I Want to Put a Baby in You!

Bonnie Hilton. Bonnie Hilton is a licensed clinical social worker, adoption professional, author, and mother of nine. She and her husband, Brett, have been married for 34 years and live in South Jordan, Utah. Bonnie is passionate about helping children thrive in forever families and currently serves as CEO of Hand In Hand International Adoptions. An Angels in Adoption award recipient and author of Gathering Israel’s Children, Bonnie especially loves supporting adoptive families. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, writing, playing the piano, and sports.Donna Pope. Donna Pope stands as a cornerstone figure in the adoption community, bringing over 25 years of dedicated service as Executive Director of Heart To Heart Adoptions. Under her leadership, the agency has grown into one of the most respected domestic adoption organizations in the United States, built on a foundation of ethical practices and genuine care for all members of the adoption triad. Her influence extends beyond her agency work through significant leadership roles, including serving as Chairman for the Committee for Ethical Practices in Utah Adoption Agencies and holding a position on the Utah Adoption Council's Governing Board. Her diverse professional background spans healthcare and education, allowing her to address the complex emotional and psychological aspects of adoption. As a person of faith, Donna approaches adoption work through a spiritual lens, recognizing the sacred nature of family creation and the eternal bonds that connect families. This perspective informs her compassionate approach to supporting individuals and families throughout their adoption journey. Donna shares her expertise and passion through four adoption-focused podcasts, creating accessible platforms for education and support within the adoption community. Her latest endeavor, Adoptions.com, represents her vision for creating a comprehensive resource hub that connects and supports all members of the adoption community. Throughout her career, Donna has maintained her commitment to ethical practices while advocating for the needs of birth parents, adoptive families, and adoptees. Her work reflects a deep understanding that adoption is not just a legal process, but a life-changing journey that deserves thoughtful guidance and unwavering support.Listen as Donna and Bonnie share with Ellen and Jenn:How Heart to Heart began, including Donna’s personal story adopting three sons.Bonnie’s powerful personal story, learning as a teenager that she was born without a uterus, navigating infertility through dating and early marriage, and then receiving an unexpected offer from a woman in her church.The realities of early IVF and surrogacy, including a high-risk quadruplet pregnancy, the difficult decisions around selective reduction, and the profound grief and love that followed when the babies were born extremely premature. Continued family growth through domestic and international adoption—including adopting children from Ukraine.The tender, life-changing experience of adopting a medically fragile newborn who only lived two weeks, but was deeply loved.Exploring bigger questions surrounding paths to parenthood, including why international adoption has dramatically declined, how regulation (even when well-intentioned) can create unintended barriers, and why access, cost, and legal uncertainty continue to shape the future of both adoption and surrogacy.Their upcoming nonprofit platform, Adoptions.com, designed to connect adoptive families, biological families, adoptees, and service providers—creating community, support groups, educational resources, and a matching-style “connection engine” to help people find the services they need.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Listen to Voices of Adoption: voicesofadoption.podup.comLearn 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/

Jessica is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with advanced training in pelvic health. She is the co-founder of Surrogate Wellness Collective, owner of Vibrant Coast Physical Therapy and Wellness, and founder of the Vibrant Strength App. She works with surrogates throughout their journey to design evidenced-based customized strength, mobility and pelvic floor health programs to support both the surrogate and baby’s health, and help surrogates feel confident and empowered throughout their journey during pregnancy and postpartum. On this episode of I Want to Put a Baby in You, hosts Jennifer White and Ellen Trachman dive into a topic that affects far more people than we talk about: pelvic floor therapy. Listen as Jessica shares with Ellen and Jenn:What pelvic floor therapy actually is (and what it’s not).Why leaking when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise is common—but not normal.How pelvic floor dysfunction connects to back pain, hip pain, sciatica, constipation, and more.The role of pelvic floor therapy and exercise during pregnancy.How prenatal exercise can reduce risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, C-sections, and even prenatal depression.Why surrogates and intended parents should care about pelvic health before, during, and after pregnancy.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Dr. Jessica Chellsen: http://surrogatewellness.com/meet-Jessica/Follow Jessica on Instagram: @surrogatewellness and @vibrantcoastptLearn 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/

Cheri Margolis, M.D. graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a focus in Biochemistry and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Florida Honors program. Her commitment to excellence continued as she earned her medical degree (M.D.) at the University of Florida. During medical school, she fostered a love for the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility while on a research scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania, evaluating synthetic environmental estrogen mimics. Following her medical education, Dr. Margolis embarked on a journey to the Northeast to complete her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the prestigious New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell in New York City. During her time at Cornell, she not only honed her clinical skills but was also given awards for her excellence in Obstetrics and excellence in medical education. Driven by her dedication to advancing the field of reproductive medicine, she chose to pursue a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Reproductive Medicine Associates in New Jersey, one of the largest and busiest in vitro fertilization programs in the world. This experience also provided her with invaluable training as an embryologist, enriching her understanding of the embryology laboratory.Dr. Margolis’ commitment to advancing the field of reproductive medicine extends beyond her clinical practice. She has shared her research findings at various national meetings, including ASRM, PCRS, ESHRE, with a staggering 50+ oral and poster presentations to date. Her research interests encompass a diverse range of topics, including fertility preservation, in vitro fertilization outcomes, and preimplantation genetic testing.Dr. Margolis is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to her patients. She approaches each patient’s unique circumstances with compassion and aims to establish a trusting and respectful relationship. By fostering open communication and shared decision-making, Dr. Margolis empowers her patients to make informed choices throughout their fertility journey.Leah Roberts, M.D. is a native of South Florida who has brought her passion for reproductive endocrinology and fertility care to Boca Raton. She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida Honors program where she completed her Bachelors of Science in Biology and a minor in English. She received her M.D. from Florida Atlantic University where she served as the Vice President of her class. She then completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency in Philadelphia at Temple University.After graduation, Dr. Roberts continued at Temple as an Assistant Professor of OB-GYN, teaching both residents and medical students, until she left to pursue her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Reproductive Medicine Associates in New Jersey. While at RMANJ she additionally trained as an embryologist, which provided her with invaluable experience in the clinical laboratory.Dr. Roberts has presented her research at several national meetings including ASRM, PCRS, CREOG/APGO, AUGS/IUGA, and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, on topics as varied as ovarian aging and patient engagement with care. She has also been an active participant in lobbying for your reproductive rights and infertility coverage on the state and national level with RESOLVE and ACOG. Dr. Roberts specializes in ovarian biology and aging, third party reproduction, and preimplantation genetics and diagnosis.Dr. Roberts is a distinguished Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine. With a profound commitment to advancing women’s health, Dr. Roberts has garnered recognition as an expert in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and healthcare access for women. This expertise has led to numerous media appearances, including interviews on CBS 13 and ABC 10 (including live on This Week in South Florida) , where Dr. Roberts has shared valuable insights on complex medical issues affecting women. Additionally, Dr. Roberts has been quoted in the Los Angeles Times, Sun Sentinel, Orlando Sentinel, and even internationally in the Irish Star, highlighting the global impact of their work in the field of reproductive health and medicine.Listen as the Boca Fertility doctors share with Ellen and Jenn:How a random college dorm visit and a shared social circle led to a lifelong friendship and professional partnership committed to patient care.Dr. Roberts’ experience with severe pregnancy complications and becoming a fertility patient herself.Experiencing the full emotional and physical rollercoaster. How their personal experiences have improved their care for their patients. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Boca Fertility: bocafertility.com 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/

Families Out Loud is a national community, event platform, and advocacy organization that supports all people building families—across every family structure, identity, and path to parenthood. Whether LGBTQ+, straight, non-binary, single, partnered, or still exploring options, Families Out Loud exists to ensure that anyone navigating assisted reproduction feels informed, supported, and never alone.Families Out Loud was founded by Mike Snaric and George Moore, husbands and dads to twin boys conceived through egg donation, surrogacy, and IVF. Their personal journey into parenthood revealed how emotionally complex, financially overwhelming, and ethically unclear the family-building process can be—especially without trusted guidance or community. Families Out Loud was created to change that experience for others.The organization brings together intended parents, medical professionals, legal experts, surrogacy and egg donor agencies, and advocates through live events in major cities, educational panels, national partnerships, and media. Families Out Loud is known for creating inclusive, culture-forward spaces that balance expert education with real storytelling and joyful celebration, while also addressing the serious ethical, legal, and access issues shaping the future of family building.At its core, Families Out Loud believes there is no single “right” way to build a family—and that everyone deserves respect, transparency, and protection along the way. The organization is actively expanding its national footprint through advocacy, nonprofit initiatives, and industry collaboration focused on ethical family building, education, and community-driven support.Listen as Mike and George share with Ellen and Jenn:Their personal winding journey with surrogacy.How lack of information and support shaped their mission.The importance of inclusive fertility education.What makes Families Out Loud events special.What the fertility world gets wrong—and what can be done.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Families Out Loud: www.familiesoutloudevents.comFollow Families Out Loud on Instagram: @families_out_loudLearn 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/merchLearn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Jen and Jaimee are experienced Registered Nurses and founders of Childbirth Allies, a concierge-style education and birth planning service dedicated to supporting intended parents through surrogacy. With backgrounds in maternal–newborn care and years of hands-on experience in complex birth settings, they are passionate about helping families feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Their approach blends clinical knowledge with compassion, ensuring their clients feel well-prepared for birth and newborn care.Listen as Jen and Jaimee share with Ellen and Jenn:How Childbirth Allies was born (pun intended).Jen and Jaimee’s extensive labor & delivery experience and 3 am night shift trauma bond.Seeing firsthand intended parents through surrogacy lacking birth resources and education that met their needs. Why traditional classes are a poor fit. Finding Childbirth Allies to support the specific needs of parents through surrogacy. Offering flexible class options. Teaching important skills like how intended parents can advocate for their baby while respecting the gestational carrier’s anatomy.Finding your role in the delivery room. Post-birth best practices. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Childbirth Allies: www.childbirthallies.com Follow Childbirth Allies on Instagram: @childbirthallies 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/

