing that she needed to have a child of her own first. Reconnecting with a friend who was a surrogate and hearing the good, bad, and ugly (the shots!). Feeling it was truly something on her heart. Saying yes to the first profile presented – a single Brazilian man.Going through a double embryo transfer, but losing one of the twins around 15 weeksThe difficulties of continuing to carry a healthy pregnancy, while also carrying the lost twin. After her husband’s deployment and return, going forward with a second journey. Carrying one little girl for a couple in California. Delivering on the same day – 3 years later – as her first surro-baby!Nothing more beautiful than seeing new parents holding their baby. Determined to do it again. Matching with a 3rd couple, but finding no heartbeat at 15 weeks. Parting ways when realizing their termination stances were not aligned.Matching with a Missouri family and delivering their little boy.Fighting anti-surrogacy legislation in South Dakota. Meeting her agency through the process, knowing she wanted to work in this area. Understanding how important reading together with kids is. But not finding what she was looking for to explain surrogacy to kids. Writing Surrogacy: A Journey of Love.   Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Find the book Surrogacy: A Journey of Love on AmazonFollow Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniewittesurrogacybook/Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/