Summary

This episode is full of heart, laughter, and the kind of love that reminds you why family-building matters so much, especially during Pride Month.

Whitney sits down with Zach and Scott Sutton, two joyful, thoughtful dads who share their journey to parenthood through egg donation and surrogacy. From choosing between an unidentified or known egg donor, to navigating delivery day with their surrogate, Zach and Scott walk us through each step with honesty, humor, and so much intention.

But this conversation goes beyond the logistics. It’s about why they made the choices they did, how they’re committed to honoring and celebrating their daughter’s story, and the importance of visibility and openness around donor conception, especially as an LGBTQ+ family.

Their journey is a beautiful example of growing a family with purpose, love, and deep mutual respect. Whether you're in the middle of your own path to parenthood or just love a good story, this episode will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and proud.

Takeaways
- Zach always wanted a big family and felt destined to have children.
- The financial realities of family building can be daunting but manageable.
- Choosing an egg donor involves emotional and practical considerations.
- Building a family is a partnership that requires open communication.
- The journey of parenthood can be filled with excitement and fear.
- It's important to break the stigma around donor conception for children.
- Finding the right donor can feel overwhelming but rewarding.
- Relationships with donors and surrogates can evolve positively over time.
- Creating a supportive community is essential.
- Letting go of control can lead to a more peaceful journey.
- Communication with the support team helps alleviate anxiety.
- Family acceptance can be a complex journey.
- They emphasize the importance of chosen family in the LGBTQ community.
- The journey of parenthood has strengthened their relationship. It's important to celebrate your family and identity.

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Summary

In this episode, Whitney is joined by Brandi Pearce, a mom of three whose path to parenthood through surrogacy is nothing short of inspiring. Battling Crohn’s disease made pregnancy too risky, but that never deterred Brandi from her dreams of becoming a mother. She turned to surrogacy not once, but three times to create her beautiful family. Two of those journeys were independent, and her final journey was with Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, where she experienced the ease and support of having a full team walk alongside her.

We talk about the differences between each journey, what she learned along the way, and how having the right support can make all the difference. Brandi also shares the special way she prepared her son for baby brother, by writing a children’s book that explains their beautiful family journey in a way that’s simple, sweet, and filled with love.

Whether you're considering surrogacy, in the middle of the process, or supporting someone who is, Brandi’s story is a reminder of the many ways families are built and the beauty that can unfold when you lean into the process with openness and heart.

Takeaways

-Brandi faced significant health challenges that impacted her ability to carry children.
-Surrogacy was chosen as a viable option for family building.
-The legal complexities of surrogacy vary by state and can be daunting.
-Emotional support is crucial during the surrogacy process.
-Brandi's journey involved multiple surrogates and unique challenges each time.
-The transition to agency support alleviated some of the stress of the process.
-Building relationships with surrogates is essential for a positive experience.
- Brandi's experiences highlight the importance of communication in surrogacy.
-Postpartum feelings can affect surrogate mothers as well as biological mothers.
-Surrogacy is a deeply personal journey that varies for each family.
-Communication is key in surrogacy relationships.
-Every surrogacy journey is unique and cannot be generalized.
-Hidden illnesses like Crohn's disease can complicate family planning.
-Documenting the surrogacy journey can help children understand their family dynamics.
-Celebrating diverse family structures is essential for acceptance.
-Transitioning to new family dynamics requires careful planning and support.
-Simplifying conversations about surrogacy for children can ease their understanding.
-Parents should not fear discussing surrogacy with their kids.
-Embracing the unknown can lead to a more enjoyable surrogacy experience.
-Finding joy in simple moments can strengthen family bonds.

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Get ready for a beautiful and insightful conversation with Dr. Alison Wilson, a licensed psychologist and expert in fertility counseling. As a respected voice in the field and a dedicated advocate for mental health in reproductive journeys, Alison shares her wisdom on the emotional complexities of surrogacy and egg donation covering everything from grief and trust to communication and mental health check-ins.
In this episode, Alison and Whitney dive into the “why” behind becoming a surrogate or egg donor, the emotional highs and lows that often come with the journey, and the power of feeling seen and supported. Alison also shares how she’s now leading support groups for gestational carriers at Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, creating safe, empowering spaces for surrogates to connect and thrive.
Whether you're a surrogate, an intended parent, or someone supporting others through this process, this episode is packed with warmth, practical insight, and encouragement for the road ahead.
Takeaways

Mental and Emotional Health Matter: Mental health check-ins and emotional preparation are essential throughout the journey. Awareness of mental health in fertility clinics is evolving, and acknowledging grief, especially for intended parents, is an important part of the process.

Understanding Motivations: Understanding your motivation for becoming a surrogate is key to a successful journey

Take Time for Grief: Taking time to grieve the loss of traditional family-building methods, lays the foundation for a healthy, supported experience.

Power of Support Groups: Support groups offer surrogates a safe space to connect, share experiences, and feel understood. Hearing from others, having strong facilitators, and ending on a positive note all contribute to a supportive environment.