Junior Velazquez is the founder of A to Z Family, a fertility and family-building consulting company that supports intended parents through journeys in the U.S. and Mexico. He works closely with families, clinics, legal teams, and gestational carriers to help make complicated processes feel more human, clear, and supported.Together with his husband, Romain Taillandier, Junior focuses on ethical, transparent, and well-coordinated family-building journeys, especially for LGBTQ+ parents and international families. He’s passionate about education, real conversations, and making sure people don’t feel alone while navigating such a life-changing experience.In this episode, Junior Velazquez from A to Z Family joins the conversation to talk about family building journeys in Mexico and what families really need to know before getting started.Junior shares practical insight from working directly with intended parents every day, from how cross-border journeys are structured to the emotional side of the process that often doesn’t get talked about enough. The conversation touches on ethics, coordination, common misconceptions, and why the right support makes all the difference.Listen as Junior shares with Ellen and Jenn:His own path from healthcare to surrogacy advocacy.Why some intended parents turn abroad.The stark difference between reputable programs and the dangerous “all-in-house” models.Real-world red flags.How Mexico City’s legal framework and the Amparo process work.What ethical programs must include (independent counsel, verified compensation, open communication), and why parents should never shortcut birth certificates or legal steps—even if it means staying abroad longer.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about A to Z Family: azfamily.us Follow A to Z Family on Instagram: @azfamily.usLearn 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/ 

Danielle Winston is the co-founder of Seed Scout, a donor matchmaking agency reimagining how families connect with known sperm donors. A former lawyer who left the legal field after seeing firsthand the ethical challenges in the sperm bank industry, Danielle and her wife built Seed Scout to offer a more transparent, personal, and human-centered approach to donor conception. Since launching, they’ve helped hundreds of LGBTQ+ families, single parents by choice, and couples with male-factor infertility find donors who align with their values.Listen as Danielle shares with Ellen and Jenn:Why Seed Scout: Danielle’s own experience of a dehumanizing, “Tinder-style” bank experience lead her to build Seed Scout -- to provide a curated, relationship-based alternative.What’s different: Seed Scout has a majority LGBTQ+ donors; age 24+; background checks for donors and intended parents; require yearly child updates; medical-history refreshes.Ethics over scale: Hard cap of three families per donor; no re-donation of sperm/embryos; families introduced to each other to avoid hidden half-siblings.Transparency beats anonymity: Real names, meetings before matching, and mutual approval replace one-way, anonymous selection.System frictions: Legacy FDA rules, quarantine nuances, and clinic pushback—especially where clinic owners are tied to banks.Future outlook: More open-ID laws (e.g., Colorado), rising donor-conceived voices, and pressure for sensible U.S. oversight.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Seed Scout: www.theseedscout.com Follow Seed Scout on Instagram: @theseedscout.comLearn 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/ 

Sarah Jefford OAM is a family creation lawyer in Melbourne, practicing across Australia. Sarah was a parent via IVF, and later become an egg donor, and delivered a baby as a surrogate for two dads in 2018. Sarah practices surrogacy and donor conception law, advising surrogates and intended parents about domestic and international surrogacy. In 2025, Sarah completed a Churchill Fellowship, researching best practice surrogacy to inform law reform in Australia, and her final report is published on her website,Listen as Sarah shares with Ellen and Jenn:Her path to surrogacy and advocacy.Writing More Than Just a Baby and launching the Australian Surrogacy Podcast (100+ episodes).Australia vs. U.S. frameworks: Australia’s patchwork laws, altruistic-only system, low overall volume (about 150 domestic births/yr), and limited infrastructure push many intended parents overseas.Compensation does not equal commodification: Sarah argues compensation can honor time, risk, and labor while still centering altruistic motives—pointing out that everyone else in the fertility ecosystem is paid. The real risk isn’t money; it’s lack of robust safeguards.Safeguards that matter: Independent legal counsel for all parties, informed consent in a language the surrogate understands, counseling, medical best practices, and regulation that protects surrogates, children, and intended parents.Medical-need requirements: Sarah’s evolved view—dropping mandatory “medical or social need” recognizes lived realities (recurrent loss, tokophobia, gender dysphoria, etc.) and avoids intrusive, inequitable gatekeeping.Media narratives and “human trafficking” claims: Sensational coverage often ignores nuance, ethical programs, and children’s future privacy. Red flags abroad include language barriers, agency-appointed lawyers, and opaque promises.Churchill Fellowship learnings: After meeting stakeholders in South Africa, Ireland, England, Canada, and the U.S., Sarah sees momentum for reform—if lawmakers treat surrogacy as reproductive health and women’s rights.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Sarah Jefford: www.sarahjefford.com Follow Sarah on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarah_surrogacylawyer/ Buy Sarah’s book: More Than Just a Baby - Sarah Jefford Surrogacy Lawyer AustraliaLearn 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/ 

Dawn Wickhorst is a two-time surrogate, single mom of five, and founder of Lumière Surrogacy Advisory. She is passionate about helping intended parents tell their stories authentically while inspiring women through her own journey of resilience, motherhood, and entrepreneurship.Dawn shares her story as a surrogate and mom, blending honesty, humor, and heart. She talks about building her business, finding strength through life’s challenges, and using her experiences to guide and inspire others on their path to parenthood and self-growth.Listen as Dawn shares with Ellen and Jenn:Becoming a mom in her teens.Working with a birth magazine and as a birth photographer.Interviewing a local author on a book about infertility and loss, feeling so grateful for her own children, and realizing she could do something to help. A few of the surrogacy differences in Canada versus the US – no compensation!Saying “yes” to HIV-positive Intended Parents, because they were HIV positive!Second time around, looking for Intended Parents who would want to share the journey with the world with her. A relationship with Intended Parents was high priority, knowing they would be friends. When the second journey ended, she wanted to help others in another way. Started Lumiere Surrogacy Advisory to help Intended Parents tell their stories.What makes an Intended Parent profile stand out for surrogates. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Dawn and Lumiere Surrogacy Advisory: https://www.lumieresurrogacyadvisory.comCheck out Dawn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JnQYSEt2b/?mibextid=wwXIfrLearn 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/ 

Jessie Jaskulsky is the founder of Surrogacy Simplified, a consulting firm and community built to support hopeful parents through the surrogacy journey. A two-time intended parent through surrogacy herself, Jessie combines lived experience with professional guidance to help others feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way. Through one-on-one consulting and a growing Intended Parent community, she’s helping families turn what feels overwhelming into something they can navigate with clarity and trust.Listen as Jessie shares with Ellen and Jenn:What intended parents should know about wait times, matching, and why embryo numbers matter.The real costs of surrogacy (around $150K, excluding clinic fees).Coping with the long emotional wait and uncertaintyWhy support groups and counseling can make all the differenceWant to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Surrogacy Simplified: https://surrogacysimplified.com/ Follow Surrogacy Simplified on IG: https://www.instagram.com/surrogacysimplified/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/ 

Fertility Docs Uncensored is a weekly podcast launched in March 2020 by three reproductive endocrinologists from across the United States: Dr. Abby Eblen (Nashville Fertility Center), Dr. Carrie Bedient (Fertility Center of Las Vegas), and Dr. Susan Hudson (Texas Fertility Center). The idea was born at a fertility conference just before the COVID-19 pandemic, when the doctors realized Zoom could make podcasting from different locations possible. Since then, the show has evolved into a trusted source of honest and reliable information on fertility and IVF. With a wide range of guests—including reproductive urologists, acupuncturists, embryologists, mental health professionals, and nutritionists—the podcast continues to explore all aspects of reproductive health while supporting listeners on their fertility journeys.Listen as Abby, Carrie, and Susan share with Ellen and Jenn:Paths to Fertility Medicine – The doctors reflect on their diverse training, why they chose REI, and how their own experiences—including being IVF parents—shape their practice.Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) – A nuanced discussion of benefits, limitations, and ethical questions, especially in surrogacy and mosaic embryo transfers.Gatekeeping in Fertility Clinics – Where to draw the line between respecting patient autonomy and ensuring safe, ethical care.Policy & Post-Dobbs Landscape – How state laws and restrictions affect daily practice, patient anxiety, and even OBGYN training nationwide.Fertility Myths & Media – From pineapple cores and McDonald’s fries to gender-selection tricks, the doctors bust myths while underscoring how misinformation spreads.The IVF Blueprint – A look at their new book, designed as a practical handbook to guide patients through every stage of IVF, egg freezing, and embryo transfer.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Fertility Docs Uncensored: www.fertilitydocsuncensored.com Follow the Docs on IG: www.instagram.com/fertilitydocsuncensored/?hl=enLearn 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/ 

Mark Semple is a Canadian citizen who has been involved in international medical and fertility tourism since 2008. Mark founded his first fertility company in 2008 after engaging in IVF with his wife in 4 different countries and seeing a need for cross-border access to fertility care. In that time, Mark has helped create IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy programs with clinics in many countries, founded a US cryobank, assisted Canadian, US, and international fertility clinics with regulatory compliance, and has worked with clients from over 60 countries. He also owns ReproVida, a medical group in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Currently, his interests mainly lie with surrogacy and egg donation programs in Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina. Mark was the pioneer of international surrogacy in Colombia in 2018 after seeing a need and a positive legal framework to assist all family types. He has helped create 2 clinic surrogacy programs in Colombia, is the owner of a foundation that supports surrogate mothers in the country, and has helped create a stable framework for all other agencies to follow. Colombia is now a leading global surrogacy destination, especially for single men and same-sex couples.In addition, he was one of the pioneers of surrogacy in Mexico in 2012. With a recent Supreme Court decision affirming the validity of surrogacy (after a previous 2016 negative decision), Mexico is once again a global destination for surrogacy.Mark has been an invited keynote speaker for 3 national conferences in medical tourism (on how to create programs to draw international patients) by the governments of Costa Rica, Taiwan, and China. He has been an article contributor to the Medical Tourism Magazine, and he was part of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada’s creation of Ethical Guidelines in Medical Tourism.Listen as Mark shares with Ellen and Jenn:Being Canadian and dealing with Canada’s system for infertility treatment.Looking internationally for other options, including Costa Rica and Panama. Ultimately conceiving their child with the help of doctors in Cape Town, South Africa.After his experiencing, learning more about medical tourism. Joining with a partner to start a vascular surgery program in Costa Rica. Moving to just working in fertility care in a number of countries.Finding so many countries – Canada, much of Europe – limited access to care through regulation.Doctors being able to do thing in the US (such as sex selection in IVF) that is not permitted in many countries. In 2018, starting a surrogacy program in Colombia supported by a supreme court ruling and friendly environment toward same-sex male couples. Genetic connection required between dad and child, with surrogate on the birth certificate until removed after some period of time. Colombia not an option for single intended mothers or same-sex female couples. Talking costs (significantly less than the US)!History of surrogacy in Mexico, including the 2021 supreme court decision.Complications in Mexico, but a better fit for certain intended parents.History working in Argentina, but recent problems causing him to discontinue work there.Other options in Europe; issues with surrogates traveling between countries. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Surrogacy Colombia: www.surrogacycolombia.com 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/ 

