I first began to think about being a Surrogate a few months after my youngest daughter was born. I really loved being pregnant but I knew I was done having children of my own. I just couldn’t imagine not having the feeling of being pregnant again! I also thought it would be a good way to help someone experience the joys (and pains) of parenthood. It took me a full two years after first researching it to make the commitment. I think I talked to over 10 agencies during that time. I obviously chose Building Families, Inc.
When I first met the Intended Parents, I was so nervous. I had no idea if they’d like me and if I’d like them. I was nervous that me or my husband would say something wrong and ruin it. I couldn’t figure out what we could possibly talk about through a whole dinner. On paper, I didn’t think they had anything in common with me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I liked them from the beginning. They were down to earth and easy to talk to. Trusting our gut instinct, my husband and I decided that we definitely wanted to help them and off we went.
My first pregnancy for them went off without a hitch. Their son was born weighing a healthy 8 lbs 7 oz. I cannot describe how I felt seeing them hold their son for the first time. I remember telling Carol I wanted to be a Surrogate Mom again. I hadn’t delivered, but it was already an amazing experience. Carol knew at the end of my first surrogacy that they wanted to have another child. I had conceptually agreed to it but Carol wanted me to finish one surrogacy before I talked about doing another. So, a couple of months after the first baby was born, we talked about it and decided we would try again when their son was 6 months old. They were thinking that I probably wouldn’t get pregnant with the first transfer (remember, they had been through a lot) and wanted to start so their children wouldn’t be too far apart in age. Well, lo and behold, I got pregnant with the first transfer.
Although my second pregnancy brought on some physical challenges (they make such big babies!!), it was all worth it. Their second son was born exactly 17 months to the day after their first. He weighed in at an amazing 9 lbs 6 oz. He was such a big boy; almost the same size as his older brother. I think football may be in his future!
I thanked Carol for the opportunity to have participated in two amazing life experiences. I felt like my goal was met and I was thrilled to be working with Building Families as a Surrogate Mom recruiter.
Fast forward 3 years to 2009. I called Carol and asked her if she was sitting down. She replied, “Why?” I laughed and said, “I found the perfect Surrogate Mom for the Couple we discussed last night. Me!” You can only imagine the surprise from her end of the phone. “What? Who? What? Are you kidding?” was all she could manage at first. But finally it turned into “Okay, let’s do this.” So, February 2010, was momentous as another baby boy was born for a deserving Couple and it marked my retirement…..for sure this time!
I have continued my work with Building Families which I find truly rewarding. It is nice to know that I can still contribute to helping Couples have the child of their dreams by finding them an amazing Surrogate.
Tracy Matthews is a Surrogate Recruiter for Building Families, Inc. She has an amazing surrogacy record having helped one Couple have two boys in November 2004 & April 2006 and helped another Special Couple in February 2010 have their son.