My Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVF

Sam Everingham & Kerry Duncan

A limited series Podcast to support couples and singles from around the world to navigate the often complex and sometimes overwhelming journey to parenthood via surrogacy. Topics include fertility preservation, sourcing donor eggs and sperm, surrogate experiences and support, costs and timelines , with a more in depth review of surrogacy by country. Industry experts, parents and surrogates are featured in most episodes. Not to be missed if you or a loved one is contemplating a family via surrogacy and/or donor IVF.

  1. 11/30/2023

    The Intimate Journey of Being a Compensated Surrogate: Morgan Louvier Shares her Personal Experiences and Insights

    Ever wondered what it's like to offer the gift of life? To embark on a journey that intertwines your life with the dreams of another family? That's what we're exploring today with our guest, Morgan Louvier, an American surrogate who has graciously shared her personal journey. From the reactions of her family to her decision to become a surrogate, to her experiences carrying for four unique families, Morgan unveils the raw reality of surrogacy in the USA. We navigate through the complexities of matching surrogates and intended parents, emphasising the paramount importance of communication and setting realistic expectations. But the journey of surrogacy isn't just a physical one. It's an emotional one that many don't have first-hand insight into. With brutal honesty, Morgan discusses the emotional investment involved, the hormonal changes she underwent, and how she dealt with not bringing a baby home after giving birth. We also dive into the intimate topic of expressing breast milk for the surrogate baby. Further, we address common misconceptions and share valuable insights on the process of surrogacy, highlighting the traits that are essential in both attending parents and surrogates. So, buckle up for an intriguing, heartfelt, and enlightening exploration of surrogacy from the perspective of a surrogate mother. Growing Families https://www.growingfamilies.org or call +61 02 8054 0078 Growing Families was established by Sam Everingham in 2014 (initially as Families Through Surrogacy) and has assisted over 3000 singles and couples to engage in cross-border donor and surrogacy arrangements.  As an International Advisory Board creator Growing Families specialises in education, guidance and support on surrogacy and donation globally. It provides legal, financial, psychological and practical professional industry advice as an independent third party in a complex area to providers. Growing Families helps singles, heterosexual and gay couples on their family building journeys.  Contact Growing Families today to find out more about its confidential one to one consultations, holistic concierge packages and global events with guest speakers and industry experts from around the world.

  2. 11/02/2023

    Navigating Non-Traditional Family Structures: Remy's Journey Growing Up with Two Dads and His Unique Connection to his Surrogate and Donor.

    What does family mean to you? What if your family looked a little different from what's considered 'the norm'? Our guest today, Remy, provides a compelling insight into his unique family structure, born via surrogacy to two loving dads. Now a teenager, he shares his experiences growing up and connections with his surrogate mother in the USA and his egg donor in France.  We journey with Remy from his birth in the USA to his life in Australia, exploring a variety of topics along the way. We tackle the tricky question of surrogate compensation and the importance of openness about your child's birth story. Remy lends his perspective on dealing with traditional events such as Mother's and Father's Day in a non-traditional family setup. His story is a testament to the boundless nature of family, love, and identity, providing a refreshing viewpoint and valuable tips for parents navigating similar paths. Growing Families https://www.growingfamilies.org or call +61 02 8054 0078 Growing Families was established by Sam Everingham in 2014 (initially as Families Through Surrogacy) and has assisted over 3000 singles and couples to engage in cross-border donor and surrogacy arrangements.  As an International Advisory Board creator Growing Families specialises in education, guidance and support on surrogacy and donation globally. It provides legal, financial, psychological and practical professional industry advice as an independent third party in a complex area to providers. Growing Families helps singles, heterosexual and gay couples on their family building journeys.  Contact Growing Families today to find out more about its confidential one to one consultations, holistic concierge packages and global events with guest speakers and industry experts from around the world.