AshLeigh Meyer Dunham is a distinguished legal professional with a career rooted in service to Alabama families. She serves as a Referee in Jefferson County’s Juvenile Court, where she adjudicates sensitive family and juvenile matters with fairness, clarity, and compassion. Her work creates stability for children and families facing crisis, drawing on years of experience handling complex legal issues with a steady, principled approach.AshLeigh is also a practicing Fertility Attorney at Magic City Fertility Law. Her expertise in this area is deeply personal: AshLeigh and her husband welcomed their daughter through IVF, but had to leave Alabama to access the care they needed to start their family. As an attorney, AshLeigh helps individuals and couples navigate the legal complexities of assisted reproduction so they can start and grow their families too. That experience fuels her public advocacy for legal protections for families seeking fertility treatment. She believes no Alabamian should have to leave home to start a family.AshLeigh is running for a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court to bring a grounded, family-centered perspective to the state’s highest court. With experience across family and juvenile law, she is uniquely prepared to ensure that the court serves all Alabamians with integrity and empathy.www.ashleighforalabama.comListen as AshLeigh shares with Ellen and Jenn:Juggling being a practicing attorney, juvenile referee, hip hop fitness enthusiast, and Alabama Supreme Court candidate!Struggling to build a family herself and seeking fertility treatment, unsuccessfully, in state.Traveling to Oregon to see a fertility doctor based on Instagram advice. Successful getting to her daughter.Having two more embryos stored in Oregon, with no intention on moving them to Alabama. The terribleness of the LaPage case – the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that a clinic could be held liable for manslaughter as a result of embryo destruction – and it’s aftermath in Alabama. Fertility clinics shut down. 19 days later the Alabama legislature passed a bill to protect IVF clinics from criminal actions.But bill also prevents legal responsibility for clinics acting negligently. Alabamians seeking care out of state for family buildng.AshLeigh fighting for better care and family rights for Alabamians. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about AshLeigh Dunham: www.ashleighforalabama.com 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/ 

Andrea Zorida Ali-Panzarella is a proud mom of three beautiful boys, who was inspired to write this book – Every Family Is A Tree -- after a long journey with infertility and loss. She is also a pediatrician, specializing in child abuse, who has cared for children from all walks of life.Andrea and her husband welcomed their sons with the help of compassionate physicians and caring gestational carriers. As they read to their children each night, she noticed the limited number of books that represented their unique family story and realized the missed opportunities to empower her children to know their worth. Her hope with this book is that all people, especially children, will feel seen and accepted in this world no matter what their story is.Listen as Andrea shares with Ellen and Jenn:In her medical training, seeing lots of children born by IVF, but never thinking it was something she would need to turn to. After experiencing pregnancy loss, rethinking the mindset that everything happens for a reason. Finding various diagnoses, including male factor fertility issues and polyps. Turning to IVF and getting pregnant with twins. Only to lose one heartbeat and then the next. Going through more transfers that either failed or ended in miscarriage.The conversation eventually turning to surrogacy.Working with an agency recommended by a friend; being matched with a surrogate they loved. The surrogate becoming pregnant with twins! Finally being able to breath when the babies arrived safely at 35 weeks. Wanting to give the rest of their embryos a chance. Being matched with a more local surrogate this time and getting to drive to attend appointments. From day one with her babies, wanting to explain their story to them, but not finding many fitting children’s books. Taking matters into her own hands to write something where everyone could feel seen – not just her own family, but all the different families she sees in her day-to-day practice as a pediatrician.  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Dr. Andrea Ali-Panzarella and her book Every Family is a Tree: https://www.andreaali-panzarella.com/ 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/ 

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/

Shannon is a certified genetic counselor with nearly 25 years of experience, mostly in the reproductive space. Previous roles have included Network Lead at Genome Medical, Team Lead at Mayo Clinic, and Prenatal and Preconception Genetic Counselor at CooperGenomics. She is currently the Director of Genetic Counseling at Fairfax Cryobank along with the Founder and Owner of Stork Genetics. She contributes additional work in medical affairs, scientific communication, and patient education and advocacy. Listen as Shannon shares with Ellen and Jenn:What a genetic counselor is -- a translator of sorts, an intermediary between doctors and genetic labs and patients, explaining what genetic test results mean.A key to the genetic testing puzzle is what you plan to do with the information. Discussing Jenn’s genetic testing for her child and how choosing the test type makes an important difference. Some tests/results are just “genertainment” – fun to talk about at parties, but not medically actionable. For donors, most are young and provide medical information from a snapshot in time. It is important to keep in touch as conditions develop over time.Sometimes too much information can be unhelpful.But targeted, actionable information can help with important decisions, such as determining and choosing an embryo without a certain condition, or prophylactic surgery.  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Stork Genetics: www.storkgenetics.com 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/

Slaughter Law Group’s founding partner, Lesa Slaughter, has an international reputation for her strategic, supportive, and forward-thinking legal advice when counseling clients creating their family through gestational surrogacy, egg, sperm, and embryo donation. Lesa’s own personal journey of having children through gestational surrogacy, combined with her 15 years of practice in the field of third-party reproduction and prior experience in the transactional and litigation arenas ensures her clients are educated on the legal, practical, and emotional issues raised when forging a pathway to parentage involving surrogacy, egg donation, embryo donation and sperm donation. Since 2009, Lesa and her team at Slaughter Law Group have helped tens of thousands of intended parents from all over the globe become mothers and fathers through third party reproduction. Lesa provides legal expertise, compassion and a unique insight and understanding of the clients she serves that few other attorneys in the field of third-party reproduction offer. Receiving her undergraduate degree from New York University, Lesa received her juris doctorate degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California in 1999, where she received a number of academic awards. Lesa’s practice began with the international firm of Skadden, Arps, and Slate & Meagher LLP where her litigation and transactional skills were honed in representing large private and Fortune 500 companies on a number of international and domestic matters. In 2009, Lesa left large firm life and opened her own law firm, known today as Slaughter Law Group, a boutique firm advising clients on gestational surrogacy, egg, embryo, and sperm donation matters.Lesa has also been an Adjunct Professor at Loyola Law School, and has served three former Los Angeles Mayors. She was Chief of Staff to former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, served as a City of Los Angeles Commissioner for multiple terms under Los Angeles Mayors Hahn and Villagarosa. Lesa has worked on a number of state-wide campaigns and received several civic awards. The go to expert in the rapidly changing landscape of assisted reproductive technology, Lesa has been quoted in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and been a featured speaker on the issue of gestational surrogacy in the United States and abroad, including Australia, Canada, Italy, and Sweden. Licensed in California, she is a member of the California State Bar, the American Bar Association’s Assisted Reproductive Technologies sub-section, and the Legal Professional Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.Listen as Lesa shares with Ellen and Jenn:Having 15 year old surrogate-born twins. Starting out with a few agency and attorney names and having to take it from there.Being matched with a unicorn of a surrogate: previous experience as a surrogate, surrogate-friendly insurance, not working, and great supportive spouseSurrogate relocating from across the country to California for delivery. Writing a book to share what she learned from her own experience and decades of representing clients going through surrogacy. A majority of her clients being from other countries and facing the uncertainty of getting their babies home in the midst of the level battle over birth right citizenship.International shifts in surrogacy from Italian criminalization to Latin American countries becoming the new go-to hot spots.Some of the key issues when starting out: choosing a good agency, birth preferences, coping mechanisms for stress, etc. Great progress in big name companies offering surrogacy benefits for employeesThe need for licensure of agencies (in all states, not just New York). Her book, "The Ultimate Guide for Intended Parents to Gestational Surrogacy, by an Attorney and Intended Parent Who Went Through It!" due to be published fall of 2025Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Lesa’s law firm: www.slaughterlawgroup.com 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/ 

Ashley. Ashley was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She is the mother to two beautiful children and a decade deep into marriage with her high school sweetheart. They live on a small “farmette” with all kinds of furry creatures! She loves to garden, sew clothing, cook, and bake! Surrogacy is something that was on her heart for years after a close family member battled infertility. In 2021, she completed a successful journey and delivered a healthy baby to a set of Intended Parents that became an extended part of her family. Ashley says that standing witness to a set of parents seeing their child’s face for the first time was an experience she will never forget. Now being a case manager, she has the opportunity to help so many more couples become parents!In 2023, feeling the pull to give back in another big way – Ashley applied for a Uterus Transplant clinical trial at Penn Medicine. In December of 2023, she became the 3rd living donor at Penn to donate her uterus to another woman in hopes that she would be able to carry her own baby! Justyna. After a long journey, time, and determination, Justyna was the successful recipient of a donated uterus. Specifically, she received Ashley’s donated uterus! Justyna carried a pregnancy and gave birth to a daughter with the help of Ashley’s “beast” of a uterus. Listen as Ashley and Justyna shares with Ellen and Jenn:Check out episode 208 where Ashley tells the story of her decision to become a uterus donor.Justyna facing loss, struggling to get pregnant.Getting pregnant, but at 35 weeks, as Justyna was being rushed into emergency surgery, her husband was told he might need to choose whose life to save, that of his wife or their baby daughter. Justyna begged him to choose their baby. Justyna and her baby survived the surgery, but they had to take Justyna’s uterus. Longing for a big family, researching options, and coming across Penn’s uterus donation program. Signing up in 2018. Years of delay due to COVID. Then in 2022 Justyna’s biggest supporter, her mom, passed away. A week later, Justyna got the call from Penn that they were restarting the program. Like a gift from her mom. After surgery, receiving a basket of gifts from the donor (Ashley) – with a uterus-printed blanket, uterus pillow, and uterus earrings. Laughing hurt, but she couldn’t help it. The first embryo transfer working and Justyna declaring “this uterus is a beast!”Announcing the pregnancy through her daughter’s birthday gift. So many cheers of excitement!Ashley and Justyna meeting through letters at first, then in person, and becoming family. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Follow Learn more about Family Makers Surrogacy: familymakers.comLearn 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/ 

