I Want to Put a Baby in You!

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/

Brooke Kimbrough is the founder of Roots Surrogacy, a boutique, relationship-driven surrogacy agency grounded in empathy, transparency, and ethical care. A former surrogate herself and a long-time industry professional, Brooke brings over a decade of firsthand experience to the work of guiding intended parents and surrogates through one of the most meaningful journeys of their lives. At the heart of everything she does is a deep belief in connection, women’s empowerment, and the power of doing things the right way—even when it’s hard. Brooke leads her all-female team with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to the values behind the Roots name.Listen as Brooke shares with Ellen and Jenn:Both of her parents working in family law and knowing a lot about adoption. Learning about surrogacy and becoming really interested in being a surrogate. Her husband initially saying no, but with time giving in knowing she was going to do what she wanted eventually anyway. An adoption attorney family friend introducing her to a surrogacy agency. Doing no other research on agencies. Being open to carrying for any type of family; being matched with a single intended father. Transferring two embryos, both successful at first. But then losing one of the heartbeats around 9 weeks. Feeling disappointed, but Intended Father being very supportive and encouraging. Intended Father throwing a baby shower with all his friends and family loving on her. Having a planned C-section, with dad in the room until the birth (him finding out baby’s sex at delivery!), then her husband in there for the post-delivery operation part supporting her. Intended Father’s tears sweetly falling on her face during the delivery!Experiencing complications with retained tissue and loss of blood. Planning to go back to work, but not being excited to return to HR. In a lunch with Intended Father, him suggesting she should start a surrogacy agency.Sitting down and coming up with a plan to start slowly, no more than 4 cases the first year. The company instead quickly growing and helping with 12 matches the first year. Bringing on a business partner. Focusing on the things they would want and need as intended parents and surrogates. Not taking a one-size-fits-all approach.Advocating for best practices in the industry, including stopping double embryo transfers back in 2017This year Roots celebrates its 10th year of building families! The story of some of her favorite Intended Parents (check out Episode 175!).  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Roots Surrogacy: www.rootssurrogacy.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/ 

Carly Joseph is a surrogacy concierge helping Intended Parents match with the right surrogates quickly. Having navigated her own two surrogacy journeys, Carly knows firsthand how overwhelming the process can be. Her mission is to combine personal experience with established relationships to help make the path to parenthood smoother. Carly works with intended parents who are ready to explore surrogacy.Listen as Carly shares with Ellen and Jenn:Through eight rounds of IVF and four failed transfers being welcomed into a club she never wanted to be a member of – that of infertility. Being really open about her story in an effort to normalize different family paths. Learning how to support others with their infertility through her own journey.Being diagnosed with endometriosis and undergoing surgery. Experiencing another failed transfer.Moving across the country from New York to Los Angeles while also dealing with her mother’s cancer diagnosis. Her doctor recommending surrogacy. Feeling all the conflicting emotions – happy that there’s a path forward, but hard to give up the dream of carrying her babies herself.Working with a concierge provider and being matched with a surrogate quickly.Getting confirmation of pregnancy and heartbeat, and all the joy, only to discover no heartbeat at 9 weeks. Going through another transfer and then surrogate experiencing a second miscarriage.Not feeling optimistic about a third transfer and matching with a second surrogate. Then hearing from the first surrogate that she was up for a third transfer attempt. Transferring to their second surrogate when the first was five months along.The amazing moment of being in the delivery room for their son.Receiving a call from her second surrogate and the doctor that she is leaking amniotic fluid at 29 weeks and will not be leaving the hospital before delivery.In the thick of it with babies but also feeling moved to start a surrogacy concierge business to help others. The concierge advantage – having a personal advocate, more education at the beginning, and faster matching by working across hundreds of agencies. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Carly Joseph and her services: carlypjoseph.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/ 

