I Want to Put a Baby in You!

Cheri Margolis, M.D. graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a focus in Biochemistry and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Florida Honors program. Her commitment to excellence continued as she earned her medical degree (M.D.) at the University of Florida. During medical school, she fostered a love for the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility while on a research scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania, evaluating synthetic environmental estrogen mimics. Following her medical education, Dr. Margolis embarked on a journey to the Northeast to complete her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the prestigious New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell in New York City. During her time at Cornell, she not only honed her clinical skills but was also given awards for her excellence in Obstetrics and excellence in medical education. Driven by her dedication to advancing the field of reproductive medicine, she chose to pursue a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Reproductive Medicine Associates in New Jersey, one of the largest and busiest in vitro fertilization programs in the world. This experience also provided her with invaluable training as an embryologist, enriching her understanding of the embryology laboratory.Dr. Margolis’ commitment to advancing the field of reproductive medicine extends beyond her clinical practice. She has shared her research findings at various national meetings, including ASRM, PCRS, ESHRE, with a staggering 50+ oral and poster presentations to date. Her research interests encompass a diverse range of topics, including fertility preservation, in vitro fertilization outcomes, and preimplantation genetic testing.Dr. Margolis is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to her patients. She approaches each patient’s unique circumstances with compassion and aims to establish a trusting and respectful relationship. By fostering open communication and shared decision-making, Dr. Margolis empowers her patients to make informed choices throughout their fertility journey.Leah Roberts, M.D. is a native of South Florida who has brought her passion for reproductive endocrinology and fertility care to Boca Raton. She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida Honors program where she completed her Bachelors of Science in Biology and a minor in English. She received her M.D. from Florida Atlantic University where she served as the Vice President of her class. She then completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency in Philadelphia at Temple University.After graduation, Dr. Roberts continued at Temple as an Assistant Professor of OB-GYN, teaching both residents and medical students, until she left to pursue her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Reproductive Medicine Associates in New Jersey. While at RMANJ she additionally trained as an embryologist, which provided her with invaluable experience in the clinical laboratory.Dr. Roberts has presented her research at several national meetings including ASRM, PCRS, CREOG/APGO, AUGS/IUGA, and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, on topics as varied as ovarian aging and patient engagement with care. She has also been an active participant in lobbying for your reproductive rights and infertility coverage on the state and national level with RESOLVE and ACOG. Dr. Roberts specializes in ovarian biology and aging, third party reproduction, and preimplantation genetics and diagnosis.Dr. Roberts is a distinguished Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine. With a profound commitment to advancing women’s health, Dr. Roberts has garnered recognition as an expert in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and...

Families Out Loud is a national community, event platform, and advocacy organization that supports all people building families—across every family structure, identity, and path to parenthood. Whether LGBTQ+, straight, non-binary, single, partnered, or still exploring options, Families Out Loud exists to ensure that anyone navigating assisted reproduction feels informed, supported, and never alone.Families Out Loud was founded by Mike Snaric and George Moore, husbands and dads to twin boys conceived through egg donation, surrogacy, and IVF. Their personal journey into parenthood revealed how emotionally complex, financially overwhelming, and ethically unclear the family-building process can be—especially without trusted guidance or community. Families Out Loud was created to change that experience for others.The organization brings together intended parents, medical professionals, legal experts, surrogacy and egg donor agencies, and advocates through live events in major cities, educational panels, national partnerships, and media. Families Out Loud is known for creating inclusive, culture-forward spaces that balance expert education with real storytelling and joyful celebration, while also addressing the serious ethical, legal, and access issues shaping the future of family building.At its core, Families Out Loud believes there is no single “right” way to build a family—and that everyone deserves respect, transparency, and protection along the way. The organization is actively expanding its national footprint through advocacy, nonprofit initiatives, and industry collaboration focused on ethical family building, education, and community-driven support.Listen as Mike and George share with Ellen and Jenn:Their personal winding journey with surrogacy.How lack of information and support shaped their mission.The importance of inclusive fertility education.What makes Families Out Loud events special.What the fertility world gets wrong—and what can be done.