Alyssa Schnell has been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2009. She works in private practice serving clients both locally and worldwide. She is the author of Breastfeeding Without Birthing: A Breastfeeding Guide for Mothers Through Adoption, Surrogacy, and Other Special Circumstances and a professional supplement to the book, The Breastfeeding Without Birthing Professional Pack online training. She is also the creator of DomHub, an extensive online resource for domperidone. Alyssa has authored articles for The Journal of Human Lactation, La Leche League’s Leader Today and Breastfeeding Today magazines, and Adoptive Families magazine and developer of The Three Step Framework for Inducing Lactation. She is an international speaker on the topics of inducing lactation, relactation, co-lactation, and other related topics. Alyssa is the proud mother of three breastfed children, two by birth and one by adoption. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.Alyssa offers a wide variety of free and paid resources for parents, including a free online support group, free mini consultations, and consultation packages to support parents every step of the way. Her evidence-based online resource for domperidone, DomHub, is a much need guide to the safe and effective use of domperidone for lactation and is appropriate for parents or professionals. She works with parents from all over the world who are interested in inducing lactation, relactating, and co-lactating. Her practice is inclusive and accepts some insurance.Listen as Alyssa shares with Ellen and Jenn:Birthing and breastfeeding two children and then adopting and wanting to bring the nutritional and bonding experience to her adopted baby.Knowing it was possible from her volunteer work with La Leche League and voracious research on inducing lactation.Her experience was 20 years ago, but the basics are the same, with some advancements since that time. She works to customize the steps with her clients; lifestyles, circumstances, and goals can significantly affect the plan. Answering the question, “Can a person assigned male at birth induce lactation?” (Yes!)Dealing with tricky timing issues, such as in adoption. Vocab review, what is re-lactation versus co-lactation.Supporting parents by surrogacy who wish to induce lactation. Medication access challenges and side effects (especially when not taken appropriately). Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Follow:Learn more about Alyssa Schnell and her services: https://www.alyssaschnellibclc.com/Get Alyssa’s book, Breastfeeding Without Birthing: https://www.alyssaschnellibclc.com/bookLearn 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/ 

JOANNA PARGA-BELINKIE, MD, FAAP, IBCLC, is an associate professor of pediatrics and clinical neonatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). She is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and co-host of their flagship podcast Pediatrics On Call. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and three children.Listen as Dr. Parga-Belinkie shares with Ellen and Jenn:Finding there is a lot of noise and mixed messages for new parents. Parents-to-be putting lots of effort into a birth plan but then feeling lost with baby.Addressing a common concern of parents not feeling an immediate bond.Is a peepee teepee an essential baby item? What about nose snot sucker?Reframing sleep expectations for a newborn. Identifying different cries for different needs.An extra special guest joins the interview!Misinformation in the vaccine realm and great resources for reliable information.Human interaction is key for brain-boosting activity. The right baby gear, not so important.  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Follow Dr. Parga-Belinkie: https://www.instagram.com/jopargalinkiemd/Get The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with your Newborn: https://www.aap.org/The-Baby-Bonding-Book-Connecting-With-Your-Newborn-PaperbackLearn 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/ 

Stephanie Jones is the Founder of the Michigan Fertility Alliance and Co-Founder of State Strong.After experiencing secondary infertility due to life-threatening pregnancy complications, Stephanie Jones and her husband were stunned to learn that Michigan banned surrogacy contracts—their only option to grow their family. Stephanie channeled her business expertise and personal perseverance into founding the Michigan Fertility Alliance and changing Michigan’s surrogacy and parentage laws. Under her leadership, MFA is driving pro-family advocacy and policy reform to support Michiganders who need assisted reproduction or surrogacy to build their families.In 2024, Stephanie received the RESOLVE Hope Award for Advocacy in recognition of her impactful work. She also shared her personal story of reproductive health and abortion to support the successful election of Senator Slotkin to the U.S. Senate.Ginanne Brownell is an award-winning writer and journalist. Raised in Michigan and based in London, she has covered stories on six continents and in over forty-five countries. Her work has been published in outlets including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Washington Post, Foreign Policy, and Scientific American. She has worked on staff for CNN, Newsweek, and UNICEF. Ginanne is the author of two books: "Elusive Mommyhood: An investigative reporter’s personal journey into IVF and surrogacy" and "Ghetto Classics: How a Youth Orchestra Changed a Nairobi Slum." She has a BA in history from Albion College and a MA in history from the London School of Economics.Listen as Stephanie and Ginanne share with Ellen and Jenn:Stephanie’s journey with secondary infertility leading her to surrogacy and the shocking discovery, from her hospital bed, of Michigan’s terrible laws -- check out Episode 74 for more!When Stephanie’s ability to carry her own child died, Michigan Fertility Alliance was born. Your humble podcast hosts connecting Stephanie and Ginanne, both Flint, Michiganders.In parallel, Ginanne struggling with infertility and being advised to turn to surrogacy. She had hoped her kids could be born in her home state of Michigan -- hear more of Ginanne’s story on Episode 108!Writing a book on her journey and extensive research. A little history, including the fun fact that the first birth of a child through gestational surrogacy was in Michigan!Organizing two advocacy days, with over 100 advocates meeting with more than 50 legislators. Building a strong coalition of leaders and experts to put together what ultimately was a nine bill package to comprehensively and inclusively change the parentage laws in Michigan for everyone.The bills were officially signed April 1, 2024 -- a historic date for multiple reasons.Taking their advocacy efforts to the next level with the formation of State Strong. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about State Strong: https://www.statestrong.org/Buy Elusive Mommyhood: An investigative reporter’s personal journey into IVF and surrogacy: https://ginannebrownell.com/elusive-mommyhood/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/ 

Ashley Christman is a born and raised Pennsylvania girl. She is the mother to two beautiful children and a decade deep into marriage with her high school sweetheart. They live on a small “farmette” with all kinds of furry creatures! She loves to garden, sew clothing, cook and bake!Surrogacy is something that was on her heart for years after a close family member battled infertility. In 2021, she completed a successful journey and delivered a healthy baby to a set of Intended Parents that became an extended part of her family. Ashley says that standing witness to a set of parents seeing their child’s face for the first time was an experience she will never forget. Now being a case manager, she has the opportunity to help so many more couples become parents!In 2023, feeling the pull to give back in another big way - Ashley applied for a Uterus Transplant clinical trial at Penn Medicine. In December of 2023, she became the 3rd living donor at Penn to donate her uterus to another woman in hopes that she would be able to carry her own baby!Listen as Ashley shares with Ellen and Jenn:A comparison with Jenn as to who has more chickens (Ashley wins!)Being an only child, but with a large extended family. Marrying her high school sweetheart.Always wanting to be a mom and pregnancy coming easy for her. Watching her like-a-sister cousin struggle and endure a hysterectomy, and her best friend become a surrogate. Being inspiring to become a surrogate herself.Loving the intended parents she was matched with. After some health drama, delivering a perfect baby girl. Starting work for the surrogacy agency.Being inspired by a podcast (this podcast!) to look into uterus donation.Applying and being accepted into Penn’s uterus donation clinical trial, subject to a whole battery of tests.  Undergoing the ten-and-a-half-hour surgeryNot knowing anything about the recipient, but being permitted to write a letter to the recipient a year after surgery. (Get the tissues ready as we read from the letter!) Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Family Makers: https://familymakers.com/ Learn more about Penn’s uterus transplant program: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/penn-fertility-care/uterus-transplantLearn 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/

Brooke Kimbrough is the founder of Roots Surrogacy, a boutique, relationship-driven surrogacy agency grounded in empathy, transparency, and ethical care. A former surrogate herself and a long-time industry professional, Brooke brings over a decade of firsthand experience to the work of guiding intended parents and surrogates through one of the most meaningful journeys of their lives. At the heart of everything she does is a deep belief in connection, women’s empowerment, and the power of doing things the right way—even when it’s hard. Brooke leads her all-female team with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to the values behind the Roots name.Listen as Brooke shares with Ellen and Jenn:Both of her parents working in family law and knowing a lot about adoption. Learning about surrogacy and becoming really interested in being a surrogate. Her husband initially saying no, but with time giving in knowing she was going to do what she wanted eventually anyway. An adoption attorney family friend introducing her to a surrogacy agency. Doing no other research on agencies. Being open to carrying for any type of family; being matched with a single intended father. Transferring two embryos, both successful at first. But then losing one of the heartbeats around 9 weeks. Feeling disappointed, but Intended Father being very supportive and encouraging. Intended Father throwing a baby shower with all his friends and family loving on her. Having a planned C-section, with dad in the room until the birth (him finding out baby’s sex at delivery!), then her husband in there for the post-delivery operation part supporting her. Intended Father’s tears sweetly falling on her face during the delivery!Experiencing complications with retained tissue and loss of blood. Planning to go back to work, but not being excited to return to HR. In a lunch with Intended Father, him suggesting she should start a surrogacy agency.Sitting down and coming up with a plan to start slowly, no more than 4 cases the first year. The company instead quickly growing and helping with 12 matches the first year. Bringing on a business partner. Focusing on the things they would want and need as intended parents and surrogates. Not taking a one-size-fits-all approach.Advocating for best practices in the industry, including stopping double embryo transfers back in 2017This year Roots celebrates its 10th year of building families! The story of some of her favorite Intended Parents (check out Episode 175!).  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Roots Surrogacy: www.rootssurrogacy.comLearn 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/ 

Carly Joseph is a surrogacy concierge helping Intended Parents match with the right surrogates quickly. Having navigated her own two surrogacy journeys, Carly knows firsthand how overwhelming the process can be. Her mission is to combine personal experience with established relationships to help make the path to parenthood smoother. Carly works with intended parents who are ready to explore surrogacy.Listen as Carly shares with Ellen and Jenn:Through eight rounds of IVF and four failed transfers being welcomed into a club she never wanted to be a member of – that of infertility. Being really open about her story in an effort to normalize different family paths. Learning how to support others with their infertility through her own journey.Being diagnosed with endometriosis and undergoing surgery. Experiencing another failed transfer.Moving across the country from New York to Los Angeles while also dealing with her mother’s cancer diagnosis. Her doctor recommending surrogacy. Feeling all the conflicting emotions – happy that there’s a path forward, but hard to give up the dream of carrying her babies herself.Working with a concierge provider and being matched with a surrogate quickly.Getting confirmation of pregnancy and heartbeat, and all the joy, only to discover no heartbeat at 9 weeks. Going through another transfer and then surrogate experiencing a second miscarriage.Not feeling optimistic about a third transfer and matching with a second surrogate. Then hearing from the first surrogate that she was up for a third transfer attempt. Transferring to their second surrogate when the first was five months along.The amazing moment of being in the delivery room for their son.Receiving a call from her second surrogate and the doctor that she is leaking amniotic fluid at 29 weeks and will not be leaving the hospital before delivery.In the thick of it with babies but also feeling moved to start a surrogacy concierge business to help others. The concierge advantage – having a personal advocate, more education at the beginning, and faster matching by working across hundreds of agencies. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Carly Joseph and her services: carlypjoseph.com 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/ 

