Welcome to Storytellers! Real stories from our surrogate mothers

Every surrogacy story is special, and yours is no exception. That’s why we’re so excited about our Storytellers series.

Each month, we’ll be sharing incredible stories from our surrogates. Learn what inspired them to become surrogates, their surrogacy journey (or journeys!), and the impact their experience had on them. 

We’re kicking things off with Jaleesa, who had her first surrogate baby on May 1st, 2020. 

Here is Jaleesa’s surrogacy story.

Why Jaleesa became a surrogate

The perfect quote to sum up the surrogacy journey is: “It takes a village to raise a child and sometimes it takes a village to make a child.” “Awarding,” “beautiful,” and “life-changing” don’t even begin to describe a surrogacy experience. 

I’m a mother of two boys, and when my youngest son was just six months old, I experienced a miscarriage very early on, about six or seven weeks. It felt like the most devastating thing to me. Even though I wasn’t ready to be a mother to three children with two under two, I felt as though I had failed as a mother and as a woman. And it made me genuinely think about those women who try over and over again just to have one child, and here I was with two kids crying over a baby I never knew but still loved. Just the thought broke my heart, and still does to this day. 

Almost a year later, I was working as a bank teller and I met a surrogate for SPS. I thought it was so beautiful to be able to give someone the most amazing gift in the world. That surrogate gave me the contact information to find out more about the process.

I spent about a week contemplating if it would be worth it and if I could handle it mentally (I knew physically I would be fine). After a few days I thought: I’m so blessed with my boys, I’m young (just 22 going on 23), and I don’t want any more kids, so why not help another person have the baby they’ve dreamed about?And from there I called, applied, finished all required evaluations, and waited to be matched with a couple. 

Jaleesa’s journey with SPS

In March of 2019, I met with Cristie (the founder and president of SPS), Karina (our caseworker), and the most amazing IPs. Typically, you’ll meet intended parents, then have one to two days to decide if you feel like you’re a good match with each other and would like to work together. All three of us decided that same night to work together. 

After a few months of paperwork, doctor’s appointments, then starting medication, I had the most special birthday—it was Transfer Day! And when they say every pregnancy is different, that is definitely TRUE. Morning sickness was completely new to me, but the IPs were simply amazing through the whole process. They would check in on me a few times a week to make sure I was doing okay. 

And after everything, I can honestly say I have forever friends when it comes to my IPs. We would have lunch together, and they would always ask about my kids (referring to them as her brothers). Being matched with this couple made it all worth it. Even though I was pregnant during a global pandemic, the whole experience was magical. 

Throughout the whole journey, I felt so supported by the IPs, our caseworker, the women working at SPS, other surrogates in our support group, and my family. The one question everyone asked me was: “Aren’t you going to be sad to give away the baby?” And honestly, it never felt like giving her away; it felt like putting the last puzzle piece in its rightful place. In just seconds, you watch someone transform into a mom or dad when all they could do before was dream of being one. Nothing was more magical other than when I had my own children. 

Don’t get me wrong; I love that baby girl, but not in a motherly way—more like an aunt and niece way. I’m so excited we’ve all decided to stay in contact with each other. They even asked if I would like to be a surrogate for them again. I can’t wait for baby number two! 

“I could not imagine not being a surrogate”

I couldn’t be more grateful for Cristie’s method of matching surrogates and IPs. She meets with everyone, learns their personalities, and is able to find the most perfect match for each unique journey. Every single time I think of the sweet baby girl I helped bring into the world, my heart just smiles! Every picture I receive brings such a light to my day. 

As a person, part of my love language is being a giver; I enjoy doing things for others and helping people when I’m able to. When I see something that reminds me of a certain person, I get it, and it’s the best feeling to see them receive it. But surrogacy was a whole new level to this, and I could not imagine not being a surrogate. 

When people ask if I would recommend becoming a surrogate, my answer will never change, and this is what I say: “Yes—if you believe your heart is strong enough for every part of the surrogacy journey.” And I say that because surrogacy is not just carrying a baby for another family; there are weeks of shots and MANY doctor’s appointments … I’ve missed family events or family weekends due to the location, scheduling, or just pregnancy illness. And even though I personally wouldn’t change my decision, as an individual you have to take every aspect of the journey into consideration when you decide to become a surrogate. 

Honestly, there’s nothing more to say other than the fact that I am so grateful for this entire journey and every single person who was a part of it, including the doctors, the women at SPS, the other surrogates in the group, Cristie, Karina … and most importantly, the IPs.

Tell your surrogacy story

Thank you for being a part of Storytellers, Jaleesa! 

If you’ve been a surrogate with SPS and would like to share your surrogacy story, we would love to hear from you. Click here to submit your story. 

Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services 

Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate 30 Years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy program that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.   

Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.