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Families Out Loud: www.familiesoutloudevents.comFollow Families Out Loud on Instagram: @families_out_loudLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merchLearn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Jen and Jaimee are experienced Registered Nurses and founders of Childbirth Allies, a concierge-style education and birth planning service dedicated to supporting intended parents through surrogacy. With backgrounds in maternal–newborn care and years of hands-on experience in complex birth settings, they are passionate about helping families feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Their approach blends clinical knowledge with compassion, ensuring their clients feel well-prepared for birth and newborn care.Listen as Jen and Jaimee share with Ellen and Jenn:How Childbirth Allies was born (pun intended).Jen and Jaimee’s extensive labor & delivery experience and 3 am night shift trauma bond.Seeing firsthand intended parents through surrogacy lacking birth resources and education that met their needs. Why traditional classes are a poor fit. Finding Childbirth Allies to support the specific needs of parents through surrogacy. Offering flexible class options. Teaching important skills like how intended parents can advocate for their baby while respecting the gestational carrier’s anatomy.Finding your role in the delivery room. Post-birth best practices. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Childbirth Allies: www.childbirthallies.com Follow Childbirth Allies on Instagram: @childbirthallies Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Junior Velazquez is the founder of A to Z Family, a fertility and family-building consulting company that supports intended parents through journeys in the U.S. and Mexico. He works closely with families, clinics, legal teams, and gestational carriers to help make complicated processes feel more human, clear, and supported.Together with his husband, Romain Taillandier, Junior focuses on ethical, transparent, and well-coordinated family-building journeys, especially for LGBTQ+ parents and international families. He’s passionate about education, real conversations, and making sure people don’t feel alone while navigating such a life-changing experience.In this episode, Junior Velazquez from A to Z Family joins the conversation to talk about family building journeys in Mexico and what families really need to know before getting started.Junior shares practical insight from working directly with intended parents every day, from how cross-border journeys are structured to the emotional side of the process that often doesn’t get talked about enough. The conversation touches on ethics, coordination, common misconceptions, and why the right support makes all the difference.Listen as Junior shares with Ellen and Jenn:His own path from healthcare to surrogacy advocacy.Why some intended parents turn abroad.The stark difference between reputable programs and the dangerous “all-in-house” models.Real-world red flags.How Mexico City’s legal framework and the Amparo process work.What ethical programs must include (independent counsel, verified compensation, open communication), and why parents should never shortcut birth certificates or legal steps—even if it means staying abroad longer.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about A to Z Family: azfamily.us Follow A to Z Family on Instagram: @azfamily.usLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Danielle Winston is the co-founder of Seed Scout, a donor matchmaking agency reimagining how families connect with known sperm donors. A former lawyer who left the legal field after seeing firsthand the ethical challenges in the sperm bank industry, Danielle and her wife built Seed Scout to offer a more transparent, personal, and human-centered approach to donor conception. Since launching, they’ve helped hundreds of LGBTQ+ families, single parents by choice, and couples with male-factor infertility find donors who align with their values.Listen as Danielle shares with Ellen and Jenn:Why Seed Scout: Danielle’s own experience of a dehumanizing, “Tinder-style” bank experience lead her to build Seed Scout -- to provide a curated, relationship-based alternative.What’s different: Seed Scout has a majority LGBTQ+ donors; age 24+; background checks for donors and intended parents; require yearly child updates; medical-history refreshes.Ethics over scale: Hard cap of three families per donor; no re-donation of sperm/embryos; families introduced to each other to avoid hidden half-siblings.Transparency beats anonymity: Real names, meetings before matching, and mutual approval replace one-way, anonymous selection.System frictions: Legacy FDA rules, quarantine nuances, and clinic pushback—especially where clinic owners are tied to banks.Future outlook: More open-ID laws (e.g., Colorado), rising donor-conceived voices, and pressure for sensible U.S. oversight.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Seed Scout: www.theseedscout.com Follow Seed Scout on Instagram: @theseedscout.comLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Sarah Jefford OAM is a family creation lawyer in Melbourne, practicing across Australia. Sarah was a parent via IVF, and later become an egg donor, and delivered a baby as a surrogate for two dads in 2018. Sarah practices surrogacy and donor conception law, advising surrogates and intended parents about domestic and international surrogacy. In 2025, Sarah completed a Churchill Fellowship, researching best practice surrogacy to inform law reform in Australia, and her final report is published on her website,Listen as Sarah shares with Ellen and Jenn:Her path to surrogacy and advocacy.Writing More Than Just a Baby and launching the Australian Surrogacy Podcast (100+ episodes).Australia vs. U.S. frameworks: Australia’s patchwork laws, altruistic-only system, low overall volume (about 150 domestic births/yr), and limited infrastructure push many intended parents overseas.Compensation does not equal commodification: Sarah argues compensation can honor time, risk, and