Julie Eshelman is the Founder, CEO, and President of Building Military Families Network where she took her struggles and lack of support and access to information in family building and created an organization to fill that gap for military and veteran families. Her own family’s experiences with infertility and the frustrations resulting from a lack of insurance coverage and a support network led her to advocate and launch a nonprofit for the change she desperately wants to see for the next generation of military and veteran families. Julie was named the 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Fort Leavenworth Spouse of the Year for her awareness, advocacy, and leadership in infertility and military family building.Building Military Families Network is a 501c3 organization with a mission to provide an empowering and supportive network to military and veteran families navigating the challenges in the family-building process through support groups, education, and resources. Their Education Center and Resource Library empower military and veteran families with all the information and tools they need on their journey to parenthood. The Support Group Program provides families with peer support and builds community. Their advocacy efforts are focused on increasing insurance coverage and improving access to all family-building options for military and veteran families. Building Military Families Network is a beacon of hope for building military families.Listen as Julie shares with Ellen and Jenn:Her journey to becoming an infertility warrior.Meeting her husband in college. Knowing nothing about military life but following him into it. Trying to conceive for over a year and recognizing they should seek medical care. But the fertility specialist near them had a 12 month wait list and they had orders to move to Arizona. Going through all the diagnostic testing while her husband was deployed. Experiencing a miscarriage as they were driving across the country.Starting from scratch with a new fertility specialist, going through all the diagnostic testing again.Enduring the last-minute cancellation of an egg retrieval due to the COVID shutdown. Then, after restarting, suffering from ovarian hyperstimulation.Eventually getting to their rainbow baby. Finding RESOLVE, signing up last minute for Federal Advocacy Day.Finding advocacy to be therapeutic and empowering.Starting the Building Military Families Network to do more for military families struggling with building their families. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Building Military Families Network:buildingmilitaryfamiliesnetwork.orgLearn 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/ 

As members of the LGBTQ+ community, Kristina and Sol always knew they would need fertility treatments to build their family. However, dual infertility diagnoses made their journey even more complex. This experience fueled their passion for advocacy, inspiring them to champion for expanded access to reproductive technology, fair donor-conceived laws, and protections for LGBTQ+ families. Kristina furthers this mission in her role as Chair of Colorado Fertility Advocates.After more than a decade of fertility treatments—including IVF, RIVF, and Donor Embryo—their family is now complete. They are proud parents of three wonderful children: two boys and a girl, ages 11, 8, and 3.Beyond their advocacy, Kristina and Sol are deeply committed to advancing health equity for marginalized communities, increasing the visibility of diverse leaders—including Latino, LGBTQ+, and underserved communities—and championing reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Kristina serves on the boards of the LGBTQ+ Heritage Project for the United Methodist Church and the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Sol, who is Latino and bilingual, is a Board Member for Project Worthmore and a former member of Commerce City’s DEI Commission and Cultural Council.Professionally, Kristina has built a successful 20-year career in Marketing and Strategic Communications, specializing in the healthcare and fintech industries. Sol is also an accomplished leader, with expertise in operations and project management across community health centers, government and educational organizations, and, most recently, a nationwide private equity-backed dental company.In their free time, Kristina and Sol love attending and coaching their kids’ countless sports and activities, exploring Colorado through hikes and scenic Sunday drives, enjoying live music, cheering on Sol’s hometown teams (the Padres and Chargers), road-tripping, listening to audiobooks, playing board games, and spending quality time with family and friends.Listen as Sol and Kristina share with Ellen and Jenn:Kristina splitting with her partner of 12 years when she was 6 weeks pregnant. Not the best timing!3 months post-delivery, Kristina thinking about dating again. Messaging with Sol and connecting right away on their passion for advocacy. Sol not being scared off by Kristina having a three-month-old. With Kristina’s first pregnancy, going through IUIs and it just not working. Then finding her egg count was not where it should be. Failed embryo transfer, then success. After Kristina’s egg quality issues, opting for reciprocal IVF with Sol’s eggs.But Sol also experienced egg issues – 5 eggs retrieved, 1 embryo.Navigating the cultural issues with Sol’s family.Moving from California to Colorado and knowing they wanted another child.Extensively looking into adoption but ultimately choosing embryo donation. Being really open and honest with their children about their origin stories. Loving the family they have built and the many paths they took to get there.  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Follow Kristina and Sol on Instagram: @kristina_on_insta + @allo10Learn 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/ 

Shea Bart Andreone is a writer, speaker, and author. She is also a mother who knows the agony that can come with trying to have a baby. Shea’s journey to becoming a mother to two healthy children was punctuated by pain, hospitalizations, and death. Carry On offers a candid, intrepid look into the real stories of the many people for whom this universal drive to start a family doesn’t come easily. These stories are an exploration of these people’s love, hope, and desperation to keep trying.Shea’s writing, from her own blog (Twig-Hugger) to numerous articles in mom and parent-oriented platforms (The Next Family, Motherfigure, LA Parent, Your Teen Magazine, and Chicken Soup For The Soul) has given her views and opinions platform to reach interested and like-minded eyes and ears.Shea has been a featured speaker at Expressing Motherhood, a live storytelling event held in major cities across the United States. She has shared her story about living with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Shea dealt with HG for all three of my pregnancies, and participated in research studies through HER, the world’s largest network of HG survivors and experts.She’s been featured on podcasts, including “Single Vs. Married”, where she spoke about natural childbirth, medical interventions traditionally utilized during childbirth, and why she opted to have as few interventions as possible during her own labors and deliveries. Shea discussed the months of trying to conceive, illness, and suffering that finally resulted in giving birth to a healthy baby girl.Before having children, Shea was a competitive and then professional figure skater. Hailing from New York, Shea acted off-Broadway for nearly a decade. She then moved to the West Coast and continued to act, in TV, films, and theater. While Shea loves NY and travels back often, LA is where her husband, children, dog and her call home.Listen as Shea shares with Ellen and Jenn:Teaching senior water aerobics classes and spending time as a professional ice skater, among her many talents and activities.Meeting her husband and both knowing right away they wanted to try for kids. Heading to the doctor when it wasn’t happening and being quickly scheduled for fibroid removal surgery.Finding herself pregnant before surgery and being told she just had to wait to see whether the pregnancy or fibroid won out. The pregnancy won out, but then extreme sickness hit. Hyperemesis, not being able to keep food down, losing weight to the point of the doctor threatening hospitalization, and a terrifying adverse reaction to anti-nausea medication. Second time around trying a Zofran pump to deal with the nausea but losing the pregnancy. Looking for something to help with the healing. Trying sewing but ultimately turning to writing. Connecting with a community that had struggled with starting their families. Recognizing the universal need for people to talk about their experiences. Writing her book, Carry On, to bring those stories together and to others.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Shea Bart Andreone and her book Carry On: https://www.sheabartandreone.com/about-shea-bart-andreoneLearn 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/

Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from George Washington University and is the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland. Her specialty is in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents. She is an approved consultant in EMDR through EMDRIA as well as a facilitator for basic training with The Touchstone Institute. She has served on several committees within the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and was elected in 2021 to its Executive Committee. She previously served as a Board Member of the Maryland Psychological Association for over 10 years. Dr. Bindeman is a member of multiple organizations focused on Maternal and Reproductive Mental Health and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on its Maternal Mental Health Task Force. She was awarded the Karl Heiser Award through the American Psychological Association for her legislative efforts on behalf of psychology. Dr. Bindeman has published several chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology and is the editor of the book “The Mental Health Clinician’s Handbook for Abortion Care” that was released September, 2024.Listen as Julie shares with Ellen and Jenn:Coming on the podcast for her third time! Check out Episodes 136 and 166. What is a polyamorous family? The mindfulness and intentionality of polycules. Best approaches for providers to understand family dynamics. Hint: open-ended questions! The struggle with family building not fitting into well-understood pathways.Thinking through a plan if current family dynamics change, especially as to parenting and gamete and embryo control. The role of the mental health professional, as a source of support rather than a gatekeeper.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Dr. Bindeman’s practice: http://www.GreaterWashingtonTherapy.comRead Dr. Bindeman’s book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-61453-8Follow Dr. Bindeman on social media: https://www.facebook.com/drbindeman; https://bsky.app/profile/drjuliebindeman.bsky.socialLearn 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/ 

Zach French is an attorney with experience in technology startups and business development, and most recently served as an executive at SeedTrust. Zach’s connection to the ART world began when he and his wife, Alexandra, embarked on their own surrogacy journey after Alexandra’s battle with breast cancer. The tremendous mental and financial toll from their journey led them to establish The Surrogacy Foundation (formerly Gift of Surrogacy). Zach left SeedTrust in February to become full-time Executive Director of the nonprofit. Zach and TSF are on a mission to expand access to surrogacy by propelling it into the mainstream using a collaborative approach to build a sustainable grant program and technology-enabled education and support.Listen as Zach shares with Ellen and Jenn:Coming on the podcast for a second time! Check out Episode 177 to hear the first. Zach and his wife’s experience with cancer, and then surrogacy to have their child. Starting The Gift of Surrogacy to help others. Navigating it on the side but then Zach being encouraged to dedicate himself full-time to leading the cause. Raising enough money from the first fundraiser in 2023 to be able to award a $100,000 grant!Focusing on their why and their values.Creating a non-profit for tomorrow’s donors. Not your grandparents’ non-profit.Making their events truly memorable. Including their upcoming event on February 8, 2025. Masquerade theme, with some surprises up their sleeves!Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about The Surrogacy Foundation: https://www.giftofsurrogacyfoundation.org/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/ 

