Surrogacy Australia Conversations

Anna McKie

Join Anna McKie in conversation with surrogates and parents who have navigated Australian altruistic surrogacy. Anna is a gestational surrogate, high school Math teacher and surrogacy educator working with Surrogacy Australia and running SASS (Surrogacy Australia’s Support Service). These conversations were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. Dates and registration links on the website. To see the photos described in the recordings, find them on YouTube. Follow Surrogacy Australia on facebook and instagram.

  1. 140. How to find a surrogate

    5 DAYS AGO

    140. How to find a surrogate

    This episode is a recording from a presentation that I (Anna McKie) gave at the annual Growing Families conference in June 2021, in Brisbane. How do I find a surrogate in Australia? The answer is  TIME 🕰 An investment of time 🗣 into talking about surrogacy among your friends and family. And An investment of time ❤️ into the surrogacy village and into building friendships. For more ideas like what I discuss, check out our Further Reading section from the Webinars section from the Surrogacy Australia Website. https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/webinars/further-reading/ Growing Families for support with surrogacy outside of Australia https://www.growingfamilies.org/ These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings. Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.  https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-140-how-to-find-a-surrogate Watch this episode on youtube Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS. Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar. Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.  Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.  Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org About me: My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS). I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.  Contact… Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia YouTube: @surrogacy.australia Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org Welcome to the Village 🥰

    23 min
  2. 139. Ideas for IPs (Intended Parents) in waiting #6

    8 FEB

    139. Ideas for IPs (Intended Parents) in waiting #6

    This series of episodes springs from my work with SASS (Surrogacy Australia’s Support Service). When Intended Parents (IPs) have completed their profile and are in the pool of IPs waiting to connect with a surrogate, I do monthly check-ins to make sure they’re still active and waiting. I like to give some guidance and support along the way because the waiting game can be hard. This series of episodes is designed as though they are a letter to the waiting IPs. As mentioned in the episode, you can find links on our website for How to find a surrogate #101 and a presentation about ‘How do you find a surrogate in Australia?’ Resources from psychologists Narelle Dickinson in Brisbane with Lotus Health and Psychology Katrina Hale in Sydney Check out the full episode show notes: https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-139-ideas-for-ips-intended-parents-in-waiting Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS. Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar. Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.  Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.  Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org

    8 min
  3. 138. I will never feel that high again in my life

    1 FEB

    138. I will never feel that high again in my life

    Anna and husband, Sam, live in Brisbane with their 2 young daughters and she birthed little girl, Amelia, as a surrogate in February 2025. She met her IPs (Intended Parents) Hannah and Toby through a QLD facebook group and offered to be their traditional surrogate - meaning it was her egg. These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings. Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.  https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-138-anna-surrogate Watch this episode on youtube Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS. Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar. Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.  Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.  Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org About me: My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS). I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.  Contact… Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia YouTube: @surrogacy.australia Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org Welcome to the Village 🥰

    37 min
  4. 137. Cherish your current life

    25 JAN

    137. Cherish your current life

    Hannah and her husband Toby became parents to their daughter, Amelia, in February 2025. Their surrogate, Anna, previously a stranger was their traditional surrogate (meaning it was also her egg). Hannah needed an egg donor due to having Mosaic Turner Syndrome and then also a surrogate due to her endometrial lining not thickening. They pursued a surrogacy journey in Canada so it has been a long road to becoming a mum. These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings. Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.  https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-137-hannah-straight-mum Watch this episode on youtube Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS. Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar. Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.  Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.  Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org About me: My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS). I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.  Contact… Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia YouTube: @surrogacy.australia Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org Welcome to the Village 🥰

    35 min
  5. 136. $120,000 and 4 years

    21 JAN

    136. $120,000 and 4 years

    Will and David became parents through Australian altruistic surrogacy when Megan (David's cousin) carried and birthed their little boy, Harrison, in December 2021. It took 3 previous embryo transfers for this 4th one to stick, with the egg coming from their generous friend Karla. Will is passionate about discussing his journey as an LGBTQ parent through surrogacy and to bring hope to others to know this could be their journey too. You can hear from Will’s surrogate, Megan, in the previous episode, number 135.  These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings. Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.  https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-136-will-gay-dad/ Watch this episode on youtube Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS. Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar. Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.  Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.  Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org About me: My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS). I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.  Contact… Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia YouTube: @surrogacy.australia Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org Welcome to the Village 🥰

    34 min
  6. 135. Accept there will be exceptions

    11 JAN

    135. Accept there will be exceptions

    Megan was a surrogate for Will and David and they previously knew each other with Megan and David being cousins. Throw in a lot of love and time, a supportive husband of Megan's, and this team has a recipe for success. It took 3 previous embryo transfers for this 4th one to stick, with the egg coming from their generous friend Karla. After a long labour that didn't go completely to plan, surrogate Megan birthed Harrison via C-section on the 23rd of December, 2021. These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings. Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.  https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-135-megan-surrogate Watch this episode on youtube Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS. Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar. Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.  Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.  Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org About me: My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS). I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.  Contact… Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia YouTube: @surrogacy.australia Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org Welcome to the Village 🥰

    35 min
  7. 134. My postnatal depression after surrogacy

    28/12/2025

    134. My postnatal depression after surrogacy

    ⚠️ This episode is different and is very important to me 💜 This episode was written as a blog post and then recorded in May 2021, which was about 7 months after the birth of my surrobub Baker, and I wrote it as reflection on my postnatal depression. By speaking my truth, it was as though I shone a light into that corner, and it wasn’t dark anymore. I felt lighter, not ruled by my past from when I was unwell. As mentioned in the episode, my blog is called Surrogacy Safari and you can find the written version of this episode as well as Baker’s Birth story.  Also Katrina Hale’s guide for surrogacy teams.  These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings. Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.  https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-134-my-postnatal-depression-after-surrogacy/ Watch this episode on youtube Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS. Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar. Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.  Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.  Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org About me: My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS). I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.  Contact… Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia YouTube: @surrogacy.australia Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org Welcome to the Village 🥰

    47 min
  8. 133. Pay for the photographer

    21/12/2025

    133. Pay for the photographer

    Joel is a trail blazer as the first man to become a single dad through surrogacy in Tasmania. His son, Mason, was born in February 2025. His surrogate, Jess, lives in Launceston with her husband Ryan and their blended family of 8 children. They were previously strangers but connected thanks to a Facebook post he did explaining his situation, which got shared widely. His egg donor, Vanessa, is a friend from primary school. Audrey, the daughter of Vanessa and Kate, born a few months before Mason, is a genetic sibling and will know each other as cousins. Joel's journey was a long one - including a move from WA back to his home state of Tasmania, and also connections with other surrogates that didn't work out. These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings. Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.  https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-133-joel-gay-dad/ Watch this episode on youtube Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS. Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar. Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.  Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.  Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org About me: My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS). I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.  Contact… Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia YouTube: @surrogacy.australia Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org Welcome to the Village 🥰

    39 min

About

Join Anna McKie in conversation with surrogates and parents who have navigated Australian altruistic surrogacy. Anna is a gestational surrogate, high school Math teacher and surrogacy educator working with Surrogacy Australia and running SASS (Surrogacy Australia’s Support Service). These conversations were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. Dates and registration links on the website. To see the photos described in the recordings, find them on YouTube. Follow Surrogacy Australia on facebook and instagram.