labor while still centering altruistic motives—pointing out that everyone else in the fertility ecosystem is paid. The real risk isn’t money; it’s lack of robust safeguards.Safeguards that matter: Independent legal counsel for all parties, informed consent in a language the surrogate understands, counseling, medical best practices, and regulation that protects surrogates, children, and intended parents.Medical-need requirements: Sarah’s evolved view—dropping mandatory “medical or social need” recognizes lived realities (recurrent loss, tokophobia, gender dysphoria, etc.) and avoids intrusive, inequitable gatekeeping.Media narratives and “human trafficking” claims: Sensational coverage often ignores nuance, ethical programs, and children’s future privacy. Red flags abroad include language barriers, agency-appointed lawyers, and opaque promises.Churchill Fellowship learnings: After meeting stakeholders in South Africa, Ireland, England, Canada, and the U.S., Sarah sees momentum for reform—if lawmakers treat surrogacy as reproductive health and women’s rights.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Sarah Jefford: www.sarahjefford.com Follow Sarah on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarah_surrogacylawyer/ Buy Sarah’s book: More Than Just a Baby - Sarah Jefford Surrogacy Lawyer AustraliaLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Dawn Wickhorst is a two-time surrogate, single mom of five, and founder of Lumière Surrogacy Advisory. She is passionate about helping intended parents tell their stories authentically while inspiring women through her own journey of resilience, motherhood, and entrepreneurship.Dawn shares her story as a surrogate and mom, blending honesty, humor, and heart. She talks about building her business, finding strength through life’s challenges, and using her experiences to guide and inspire others on their path to parenthood and self-growth.Listen as Dawn shares with Ellen and Jenn:Becoming a mom in her teens.Working with a birth magazine and as a birth photographer.Interviewing a local author on a book about infertility and loss, feeling so grateful for her own children, and realizing she could do something to help. A few of the surrogacy differences in Canada versus the US – no compensation!Saying “yes” to HIV-positive Intended Parents, because they were HIV positive!Second time around, looking for Intended Parents who would want to share the journey with the world with her. A relationship with Intended Parents was high priority, knowing they would be friends. When the second journey ended, she wanted to help others in another way. Started Lumiere Surrogacy Advisory to help Intended Parents tell their stories.What makes an Intended Parent profile stand out for surrogates. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Dawn and Lumiere Surrogacy Advisory: https://www.lumieresurrogacyadvisory.comCheck out Dawn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JnQYSEt2b/?mibextid=wwXIfrLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Jessie Jaskulsky is the founder of Surrogacy Simplified, a consulting firm and community built to support hopeful parents through the surrogacy journey. A two-time intended parent through surrogacy herself, Jessie combines lived experience with professional guidance to help others feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way. Through one-on-one consulting and a growing Intended Parent community, she’s helping families turn what feels overwhelming into something they can navigate with clarity and trust.Listen as Jessie shares with Ellen and Jenn:What intended parents should know about wait times, matching, and why embryo numbers matter.The real costs of surrogacy (around $150K, excluding clinic fees).Coping with the long emotional wait and uncertaintyWhy support groups and counseling can make all the differenceWant to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Surrogacy Simplified: https://surrogacysimplified.com/ Follow Surrogacy Simplified on IG: https://www.instagram.com/surrogacysimplified/Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Fertility Docs Uncensored is a weekly podcast launched in March 2020 by three reproductive endocrinologists from across the United States: Dr. Abby Eblen (Nashville Fertility Center), Dr. Carrie Bedient (Fertility Center of Las Vegas), and Dr. Susan Hudson (Texas Fertility Center). The idea was born at a fertility conference just before the COVID-19 pandemic, when the doctors realized Zoom could make podcasting from different locations possible. Since then, the show has evolved into a trusted source of honest and reliable information on fertility and IVF. With a wide range of guests—including reproductive urologists, acupuncturists, embryologists, mental health professionals, and nutritionists—the podcast continues to explore all aspects of reproductive health while supporting listeners on their fertility journeys.Listen as Abby, Carrie, and Susan share with Ellen and Jenn:Paths to Fertility Medicine – The doctors reflect on their diverse training, why they chose REI, and how their own experiences—including being IVF parents—shape their practice.Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) – A nuanced discussion of benefits, limitations, and ethical questions, especially in surrogacy and mosaic embryo transfers.Gatekeeping in Fertility Clinics – Where to draw the line between respecting patient autonomy and ensuring safe, ethical care.Policy & Post-Dobbs Landscape – How state laws and restrictions affect daily practice, patient anxiety, and even OBGYN training nationwide.Fertility Myths & Media – From pineapple cores and McDonald’s fries to gender-selection tricks, the doctors bust myths while underscoring how misinformation spreads.The IVF Blueprint – A look at their new book, designed as a practical handbook to guide patients through every stage of IVF, egg freezing, and embryo transfer.