Elizabeth Carr is the first baby born via in vitro fertilization in the United States.In the media since 3 cells old, Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for those fighting for fertility rights. From battles over insurance coverage, to educating doctors on how to interact with patients going through infertility treatments, to advice for parents on how to talk to children about assisted reproductive technologies, Elizabeth is proud to share her voice and story in order to fight for those who may not be able to fight for themselves. Elizabeth is a fearless Patient Advocate, striving to educate and empower people based on her life experiences and expertise within the fertility world. She has presented to audiences around the globe including at the United Nations, ASRM, ESHRE, and the national infertility association, RESOLVE.A dynamic speaker, Elizabeth’s passion lies in education from helping companies craft fertility benefit packages & parental leave policies, to keynote speeches, to sitting one-on-one with people facing fertility questions head on. Elizabeth has worked as a journalist, marketing and events, and fundraising making her an expert at distilling complex issues into easy-to-digest stories. Elizabeth is also a marathoner, triathlete, coffee connoisseur, wife, mother, and writer.Listen as Elizabeth shares with Ellen and Jenn:Living in the media spotlight since she was three cells old.Not understanding the big deal when she was little but growing to understand how historic and important the technology became for so many.Feeling that she was always under a microscope to see if she was “normal”. At 10, to the horror of the school nurse, explaining during a lesson on human reproduction that there is another way! Making herself available publicly to give others hope, but also dealing with hurtful mail that she “shouldn’t exist.”  Taking a break from the media in her 20s to focus on her journalism career. A career chosen after dealing with so many journalists from a young age!Being Senator Tim Kaine’s guest at the State of the Union.Jumping into action after the Alabama Supreme Court embryo ruling. Working with so many great organizations to fight for families. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Elizabeth Carr from her website: www.ejordancarr.comRead Elizabeth’s book, Under the Microscope: https://ejordancarr.com/under-the-microscopeLearn 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/ 

This is the story of a beautiful family assembled out of order: dog, daughter, dad. It's the story of planning years ahead to become a mom, and wishing she’d started years earlier. It's the story of the unexpected that arrives in every form from love (like a husband) to terror (like medical issues), and the life-changing decisions that accompany any rocky road through fertility.It was after their second date that Shira told her now husband she was probably pregnant. She conceived her daughter as a single mom by choice using donor sperm, most of her savings, and so much time, energy and effort. Just as she finally succeeded in getting pregnant, she met him. It turns out families don't have to be assembled in order.Shira is a product, commercial and operations leader with deep experience launching and scaling tech-enabled healthcare. She has worked across various clinical specialties, partnering closely with health plans, employers, health systems and government.Shira is currently at Lin Health, which specializes in treating chronic pain. Shira loves leading people, helping patients, and designing technology to solve problems. Shira was previously the General Manager of Behavioral Health and Musculoskeletal care at Eden Health. Before that at Omada Health, she led creation of product lines for diabetes, hypertension and behavioral health, as well as spearheading Omada’s work with national insurance carriers, the American Medical Association, and the federal government’s healthcare innovation team.Shira is passionate about writing and speaking on the future of integrating technology into healthcare, as well as insights about culture and life choices from her time working and living around the world. Her greatest passion at work is supporting her team members in growth and development, and fostering the culture and organizational structures that lead to high productivity and work-life balance. Shira’s greatest joy is this family she built out of order: her young daughter, her loving husband, and her ever-hopeful dog. She is a community builder, outdoor enthusiast and world traveler. Shira has lived across the US, Europe and Africa and now loves hiking, biking and paddling near her home near Boulder, Colorado.Listen as Shira shares with Ellen and Jenn:Calling her second date romantic interest to tell him she’s pregnant.Rewinding, getting good advice at 35 to get her fertility checked. Finding out she had a very low egg count, choosing to go through the expensive process of egg freezing. Talking to a financial planner about her hopes to be a parent, and ultimately making some major shifts in her life (including a major move).Still wanting a partner, but meeting people became hard with the onset of the COVID pandemic. Grieving the loss of an idea she had for her life, but then being ready to move forward. Researching who decides to become a single mother by choice; finding that these women are bad asses.After telling her second date the news, him still being in. And then being all in. Finding out about a serious medical complication, moving to Florida together for specialized care. Experiencing her happy ending/beginning.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.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/ 

Yifat Shaltiel, Esq. is Author of “Save Money on Surrogacy” and has 16+ years of experience practicing surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology law and providing surrogacy coaching. She is CEO and Founder of Surrogate Steps, a surrogacy agency, helping families grow for over ten years. As one of the chairs of the Reproductive Health Law Committee for the Women’s Bar Association of the state of New York, Yifat testified on surrogacy matters in the New York State Legislature and participated as speaker at various venues, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She has been featured as a surrogacy law specialist at numerous venues including Cornell Law School and news media outlets such as MSNBC. In addition to her book, she published many articles on reproductive law and surrogacy, and taught CLE classes regarding surrogacy to other attorneys and judges.Yifat Shaltiel, Esq. was introduced to the world of surrogacy and infertility through her own infertility journey. She has made it her mission to help others grow their families through surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology and hopes that the information in this book, about how to save money in a surrogacy journey, will help more individuals afford surrogacy and successfully become parents.Listen as Yifat shares with Ellen and Jenn:Experiencing infertility as a young prosecutor.Feeling very alone, but eventually finding a support group. Experiencing failed treatments until a successful, but very difficult, pregnancy.Wanting to help others in this situation. Digging into the law.Quiting her job to follow her passion and starting a law practice focused on helping others with infertility. Numbers. Just how expensive is surrogacy? Best paths to saving money. Areas where you don’t want to cut corners.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Buy Yifat’s new book: https://surrogatesteps.com/save-money-on-surrogacy-book/Learn more about Yifat’s surrogacy agency: https://surrogatesteps.comLearn 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/ 

Ariel is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Psychotherapist who has been involved in the surrogacy and fertility community since 2015 and has guided countless couples and individuals on their journey to parenthood.  After her own complicated miscarriage as a surrogate in 2016, Ariel discovered that there was very little specialized counselling for her painful situation and realized a much larger need for mental health professionals that deeply understand the fertility world.  Ariel returned to school in 2018 and graduated from Western University in 2021. She opened Carried with Love (CWL) to provide 100% virtual support for those struggling with infertility, loss, pregnancy challenges or postpartum mood disorders. Since opening, CWL has continued to grow and now provides a wide range of therapeutic services and most recently has launched Canada’s first Independent Surrogacy Program.  Ariel has carried 5 babies as a gestational surrogate which resulted in 4 live births – the most recent in the summer of 2023. Although Ariel is now retired as a surrogate, she continues to be an active presence in the fertility community and leverages her strong social media following to normalize all roads to parenthood for women and couples around the world. Listen as Ariel shares with Ellen and Jenn:Being a lot of things: a fertility therapist, surrogacy educator, social worker, psychotherapist… and social media influencer!Growing up with a family committed to volunteer work, especially with children.Focusing her education on child development.Loving pregnancy, but knowing their family was complete. Impulsively Googling surrogacy and jumping in headfirst.Canadian surrogacy laws v. US law (Ariel is in Canada!). Her first surrogacy ending with a devastating miscarriage.Feeling immense sadness over the loss and not finding the support she needed.Seeing the need to a fill a gap, offering virtual fertility therapy for those experiencing loss with surrogacy and donor conception. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Check out Carried with Love’s fertility and surrogacy support services: https://carriedwithlove.com/ 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/

Ellen Weir Casey is the mother of one of the world's first IVF babies. Her daughter is known as "Colorado’s First Test Tube Baby." Her award-winning memoir, Unstoppable: Forging The Path To Motherhood in The Early Days Of IVF, is the first person account of a patient in the earliest days of Assisted Reproductive Technology. Ellen is a passionate advocate for unrestricted access to women’s health care. She speaks nationally and internationally bringing attention to the importance of establishing permanent access to IVF.Listen as Ellen C. shares with Ellen T. and Jenn:Being one of the first women in the world to have a baby by IVF!Going through seven major surgeries in two countries and three U.S. States before meeting her miracle baby. Wanting just to hold her baby after all she’d been through, but believing it important to share her story and give others hope. Facing the claims of ethical, religious, moral backlash head on. Going on national television repeatedly, talking to anyone who would listen so they could understand. 40 years later, still fighting for people to understand IVF and its importance. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Check out Ellen Casey’s book Unstoppable: Forging The Path To Motherhood in The Early Days Of IVF: https://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Forging-Path-Motherhood-Early/dp/1632994976Follow Ellen Casey on Instagram at: @ellen2956 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/ 

Angela worked in the fertility domain for over 30 years. She has extensive experience working with fertility centers all over the world. She also has clinical experience, having worked directly with more than a dozen Reproductive Endocrinologists at five different fertility centers. Her mix of personal and professional experience has given Angela the skills to be a special advocate for those in the fertility realm. She is known for maintaining exceptional standards when assisting those in need. More importantly, Angela is equipped by experience with the tools to help others complete their families via third party fertility treatments. She smoothly coordinates with a variety of stakeholders, including patients, families, caregivers, and global partner networks. If you are in any of these roles, you’ll find Angela to be a professional, intelligent, and extremely capable partner and advocate.Listen as Angela shares with Ellen and Jenn:Doing it all in the family-building space. She’s been a surrogate and an egg donor, worked for multiple fertility clinics, and runs a surrogacy agency, among other roles!Being many kinds of a parent: birth parent, adoptive parent, step-parent, and .., hatchling parent?While working as a medical assistant at a fertility clinic early in her career, a patient asked if she would be her egg donor.Losing touch, only to reconnect shortly before recipient mom’s early death. Many years later, one of the hatchlings visited Angela’s area to check out a college. Spending extended time together when his car broke down. Hatchling thinking Angela was a friend of his mother, not knowing more. Reaching a point where it felt important to tell him the truth. Angela hearing from his siblings. Letting them know that she was there for whatever they needed. Relishing her large, blended family Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Angela’s agency, It’s Time Surrogacy: www.itstimesurrogacy.comLearn 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/ 

