SurroTales

In this episode, I chat with Dominique as she shares her deeply personal journey through infertility. From enduring multiple rounds of IVF in both New Zealand and the USA to navigating devastating miscarriages, Dominique takes us through the emotional and physical toll of her experience.After years of trying, her doctor eventually encouraged her to explore surrogacy—an idea she initially struggled to embrace. She opens up about the courage it took to share her story on social media and later with the NZ Herald, leading to an overwhelming response from generous women willing to help. One of the most unexpected yet beautiful moments? A childhood friend stepping forward to offer the ultimate gift.As she moves through the approval process while preparing for another IVF cycle, Dominique reflects on the challenges of control—or lack thereof—throughout infertility and surrogacy. We also discuss her motivation to start two businesses, Lullabuy and Redroom, which have given her a sense of purpose and control outside of her fertility journey.Throughout it all, Dominique has learned invaluable lessons about resilience, partnership, and the power of empathy. Her story is one of strength, hope, and the incredible kindness of others.----Episode Info: Cryoport⁠ ⁠NZ Herald article⁠ ⁠Love Makes A Family⁠ ⁠Lullabuy⁠ ⁠Redroom----Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: surrotales@gmail.com

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Victoria, who shares her remarkable journey of navigating life with a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis—one that came unexpectedly as an adult during her medical training. We dive into how this life-changing event influenced many aspects of her life, including her career, her fertility and her family planning decisions...ultimately leading her to pursue surrogacy. Victoria opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of searching for a surrogate and what inspired her to launch BabyBumps, an independent surrogacy platform designed to connect intended parents and surrogates through mutual respect and trust. We also chat about her IVF journey, from the highs and lows of multiple rounds to the most unconventional places we've both done our injections. Victoria shares the invaluable lessons she's learned throughout her fertility experience so far and hints at what's next for her surrogacy and family-building journey. Victoria shares valuable insights for anyone facing fertility challenges or exploring surrogacy. Her journey reflects resilience, hope, and the innovative vision behind Baby Bumps—her inclusive platform that is sure to make a lasting impact in the surrogacy world. ---- Episode Info: BabyBumps: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

In this episode, I chat to Margaret Casey KC, a leading barrister specializing in surrogacy and reproductive law based in Auckland, New Zealand. Margaret shares her inspiring journey into this field, shaped in part by her own personal fertility story. She offers a detailed look at how New Zealand's surrogacy laws were developed, the legal processes currently in place, and the specific steps intended parents and surrogates must navigate throughout their surrogacy experience. Margaret also dives into her work on international surrogacy, comparing legal frameworks across countries and explaining how New Zealand approaches overseas surrogacy arrangements. Lastly, she provides insights into the proposed surrogacy reform bill under review, which promises to bring significant and much-needed improvements to surrogacy law in New Zealand. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complexities of surrogacy law, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the ongoing efforts to create more equitable and accessible paths to parenthood. ---- Episode Info: Margaret Casey ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Tessa, an intended mother in the midst of her surrogacy journey. Tessa shares her extraordinary story, from the joy of welcoming her first son to the devastating discovery of a rare cancer during delivery, which ultimately led to a hysterectomy. Despite this, Tessa held onto hope, knowing her ovaries and eggs could make surrogacy an option when the time was right. That time came when Tessa and her husband were introduced to Kelly, a mom of three, through mutual friends. Inspired by her own struggles with fertility and a desire to pay it forward, Kelly was eager to help. The two instantly connected, embarking on a surrogacy journey built on trust, gratitude, and shared vision. At the time of this recording, Kelly was 23 weeks pregnant with Tessa and her husband's baby boy, who has since been born healthy and thriving! Tessa reflects on her IVF experience, navigating ECART processes in New Zealand, coordinating across cities, and maintaining open communication. She also shares her deep emotional and spiritual connection to her baby, as well as their plans for the birth—letting Kelly take the lead in the delivery room. This is a beautiful story of resilience, community, and the profound ways we can help each other grow our families. ---- Episode Info: Toni Street's Book: Lost and Found ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

