Meet Kristlyn!
Kristlyn is a first-time gestational surrogate who delivered a baby girl for a family in December 2022!
Q: What led you to become a Surrogate?
My husband and I had decided that we were done having children, but I wasn’t ready to never be pregnant again. I was still young and in great shape so I wanted to use my body for good and carry for families that couldn’t.
Q. Who was the most significant support person throughout your journey?
My husband, Sawyer, was the most significant support person throughout my journey. He never doubted my decisions and was very patient with me throughout the process. He was always here during the hard parts to remind me of what I was working for.
Q. What made you decide to choose your Intended Parents?
I chose my intended parents solely based off of a gut feeling. I had viewed many profiles and was really looking for a sign that told me who to choose. Once I viewed my IPs’ profile, I was sure they were the right pick for me. Something just told me that we would have a wonderful journey together.
Q. What are some of the highlights of your journey?
My entire journey was a big highlight. From meeting the IPs for the first time to delivering their baby, it was a great first-time experience. Of course, not every moment was easy, but every moment was worth it. I gained lifelong friendships and even plan on doing a sibling journey for the same family. The entire experience was amazing. It’s hard to explain the emotions and feelings that come with surrogacy until you go through it!
Q. Do you have advice for women who are interested in becoming a gestational surrogate?
I would just say that the beginning process is the hardest part. I get that when starting the process, it can be very intimidating and drawn out. There are a lot of steps before getting to the actual surrogate part, but I promise that it goes by quicker than you think. I am sitting on the couch right now in disbelief that my first journey is already over. I remember wishing so badly to get the ball rolling, and now I can’t wait to go through it all again! So just take the leap and trust in FSC and your case manager because they will take care of you and guide you through the entire thing.
Q. How do you feel about your experience working with Family Source Consultants?
I couldn’t have picked a better company to do my surrogacy through. They have guided me and been beside me every step of the way. The community is full of amazing mentors and surrogates that I look up to and admire. I have gained a lot of friends and guidance when I really needed it. I have never doubted having people in the company that care about me.
Q. What did you find was the biggest misconception people had about surrogacy?
The biggest misconception people have about surrogacy is that we do it for any other reason than to help in creating a family. There are many personal benefits to being a surrogate, but we do it because we want to make a difference in people’s lives.
Q. What was the funniest/strangest/most common question you were asked as a surrogate? How did you answer?
I most commonly get asked if I am worried about getting attached to the baby. My answer is always no. And that is the truthful answer. Long before there is ever a baby, we create such a bond and strong relationship with the parents that we enter a mindset of “I am making these people parents one day.” And then it’s all for them. The entire pregnancy and delivery is for the parents so it makes the relationship with the baby very detached.
Q. How has becoming a surrogate impacted your life?
Becoming a surrogate has impacted my life by giving me lifelong friendships and relationships. I gained so much while also giving so much. I know that being a surrogate is a selfless, amazing thing but I got so much out of it as well that will fill my heart and life forever.
Q. Was this pregnancy different than your other pregnancies? If so, how?
With my surrogacy being my second pregnancy, it obviously was a little more difficult than my first just in terms of being more sore and having to also care for my toddler full time. But as far and the experience and the delivery, it was almost identical to my first pregnancy.
Q. How did you prepare yourself for separating from the baby after birth?
I didn’t really do a lot to prepare myself for separating from the baby after birth. I was very detached from the baby throughout the entire process. I didn’t talk about the pregnancy around my daughter or family because we all knew I was just the carrier. I obviously cared for and loved her, but I was never worried or concerned about being attached to her after giving birth.
Q. What would you like someone who is considering working with a surrogate to know?
I would like anyone who considers working with a surrogate to know that we are human beings. I had an amazing experience with my Intended Parents and was treated far better than I could have imagined, but I know that this isn’t always the case for surrogates. The process can be stressful sometimes but it’s important that everyone stay in communication with each other and be patient. We are all looking for the same end result and want the same thing!
Learn more about becoming a surrogate by submitting a request for information, or start your surrogate application today!