Tierney Chrusciel is a 9th grader who lives in Western Massachusetts. They are on the swim team and love to write in their free time.Listen as Tierney shares with Ellen and Jenn:Being a 14-year-old freshman and knowing more about conception than most of their peers.Always knowing they were donor-conceived.Knowing and regularly visiting their parents’ egg donor, mom’s second cousin. Donor Marie feeling like an aunt, her kids like cousins. Joking with other IVF kids at school that a petri dish was their first home.Their thoughts on embryo politics.Jenn and Ellen predict big things for Tierney’s future! Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Listen to Tierney’s mom’s episode: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/blog/2020/2/26/episode-75-a-10-year-journey-to-grow-our-family-erin-chruscielCheck out Tierney’s mom’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Reg_xQL4Oc0Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Jason Angel is a licensed Clinical Psychologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He works with many individuals and families seeking assisted reproductive care and has been through the journey himself with his own family. Jason is committed to equal healthcare access and minimizing discrimination in the insurance marketplace.Tim Blood is a co-founding partner and firm’s managing partner of Blood Hurst & O’Reardon. For almost thirty years, his practice has focused on complex litigation, including class action litigation. Mr. Blood has tried class action cases and is highly regarded in the field of consumer protection law, including California’s Unfair Competition Law and Consumers Legal Remedies Act.Before starting Blood Hurst & O’Reardon, Mr. Blood was a partner in Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach, LLP and a founding partner in the firm now known as Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd, LLP.Mr. Blood has represented millions of purchasers of food, food supplements and over-the-counter drugs arising out of various advertising claims made by manufacturers and retailers. He has also represented owners of motor vehicles in product liability cases and consumer credit and mortgage borrowers against a number of major lending institutions, including Bank of America, Washington Mutual, Countrywide, GMAC and Wells Fargo.Mr. Blood has extensive experience litigating against life, auto and other insurance carriers on behalf of consumers. His experience litigating against life insurance companies includes representing owners, holders and beneficiaries of industrial life insurance in race discrimination cases (with class periods dating back to the late 1800’s).Mr. Blood has testified before the California State Assembly and State Senate Judiciary Committees, as well as the Assembly and Senate Committees on Banking, Finance & Insurance. He has worked at both the state and federal level with lawmakers and government agencies to shape legislation to protect consumer rights, including lobbying on the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 and working to defeat a California state ballot initiative designed to weaken the class action device.Kim Surratt began her legal career in 2002, founding her own practice in 2007, with a license in Nevada and California. Her journey in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) law began in 2004 with her first surrogacy case. Kim is a distinguished ART Fellow at the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, where she is serving her second term on the Board of Trustees. Since 2017, she has chaired the State of Nevada Child Support Commission and has been the chair of the State Bar of Nevada Family Law Section and president of the Nevada Justice Association.Her pro bono efforts commenced in 2003 with the Nevada Justice Association, through which she has significantly impacted reproductive parentage law and LGBTQ+ family law. Her advocacy has facilitated numerous legislative achievements, including the Nevada Domestic Partnership law, numerous modifications to adoption law, comprehensive revisions to pro-LGBTQ+ family law statutes, establishment of the first voluntary acknowledgment of parentage (instead of just paternity) statute, and gender-neutral revisions across all Nevada statutes.However, her shining moments at the Nevada legislature are the changes she made in the adoption of comprehensive pro-family statutes for surrogacy and egg/embryo/sperm donation that are marriage and gender neutral, and a surrogacy insurance mandate in Nevada. The surrogacy insurance law was the first of its kind in the United States and is the model for future advocacy.Kimberly’s dedication to justice has been recognized with several awards, including the Nevada Legal Services Champion of Justice Award, the Washoe Legal Services Children’s Attorney Pro Bono Award, the Nevada Supreme Court Access to Justice Pro Bono Services Award, the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys prestigious President’s Award and the Unsung Hero Award. In addition, her law firm is her firm is a six-time recipient of the Nevada Legal Services Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year award,Listen as Jason, Tim, and Kim share with Ellen and Jenn:Jason’s personal surrogacy journey, including the highs of matching with an amazing surrogate and finding out they were having twins!Jason’s less exciting surrogacy journey parts, including purchasing a health insurance policy for the surrogate, paying premiums and all uncovered expenses, and then still being subject to a five figure “lien”.The discriminatory nature of liens. Being double punished for not being able to carry a pregnancy on their own. Tim explains the contractual and statutory legal bases insurance companies use to support liens, and why they are problematic.Kim’s experience in Nevada fighting for better laws, including surrogacy inclusion for all Nevada-governed health insurance policies, and no liens!Starting the Insurance Access and Equity Alliance to fight insurance discrimination in California and beyond. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about the Insurance Access and Equity Alliance: www.IAEAlliance.orgLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Surrogacy Colombia has been a pioneer in international surrogacy in Colombia since 2018. They have clients from over 60 countries, and growing, and a team of highly qualified professionals to provide the best possible experience.Camila Tobón is Program Lead at Surrogacy Colombia. Her personal experience led her to professionally providing the highest level of care to hopeful parents and those helping hopeful parents achieve their dreams. Listen as Camila shares with Ellen and Jenn:Her journey from working in a fertility clinic, to becoming a donor, to continuing to help growing families as Program Lead at Surrogacy Colombia.Egg donation differences in Colombia, including legally required anonymity and the prohibition of compensation.How home DNA testing is not really a thing in Colombia at this time.Colombia’s draw for international parents -- legal recognition of the intended parents. Colombia’s unique position of non-discrimination, supporting LGBTQ+ families. 99% of Camila clients are male-male couples!All Surrogacy Colombia surrogates are supported through a foundation providing economic and additional support. Costs overall in Colombia are – surprise, surprise –way less than in the US.Other benefits of Colombia (the coffee, of course). Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Surrogacy Colombia: https://surrogacycolombia.com/Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

AllPaths Family Building has a mission to create a caring community for all people struggling with fertility and family building. AllPaths provides the psychosocial support, resources, and advocacy that are critical to those trying to grow their families.Kate Weldon LeBlanc (she/her/hers) is the Executive Director of AllPaths Family Building. Kate became Executive Director in January 2015, leading the strategic vision of the organization and working collectively with the staff, Board of Directors and professional members to grow the services of AllPaths Family Building. Kate has a strong personal and professional commitment to AllPaths’ mission. Prior to her arrival at AllPaths, she worked for the Center for Early Relationship Support of JF&CS, the Child Advocacy and Government Relations departments at Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Massachusetts Legislature. Kate holds a BSW from Skidmore College and an MPA from UMass Boston. Emily Lindblad (she/her/hers) is the Operations Manager of AllPaths Family Building where she is responsible for the planning and implementation of programs and services, including AllPaths’ hallmark peer support groups. Prior to her current role, Emily worked with a variety of perinatal populations as a NICU Family Support Specialist, birth, postpartum, and bereavement doula, and parenting educator. Emily’s introduction to AllPaths came in the midst of her own family building struggles and she is honored to be able to continue the organization’s legacy of support for people who are experiencing challenging periods in their family’s evolution.  Listen as Kate and Emily share with Ellen and Jenn:Kate’s return to the podcast -- check out episode 58!Emily finding AllPaths while sitting in a fertility clinic waiting room during her own complicated fertility journey and discovering a whole community of people who understood what she was going through. AllPaths has over 20 peer-lead support groups, including ones focused on secondary infertility, cancer, military families, and adoption.AllPaths celebrating its 50th anniversary! Including parties in each New England state!Changing its name (formerly Resolve New England) to better reflect the organization.Big annual Footsteps for Families walk coming up October 6, 2024! You join in person or walk virtually from anywhere across the country or the world.  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about AllPaths Family Building: https://allpathsfb.org/Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