In this episode, I'm joined by New Zealand fertility specialist, Dr. Elizabeth Glanville, for an in-depth discussion on the world of IVF and surrogacy. Dr. Glanville guides us through every stage of the process, from preparation to transfer, and explore what happens afterward. Dr. Glanville shares expert insights on the differences between natural and manufactured cycles, the role ECART (Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology) plays in the New Zealand surrogacy process, and the key factors that make a great surrogate candidate. We also dive into the growing popularity of surrogacy, review success rates, and offer a comprehensive guide for anyone considering or curious about this family-building option. Whether you're starting your fertility journey, thinking about surrogacy, or just want to learn more about the science and ethics behind it all, this episode provides expert advice and practical tips straight from one of New Zealand's leading specialists. ---- Episode Info: YourIVFSuccess Repromed ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Natalie is the embodiment of resilience and strength, which is no surprise considering she is a competitive triathlete! She is the step mom of three boys, and now, the proud mom of an almost two-year-old girl, Bella, via an extraordinary surrogacy journey. In this heartfelt episode, Natalie shares her inspiring story of partnering with Jess, a surrogate she met through the Love Makes a Family network. Together, they turned a connection between strangers into a profound friendship, embarking on this life-changing journey alongside their families. Natalie opens up about enduring six pregnancy losses, navigating numerous rounds of IVF, and ultimately deciding to pursue surrogacy. She recounts the steps they took with Jess, leading up to an unforgettable delivery that sounds straight out of a Hollywood movie! Beyond the logistics of surrogacy, Natalie delves into the emotional depths of her experience, reflecting on grief, mental health, and the lessons she learned about control, resilience, and personal growth. This episode is a powerful testament to the beauty of love, family, and perseverance. ---- Episode Info: ⁠Love Makes a Family ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Lydia is the CEO of Fertility New Zealand (FNZ), a national charity dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and educating individuals facing infertility at all stages of their journey and beyond. In this episode, Lydia highlights the wide range of services FNZ offers, including in-person and online support groups, webinars, a helpline, accessible resources, and a strong community within the infertility space. She also discusses the history of IVF in New Zealand, shifts in the infertility landscape over the years, and the growing presence of surrogacy. Most importantly, Lydia shares valuable tips for navigating infertility—whether personally or with a loved one—and provides insights on how to find the best support. ---- Episode Info: Fertility New Zealand Facebook Group: Donor Conception and Surrogacy Network NZ The Listener Article FNZ Hotline: 0800 333 306 ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

The time has finally come to interview a very special VIP guest...our surrogate, Maddy, who happens to be my sister-in-law! Best of all, she might have some very exciting news to share... Spoiler alert, she is 22 weeks pregnant with our baby girl (at the time we recorded this)!!! In this episode, Maddy shares her experience with being our surrogate so far. From making the most generous offer we could have dreamed of (and finding the right time to do it!), the long to do list we had to complete before even getting to the embryo transfer stage—including medical approval, psychiatric counseling, legal agreements, etc. From there, she talks through the embryo transfer process, the dreaded 10 day wait, finally getting our pregnancy news(!) and what her pregnancy journey has been like so far. She also dives into the important topic of speaking to her young daughter, and other family members and friends, about her role as a surrogate and the many lessons she's learned throughout this wild ride (so far!). This was such an exciting and heartfelt episode to record and a fun way to share our big news...we're expecting a baby girl in February and couldn't be more excited and grateful! ---- Episode Info: ⁠The Kangaroo Pouch: A story about surrogacy for young children⁠ ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Andy's story proves just how global surrogacy can be. Andy lives in Australia and has had two children via surrogacy...each in a different country! First, he shares his experience with having his son via surrogacy in Canada, followed by the story of bringing his daughter into the world through surrogacy in Argentina. He shares the many twists and turns his story took, the differences in navigating surrogacy in both countries and the amazing surrogacy community he's built along the way. He also shares helpful advice for intended parents who might be interested in going down an international surrogacy route. After such a positive experience with the agency he chose for his daughter's surrogacy, Andy now works as a Parent Intake Coordinator for Global Surrogacy Agency, guiding others as they embark on their own surrogacy journeys. ---- Episode Info: Global Surrogacy Consulting Andy's Email: andy@andyleonard.com.au ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

