By The MakeAmom Team
November 29, 2023
4 min read
I’m thrilled to share my journey, which is filled with hope and love. While I know it’s still early in the process and anything can happen, I believe my experiences are worth telling.
My story began over two decades ago when I was a rebellious teenager. I met my first love, Alex, when I was just 14. After we began dating, we found ourselves facing an unplanned pregnancy, which was overwhelming. Thankfully, my mother supported me, having had my brother at a similar age. Unfortunately, we lost the baby, a heart-wrenching experience for someone so young. I started on birth control, which I stayed on for several years, gaining weight and not experiencing a menstrual cycle—definitely not healthy.
After breaking up with Alex, I eventually met my first husband, Brian. Without using any contraception, we hoped for a baby. However, after years of trying with no success, we underwent testing and discovered I had PCOS, coupled with Brian’s fertility issues. Our chances of conceiving naturally were slim, and the costs associated with fertility treatments felt daunting. My desire to become a mother consumed me, leading to tears whenever friends announced their pregnancies. This emotional strain took a toll on our marriage, ultimately leading to our divorce.
Soon after, I found my true soulmate, Jake, who is also my best friend. We married two years ago, but the thought of pregnancy felt distant. Then, during a doctor’s visit for various health concerns, I received the shocking news—I was pregnant! My excitement quickly turned to heartbreak as I experienced another miscarriage. It became clear to me that if I wanted to have a child with Jake, we needed to explore other options.
My cousin, Lily, who is like a sister to me, offered to be a surrogate. She already had two healthy children and approached the idea with love and support. Initially, I was unsure about not being the biological mother, but over time I realized that Lily was the person I trusted the most to carry my child.
After discussions with our families, including Lily and her husband, we addressed every detail—how we would explain it to our children and what to do if the baby had traits from either of us. Ultimately, I knew in my heart that this was the right decision for us.
To facilitate our conception journey, we turned to the resources offered by MakeAmom, an at-home insemination company known for its unique reusable options. I researched extensively and purchased their kit, along with ovulation predictors and pregnancy tests. The moment I received a positive reading on an ovulation predictor, we were ready to proceed.
On the first night of our attempt, Jake provided his sample, which I kept warm under my arm while texting Lily, who lives just a few blocks away. I carefully prepared the sample for insemination, ensuring to avoid air bubbles and to administer it slowly to maximize the chances of success. Lily then rested for 30 minutes, and we repeated this process over the next couple of nights. Finally, we entered the waiting period.
As of Saturday morning, we received the wonderful news—I’m pregnant!
This journey has been filled with perseverance, trust, and immense love. We are grateful for the support we’ve received and the role that MakeAmom has played in our story. If you’re considering surrogacy, it’s wise to consult with a family law attorney to navigate the necessary legalities and to draft a surrogacy agreement among all parties involved.
For those interested in exploring at-home insemination options, MakeAmom’s website provides excellent resources on how it works here, and you can also join a supportive community in the MakeAmom Facebook group. Additionally, you can find helpful information on affordable fertility options in this blog, and for more insights on pregnancy, visit March of Dimes.
To summarize: This inspiring journey through PCOS and surrogacy showcases the incredible bond of love and trust. With resources like MakeAmom, creativity and determination can help bring dreams of parenthood to life. We wish everyone involved a healthy pregnancy and a joyful addition to the family!