My Journey to Delivering 8 Surrogate Babies and Choosing to Stop at Nine

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kim Kardashian says she’s ‘open’ to having more kids, but it’s ‘not the focus’

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West welcomed their fourth child, son Psalm West, via surrogate in May 2019. Kardashian has been open about her previous difficult pregnancies, and why she and West chose surrogacy.

“I was so excited to do surrogacy because I wanted to carry my babies for sure, but after having North and Saint, I realized I just couldn’t,” Kardashian said in a 2019 interview with elle.”I have to be realy careful, and it’s something that I’m really thankful for.”

She continued, “I love being a mom, and I love being pregnant, but my body couldn’t just do it anymore.”

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What emotional support systems were most helpful to you throughout your surrogacy journeys?

The Initial Call to Surrogacy: Why I Became a gestational Carrier

Becoming a surrogate, or gestational carrier, wasn’t a decision I took lightly. It stemmed from a deep-seated desire to help others build families. After a relatively uncomplicated pregnancy with my own children, I felt physically and emotionally capable of offering this remarkable gift. I began researching surrogacy options, gestational carrier requirements, and the legal aspects involved. The initial draw was the profound impact I could have on someone’s life – fulfilling their dream of parenthood. I connected with a reputable surrogacy agency which provided crucial support and guidance throughout the entire process. Understanding the difference between conventional surrogacy (using the surrogate’s egg) and gestational surrogacy (using the intended parents’ or donor egg) was paramount; I chose gestational surrogacy.

Navigating the Medical and emotional Landscape of Multiple Surrogacies

My first surrogacy journey began in 2018.the medical process is rigorous, involving hormone medications, regular monitoring, and ultimately, embryo transfer. Each subsequent journey, while familiar, presented unique challenges.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical medical stages:

1. Screening: Extensive physical and psychological evaluations to ensure suitability.
2. Medication: Hormone therapy to prepare the uterine lining for embryo transfer.
3. Embryo Transfer: A relatively quick and painless procedure.
4. Pregnancy Confirmation & Monitoring: Regular check-ups and ultrasounds.
5. Delivery: Working closely with the intended parents and medical team.

Emotionally, each pregnancy was a complex experience. While I felt a strong sense of purpose, it was vital to maintain healthy boundaries and prioritize my own well-being. I found regular therapy sessions incredibly helpful in processing my feelings and navigating the unique emotional terrain of surrogate motherhood. Open dialogue with the intended parents was also key – building a trusting relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. I always emphasized the importance of surrogacy counseling for both myself and the intended parents.

The Intended Parents: Building Relationships and Shared Joy

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with eight different sets of intended parents. Each family had a unique story, and each experience was profoundly rewarding. Some were battling infertility, others were same-sex couples, and some were single individuals longing to become parents.

* Couple 1: Struggled with recurrent miscarriages. Seeing their joy when their baby was born was unforgettable.

* Couple 2: A same-sex male couple who were overjoyed to finally experience parenthood.

* Couple 3: A single woman who had always dreamed of having a child.

Building a strong rapport with the intended parents is crucial. We’d discuss everything from birth plans to baby names. I always aimed to be a supportive presence throughout their journey, attending appointments with them and sharing in their excitement. The feeling of handing over a healthy baby to loving parents is a joy I will cherish forever. Understanding surrogacy laws in my state was also vital to ensure a smooth and legally sound process for everyone involved.

Physical Considerations and Long-Term Health

Carrying eight babies took a toll on my body. While I was generally healthy throughout,I experienced typical pregnancy discomforts like morning sickness,back pain,and fatigue. I prioritized self-care, including a healthy diet, regular exercise (within safe limits), and adequate rest.

Here are some physical aspects I closely monitored:

* Postpartum Recovery: Allowing ample time for physical healing after each delivery.

* Nutritional Needs: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.

* Potential Complications: Being aware of potential risks associated with multiple pregnancies.

I also underwent regular check-ups with my own physician to monitor my overall health and address any concerns. It’s important for anyone considering repeat surrogacy to be fully aware of the potential physical demands and prioritize their long-term well-being.

Why Nine Became My Limit: A Personal Reflection

after delivering my eighth surrogate baby, I began to seriously consider whether to continue. While the desire to help others remained strong, I realized the cumulative physical and emotional impact was important. I discussed this extensively with my husband, my therapist, and my surrogacy agency.

Several factors contributed to my decision:

* Age: I