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Fertility Docs Uncensored: www.fertilitydocsuncensored.com Follow the Docs on IG: www.instagram.com/fertilitydocsuncensored/?hl=enLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Mark Semple is a Canadian citizen who has been involved in international medical and fertility tourism since 2008. Mark founded his first fertility company in 2008 after engaging in IVF with his wife in 4 different countries and seeing a need for cross-border access to fertility care. In that time, Mark has helped create IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy programs with clinics in many countries, founded a US cryobank, assisted Canadian, US, and international fertility clinics with regulatory compliance, and has worked with clients from over 60 countries. He also owns ReproVida, a medical group in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Currently, his interests mainly lie with surrogacy and egg donation programs in Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina. Mark was the pioneer of international surrogacy in Colombia in 2018 after seeing a need and a positive legal framework to assist all family types. He has helped create 2 clinic surrogacy programs in Colombia, is the owner of a foundation that supports surrogate mothers in the country, and has helped create a stable framework for all other agencies to follow. Colombia is now a leading global surrogacy destination, especially for single men and same-sex couples.In addition, he was one of the pioneers of surrogacy in Mexico in 2012. With a recent Supreme Court decision affirming the validity of surrogacy (after a previous 2016 negative decision), Mexico is once again a global destination for surrogacy.Mark has been an invited keynote speaker for 3 national conferences in medical tourism (on how to create programs to draw international patients) by the governments of Costa Rica, Taiwan, and China. He has been an article contributor to the Medical Tourism Magazine, and he was part of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada’s creation of Ethical Guidelines in Medical Tourism.Listen as Mark shares with Ellen and Jenn:Being Canadian and dealing with Canada’s system for infertility treatment.Looking internationally for other options, including Costa Rica and Panama. Ultimately conceiving their child with the help of doctors in Cape Town, South Africa.After his experiencing, learning more about medical tourism. Joining with a partner to start a vascular surgery program in Costa Rica. Moving to just working in fertility care in a number of countries.Finding so many countries – Canada, much of Europe – limited access to care through regulation.Doctors being able to do thing in the US (such as sex selection in IVF) that is not permitted in many countries. In 2018, starting a surrogacy program in Colombia supported by a supreme court ruling and friendly environment toward same-sex male couples. Genetic connection required between dad and child, with surrogate on the birth certificate until removed after some period of time. Colombia not an option for single intended mothers or same-sex female couples. Talking costs (significantly less than the US)!History of surrogacy in Mexico, including the 2021 supreme court decision.Complications in Mexico, but a better fit for certain intended parents.History working in Argentina, but recent problems causing him to discontinue work there.Other options in Europe; issues with surrogates traveling between countries. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Surrogacy Colombia: www.surrogacycolombia.com Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency:

AshLeigh Meyer Dunham is a distinguished legal professional with a career rooted in service to Alabama families. She serves as a Referee in Jefferson County’s Juvenile Court, where she adjudicates sensitive family and juvenile matters with fairness, clarity, and compassion. Her work creates stability for children and families facing crisis, drawing on years of experience handling complex legal issues with a steady, principled approach.AshLeigh is also a practicing Fertility Attorney at Magic City Fertility Law. Her expertise in this area is deeply personal: AshLeigh and her husband welcomed their daughter through IVF, but had to leave Alabama to access the care they needed to start their family. As an attorney, AshLeigh helps individuals and couples navigate the legal complexities of assisted reproduction so they can start and grow their families too. That experience fuels her public advocacy for legal protections for families seeking fertility treatment. She believes no Alabamian should have to leave home to start a family.AshLeigh is running for a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court to bring a grounded, family-centered perspective to the state’s highest court. With experience across family and juvenile law, she is uniquely prepared to ensure that the court serves all Alabamians with integrity and empathy.www.ashleighforalabama.comListen as AshLeigh shares with Ellen and Jenn:Juggling being a practicing attorney, juvenile referee, hip hop fitness enthusiast, and Alabama Supreme Court candidate!Struggling to build a family herself and seeking fertility treatment, unsuccessfully, in state.Traveling to Oregon to see a fertility doctor based on Instagram advice. Successful getting to her daughter.Having two more embryos stored in Oregon, with no intention on moving them to Alabama. The terribleness of the LaPage case – the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that a clinic could be held liable for manslaughter as a result of embryo destruction – and it’s aftermath in Alabama. Fertility clinics shut down. 19 days later the Alabama legislature passed a bill to protect IVF clinics from criminal actions.But bill also prevents legal responsibility for clinics acting negligently. Alabamians seeking care out of state for family buildng.AshLeigh fighting for better care and family rights for Alabamians. