My Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVF

Sam Everingham & Kerry Duncan
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  • KIDS & FAMILY

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. 12/20/2023

    Navigating the Ethics of International Surrogacy: Growing Families pioneering efforts for Reform and Standardisation

    Embark on an enlightening journey with Sam, and his pursuit for ethical surrogacy standards and reform, as we scrutinize the complexities of international surrogacy. Through an in-depth conversation, we tackle the creation of the National Advisory Board and its  Ethical Standards document, a beacon of hope aiming to secure the well-being of surrogates and intended parents alike. Our dialogue spans the necessity of clear guidelines, the importance of direct compensation for surrogates, and the critical role of psychological support, painting a vivid picture of the moral intricacies involved in the surrogacy process. This episode highlights the need for transparency and the importance of professional support. With Sam's expertise, we navigate through the turbulent waters of international laws, the advocacy work of organizations like SEEDS, and the potential for a unified global regulatory body to oversee these delicate arrangements. Whether you're an intended parent, a surrogate, or just someone intrigued by the evolving narrative of family creation, our conversation offers a compass through the unpredictability of surrogacy's global terrain, leaving you equipped with insights and resources, such as the Growing Families website, to guide your path. 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.

    22 min

  2. 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.

    25 min

  3. 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.

    13 min
  4. Donor Conceived Children. How to tell them? Mum and author, Natalie Hart, shares her story and tips from her expanding book range.

    10/23/2023

    Donor Conceived Children. How to tell them? Mum and author, Natalie Hart, shares her story and tips from her expanding book range.

    When faced with early menopause at 41, Natalie Hart was determined to become a mother. Guided by this resolute desire, she embarked on a journey through donor IVF. Our conversation with Natalie unravels her experiences, shedding light on the fears that some hold surrounding bonding and identity, and the societal pressures complicating the disclosure of donor conception. Natalie’s story, however, paints a picture of the power of early and honest communication, advocating for these discussions to begin when a child is about three to four years old. But Natalie’s journey didn’t stop at motherhood. She took her experiences a step further, channelling them into authorship to fill a void in Australian literature concerning non-traditional pathways to parenthood. We dive into her successful trio of children's books, crafted in accessible language, which assists families in explaining concepts like donor conception and single parenthood. We discuss the reach of these resources globally, and the help and comfort they provide to many.  Join us in this illuminating dialogue about the transformative power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of family and identity. 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.

    18 min

  5. 08/17/2023

    Meghan Kolodka's Experience as a Surrogate Mother.

    Join us as we walk through the inspiring journey of Meghan Kolodka, a brave and compassionate woman who chose to become an altruistic surrogate mother. A  friend's infertility struggle planted the seed of surrogacy, leading Meghan to embark on an extraordinary journey of carrying a baby that wasn't biologically hers. Meghan shares her husband's and Mother in Laws initial apprehension and how she saw being a surrogate a wonderful opportunity to teach her daughters and community about family creation. Megan's experiences are nothing short of awe-inspiring and heart-warming. Megan doesn't stop at just sharing her story; she dives deeper into the emotional aspects of surrogacy. Listen as she offers insights on mental health, emotional strength, and effective communication, crucial elements for anyone considering surrogacy. From her request for skin-to-skin contact post-birth to dealing with the challenges of having a transfer done in the US, Megan remains level-headed and resilient. Her experience, laced with wisdom and insights, is sure to be a beacon of hope and guidance to anyone considering or just curious about this life-altering 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.

    23 min

  6. 08/10/2023

    Extraodinary Journeys to Parenthood from around the Globe

    Ever thought about the intricate ballet of bringing a baby into the world, when surrogacy and donor IVF are involved? Wondered about the heartfelt stories of parents-to-be who tread the path less taken, bracing through the highs and lows of assisted parenthood? Join us on this enlightening journey as we turn the pages of our book "Surrogacy Stories", which captures twenty extraordinary narratives from across the globe - from India to Ireland, Thailand to Canada. Listen to the poignant tale of Kate, who ran the race against time and money while attempting to use her own eggs for IVF. You'll be moved by Catherine and Keith's  journey in Ukraine after they experienced an unbearable loss of their first baby in Ireland. And then, meet Nick, a single father who navigated the uncharted terrain of surrogacy with the help of his ex-partner's egg donation and a rock-solid support system. We'll be peeling back the layers on these resilient stories and many others, shedding light on the unique ways people navigate their fertility journeys. Navigating surrogacy isn't a solo flight, and we dig deep into the importance of robust support networks - from family to professionals. We'll talk about the importance of building the right team, finding the right clinic and lawyer, the science of surrogate matching and even stem cell collection. And as we unpack this complex journey, we also share some golden nuggets of advice for those brave hearts considering setting sail on this rewarding, yet challenging voyage to parenthood. Tune in - this episode promises a rollercoaster ride of emotions, resilience and the sheer beauty of parenthood. 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.

    28 min

  7. 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.

    24 min

  8. 07/27/2023

    A Deep Dive into Sourcing an Egg Donor with Sam Everingham.

    When you stop and think about it, sourcing an egg donor is a really big topic. In our latest episode  Sam Everingham,  a respected expert in surrogacy and donor IVF, helps to demystify the process for you. We discuss the significant role of eggs in fertility, and even touch upon the logistical and legal aspects of egg donation in different countries. We delve into various strategies of finding a donor, from tapping into your own networks to exploring your IVF clinic’s donor database. We unravel the financial aspect of egg donation, contemplating costs and their variances based on the type of donors and geographical location. We navigate through the landscapes of the USA, Spain, Greece, and many more countries, comparing their regulations and costs relevant to egg donation.  Don't miss this episode if you're seeking to understand more about egg donation and 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.

    21 min
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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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