Connection Builds Resilience: Surrogates often bring positivity but also face unique emotional challenges. Connection with others going through similar journeys can be incredibly validating and empowering.

Communication and Trust Are Key: Open, honest communication builds trust between intended parents and surrogates. Managing expectations and trusting the process help everyone navigate the ups and downs with empathy and understanding.

Surrogacy Is a Beautiful Journey: Despite its complexities, surrogacy can be a deeply meaningful and beautiful experience when approached with care, connection, and emotional support.

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Summary

In this heartfelt episode, Ashley Harris takes us on her deeply personal journey through infertility, adoption, and surrogacy. Starting with her childhood dreams of adopting, Ashley shares how the years brought both unexpected joys and painful struggles. After multiple failed IUIs and IVF cycles, compounded by the emotional toll of miscarriages, Ashley and her husband decided to explore surrogacy. This life-changing decision led to the birth of their son, Hawk. Through the ups and downs, Ashley reveals the crucial role of community support, the intertwining of grief and gratitude, and how her faith evolved as she faced and overcame these challenges.

Takeaways

-Ashley and her husband faced infertility after years of trying to conceive.
-The decision to pursue surrogacy came after multiple failed IVF attempts.
-Ashley emphasizes the importance of community and support during infertility.
-The emotional toll of miscarriages and chemical pregnancies was significant.
-Faith played a crucial role in Ashley's journey, evolving through trials.
-The relationship with their surrogate, Christine, was built on trust and gratitude.
-The birth of their son, Hawk, was a culmination of years of struggle and hope.
-Ashley continues to grieve the losses they experienced along the way.
-Celebrating motherhood comes with acknowledging the hardships faced.

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Summary:
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of miscarriage and fertility loss, which may be difficult for some listeners.

In this episode, I sit down with Brittany to talk about her emotional and incredibly meaningful journey to motherhood through egg donation and IVF. Brittany shares openly about her diagnosis of endometriosis, her experience with a successful embryo transfer that brought her her daughter, and a later transfer that ended in miscarriage, along with the many ups and downs that were a part of her journey.

She reflects on the support system that carried her through, the joy and gratitude she felt during pregnancy after so much waiting, and the continued hope she holds as she considers growing her family again.

Brittany’s story is tender, courageous, and full of perspective. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, love, support, and hope can carry us forward.

Takeaways:
- Endometriosis diagnosis revealed severe complications affecting fertility.
- IVF was pursued after unsuccessful attempts to conceive naturally.
- Emotional challenges were significant throughout the fertility process.
- Finding the right egg donor involved careful consideration and support.
- Connection with the baby grew stronger during pregnancy despite initial fears.
- Miscarriage brought unexpected emotional challenges and reflection.
- The couple decided to take a break after experiencing loss.
- They are open to exploring adoption or fostering as alternatives.
- Support from friends and family was crucial during the journey

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Summary

In this heartfelt episode, Whitney sits down with Amy and Rachel to discuss the deeply personal and evolving nature of their egg donation journey. Rachel, originally expecting her role as a donor to be unidentified, shares how her connection with Amy developed into a lasting and meaningful relationship. Amy reflects on what it meant to find not just a donor, but a person who would forever be connected to her family. The conversation explores the emotions, challenges, and joys of third-party reproduction, emphasizing the importance of open communication, trust, and the unexpected beauty of their shared experiences. Rachel and Amy’s story is a powerful testament to the many ways families can be built—not just through biology, but through love, respect, and human connection.

Takeaways

-The journey of egg donation is deeply emotional and relational.
-Open communication between donors and intended parents is crucial.
-Gratitude plays a significant role in the donor-recipient relationship.
-The process of building a family through donation can be complex yet rewarding.
-Understanding the creation story is important for children born through donation.
-The bond formed between donors and intended parents can be profound.
-Personal connections can alleviate anxiety during the donation process.
-The experience of egg donation can lead to lifelong relationships.
-Navigating the unknown aspects of donation requires openness and trust.
-Celebrating the gift of life is central to the donor experience.
-Rachel's initial expectation was for an unidentified donation.
-The relationship between donor and intended parents can evolve significantly.
-Open communication enhances the emotional fulfillment of all parties involved.
-Amy expresses gratitude for Rachel's role in her family's journey.
-Children can simplify complex topics like family building.
-The bond between donor and intended parents can feel like an extended family.
-Sharing updates and experiences strengthens the connection.
-Both women found joy in their shared experiences of motherhood.
-Openness and respect are crucial in donor-parent relationships.
-The journey of egg donation is not just a transaction but a meaningful connection.

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Summary

Whitney welcomes Zach French for an enlightening discussion on infertility awareness, surrogacy advocacy, and the power of community support. Zach shares his personal journey that led him to champion ethical surrogacy and establish a nonprofit dedicated to supporting intended parents. The conversation covers financial challenges, the need for transparency in grants, and the importance of shifting the narrative surrounding surrogacy through education and storytelling. Zach also introduces future goals for his foundation, including a digital companion for intended parents. The episode concludes with empowering advice for families to celebrate every milestone in their surrogacy journey.