With over 30 years of dedication to pilates and dance, Leslie Lopez teaches privately to clients as well as to toddlers with creative holiday themed movement classes. She is an advocate for the arts and has served as a Board member for The Wallis Performing Arts Center and the California State Summer School for the Arts.In addition she worked for 20 years in hospitality and customer relations, working front of house for 3 star Michelin Chefs such as Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller.She is launching her podcast Mother's in Arms this Summer 2024 which focuses on her experience as an intended parent who went through a surrogacy journey independently.Her podcast description: An independent parent by choice, Leslie went through an isolated surrogate journey in 2020. This episode is a conversation between surrogate mother Melissa and Leslie as to the ups and downs the journey of bringing Elyse to the world.Listen as Leslie and Melissa share with Ellen and Jenn:Leslie growing up being taught never to even look at a boy, trying to avoid pregnancy; then struggling with fertility in her 30sGetting pregnant, but then being diagnosed with a “dysfunctional” cervix and losing and burying their daughter. The first of their losses.Leslie’s doctor recommending the surrogacy routeFinding infertility being especially hard in light of her family and culture, her mom was one of 11 and herself on of 5Struggling with grief and the unhelpful words of well-intentioned friendsAt least shopping for sperm was fun!Melissa having two kids of her own and feeling her family was complete, was inspired by a story she heard at a party. Looking for more information and diving in. She carried healthy twins for her first surrogacy, and then deciding to keep going! Leslie being married and matched with Melissa, but then facing a divorce Together facing obstacle after obstacle – ridiculous insurance issues and… COVID!Finding that happy ending, plus a bonus happy ending shared in the outro!Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Leslie and Melissa’s Podcast on IG and TikTok: @MothersinArms.podLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Rachele’ Davis, a former crime analyst for her local police department, founded New Hope Investigations in 2016. After seven years in civil service and seven years prior to that as an educator, Rachele’ found herself drawn to the private sector of investigations and the challenge of building her own business. Her master’s degree in criminal justice, resourcefulness, productivity level, and innovation have already served her well in this capacity.Rachele’ obtained her private investigator license through Missouri in 2016. Rachele’s specialty areas include connection biological families and adoptive children, diligent adoption searches, and people searches. Rachele' also provides some general investigative services on a case-by-case basis. She works in various capacities for individuals, attorneys, and businesses. Rachele' regularly stays up-to-date with current trends and changes in the industry.To enhance her unknown parentage investigations, Rachele’ continues to learn more and more about the complex and fascinating field of genealogy. She is a member of Association of Professional Genealogists, International Society of Genetic Genealogy, and National Genealogical Society.Listen as Rachele’ discusses with Ellen and Jenn:Adopting her son and wanting to continue in criminal justice, but with more flexibility to parent.The adoption was not an easy path and included the need to hire a private investigator.Starting out wanting to help adoptees who wanted to identify biological family members, and expending to other genetic searches.  Making those first contact calls. The law in the birth state making a significant difference as to original birth certificate access.Sometimes timing is everythingAdvice to those considering a search.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about New Hope Investigations:  https://newhopeinvestigations.com/services/Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Sarah Paige has been a professional in the ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) insurance field since 2010. As Chief Operating Officer of ART Risk Financial and Insurance Solutions, Inc., and a licensed insurance agent, she remains current on all insurance issues pertinent to the ART field and works to find the best solutions for the ART Risk Solutions clients embarking on surrogacy journeys. With her extensive breadth of knowledge and expertise in the ART community, Sarah is a frequently sought after speaker. One of Ms. Paige’s professional accomplishments was serving as an expert witness for Nevada State Assembly Bill AB472 alongside its Author, Kimberly Surratt, in the 2019 legislature with Nevada accepting and placing into law inclusive insurance language for surrogacy coverage. She has written/co-written several articles for the quarterly SEEDS newsletter, served as the SEEDS Co-Chair for Membership 2020-2021, and currently serves on the Men Having Babies Advisory Circle. Sarah’s focus is always to offer clients the knowledge to help them better understand their liability exposures and the best available financial risk management solutions with her emphasis in enabling the ART community to make the soundest insurance choices for a surrogacy journeyListen as Sarah discusses with Ellen and Jenn:Who loves insurance the most – Sarah or Jenn?!What liens are, how terrible they are, and how they vary between states.  Consequences of limited choices, such as loss of established care providers.Lack of equal access to insurance coverage, not just related to liens, but across the board with fertility care. Helping start a non-profit to fight for better, and more fair, insurance access. Playing a critical party changing the law in Nevada. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about the Insurance Access and Equity Alliance: https://www.iaealliance.org/Learn more about ART Risk Financial & Insurance Solutions: https://artrisksolutions.com/Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Tirza Jova, the founder of Milk by Mom in Phoenix, AZ, empowers breastfeeding mothers through her innovative breast milk freeze drying service available nationwide. With an MBA and 17 years in international business, she’s modernizing breastfeeding practices. Tirza's mission extends beyond local borders, educating nationwide on the advantages of freeze dried breast milk and the freedom and flexibility freeze-drying provides while maintaining the benefits and security of breast milk. Listen as Tirza discusses with Ellen and Jenn:Her background working in corporate American with medical device companies.Starting her family and navigating the obstacles of breastfeeding and pumping while traveling. Learning about this technology – freeze drying breast milk – a true gamechanger.  Digging into the science and research, including the superior nutritional benefits over traditional freezing. Starting Milk by Mom and enjoying bringing this innovation to other moms. The logistics of Milk by Mom’s convenient shipping process, and customers receiving back a shelf-stable powdered form of mom’s breast milk. Other benefits, including improved taste for high lipase breast milk and lasting for three years! Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Milk by Mom: https://www.milkbymom.com/Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Rachel is the owner of Adi Shakti Yoga; Therapy located in Longmont, Colorado. She has been practicing psychotherapy since 2014 and has 10 years of experience offering compassionate supportive counseling. She is a registered yoga & meditation teacher and has led women's groups and retreats. Having been a single parent, as well as raised children in a blended family, she is now the mother of a young son born in the country of Georgia thanks to a surrogate mother and an egg donor. Through her psychotherapy practice called Nurture Yourself, Nurture Your Child, she is available to work with mothers, intended mothers, aspiring mothers, grandmothers, and any woman wishing to heal their inner child. She uses somatic practices, parenting approaches, attachment theory, and many other tools to help you find perspective on the broad spectrum of parenting possibilities as you learn to heal your own childhood and nurture yourself, your children, your relationships, and your work in the world. She is especially interested in helping other intended parents on the challenging and exciting journey of surrogacy.Listen as Rachel discusses with Ellen and Jenn:Entering a second marriage in her mid-40s and very much wanting a child together.Struggling with monthly disappointments.Receiving an inheritance that allowed for the discussion of surrogacy.Having reconnected with a half-sister, exploring the possibility of her donating her eggs.Her husband having a long-time interest in Georgia, they were intrigued to learn thatsurrogacy was legal and supported in the country.Facing fears related to war in the region; but increasing her resolve after connecting andraising money for a non-profit.Enduring the ups and downs of an international surrogacy journey.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Check out Rachel’s Substack: https://rachelrwilson.substack.com/Learn more about Kundalini Yoga for Recovery: https://www.ky12step.com/nurtureLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merchLearn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

During the height of Covid, Melissa had the opportunity to take care of a baby born through surrogacy to a Chinese Intended Father. What was supposed to be a five week role turned into a nearly six month adventure of a lifetime and led to a deeply meaningful relationship between two families across the globe. It's a beautiful story of how the gift of surrogacy makes THE most amazing families and changes (so many) lives for the better.With over 20 years of experience in marketing & business development, across the US and internationally, Melissa began her professional journey in Assisted Reproductive Technology as Events & Operations Director for Men Having Babies, the international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing its members and prospective parents with education and financial support throughout their surrogacy journeys. While at MHB, she had the extraordinary honor to produce conferences all over the world, inviting thousands of intended parents and leading service providers in the field to gather for educational forums and community building, concentrated on surrogacy and ART opportunities.Melissa has also served as Director of Marketing and Business Development for several international surrogacy programs, focusing on growing the outreach program for qualified surrogates and donors by developing broad-scale events and marketing programs, as well as building strong relationships with partnering fertility clinics and ART professionals around the world.Four years ago, Melissa founded a full-service creative agency helping businesses develop and deliver their brand promises. [https://compasscreativeconsultants.com/]She feels so fortunate to work with many thriving small businesses, and in particular to collaborate with those in the ART space and is immensely grateful for the meaningful work she is privileged to do on behalf of building families and to be a part of this beautiful, collaborative community of professionals.

Cynthia has her Master's in Social Work and her MBA. She is an independent health and wellness coach, corporate presenter, and trainer. Her corporate presentations cover a variety of wellness topics including sleep strategies, the impact of alcohol on the body, menopause, meditation, stress management, healthy eating, resilience, and more. She also is certified in Infinite Possibilities and is a presenter and a coach. For the past four years she has worked at Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems delivering trainings on stress management, resilience, burn out, and other mental health topics faced by employees. Cynthia is an IVF Support Group Peer Leader. She has been a volunteer for the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts for the past four years helping to set up presentation on employee wellness. Cynthia has two children born through infertility and her second child was brought into the world with the help of a Gestational Surrogate. Listen as Cynthia discusses with Ellen and Jenn: • After her first pregnancy through IVF, becoming pregnant naturally, but experiencing an emergency hysterectomy. • While still in the hospital, her husband suggesting surrogacy. Not quite being ready for that conversation. • Just shy of a year from the surgery, being ready and starting the search. • Finding the perfect match! • How her son feels about being carried by a surrogate • Become active as an advocate for others suffering from infertility. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903. Learn more about Health Coaching: www.cynthiahealthcoach.com Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Justine Witzke is the founder and CEO of Aligneage Fertility. Justine is an experienced strategist and operator having served in a variety of roles, including as head of clinical operations, at Weill Cornell Medicine’s Center for Reproductive Medicine. She is particularly proud of her work developing their fertility preservation program, expanding services to LGBTQ communities, and managing the department’s COVID-19 response, all of which required creative pragmatism. An expert generalist, Justine is passionate about sharing knowledge and information; she cares deeply about educating patients, colleagues, and the public. With interests in medical ethics, patient satisfaction, program development, and risk management, Justine is well-equipped to contribute as an advocate and thought leader in fertility. Additionally, she is a co-founder and the President of CP Extension, a non-profit organization aimed at supporting families of individuals with cerebral palsy. A graduate of the University of Florida, Justine received a Master’s in Public Health from Hunter College with a focus on Community Health Education and a PhD in Clinical and Translational Research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Her dissertation was titled “Impact of Commercial Donor Sperm Preparation on Intrauterine Insemination Outcome.” Listen as Justine discusses with Ellen and Jenn: • How Justine found herself in the world of sperm and family building. • The interesting answer to the question, “When does washing sperm make sense?” • Is “facilitated known donation” the future of sperm donation? • Can previously ineligible potential donors (such as someone who lived in England for more than three months) become eligible? • What are donors paid? Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903. Learn more about Aligneage Fertility: https://www.aligneagefertility.com/ Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Episode 182: Men’s Helpline – Daniel Landau and Steven Miller, MS by I Want to Put a Baby in You!

Elizabeth Horn is a health care communicator and the cofounder and codirector of The ART of Infertility, for which she has curated more than thirty exhibits since its inception in 2014. The ART of Infertility was the 2018 recipient of the Hope Award for Innovation given by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association for its work communicating patient experiences through arts programming. Horn lives with her family in Ann Arbor, MI. Maria Novotny is an Assistant Professor of English at UW-Milwaukee. Her research considers how reproductive health patients advocate for care. Invested in community issues related to infertility, she co-edited the anthology Infertilities, A Curation (published by WSUP) which puts into practice “story as theory” by featuring visual and written narratives from over 60 contributors – each of whom self-identify as infertile. Other scholarship related to her community-engaged research and teaching has been published in the Community Literacy Journal, Reflections, Rhetoric Review, Rhetoric of Health and Medicine, TCQ and more. For the last 10 years, she has co-directed The ART of Infertility. Robin Silbergleid is the author of several books that address becoming a single parent through assisted reproductive technology, including "The Baby Book: Poems" and the memoir "Texas Girl." Since 2014, she has collaborated with The ART of Infertility on writing workshops focused on reproductive loss and health. With Maria Novotny and Elizabeth Horn, she is co-editor of "Infertilities, A Curation." She is professor of English at MIchigan State University. Listen as Elizabeth, Maria, and Robin discuss with Ellen and Jenn: • Each of our guests experiencing different forms of infertility. • The work of the ART of Infertility as a national arts organization based in Michigan and Wisconsin. • Founded in 2014, Elizabeth, Maria, and Robin curate innovative and emotionally provoking art exhibits to portray the realities, pains, and joys of living with Infertility. • Forming a connection and creating a manuscript to be published. • Embodying their mission of breaking the silence around the experiences of infertility. • Offering art and storytelling as a therapeutic way to connect with others. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903. Learn more about Art of Infertility: www.artofinfertility.org Order your copy here: https://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/infertilities-curation Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Episode 180: Carrying Dreams – Emily Westerfield by I Want to Put a Baby in You!