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about AshLeigh Dunham: www.ashleighforalabama.com Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Andrea Zorida Ali-Panzarella is a proud mom of three beautiful boys, who was inspired to write this book – Every Family Is A Tree -- after a long journey with infertility and loss. She is also a pediatrician, specializing in child abuse, who has cared for children from all walks of life.Andrea and her husband welcomed their sons with the help of compassionate physicians and caring gestational carriers. As they read to their children each night, she noticed the limited number of books that represented their unique family story and realized the missed opportunities to empower her children to know their worth. Her hope with this book is that all people, especially children, will feel seen and accepted in this world no matter what their story is.Listen as Andrea shares with Ellen and Jenn:In her medical training, seeing lots of children born by IVF, but never thinking it was something she would need to turn to. After experiencing pregnancy loss, rethinking the mindset that everything happens for a reason. Finding various diagnoses, including male factor fertility issues and polyps. Turning to IVF and getting pregnant with twins. Only to lose one heartbeat and then the next. Going through more transfers that either failed or ended in miscarriage.The conversation eventually turning to surrogacy.Working with an agency recommended by a friend; being matched with a surrogate they loved. The surrogate becoming pregnant with twins! Finally being able to breath when the babies arrived safely at 35 weeks. Wanting to give the rest of their embryos a chance. Being matched with a more local surrogate this time and getting to drive to attend appointments. From day one with her babies, wanting to explain their story to them, but not finding many fitting children’s books. Taking matters into her own hands to write something where everyone could feel seen – not just her own family, but all the different families she sees in her day-to-day practice as a pediatrician.  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Dr. Andrea Ali-Panzarella and her book Every Family is a Tree: https://www.andreaali-panzarella.com/ Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Stephanie Witte was born and raised in South Dakota. She has always had a passion for helping others and giving of herself has given her a wealth of experiences that have shaped her into theperson she is today. From a young age, Stephanie harbored ambitions of becoming a forensic scientist, driven by a desire to contribute to justice and help society by apprehending wrongdoers. This aspiration led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Science from Colorado Technical University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Life took an unexpected turn when Stephanie embarked on the journey of motherhood. Balancing her career aspirations with the responsibilities of raising a family became a challenge, especially when faced with the daunting task of finding suitable daycare for her children. This challenge inspired her to open her own state-certified, in-home daycare in July 2010. Over the course of 12 years, she nurtured and cared for numerous children. Through this experience, Stephanie gained a profound understanding of the importance of providing children with a safe, supportive environment where they could thrive and grow. In 2018, Stephanie’s passion for helping others was reignited when she felt compelled to become a gestational surrogate. Driven by a desire to assist individuals or couples struggling with infertility, she embarked on a remarkable journey, delivering babies for intended parents across the globe. Despite facing challenges along the way, Stephanie’s commitment to helping others build their families remained unshaken. Throughout her surrogacy journeys, Stephanie’s own family stood by her side, experiencing a range of emotions and challenges unique to their situation. Recognizing the importance of open communication and inclusion, Stephanie aims to spread awareness about alternative paths to parenthood and foster understanding among families.Stephanie is the author of Surrogacy: A Journey of Love. Book Description: All families are different. There are different numbers of sisters and brothers, or sometimes just one child, but all families are beautiful and precious. Sometimes, people need to ask for help to grow their family. One way is through adoption and another way is through surrogacy.Brian Junior shares about his family and his mommy’s decision to help other families grow by being a gestational surrogate. He helps us understand these big words and shares what it's like when mommy has a baby that isn't your sister or brother.Stepmom, mom, surrogacy case manager and gestational surrogate, Stephanie shares the story of surrogacy using her son, Brian Junior, as the narrator. Brian helps kids of all ages understand this very special gift.The Spanish, French, and Chinese translations are available or coming soon.Listen as Stephanie shares with Ellen and Jenn:Having three girls (one as a step-mom) and a boy and not feeling done. Hearing of surrogacy before she had kids. Offering to be a surrogate for her aunt, not knowing that she needed to have a child of her own first. Reconnecting with a friend who was a surrogate and hearing the good, bad, and ugly (the shots!). Feeling it was truly something on her heart. Saying yes to the first profile presented – a single Brazilian man.Going through a double embryo transfer, but losing one of the twins around 15 weeksThe difficulties of continuing to carry a healthy pregnancy, while also carrying the lost twin. After her husband’s deployment and return, going forward with a second journey. Carrying one little girl for a couple in California. Delivering on the same day – 3 years later – as her first surro-baby!Nothing...

