Merry & Bright

Christmas is this week and we’re here to say- it’s okay if what you’re feeling isn’t ‘merry’ or
‘bright.’ In this industry, you will see a lot of happy posts. Who doesn’t want to see the happy posts?! But, ultimately, surrogacy is not always the quick, easy, journey it appears to be on social media. This year we’ve had some losses, most recently GC Britney learned that though her HCG testing indicated pregnancy there was no heartbeat detected. We would appreciate it if you would take some time today to hold space for those in your life who may not be feeling the holiday spirit just yet. Positive vibes to all the families waiting for their baby!

#TBT

#tbt to this awesome post-delivery shot of Case Manager, Shannon and GC, Derek taken almost TWO YEARS ago! Every delivery is special, but this one was especially so for Shannon as she was able to be there as Derek’s support person. We can’t say it enough, but Shannon is one of the major components that makes BFI different! From medical clearance, to match meetings, to FET, to helping with meds, every appointment during the pregnancy, to having all the answers…Shannon literally holds our GC’s hands through every step of their journey. We’re not just saying that- watch the comments on this post! You’ll see GC’s and IP’s alike commenting…we just know it!
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#whatmakesusdifferent #gestationalcarrier #morethancasemanagement #buildingfamiliesinc #socalsurrogacy #southerncaliforniasurrogacy #socalsurrogate #surrogacyjourney #ivfjourney #weloveshannon #sappypostsmakeourhearthappy #casemanager #throwbackthursday

Tiffany’s Surrogacy Story

It’s official, GC Tiffany is now retired! We are so proud to have been a part of two beautiful surrogacy stories with her. While her stories differ from one another, the one constant that she is the most grateful for is the support of her wonderful husband. She says that she never once felt alone in either of journeys because he was always there for her! We love that!!

Baby boy arrived to his loving family on October 29, 2022 at approximately 4pm PST. He was eight pounds four ounces and twenty inches long. His mom was there to witness his birth and his dad came in once he had arrived. Both parents, along with Tiffany’s husband, were with her during her long labor. She really enjoyed that they were all able to keep each other company.

This journey was admittedly bittersweet for Tiffany. We cannot wait to see what more she accomplishes in the coming years, because we know she’s not nearly done making her mark!! Thank you, Tiffany, for allowing us to join you on your journeys, we love you!

Read Tiffany’s first surrogacy story here : https://www.buildingfamiliesinc.com/en/2020/10/tiffanys-surrogacy-story/

It Takes a Village!

‘It takes a village!’ This phrase has been used countless times to describe parenthood. But what about the parents that need a village to create their family? For many people, the idea is inconceivable…it’s something that happens to someone else. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Infertility doesn’t discriminate. The couples we help every day look just like you. They could be your friends, your family members, or your colleagues. Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples, but for many it’s a silent battle. Be kind; be mindful of your words. You never know what someone is going through even if you think you do.

We are so humbled to be a part of your village!

From the top left – Dr. Friedman SDFC, Dr. Moore Anaya Women’s Group, BFI Program Manager Randi, BFI Case Manager Shannon, GC Mickayln.

Angie’s Surrogacy Story

You may recognize this beautiful GC from her first journey two years ago (almost to the day)! On September 10, 2022, at 7:11 pm GC, Angie, and her IPs welcomed a 6lb 10z baby girl.

One word to describe Angie is determined. She is the kind of woman that doesn’t just let life happen to her and makes her own dreams come true. Baby girl was breech and Angie knew she would be able to help her flip and she did! We could not be more impressed with the strength and grace she showed through both surrogacy journeys.

Angie, we are so grateful to have been by your side for another successful surrogacy! We can’t wait to see what else you can accomplish in life!!

Read Angie’s first surrogacy story here: https://www.buildingfamiliesinc.com/en/2020/09/angies-birth-story/

Mickayln’s Surrogacy Story

As surrogates, the MOMENT of their journey is most often the delivery room. Seeing their IPs dreams realized before their eyes tends to drive home the gravity of their contribution. As you can imagine, it is a very emotional moment. Now that we are on the other side of the journey, we can tell you that for us, the most powerful part of the journey is the bond our GCs form with their IPs. GC Mickalyn’s bond with her IPs was so rewarding to experience. The two families have truly become one. With her IPs by her side, she welcomed her seven-pound seven-ounce wombmate earthside on August 22, 2022. This birthday is especially magical because it’s National Rainbow Baby Day!

We are so proud to congratulate Mickayln on her successful surrogacy journey and her IPs on their beautiful baby girl!

Lauri-Anne’s Surrogacy Story

Lauri-Anne is a successful surrogate-AGAIN! On August 18, 2022 she made another couple’s dreams come true when together they welcomed a 10lbs 3oz baby boy. No folks, that is not a typo, Lauri-Anne’s surrobabe was over ten pounds! What a trooper she is!

The most amazing part about this journey for Lauri-Anne was the relationship she built with her Intended Parents. Her first journey featured an International couple, but this time they were local to her. Her IPs attended appointments and spent a lot of time with Lauri-Anne throughout her journey. She says for her, they really were a huge source of support in this pregnancy. How beautiful is that?

It’s really interesting as a surrogate, you are often asked about how you’re able to distance yourself from the baby once they are born. But like Lauri-Anne says, it’s really the couple that you miss the most! You miss talking to them regularly and sending them photos and pictures of your life and hearing about theirs. It’s not that it stops when the baby is born, it just changes.

We are so grateful to experience another surrogacy story with Lauri-Anne and she will always be a part of the BFI Family!

Read her first surrogacy story here : https://www.buildingfamiliesinc.com/en/2020/09/lauri-annes-surrogacy-story/

Baby!

BABY! It’s so amazing when it works out for a Gestational Carrier to help shower her Intended Parents. It is such a blessing to be able to meet the friends and family who are anxiously awaiting the baby’s arrival!