Ever wonder how it really feels to carry someone else’s baby—and make tough medical calls when hopes and bodies collide? We sit down with Jana, a Portland-based psychologist and surrogate, to unpack the real emotional load of surrogacy: induction pressure without clear medical cause, a lightning-fast birth in triage, and the quiet, complicated moments after delivery when your body wants to feed a baby who isn’t coming home with you.

We dive into perinatal mood and anxiety disorders—how anxiety, irritability, sleep changes, and intrusive thoughts can surface even in people with no prior history—and why a specialized clinician makes a difference. Jana explains how vague contract language like “follow doctor’s guidance” can become a fault line when preferences diverge, and she offers grounded strategies for advocacy that keep trust intact. She also breaks down the difference between “medical necessity” and “support necessity,” showing where confidential, nonjudgmental care helps surrogates process guilt, set boundaries, and stay steady through IVF meds, monitoring, and all the waiting.

There’s practical guidance throughout: what symptoms to watch for, how OB screenings work, and how to use agency wellness benefits without fear of stigma. We talk about family dynamics, partner support, and what to ask agencies beyond glossy benefits—like “tell me about a journey that didn’t go well.” Jana's dual lens as psychologist and surrogate gives this conversation rare clarity and compassion, translating hard moments into usable tools you can apply right away.

If this episode resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s exploring surrogacy, and leave a review to help more people find these stories. Your support helps us bring honest, useful conversations to anyone navigating the path to parenthood—or helping someone else get there.

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