Shannon is a certified genetic counselor with nearly 25 years of experience, mostly in the reproductive space. Previous roles have included Network Lead at Genome Medical, Team Lead at Mayo Clinic, and Prenatal and Preconception Genetic Counselor at CooperGenomics. She is currently the Director of Genetic Counseling at Fairfax Cryobank along with the Founder and Owner of Stork Genetics. She contributes additional work in medical affairs, scientific communication, and patient education and advocacy. Listen as Shannon shares with Ellen and Jenn:What a genetic counselor is -- a translator of sorts, an intermediary between doctors and genetic labs and patients, explaining what genetic test results mean.A key to the genetic testing puzzle is what you plan to do with the information. Discussing Jenn’s genetic testing for her child and how choosing the test type makes an important difference. Some tests/results are just “genertainment” – fun to talk about at parties, but not medically actionable. For donors, most are young and provide medical information from a snapshot in time. It is important to keep in touch as conditions develop over time.Sometimes too much information can be unhelpful.But targeted, actionable information can help with important decisions, such as determining and choosing an embryo without a certain condition, or prophylactic surgery.  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Stork Genetics: www.storkgenetics.com Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Slaughter Law Group’s founding partner, Lesa Slaughter, has an international reputation for her strategic, supportive, and forward-thinking legal advice when counseling clients creating their family through gestational surrogacy, egg, sperm, and embryo donation. Lesa’s own personal journey of having children through gestational surrogacy, combined with her 15 years of practice in the field of third-party reproduction and prior experience in the transactional and litigation arenas ensures her clients are educated on the legal, practical, and emotional issues raised when forging a pathway to parentage involving surrogacy, egg donation, embryo donation and sperm donation. Since 2009, Lesa and her team at Slaughter Law Group have helped tens of thousands of intended parents from all over the globe become mothers and fathers through third party reproduction. Lesa provides legal expertise, compassion and a unique insight and understanding of the clients she serves that few other attorneys in the field of third-party reproduction offer. Receiving her undergraduate degree from New York University, Lesa received her juris doctorate degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California in 1999, where she received a number of academic awards. Lesa’s practice began with the international firm of Skadden, Arps, and Slate & Meagher LLP where her litigation and transactional skills were honed in representing large private and Fortune 500 companies on a number of international and domestic matters. In 2009, Lesa left large firm life and opened her own law firm, known today as Slaughter Law Group, a boutique firm advising clients on gestational surrogacy, egg, embryo, and sperm donation matters.Lesa has also been an Adjunct Professor at Loyola Law School, and has served three former Los Angeles Mayors. She was Chief of Staff to former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, served as a City of Los Angeles Commissioner for multiple terms under Los Angeles Mayors Hahn and Villagarosa. Lesa has worked on a number of state-wide campaigns and received several civic awards. The go to expert in the rapidly changing landscape of assisted reproductive technology, Lesa has been quoted in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and been a featured speaker on the issue of gestational surrogacy in the United States and abroad, including Australia, Canada, Italy, and Sweden. Licensed in California, she is a member of the California State Bar, the American Bar Association’s Assisted Reproductive Technologies sub-section, and the Legal Professional Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.Listen as Lesa shares with Ellen and Jenn:Having 15 year old surrogate-born twins. Starting out with a few agency and attorney names and having to take it from there.Being matched with a unicorn of a surrogate: previous experience as a surrogate, surrogate-friendly insurance, not working, and great supportive spouseSurrogate relocating from across the country to California for delivery. Writing a book to share what she learned from her own experience and decades of representing clients going through surrogacy. A majority of her clients being from other countries and facing the uncertainty of getting their babies home in the midst of the level battle over birth right citizenship.International shifts in surrogacy from Italian criminalization to Latin American countries becoming the new go-to hot spots.Some of the key issues when starting out: choosing a good agency, birth preferences, coping mechanisms for stress, etc. Great progress in big name companies offering surrogacy benefits for employeesThe need for licensure of agencies (in all states, not just New York). Her book, "The Ultimate Guide for Intended Parents to Gestational Surrogacy,...

