As A Teacher, I Was Drawn to Become A Surrogate: An Interview with Anne-Marie

As told by Anne-Marie, ConceiveAbilities surrogate

Anne-Marie is a wife, a mother of three boys, a kindergarten teacher, the keeper of various farm animals, and a surrogate. Anne-Marie has been teaching with Springfield Public Schools in Massachusetts for the last 7 years. Prior to that, she worked in early education centers for 10 years while starting a family of her own and getting her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies.

Anne-Marie takes pride in creating an environment for learning that is a fun and inclusive place where children get to be themselves and discover what the future could look like. She believes that early childhood education sets the stage for the years ahead. Becoming a surrogate was a natural extension of supporting strong family foundations.

As a teacher yourself, why do you feel early childhood teachers are drawn to surrogacy?

Teachers make great surrogates because we see and interact with different families everyday. We understand that love and support go a long way into helping a child thrive. We are already a part of so many other families and contribute to their wellbeing. I view surrogacy as another way to do just that.

I am lucky that I work in a school with a super supportive team and administration. I was able to schedule travel, appointments and procedures mostly out of school hours, but if I had to take time off, there was no issue and I knew my classroom was in good hands. I was hoping to deliver during my summer break, but instead I was in active labor for the first week of professional development. I was able to make a quick recovery post-birth and was back for my kindergartners’ first day of school.

As both my husband and I are elementary school educators, the surrogate compensation also supplemented our teachers’ salaries to help support our growing boys and our family.

How was the process at the beginning of your surrogacy journey?

My surrogacy journey was pretty by the book. I was matched quickly, medical clearance was a breeze, and, while everything took time, I loved my surrogate support group meetings where I could share with women who understood exactly what I was going through. Our first transfer was a success and I was able to “gift” my intended family a positive pregnancy test at Christmas.

What was the moment like when you saw your intended parents meet their child that you carried for them?

My 9.1-pound belly buddy was finally born after a long labor. I will forever be grateful to my husband, who stayed up with me the entire time and cracked jokes when I didn’t think I could push any more. Seeing my intended parents welcome him into the world (after I yelled at nurses to “get out of the way, I need to see this!”) was a moment I will never forget.

How important was support during your surrogacy journey?

From my husband and my mom to my friends and co-workers, I felt celebrated and supported throughout my journey, in too many ways to count.

The fact that there was an entire ConceiveAbilities team on my journey with me was incredible. I felt heard and I felt seen. I was not just a means to an end, I was an actual person with feelings, questions and fears. They handled it all so well.

How did you share your surrogacy journey with your kids?

Honestly, hearing my kids talk about surrogacy has been one of the best parts of my surrogate journey. They say it like it’s no big deal, totally normal, and needs no explanation. Seeing family pictures with my belly buddy included makes my heart soar.

How has being a surrogate enriched your life?

It has given me a deeper understanding of how families can come to be and the fertility challenges that so many go through to achieve something that is not even a second thought for others.

What advice do you have for women and other early childhood teachers thinking about becoming a surrogate?

If you’re thinking about it, take the first steps. Learn more about the surrogacy process and go from there.

Inspired by Anne-Marie to Explore Becoming a Surrogate?

Get all of your surrogacy questions answered in our complete How to Become a Surrogate guide.

Originally published on ConceiveAbilities.com.