Why I Am Going To Be A Repeat Surrogate

As told by Christina Chilcote, ConceiveAbilities Surrogate

Christina is a 29-year-old surrogate with ConceiveAbilities who is eager to begin her second journey. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest and met her husband, Bryce, in high school. After high school, Bryce joined the Air Force and Christina followed him to California where they had their son, Isaac, and daughter, Harper.

Christina does her own work supporting our troops as a Quality Assurance Analyst for a military affiliated call center. Christina and her family are currently living in Colorado where they enjoy hiking, playing board games, cooking, baking, and creating art.

When asked about her surrogacy with ConceiveAbilities, Christina shared what makes her want to partake in this journey for a second time:
“Becoming a gestational surrogate wasn’t a decision I took lightly; it was the culmination of a deep desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood. My journey into surrogacy began with a simple thought: What if I could be the one to make someone’s dream of having a child come true?

Like many, I had always imagined that if a friend or a loved one found themselves unable to conceive, I would step forward and offer to be their surrogate . They say you never really know love until you look into the eyes of your child for the first time and for me that was true. The birth of my two children were single handedly the best days of my life. Both of my children’s pregnancies were very much planned for and wanted and watching them grow and become their own people is such a rewarding experience. The idea that a friend or family member may go without the amazing, humbling experience of parenthood when they deeply desired it was heartbreaking.

How could I not step up to help them if I was able? One day while I was browsing the internet an ad for ConceiveAbilities popped up and I quickly discovered that this selfless act extended beyond our immediate circles. I realized that I could help complete strangers on their path to parenthood, and this revelation was truly life-changing. If I would help a friend, why was a stranger any different?

In May 2023, I completed my first surrogacy journey, and it was an experience like no other. The decision to become a gestational surrogate brought with it a rollercoaster of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, but the desire to help another woman achieve her dream of motherhood overpowered any reservations I might have had.

The entire process of surrogacy was an intricate dance of science, medical expertise, and emotional support. The connection I developed with the intended mother was something I had never anticipated. We embarked on this journey together, sharing hopes, fears, and dreams. This journey began with just one single embryo transfer. She was unable to create any more so it was so incredibly important that this one stuck.

We kept our fingers and toes crossed tight and I followed every superstition out there from pineapple to pomegranate juice to warm socks to brazilian nuts. I was determined to throw everything I could at the board to help this baby stick. With a little bit of science, a bit of luck, and a whole lot of love, this little baby grew! Everything from seeing her face when we got the positive pregnancy test to witnessing her become a mother when this little boy took his first breath made every appointment, every pill, every needle poke worth it.

The day I delivered the baby to its eagerly awaiting mother was a culmination of months of hard work, anticipation, and love. It was a rough delivery with a failed epidural and the intended mother was there for me every step of the way.

I will forever cherish the moment when the nurse took the baby from me and placed him on his momma’s chest, knowing that I had played a crucial role in helping to make her dream come true. My 9 month long hard-core babysitting role had come to an end and the pure look of happiness and gratitude in her eyes was more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

Christina says being a gestational surrogate is a deeply meaningful and emotionally significant experience. It goes beyond the act of carrying a pregnancy for someone else; it involves forming a unique and profound connection with intended parents and sharing in their hopes, dreams, and emotions throughout the entire journey.

Now, as I eagerly await my second surrogacy journey and a new match, I am filled with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. My first surrogacy experience has solidified my commitment to helping others on this extraordinary path to parenthood. Being a gestational surrogate is not just about giving the gift of life; it’s about sharing the journey, the emotions, and the profound connection with those who entrust you with their dreams.

In a world that often seems divided, my journey as a gestational surrogate has taught me that the greatest gift we can give one another is the gift of love and compassion. It’s about reaching out to help those in need, even if they are strangers, and uniting in the beautiful journey of creating families.

As I continue down this path, I hope to inspire others to consider the incredible gift of surrogacy. It’s a journey that not only changes the lives of the intended parents but also transforms the surrogate in profound ways. It’s a reminder that love knows no boundaries, and the human capacity for empathy and selflessness is boundless.

In the end, my journey as a surrogate has not only allowed me to fulfill my desire to help others but has also enriched my own life beyond measure. It is a reminder that the most extraordinary things happen when we open our hearts to the possibilities of love, hope, and the miracle of life.”

Inspired by Christina? Learn more about becoming a surrogate.