Ashley. Ashley was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She is the mother to two beautiful children and a decade deep into marriage with her high school sweetheart. They live on a small “farmette” with all kinds of furry creatures! She loves to garden, sew clothing, cook, and bake! Surrogacy is something that was on her heart for years after a close family member battled infertility. In 2021, she completed a successful journey and delivered a healthy baby to a set of Intended Parents that became an extended part of her family. Ashley says that standing witness to a set of parents seeing their child’s face for the first time was an experience she will never forget. Now being a case manager, she has the opportunity to help so many more couples become parents!In 2023, feeling the pull to give back in another big way – Ashley applied for a Uterus Transplant clinical trial at Penn Medicine. In December of 2023, she became the 3rd living donor at Penn to donate her uterus to another woman in hopes that she would be able to carry her own baby! Justyna. After a long journey, time, and determination, Justyna was the successful recipient of a donated uterus. Specifically, she received Ashley’s donated uterus! Justyna carried a pregnancy and gave birth to a daughter with the help of Ashley’s “beast” of a uterus. Listen as Ashley and Justyna shares with Ellen and Jenn:Check out episode 208 where Ashley tells the story of her decision to become a uterus donor.Justyna facing loss, struggling to get pregnant.Getting pregnant, but at 35 weeks, as Justyna was being rushed into emergency surgery, her husband was told he might need to choose whose life to save, that of his wife or their baby daughter. Justyna begged him to choose their baby. Justyna and her baby survived the surgery, but they had to take Justyna’s uterus. Longing for a big family, researching options, and coming across Penn’s uterus donation program. Signing up in 2018. Years of delay due to COVID. Then in 2022 Justyna’s biggest supporter, her mom, passed away. A week later, Justyna got the call from Penn that they were restarting the program. Like a gift from her mom. After surgery, receiving a basket of gifts from the donor (Ashley) – with a uterus-printed blanket, uterus pillow, and uterus earrings. Laughing hurt, but she couldn’t help it. The first embryo transfer working and Justyna declaring “this uterus is a beast!”Announcing the pregnancy through her daughter’s birthday gift. So many cheers of excitement!Ashley and Justyna meeting through letters at first, then in person, and becoming family. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Follow Learn more about Family Makers Surrogacy: familymakers.comLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Alyssa Schnell has been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2009. She works in private practice serving clients both locally and worldwide. She is the author of Breastfeeding Without Birthing: A Breastfeeding Guide for Mothers Through Adoption, Surrogacy, and Other Special Circumstances and a professional supplement to the book, The Breastfeeding Without Birthing Professional Pack online training. She is also the creator of DomHub, an extensive online resource for domperidone. Alyssa has authored articles for The Journal of Human Lactation, La Leche League’s Leader Today and Breastfeeding Today magazines, and Adoptive Families magazine and developer of The Three Step Framework for Inducing Lactation. She is an international speaker on the topics of inducing lactation, relactation, co-lactation, and other related topics. Alyssa is the proud mother of three breastfed children, two by birth and one by adoption. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.Alyssa offers a wide variety of free and paid resources for parents, including a free online support group, free mini consultations, and consultation packages to support parents every step of the way. Her evidence-based online resource for domperidone, DomHub, is a much need guide to the safe and effective use of domperidone for lactation and is appropriate for parents or professionals. She works with parents from all over the world who are interested in inducing lactation, relactating, and co-lactating. Her practice is inclusive and accepts some insurance.Listen as Alyssa shares with Ellen and Jenn:Birthing and breastfeeding two children and then adopting and wanting to bring the nutritional and bonding experience to her adopted baby.Knowing it was possible from her volunteer work with La Leche League and voracious research on inducing lactation.Her experience was 20 years ago, but the basics are the same, with some advancements since that time. She works to customize the steps with her clients; lifestyles, circumstances, and goals can significantly affect the plan. Answering the question, “Can a person assigned male at birth induce lactation?” (Yes!)Dealing with tricky timing issues, such as in adoption. Vocab review, what is re-lactation versus co-lactation.Supporting parents by surrogacy who wish to induce lactation. Medication access challenges and side effects (especially when not taken appropriately). Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Follow:Learn more about Alyssa Schnell and her services: https://www.alyssaschnellibclc.com/Get Alyssa’s book, Breastfeeding Without Birthing: https://www.alyssaschnellibclc.com/bookLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