When Jen and her husband decided it was time to start a family, she went in for what she thought would be a routine cervical smear. Instead, she was faced with an unexpected cervical cancer diagnosis in her mid-thirties, leading her straight into chemoradiotherapy. Thankfully, with the support of a dedicated medical team, she was encouraged to explore fertility preservation before beginning treatment. She took their advice and a year later, cancer-free, Jen was ready to start her family through surrogacy. In this episode, Jen shares the twists and turns of her journey and how the kindness of strangers, friends, and family helped her bring her beautiful baby boy into the world. ---- Episode Info: Love Makes A Family Breastfeeding: Supplemental Nursing System Newman-Goldfarb Protocol Jen: Email surrotales@gmail.com to get connected ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Get ready for a fun twist in this surrogate episode! I've already spoken with the intended parent, and now it's time to hear the surrogate's side of the story. Meet the amazing Nat, who shares her journey of bringing the adorable Lulu into the world—daughter of Christian Newman, featured in a previous episode and founder of Love Makes a Family! In this episode, Nat opens up about her experience as a single mom of three boys while carrying a girl for the first time. She discusses the importance of having a support person during her journey, the special bond she and her boys formed with the intended parents (and Lulu!), and her decision to document her surrogacy experience on social media. It was such a joy to hear Nat's perspective, and I can't wait for you to hear it too! ---- Episode Info: Nat's Instagram Love From Your Dads Instagram Love Makes a Family Growing Families ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Samantha really juggles it all...! While recording this episode, she was just 10 days away from welcoming her twin boys into the world via surrogacy in the U.S. and also managing her thriving organization, Surrogacy Compass. Samantha opens up about her surrogacy journey as an intended parent and how she's preparing to become a mom of two in just a few short days. Most importantly, Samantha shares what motivated her to start Surrogacy Compass, a service designed to guide intended parents through the surrogacy process...think of it as a "wedding planner for surrogacy" (Samantha even shares what it was like planning her own wedding and surrogacy at the same time)! This episode is packed with valuable insights into surrogacy (especially in the States) and serves as a perfect reminder that you are not alone...Surrogacy Compass is here to support you every step of the way! ---- Episode Info: Surrogacy Compass: ⁠⁠Website Instagram Fertility Clinic: Reproductive Biology Associates (RBA) Surrogacy Agency: ⁠Eggceptional Fertility ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

This is a special mini-episode with Sam Everingham, a proud dad to twin girls via surrogacy and founder of Growing Families—an incredible organization that provides education, guidance and support on surrogacy and egg donation globally. They are based in Australia, but offer support related to international (and domestic) surrogacy and host a series of in-person and virtual events around the world. This episode is packed with knowledge and insight related to surrogacy processes from around the world and explains how Growing Families can help you on your journey. ---- Episode Info: ⁠Growing Families⁠ ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Kiriana (Kiri) speaks so eloquently and honestly about her surrogacy journey, and the path that led her and her partner down that road. Her story is full of heartbreaking challenges and setbacks, but the power of perseverance, medicine, hope and family (especially one amazing sister-in-law!) resulted in their miracle baby boy, who is incredibly loved by their entire surrogacy "village." ---- Episode Info: ⁠Cribsheet⁠ by Emily Oster ⁠Growing Families ⁠ ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Laura has done so much for the surrogacy community in New Zealand and is passionate about creating safe and informative groups for surrogates and intended parents to turn to. Laura is a busy working single mother of two and the first double donor surrogate in New Zealand. She shares the beautiful story of helping bring baby Beau into the world for strangers turned friends, and provides so much insight into what to expect as a surrogate...from beginning to end (she even documented her experience on Instagram!). Laura is a big advocate for surrogacy in New Zealand and talks about the communities she's helped create that provide support and community for others going through the surrogacy process. ---- Episode Info: Laura's Instagram: @theirbabymybody Nat's Instagram: __theboys_andme__ Love Makes a Family Growing Families Facebook Groups: For Surrogates: New Zealand Surrogate Support For Intended Parents: New Zealand Intended Parent Support ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