  3. 08/03/2023

    Exploring the Changing Family Structures: A Gay Dad's Journey with Surrogacy, Sperm Donation, and Co-Parenting

    Let's embark on a riveting and inspiring journey with gay dad Rodney Chiang-Cruise. You will hear how he and his partner navigated the intricacies of creating their family, their heart-wrenching losses during their surrogacy process, and their generous decision to donate sperm to assist their friends in starting their own families.  In the second half of our conversation, we tackle the broad spectrum of options and roles in sperm donation and co-parenting. Rodney provides us with a first-hand account of his experiences as a known sperm donor in Melbourne, and the unique family dynamics it creates. We delve into the importance of open conversations, shared values, and fostering a supportive environment in a co-parenting arrangement. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of the changing world of family structures. Growing Families https://www.growingfamilies.org or call +61 02 8054 0078 Growing Families was established by Sam Everingham in 2014 (initially as Families Through Surrogacy) and has assisted over 3000 singles and couples to engage in cross-border donor and surrogacy arrangements.  As an International Advisory Board creator Growing Families specialises in education, guidance and support on surrogacy and donation globally. It provides legal, financial, psychological and practical professional industry advice as an independent third party in a complex area to providers. Growing Families helps singles, heterosexual and gay couples on their family building journeys.  Contact Growing Families today to find out more about its confidential one to one consultations, holistic concierge packages and global events with guest speakers and industry experts from around the world.

  4. 07/20/2023

    An Intimate Look into Altruistic Surrogacy with the Amazing Mel Sharman

    We're thrilled to share our conversation with Mel Sharman founder of Egg Donation Australia, a dedicated nurse, mother, and an awe-inspiring woman who has been on multiple surrogacy journeys. Mel takes us through her fascinating story that began with egg donation in 2008. You will hear the heart warming narrative of how she has helped bring 20 beautiful lives into the world through donations and surrogacy. Mel openly shares her journey's, shedding light on Australia's approach to surrogacy and donation. She outlines from practical tips for Intending Parents and the vital role of patience understanding, communication, and support in making a surrogacy journey successful. We discuss different surrogacy and donor compensation models across the globe, comparing the altruistic model in Australia with the compensated model prevalent in the US. Mel contemplates the potential of a payment system to motivate more women to donate their eggs. Tune in for this inspiring conversation that is bound to leave you with a better understanding, and appreciation of the nuances of surrogacy. Growing Families https://www.growingfamilies.org or call +61 02 8054 0078 Growing Families was established by Sam Everingham in 2014 (initially as Families Through Surrogacy) and has assisted over 3000 singles and couples to engage in cross-border donor and surrogacy arrangements.  As an International Advisory Board creator Growing Families specialises in education, guidance and support on surrogacy and donation globally. It provides legal, financial, psychological and practical professional industry advice as an independent third party in a complex area to providers. Growing Families helps singles, heterosexual and gay couples on their family building journeys.  Contact Growing Families today to find out more about its confidential one to one consultations, holistic concierge packages and global events with guest speakers and industry experts from around the world.

  5. 07/13/2023

    Exploring the Global Landscape of Surrogacy: Costs, Timelines and Support Systems with Sam Everingham

    We explore the topic of surrogacy in nations around the world with our expert guide Sam Everingham.  Sam illuminates the potentially long wait times of altruistic programs in countries like Australia and Canada, and contrasts this with compensated surrogacy paths in nations like the USA and Argentina. We compare average timelines, costs and procedures around the world.  Our journey doesn't end with surrogate matching; we also dive into the realm of donor eggs and sperm and steps Intending Parents can take to give their surrogate the best care and support. Finally, we offer a peek into the Growing Families' concierge package – a vital support program for singles and couples embarking on this emotionally taxing journey.   Growing Families https://www.growingfamilies.org or call +61 02 8054 0078 Growing Families was established by Sam Everingham in 2014 (initially as Families Through Surrogacy) and has assisted over 3000 singles and couples to engage in cross-border donor and surrogacy arrangements.  As an International Advisory Board creator Growing Families specialises in education, guidance and support on surrogacy and donation globally. It provides legal, financial, psychological and practical professional industry advice as an independent third party in a complex area to providers. Growing Families helps singles, heterosexual and gay couples on their family building journeys.  Contact Growing Families today to find out more about its confidential one to one consultations, holistic concierge packages and global events with guest speakers and industry experts from around the world.