Takeaways

- National Infertility Awareness Week is crucial for
- Surrogacy is often misunderstood and stigmatized.
- The foundation aims to provide grants for surrogacy costs.
- Community support is vital for fundraising efforts.
- Financial considerations are complex in surrogacy journeys.
- Education is key to reducing overwhelm in potential parents.
- The foundation seeks to change the narrative around surrogacy.
- Surrogacy should be viewed as a valid family-building option.
- Seeds Ethics is crucial for ethical surrogacy practices.
- Celebrating surrogacy journeys helps normalize the experience.
- Intended parents can pay it forward by sharing their stories.
- Building a comprehensive resource for intended parents is essential.
- The Surrogacy Foundation aims to increase access to surrogacy.
- Financial education is vital for navigating surrogacy costs.
- Community support can relieve feelings of loneliness in infertility.

Links

The Surrogacy Foundation Website

The Surrogacy Foundation Instagram

Magic of Surrogacy Instagram

Zach French Instagram

Alexandra French Instagram

The Surrogacy Foundation Facebook

The Surrogacy Foundation LinkedIn

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Summary

In this conversation, Whitney speaks with Scott and Erin about their journey to parenthood through egg donation and their ongoing advocacy for infertility awareness. They discuss the isolation many experience during infertility, the importance of sharing personal stories, and the need for better healthcare coverage and support systems. The conversation highlights the role of advocacy in creating change, both at a personal and legislative level, and emphasizes the importance of community support and awareness initiatives like National Infertility Awareness Week.

Takeaways

- Infertility is a common issue that affects many people.
- Sharing personal stories can help normalize the conversation around infertility.
- Advocacy can take many forms, from personal conversations to legislative efforts.
- Healthcare coverage for infertility is often lacking and needs improvement.
- Employers should recognize the importance of supporting employees through family planning.
- National Infertility Awareness Week helps create a sense of community.
- Connecting with medical providers can facilitate support for those struggling with infertility.
- Advocacy can empower others to share their experiences and seek help.
- It's important to educate employers about the impact of infertility on their workforce.
- Every small action in advocacy can contribute to larger changes.

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The Alliance for Fertility Preservation

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Summary

In this conversation, Whitney and Dr. Dara Havemann delve into the complex world of infertility. They address common misconceptions and explore the deep emotional impacts that infertility can have on individuals and families. Dr. Havemann emphasizes the importance of open communication, both among those experiencing infertility and within their support networks. She also discusses the various avenues available for family building—such as egg donation and surrogacy—and offers practical advice on navigating these paths. Highlighted during National Infertility Awareness Week, this episode provides listeners with a compassionate, informed perspective on overcoming infertility challenges and finding hope on the journey to building a family.

Takeaways

-Infertility affects 1 in 6 people today.
-Many believe they haven't tried long enough before seeking help.
-Stress is often blamed for infertility, but it's not the sole factor.
-Communication is crucial in surrogacy and egg donation.
-Infertility is becoming a more common topic of discussion.
-Support from friends and family can vary greatly in need.
-Exploring third-party reproduction can be a valid path to parenthood.
-Egg donation does not deplete a woman's fertility.
-National Infertility Awareness Week aims to shed light on these issues.

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Summary

In this episode, Kiely Shimabukuro takes us through her incredible journey as a four-time gestational carrier, sharing the experiences that have shaped her dedication to the surrogacy community. She talks about the importance of validation and connection, the challenges faced by surrogates, and how her passion for advocacy led her to create a safe space for sharing experiences and seeking advice. From blogging about her journey to writing books and launching a support group with Resolve, Kiely emphasizes the power of community and education. She also highlights the emotional support she received from her husband and the critical role of resources and a supportive agency in ensuring a positive surrogacy experience. This episode is a testament to the beauty of connection and the value of finding the right support in the world of surrogacy.

Takeaways

-Blogging was a way for Kiely to share her experiences and connect with others.
-Social media platforms like TikTok have allowed Kiely to reach a wider audience.
-The support group for surrogates is the first of its kind, focusing on their unique needs.
-Kiely emphasizes the importance of community and validation for surrogates.
-The 'Send a Friend' program aims to connect surrogates in need with experienced peers.
-Kiely believes that every surrogate's journey is unique and deserves to be heard.
-Kiely hopes to empower surrogates through shared experiences and support.
-Asking questions is crucial in understanding the surrogacy process.
-Navigating skepticism about surrogacy requires confidence in one's motivations.
-Choosing a reputable agency can significantly impact the surrogacy experience.
-Surrogacy can be a fulfilling experience despite societal perceptions.
-It's important for surrogates to advocate for themselves and their needs.
-Having a supportive partner is vital for a successful surrogacy journey.
-Resources like books and support groups can help surrogates feel more prepared.
-The landscape of surrogacy is evolving with more resources available now than in the past.
-Building a community can help surrogates navigate their journeys more effectively.

Links

Resolve Support Group

https://thatsurrogatelife.com/

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