No, it won’t be hard for me…….
As a gestational surrogate, I have had many conversations with co-workers, friends and family members about surrogacy. I am proud to be a surrogate, but I’m not usually one to bring it up unless it comes up. For example, if someone asks what I am naming the baby, how many other children I have, about my “mat leave”. I think part of the reason why I don’t bring it up, is the assumption that people often make that it is somehow sad or hard for me.
I wanted to try to explain for anyone who is curious about becoming a surrogate or anyone who may encounter a surrogate why I am not worried about giving this baby to its parents.
First of all, I do have children. I love my children dearly, but personally, I am done. The older my children get the less desire I have to go back to raising a baby. Some surrogates aren’t yet done their own family, and that’s fine, but they know it’s a completely different experience carrying for someone else vs. their own child.
Secondly, I am what is called a “gestational surrogate”. This means that the child I am carrying has no genetic link to me. It is a product of the parent’s genetic material or in some cases with gestational surrogacy the parents will look towards donors, but this is separate from the surrogate. Personally, while I have a great respect and admiration for those who are able to donate their genetic material, it’s not something I have the desire to do. This baby is... Continue reading here