Shannon's Surrogacy Story

You’re not giving up a baby, you’re giving the baby back
You have to have a certain mindset, because you’re not giving a baby up, you’re giving the baby back. By all means, I did not want to keep their child - I wanted a child for them. It was a healthy disconnect. I feel so honored to have helped their dreams to parenthood come true.

When you know, you know.
I knew I wanted to become a mother from a young age. I remember my girlfriends and I playing with our baby dolls and setting up pretend nurseries when we would have sleep overs. As I became an adult I learned more and more about surrogacy. Surrogacy at the time was not talked about much; people didn’t take the time to understand it. To this day, I believe many are judgmental about surrogacy and don’t know how common it really is. One in eight couples has trouble conceiving their own biological child. I just knew deep down inside that I wanted to help an infertile couple.

Starting my family first
I gave birth to my first child in 2007. I knew shortly after I had him that I was really interested in becoming a surrogate. I even applied for a surrogacy program with an agency. I decided before finalizing all the paperwork that the time just wasn’t right for me. After I had my second child I knew the time was finally right to become a surrogate carrier.

Sharing the news
I was very open about wanting to become a surrogate. I would have to say that the majority of my family was not supportive of me becoming a surrogate. During the process I was able to talk about, explain, and most importantly,help others to understand what surrogacy really is and why millions of men and women around the world turn to surrogacy. Let’s move forward to when I completed my first surrogacy journey. My family asks often how my surro baby is doing. They want to see pictures of the baby and his parents. After many of my family members met baby and parents, they now gush over how amazing my surro family is anytime we get together.

Creating their family
 My husband was very supportive when I decided to become a surrogate. The surrogacy process was actually really exciting.  I was matched quickly, but the Intended Parents decided to wait. So I was matched with a second couple and I am so glad I was! Everything worked out just how I imagined. My pregnancy was wonderful, and the Intended Parents were caring and supportive. I delivered a healthy baby boy. Today we remain friends and have a wonderful relationship.

A completed chapter
After completing my first surrogacy journey I was overwhelmed with love and viewed life with a little more appreciation. I went on to carry a second child for another family. And again, I had another amazing experience. Today I have helped create and complete two different families.

Sharing the love
I knew someday I wanted to help more families. Opening Golden State Surrogacy has been a pure joy. It’s true honor to witness Intended Parents being matched with their gestational surrogate carriers. Helping couples make their dreams come true and seeing a surrogate’s excitement as she creates miracles is really the best job anyone could ask for.