Sam and Dan open up about surrogacy, motherhood, and helping others experience the joy of parenthood.
Sam, what first placed surrogacy on your heart, and when did you realize it was something you truly wanted to do for another family?
After having our second baby, we felt like we were done. We had the one-to-one ratio and we’re excited for future adventures and memories with them. My second daughter was a little bit of a harder baby than my first, so that helped our decision to be done having kids. But at the same time I still desire to be pregnant again! I started researching surrogacy and what it all entailed and after some prayer and talking with Dan we decided to move forward with pursuing it! I’m very thankful I had an easy time conceiving but I know that’s not the case for everybody and there are so many women out there who struggle with infertility and I wanted to do my part to help.
What was it like to experience pregnancy knowing that, at the end of the journey, you would be helping someone else meet the child they had been waiting for?
It was an amazing thing to go through a pregnancy experience all while knowing the baby was going to help someone else become a mom. From the start you know the baby that you’re carrying isn’t yours andevery milestone is exciting for the new parents.
How did Dan and your children support you throughout your surrogacy journeys, and how did those experiences shape your family as a whole?
My family was an amazing support system throughout both of my circusy journeys. I could not have done it without them! Dan gave me almost all of my injections andencourage me on days that were hard. And the kids were so sweet and understanding. They rubbed my belly andtalked to belly bud almost every day! It was so cute seeing to meet the baby and no that their mom just talked to someone else.
You are now raising three children of your own while also knowing that you helped two other families become parents. What does that mean to you when you reflect on it today?
To me, it seems like such a small part. I played in someone else’s life, even though I know it was a tremendous act. It’s such an amazing feeling, knowing other people are able to experience the same joys of motherhood and parenthood that we are because of our obedience and willingness to help other people out.
Has being a surrogate changed the way you experience motherhood or deepened your appreciation for the everyday moments you share with your children?
Absolutely! After two surrogacy journeys, we went on to have another baby and we are currently trying for a fourth period. I never want to take pregnancy, postpartum, or parenthood for granted because some people are never able to experience it. Knowing that gives me a greater appreciation for the energy, the effort, the money, and everything else that goes into growing family.
What would you want hopeful parents—and women considering becoming surrogates—to understand about the love, trust, and relationships that can grow from a surrogacy journey?
Remain hopeful that there is someone out there ready and willing to go on this journey with you. It may take time to find the right person, but the weight is worth it. When you’re able to have a lasting friendship at the end of a surrogacy journey, it’s an amazing thing. We have a really close relationship with one of our intended parents and it brings me so much joy to see them grow every year as a family. Knowing I helped play a small part in that means the world to me into my family. The kids even find so much joy and watching little belly bud grow up. It’s the cutest thing!