Happy New Year!

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2020….So much to say. I know it has become a moniker when things go badly. But I have a different perspective, as usual!
If I were to list all of the amazing things that happened in 2020, I would have to change my blog to a novel. Here are some moments that most of us are aware of as they were shared moments in 2020. We had 14 babies in 2020!! Nataly was first in January with a beautiful baby boy, Randi next with a sweet girl, Annette, a bouncing baby boy, Maritza followed suit with another handsome baby boy and Danielle finished the Springtime with a gorgeous girl. Monique began our summer with a precious girl and we had two babies in July…on the same day!!!! That’s right, Jamie & Melissa delivered baby boys on the same day! That was amazing and truly memorable. Then Fall 2020 arrived along with the sweet baby girl Aleza delivered in August and two more darling girls that Angie & Lauri-Anne delivered in September. October was Tiffany and Shelby’s month. Two cutie pies arrived, a boy and a girl, respectively. Derek finished our year in November with a beautiful addition to the BFI family, a treasured baby girl. Wow!!

What else? We celebrated high school and college graduations of our children and the children of many families we helped to build. We witnessed many teenagers earning their licenses to drive! People around the country brushed up on their sewing skills, making masks for people who need them most. So many rushed to adopt and foster pets in need amid the pandemic. My daughter will insist that TikTok should be added as the best of 2020, haha! We learned that homeschooling is hard and finally recognized teachers for the heroes that they are. Each year has its own value and we should feel fortunate to be alive to see it.

I have chosen the word to describe the summation of 2020. Ok, maybe a few words as you know I have trouble minimizing, lol! Perseverance, Pride, and Honor. I am in awe of everyone who persevered the obstacles thrown their way in 2020. I am proud of all of the women who came forward to help a couple build the family of their dreams in the midst of a pandemic and I am honored to be even a small part of their surrogacy journeys. These words apply to my staff as well. They were faced with hindrances since March and practically created a new program to ensure everyone was cared for in the best way possible. Each week brought new challenges, but they were not deterred. I am proud and honored to have Randi at my side and to work with Shannon, Lauryn, Ana, and Christine. I am truly blessed. And my hope for all of you is that you are able to see the beauty around you and to embrace each day as the gift that it is.

Happy New Year!!!

How has COVID affected the surrogacy industry and BFI specifically?

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Everyone remembers when COVID hit the USA. In early 2020, it hit the East Coast and fairly rapidly made its way west. Before we knew what was happening, airports closed around the world. Imagine that hundreds of babies were due to be born and there was no way for their parents to get here!

The first week or two, it seemed bleak as there were no answers to our many questions and concerns. But then, something amazing happened. The industry came together to support each other. Attorneys made strides with the federal government to have them recognize the necessity of uniting these new parents with their children. What initially took 3 months was streamlined to only a few weeks before the family could be together. Infant care providers volunteered to help care for these babies while their parents were working diligently to get here. It was beautiful to see so much goodwill between agencies and practices.

Of course, a big change was being able to share in the daily appointments and deliveries. The hardest hit were those who delivered in late March through May. The hospitals adhered to severe lockdown procedures that many times the surrogate mom had to labor and deliver all alone. And in many cases during that time, the new parents and the surrogate mothers didn’t see each other in the hospital due to social distancing. I have never been more thankful for technology than I have been this year. Between Zoom, Whatsapp, Facetime and a myriad of other apps, no one was truly alone. Something that we never experienced before was being present for the birth via phone. We got to hear the baby’s first cry and all the shouts of joy!

Working and living in a pandemic teaches you many things. Having to constantly reset your plans is a lesson in resilience. Waiting for the quarantine to lift or just holding out until you can eat in your favorite restaurant again, patience is the lesson here. Technology is now embraced by all ages so we can maintain a connection with our friends and family. Although it is preferred by everyone in the world that the COVID-19 pandemic did not exist, many valuable lessons were learned as a result.

Toys for Tots!

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We were so excited to stumble upon the Virtual Toys for Tots Drive! Carol has always made donations a priority all year long, but especially at Christmastime. Please join us in turning gift cards into toys this holiday season! https://givetoysfortots.com/

Virtual Toy Drive for Toys for Tots

He’s here!

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After countless years of tears & hope, amidst the chaos of nurses working, our surrogate & doctor congratulating us, and machines beeping, we can only stare in awe at the miracle that is our son. He is finally here!

 

December Bio of the Month

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Lauri-Anne

Lauri-Anne was born in Jamaica and was brought up with a strong sense of spirituality that she shares with her three children; Christian, Sean, and Sidoni. She follows the golden rule and makes the happiness of herself, and her children, a priority. When she isn’t working as a pharmacy technician, you can find her creating art with her children. It isn’t surprising that someone inspired by the beauty in the world would want to create something so amazing with her intended parents. She is the epitome of grace and we are thankful for her presence in our Building Families’ family!

Derek’s Surrogacy Story

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After laboring through the night of November 3, 2020 with no pain relief, the next morning Derek decided it was time to receive her epidural. With her case manager, Shannon, by her side, she weathered contraction after contraction as she waited for the relief only her anesthesiologist could provide. By the time he arrived and began administering the epidural, Derek was certain she wouldn’t be receiving much relief, because the baby girl was coming!

Within moments of receiving the epidural, Derek warned that the baby was coming! In no more than a deep breath, all 8lbs 2oz and 19 inches of a beautiful baby girl had entered the world. She was perfect and ready to meet her parents! Congratulations to Derek and her couple on a successful journey!

It Takes a Village!

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A surrogacy journey involves so much more than just the gestational carrier and an embryo transfer. From the first meeting, until baby is here it is a team effort. From the Intended Parents, to the Surrogate, their families, BFI Staff, and the fabulous medical professionals that make it all possible, each person has a hand in the beautiful creation that is these families! At BFI, our mission is not only to help you bring home your baby but to build your family! We love seeing our carriers and their families welcomed into their IP’s families. As one of our moms called it, fremily!

 

Shelby’s Surrogacy Story

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Flawless; Case Manager, Shannon, describes Shelby’s first surrogacy journey with this one powerful word. Shelby was a dream come true for her couple with her easy going attitude and uncomplicated pregnancy.

Shelby’s mother was by her daughter’s side when Shelby delivered a beautiful, 7lbs 14oz, baby girl. From start to finish her labor was just around 8 hours and though BFI and her couple could not be there in person, we were updated every step of the way! While things are so different in this current climate, we are so thankful that some things never change like the joy of brand new parents and the glow of a successful surrogate!

2020!

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This year may not have been what we expected, but we are SO thrilled for all of the families that have and will bring their babies home in the next few months! For some, this year has been a dream come true.

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