I'm mixing it up this episode, and instead of interviewing an Intended Parent or Surrogate, I'm highlighting a very important part of the surrogacy process...fertility counselling. This episode features Andy Leggat, a Fertility Counsellor and the Psychology Director at Fertility Associates in Auckland, New Zealand (who we were lucky enough to have as our counsellor when we were going through surrogacy in NZ). Andy explains the crucial role that fertility counselling plays in the NZ surrogacy process (particularly with ECART: The Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology), the importance of prioritizing mental health when undergoing fertility treatment and actionable tips to put your mental wellbeing first when dealing with the uncertainty and lack of control that comes with infertility. ---- Episode Info: Andy Leggat: Psychology Director & Fertility Counsellor @ Fertility Associates in Auckland, New Zealand NZ Fertility Clinics: Fertility Associates ReproMed Fertility Plus Fertility Counsellor Resources: Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA) Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) Fertility New Zealand ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Laura has quite the amazing story and I was so incredibly grateful she took the time to share it on SurroTales! After facing several heartbreaking miscarriages and medical challenges, Laura and her husband turned to surrogacy to start their beautiful family. Then, a couple months later, she found out she was also pregnant! Fast forward to now, she is the proud mom of two beautiful boys who are only 10 weeks apart. Laura has so much knowledge when it comes to choosing the right surrogacy agency & fertility clinic, the power of leaning into fertility communities and how to talk to your kids about the beautiful way they were brought into the world. ---- Episode Info: Fertility Clinic: Dr. Smotrich @ La Jolla IVF Surrogacy Agency: Conceptual Options Fertility Companies: Conceive Frame Fertility Carrot Fertility Children's Book: Families Grow (Dan Saks) Laura: Email surrotales@gmail.com to get connected ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Lacey shares her incredible and fulfilling experience being a surrogate for her longtime friend and his husband. She talks through the many magical moments that came with this journey, along with the challenges that she faced along the way...particularly when it was all "over" once the baby was born. It's important to highlight the ups and downs that come with the surrogacy process, for both IPs and surrogates, and Lacey shares so much wisdom and insight that will be useful for anyone else going through the process. ---- Episode Info: Stuff Article ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Jenni was the very first person I ever met in New Zealand who had a child via surrogacy. And best of all, I got to meet her adorable daughter when she was only a few months old. Jenni shares her experience as an Intended Parent in New Zealand, including what it was like going through the process during Covid. ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

This episode was extra fun to record because this amazing surrogate, Clare, is currently pregnant with her intended parents' baby girl! She talks through her experience (so far!) with being a surrogate and shares a ton of useful advice that will benefit anyone navigating the surrogacy world...especially other incredible women that might be interested in becoming a surrogate one day!

Penny has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to international surrogacy. She is originally from the UK, lives in New Zealand and went through surrogacy as an Intended Parent via the States. She provides a ton of helpful tips and tricks when it comes to navigating surrogacy abroad and shares her beautiful story of welcoming her son into the world with the help of her incredible surrogacy village. ---- Episode Info: San Diego Fertility Clinic⁠ (Dr. Said Daneshmand) International Fertility Law Group⁠ (Richard Vaughn) Family Matters Surrogacy (Breann Piccini) Penny: Email surrotales@gmail.com to get connected ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Samantha was the very first person I ever met in New Zealand who had experience with surrogacy...which is the perfect example of how generous she is with her time and how open and eager she is to help others navigating the surrogacy process. Sam was a surrogate a few years ago in NZ and has a wealth of knowledge to share about her incredible experience. ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

I really wanted to kick this podcast off with a bang...and Christian was the perfect person to help me do that! He is a huge advocate for the surrogacy community in New Zealand and has made a tremendous impact on normalizing this beautiful way of creating a family. Christian is the creator of Love Makes a Family—a platform that helps intended parents, surrogates and donors connect—as well as the popular Instagram account, Love From Your Dads. Most importantly, he's the proud father of two adorable children via surrogacy. ---- Episode Info: @lovefromyourdads Love Makes a Family ---- Instagram: ⁠⁠@surrotales⁠⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

I thought it was only fair to put myself and my husband, Travis, in the hot seat before I had others spill their surrogacy stories. Trav and I dive into our wild and bumpy surrogacy ride as intended parents so far and all the good, bad and ugly that have come along with it. ---- Instagram: ⁠@surrotales⁠ Email: surrotales@gmail.com

Welcome to SurroTales! I'm your host, Emma Lehman, an American living in New Zealand and an aspiring mom on the wild ride that is surrogacy. SurroTales is a platform for intended parents and surrogates to share their stories and advice they've learned along the way. Whether you're deep into surrogacy, have already been through it, just starting out, feeling lost, or simply curious about the process, this podcast is for you.