Julie Eshelman is the Founder, CEO, and President of Building Military Families Network where she took her struggles and lack of support and access to information in family building and created an organization to fill that gap for military and veteran families. Her own family’s experiences with infertility and the frustrations resulting from a lack of insurance coverage and a support network led her to advocate and launch a nonprofit for the change she desperately wants to see for the next generation of military and veteran families. Julie was named the 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Fort Leavenworth Spouse of the Year for her awareness, advocacy, and leadership in infertility and military family building.Building Military Families Network is a 501c3 organization with a mission to provide an empowering and supportive network to military and veteran families navigating the challenges in the family-building process through support groups, education, and resources. Their Education Center and Resource Library empower military and veteran families with all the information and tools they need on their journey to parenthood. The Support Group Program provides families with peer support and builds community. Their advocacy efforts are focused on increasing insurance coverage and improving access to all family-building options for military and veteran families. Building Military Families Network is a beacon of hope for building military families.Listen as Julie shares with Ellen and Jenn:Her journey to becoming an infertility warrior.Meeting her husband in college. Knowing nothing about military life but following him into it. Trying to conceive for over a year and recognizing they should seek medical care. But the fertility specialist near them had a 12 month wait list and they had orders to move to Arizona. Going through all the diagnostic testing while her husband was deployed. Experiencing a miscarriage as they were driving across the country.Starting from scratch with a new fertility specialist, going through all the diagnostic testing again.Enduring the last-minute cancellation of an egg retrieval due to the COVID shutdown. Then, after restarting, suffering from ovarian hyperstimulation.Eventually getting to their rainbow baby. Finding RESOLVE, signing up last minute for Federal Advocacy Day.Finding advocacy to be therapeutic and empowering.Starting the Building Military Families Network to do more for military families struggling with building their families. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Building Military Families Network:buildingmilitaryfamiliesnetwork.orgLearn 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/ 

As members of the LGBTQ+ community, Kristina and Sol always knew they would need fertility treatments to build their family. However, dual infertility diagnoses made their journey even more complex. This experience fueled their passion for advocacy, inspiring them to champion for expanded access to reproductive technology, fair donor-conceived laws, and protections for LGBTQ+ families. Kristina furthers this mission in her role as Chair of Colorado Fertility Advocates.After more than a decade of fertility treatments—including IVF, RIVF, and Donor Embryo—their family is now complete. They are proud parents of three wonderful children: two boys and a girl, ages 11, 8, and 3.Beyond their advocacy, Kristina and Sol are deeply committed to advancing health equity for marginalized communities, increasing the visibility of diverse leaders—including Latino, LGBTQ+, and underserved communities—and championing reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Kristina serves on the boards of the LGBTQ+ Heritage Project for the United Methodist Church and the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Sol, who is Latino and bilingual, is a Board Member for Project Worthmore and a former member of Commerce City’s DEI Commission and Cultural Council.Professionally, Kristina has built a successful 20-year career in Marketing and Strategic Communications, specializing in the healthcare and fintech industries. Sol is also an accomplished leader, with expertise in operations and project management across community health centers, government and educational organizations, and, most recently, a nationwide private equity-backed dental company.In their free time, Kristina and Sol love attending and coaching their kids’ countless sports and activities, exploring Colorado through hikes and scenic Sunday drives, enjoying live music, cheering on Sol’s hometown teams (the Padres and Chargers), road-tripping, listening to audiobooks, playing board games, and spending quality time with family and friends.Listen as Sol and Kristina share with Ellen and Jenn:Kristina splitting with her partner of 12 years when she was 6 weeks pregnant. Not the best timing!3 months post-delivery, Kristina thinking about dating again. Messaging with Sol and connecting right away on their passion for advocacy. Sol not being scared off by Kristina having a three-month-old. With Kristina’s first pregnancy, going through IUIs and it just not working. Then finding her egg count was not where it should be. Failed embryo transfer, then success. After Kristina’s egg quality issues, opting for reciprocal IVF with Sol’s eggs.But Sol also experienced egg issues – 5 eggs retrieved, 1 embryo.Navigating the cultural issues with Sol’s family.Moving from California to Colorado and knowing they wanted another child.Extensively looking into adoption but ultimately choosing embryo donation. Being really open and honest with their children about their origin stories. Loving the family they have built and the many paths they took to get there.  Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Follow Kristina and Sol on Instagram: @kristina_on_insta + @allo10Learn 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: a...