  6. 07/06/2023

    Georgia's Changing Surrogacy Landscape: Insight from Lawyer Nino Bogveradze

    Legal expert Nino Bogveradze is a guiding light for numerous intending parents requiring assistance with surrogacy contracts and birth certificates. She unpacks the recent government announcement that has left the Georgian surrogacy community on shaky ground. What could this unexpected governmental pivot mean for intending parents already engaged in IVF and surrogacy services in Georgia? Allow Nino to guide you through the existing legal landscape, anticipated changes and their potential impact on surrogacy and IVF in Georgia. Amidst uncertainty and unanswered questions, Nino shares her insights and potential scenarios for prospective parents. Stay abreast with our ongoing coverage of this issue and other family-building options by subscribing to the Growing Families newsletter and keeping a watchful eye on the website for future webinars. There's much to comprehend and decode with each unfolding development. Nino Bogveradze from Kordzadze Law Office recently appeared in a Growing Families Webinar on Georgia . Her update has been included in this episode. Growing Families https://www.growingfamilies.org or call +61 02 8054 0078 Growing Families was established by Sam Everingham in 2014 (initially as Families Through Surrogacy) and has assisted over 3000 singles and couples to engage in cross-border donor and surrogacy arrangements.  As an International Advisory Board creator Growing Families specialises in education, guidance and support on surrogacy and donation globally. It provides legal, financial, psychological and practical professional industry advice as an independent third party in a complex area to providers. Growing Families helps singles, heterosexual and gay couples on their family building journeys.  Contact Growing Families today to find out more about its confidential one to one consultations, holistic concierge packages and global events with guest speakers and industry experts from around the world.

  7. 06/28/2023

    Unravelling Georgia's Surrogacy Ban: Implications, Risks, and Recommendations for Intended Parents

    We discuss the news of Georgia's impending surrogacy ban for foreign nationals, a situation that's causing great concern for many . Our episode brings invaluable insights from our Host Sam Everingham, Global Director of Growing Families and Poonam Jain, a migration agent. Both have  a rich experience in international surrogacy, and front line experiences with similar legislative changes in India,  Thailand and Nepal. Amid the uncertainty and ambiguity, we'll attempt to decode the potential implications of this closure and recommendations for Intending Parents. Based on what has unfolded in other country bans our essential message is: Don't panic. There will be a solution and we are here to help.  Growing Families https://www.growingfamilies.org or call +61 02 8054 0078 Growing Families was established by Sam Everingham in 2014 (initially as Families Through Surrogacy) and has assisted over 3000 singles and couples to engage in cross-border donor and surrogacy arrangements.  As an International Advisory Board creator Growing Families specialises in education, guidance and support on surrogacy and donation globally. It provides legal, financial, psychological and practical professional industry advice as an independent third party in a complex area to providers. Growing Families helps singles, heterosexual and gay couples on their family building journeys.  Contact Growing Families today to find out more about its confidential one to one consultations, holistic concierge packages and global events with guest speakers and industry experts from around the world.

  8. 06/07/2023

    Supporting Fertility the Natural Way with Dr Miranda Myles

    Miranda Myles, is a Naturopath, Nutritionist & Acupuncturist focused on health, hormones, fertility & family. She understands the road to family via her own personal experience with overseas egg donation and shares her expertise and advice for women about fertility. Miranda is a passionate advocate for women's reproductive health and recommends that women not turn to IVF too quickly. We explore many topics including... Miranda's journey to IVF and egg donationAverage age of clientsWhen you just want to be a Mum but cannot get pregnant When to give up on own eggs and consider donation Natural medicine during IVF and pregnancy to support a healthy birth Knowing your own body and when you ovulate More and more people needing donor eggs Balancing natural medicine with IVF treatmentUsing donor eggs - will it feel like my child?Changes Miranda would like to see. Growing Families https://www.growingfamilies.org or call +61 02 8054 0078 Growing Families was established by Sam Everingham in 2014 (initially as Families Through Surrogacy) and has assisted over 3000 singles and couples to engage in cross-border donor and surrogacy arrangements.  As an International Advisory Board creator Growing Families specialises in education, guidance and support on surrogacy and donation globally. It provides legal, financial, psychological and practical professional industry advice as an independent third party in a complex area to providers. Growing Families helps singles, heterosexual and gay couples on their family building journeys.  Contact Growing Families today to find out more about its confidential one to one consultations, holistic concierge packages and global events with guest speakers and industry experts from around the world.

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About

A limited series Podcast to support couples and singles from around the world to navigate the often complex and sometimes overwhelming journey to parenthood via surrogacy. Topics include fertility preservation, sourcing donor eggs and sperm, surrogate experiences and support, costs and timelines , with a more in depth review of surrogacy by country. Industry experts, parents and surrogates are featured in most episodes. Not to be missed if you or a loved one is contemplating a family via surrogacy and/or donor IVF.

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