JOANNA PARGA-BELINKIE, MD, FAAP, IBCLC, is an associate professor of pediatrics and clinical neonatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). She is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and co-host of their flagship podcast Pediatrics On Call. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and three children.Listen as Dr. Parga-Belinkie shares with Ellen and Jenn:Finding there is a lot of noise and mixed messages for new parents. Parents-to-be putting lots of effort into a birth plan but then feeling lost with baby.Addressing a common concern of parents not feeling an immediate bond.Is a peepee teepee an essential baby item? What about nose snot sucker?Reframing sleep expectations for a newborn. Identifying different cries for different needs.An extra special guest joins the interview!Misinformation in the vaccine realm and great resources for reliable information.Human interaction is key for brain-boosting activity. The right baby gear, not so important.  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Follow Dr. Parga-Belinkie: https://www.instagram.com/jopargalinkiemd/Get The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with your Newborn: https://www.aap.org/The-Baby-Bonding-Book-Connecting-With-Your-Newborn-PaperbackLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch  Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ 

Stephanie Jones is the Founder of the Michigan Fertility Alliance and Co-Founder of State Strong.After experiencing secondary infertility due to life-threatening pregnancy complications, Stephanie Jones and her husband were stunned to learn that Michigan banned surrogacy contracts—their only option to grow their family. Stephanie channeled her business expertise and personal perseverance into founding the Michigan Fertility Alliance and changing Michigan’s surrogacy and parentage laws. Under her leadership, MFA is driving pro-family advocacy and policy reform to support Michiganders who need assisted reproduction or surrogacy to build their families.In 2024, Stephanie received the RESOLVE Hope Award for Advocacy in recognition of her impactful work. She also shared her personal story of reproductive health and abortion to support the successful election of Senator Slotkin to the U.S. Senate.Ginanne Brownell is an award-winning writer and journalist. Raised in Michigan and based in London, she has covered stories on six continents and in over forty-five countries. Her work has been published in outlets including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Washington Post, Foreign Policy, and Scientific American. She has worked on staff for CNN, Newsweek, and UNICEF. Ginanne is the author of two books: "Elusive Mommyhood: An investigative reporter’s personal journey into IVF and surrogacy" and "Ghetto Classics: How a Youth Orchestra Changed a Nairobi Slum." She has a BA in history from Albion College and a MA in history from the London School of Economics.Listen as Stephanie and Ginanne share with Ellen and Jenn:Stephanie’s journey with secondary infertility leading her to surrogacy and the shocking discovery, from her hospital bed, of Michigan’s terrible laws -- check out Episode 74 for more!When Stephanie’s ability to carry her own child died, Michigan Fertility Alliance was born. Your humble podcast hosts connecting Stephanie and Ginanne, both Flint, Michiganders.In parallel, Ginanne struggling with infertility and being advised to turn to surrogacy. She had hoped her kids could be born in her home state of Michigan -- hear more of Ginanne’s story on Episode 108!Writing a book on her journey and extensive research. A little history, including the fun fact that the first birth of a child through gestational surrogacy was in Michigan!Organizing two advocacy days, with over 100 advocates meeting with more than 50 legislators. Building a strong coalition of leaders and experts to put together what ultimately was a nine bill package to comprehensively and inclusively change the parentage laws in Michigan for everyone.The bills were officially signed April 1, 2024 -- a historic date for multiple reasons.Taking their advocacy efforts to the next level with the formation of State Strong. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about State Strong: https://www.statestrong.org/Buy Elusive Mommyhood: An investigative reporter’s personal journey into IVF and surrogacy: https://ginannebrownell.com/elusive-mommyhood/Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here!

Ashley Christman is a born and raised Pennsylvania girl. She is the mother to two beautiful children and a decade deep into marriage with her high school sweetheart. They live on a small “farmette” with all kinds of furry creatures! She loves to garden, sew clothing, cook and bake!Surrogacy is something that was on her heart for years after a close family member battled infertility. In 2021, she completed a successful journey and delivered a healthy baby to a set of Intended Parents that became an extended part of her family. Ashley says that standing witness to a set of parents seeing their child’s face for the first time was an experience she will never forget. Now being a case manager, she has the opportunity to help so many more couples become parents!In 2023, feeling the pull to give back in another big way - Ashley applied for a Uterus Transplant clinical trial at Penn Medicine. In December of 2023, she became the 3rd living donor at Penn to donate her uterus to another woman in hopes that she would be able to carry her own baby!Listen as Ashley shares with Ellen and Jenn:A comparison with Jenn as to who has more chickens (Ashley wins!)Being an only child, but with a large extended family. Marrying her high school sweetheart.Always wanting to be a mom and pregnancy coming easy for her. Watching her like-a-sister cousin struggle and endure a hysterectomy, and her best friend become a surrogate. Being inspiring to become a surrogate herself.Loving the intended parents she was matched with. After some health drama, delivering a perfect baby girl. Starting work for the surrogacy agency.Being inspired by a podcast (this podcast!) to look into uterus donation.Applying and being accepted into Penn’s uterus donation clinical trial, subject to a whole battery of tests.  Undergoing the ten-and-a-half-hour surgeryNot knowing anything about the recipient, but being permitted to write a letter to the recipient a year after surgery. (Get the tissues ready as we read from the letter!) Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Family Makers: https://familymakers.com/ Learn more about Penn’s uterus transplant program: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/penn-fertility-care/uterus-transplantLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/