Shea Bart Andreone is a writer, speaker, and author. She is also a mother who knows the agony that can come with trying to have a baby. Shea’s journey to becoming a mother to two healthy children was punctuated by pain, hospitalizations, and death. Carry On offers a candid, intrepid look into the real stories of the many people for whom this universal drive to start a family doesn’t come easily. These stories are an exploration of these people’s love, hope, and desperation to keep trying.Shea’s writing, from her own blog (Twig-Hugger) to numerous articles in mom and parent-oriented platforms (The Next Family, Motherfigure, LA Parent, Your Teen Magazine, and Chicken Soup For The Soul) has given her views and opinions platform to reach interested and like-minded eyes and ears.Shea has been a featured speaker at Expressing Motherhood, a live storytelling event held in major cities across the United States. She has shared her story about living with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Shea dealt with HG for all three of my pregnancies, and participated in research studies through HER, the world’s largest network of HG survivors and experts.She’s been featured on podcasts, including “Single Vs. Married”, where she spoke about natural childbirth, medical interventions traditionally utilized during childbirth, and why she opted to have as few interventions as possible during her own labors and deliveries. Shea discussed the months of trying to conceive, illness, and suffering that finally resulted in giving birth to a healthy baby girl.Before having children, Shea was a competitive and then professional figure skater. Hailing from New York, Shea acted off-Broadway for nearly a decade. She then moved to the West Coast and continued to act, in TV, films, and theater. While Shea loves NY and travels back often, LA is where her husband, children, dog and her call home.Listen as Shea shares with Ellen and Jenn:Teaching senior water aerobics classes and spending time as a professional ice skater, among her many talents and activities.Meeting her husband and both knowing right away they wanted to try for kids. Heading to the doctor when it wasn’t happening and being quickly scheduled for fibroid removal surgery.Finding herself pregnant before surgery and being told she just had to wait to see whether the pregnancy or fibroid won out. The pregnancy won out, but then extreme sickness hit. Hyperemesis, not being able to keep food down, losing weight to the point of the doctor threatening hospitalization, and a terrifying adverse reaction to anti-nausea medication. Second time around trying a Zofran pump to deal with the nausea but losing the pregnancy. Looking for something to help with the healing. Trying sewing but ultimately turning to writing. Connecting with a community that had struggled with starting their families. Recognizing the universal need for people to talk about their experiences. Writing her book, Carry On, to bring those stories together and to others.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Shea Bart Andreone and her book Carry On: https://www.sheabartandreone.com/about-shea-bart-andreoneLearn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here!

Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from George Washington University and is the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland. Her specialty is in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents. She is an approved consultant in EMDR through EMDRIA as well as a facilitator for basic training with The Touchstone Institute. She has served on several committees within the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and was elected in 2021 to its Executive Committee. She previously served as a Board Member of the Maryland Psychological Association for over 10 years. Dr. Bindeman is a member of multiple organizations focused on Maternal and Reproductive Mental Health and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on its Maternal Mental Health Task Force. She was awarded the Karl Heiser Award through the American Psychological Association for her legislative efforts on behalf of psychology. Dr. Bindeman has published several chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology and is the editor of the book “The Mental Health Clinician’s Handbook for Abortion Care” that was released September, 2024.Listen as Julie shares with Ellen and Jenn:Coming on the podcast for her third time! Check out Episodes 136 and 166. What is a polyamorous family? The mindfulness and intentionality of polycules. Best approaches for providers to understand family dynamics. Hint: open-ended questions! The struggle with family building not fitting into well-understood pathways.Thinking through a plan if current family dynamics change, especially as to parenting and gamete and embryo control. The role of the mental health professional, as a source of support rather than a gatekeeper.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. Bindeman’s practice: http://www.GreaterWashingtonTherapy.comRead Dr. Bindeman’s book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-61453-8Follow Dr. Bindeman on social media: https://www.facebook.com/drbindeman; https://bsky.app/profile/drjuliebindeman.bsky.socialLearn 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/ 

Zach French is an attorney with experience in technology startups and business development, and most recently served as an executive at SeedTrust. Zach’s connection to the ART world began when he and his wife, Alexandra, embarked on their own surrogacy journey after Alexandra’s battle with breast cancer. The tremendous mental and financial toll from their journey led them to establish The Surrogacy Foundation (formerly Gift of Surrogacy). Zach left SeedTrust in February to become full-time Executive Director of the nonprofit. Zach and TSF are on a mission to expand access to surrogacy by propelling it into the mainstream using a collaborative approach to build a sustainable grant program and technology-enabled education and support.Listen as Zach shares with Ellen and Jenn:Coming on the podcast for a second time! Check out Episode 177 to hear the first. Zach and his wife’s experience with cancer, and then surrogacy to have their child. Starting The Gift of Surrogacy to help others. Navigating it on the side but then Zach being encouraged to dedicate himself full-time to leading the cause. Raising enough money from the first fundraiser in 2023 to be able to award a $100,000 grant!Focusing on their why and their values.Creating a non-profit for tomorrow’s donors. Not your grandparents’ non-profit.Making their events truly memorable. Including their upcoming event on February 8, 2025. Masquerade theme, with some surprises up their sleeves!Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about The Surrogacy Foundation: https://www.giftofsurrogacyfoundation.org/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/ 

Elizabeth Carr is the first baby born via in vitro fertilization in the United States.In the media since 3 cells old, Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for those fighting for fertility rights. From battles over insurance coverage, to educating doctors on how to interact with patients going through infertility treatments, to advice for parents on how to talk to children about assisted reproductive technologies, Elizabeth is proud to share her voice and story in order to fight for those who may not be able to fight for themselves. Elizabeth is a fearless Patient Advocate, striving to educate and empower people based on her life experiences and expertise within the fertility world. She has presented to audiences around the globe including at the United Nations, ASRM, ESHRE, and the national infertility association, RESOLVE.A dynamic speaker, Elizabeth’s passion lies in education from helping companies craft fertility benefit packages & parental leave policies, to keynote speeches, to sitting one-on-one with people facing fertility questions head on. Elizabeth has worked as a journalist, marketing and events, and fundraising making her an expert at distilling complex issues into easy-to-digest stories. Elizabeth is also a marathoner, triathlete, coffee connoisseur, wife, mother, and writer.Listen as Elizabeth shares with Ellen and Jenn:Living in the media spotlight since she was three cells old.Not understanding the big deal when she was little but growing to understand how historic and important the technology became for so many.Feeling that she was always under a microscope to see if she was “normal”. At 10, to the horror of the school nurse, explaining during a lesson on human reproduction that there is another way! Making herself available publicly to give others hope, but also dealing with hurtful mail that she “shouldn’t exist.”  Taking a break from the media in her 20s to focus on her journalism career. A career chosen after dealing with so many journalists from a young age!Being Senator Tim Kaine’s guest at the State of the Union.Jumping into action after the Alabama Supreme Court embryo ruling. Working with so many great organizations to fight for families. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about Elizabeth Carr from her website: www.ejordancarr.comRead Elizabeth’s book, Under the Microscope: https://ejordancarr.com/under-the-microscopeLearn 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/ 

This is the story of a beautiful family assembled out of order: dog, daughter, dad. It's the story of planning years ahead to become a mom, and wishing she’d started years earlier. It's the story of the unexpected that arrives in every form from love (like a husband) to terror (like medical issues), and the life-changing decisions that accompany any rocky road through fertility.It was after their second date that Shira told her now husband she was probably pregnant. She conceived her daughter as a single mom by choice using donor sperm, most of her savings, and so much time, energy and effort. Just as she finally succeeded in getting pregnant, she met him. It turns out families don't have to be assembled in order.Shira is a product, commercial and operations leader with deep experience launching and scaling tech-enabled healthcare. She has worked across various clinical specialties, partnering closely with health plans, employers, health systems and government.Shira is currently at Lin Health, which specializes in treating chronic pain. Shira loves leading people, helping patients, and designing technology to solve problems. Shira was previously the General Manager of Behavioral Health and Musculoskeletal care at Eden Health. Before that at Omada Health, she led creation of product lines for diabetes, hypertension and behavioral health, as well as spearheading Omada’s work with national insurance carriers, the American Medical Association, and the federal government’s healthcare innovation team.Shira is passionate about writing and speaking on the future of integrating technology into healthcare, as well as insights about culture and life choices from her time working and living around the world. Her greatest passion at work is supporting her team members in growth and development, and fostering the culture and organizational structures that lead to high productivity and work-life balance. Shira’s greatest joy is this family she built out of order: her young daughter, her loving husband, and her ever-hopeful dog. She is a community builder, outdoor enthusiast and world traveler. Shira has lived across the US, Europe and Africa and now loves hiking, biking and paddling near her home near Boulder, Colorado.Listen as Shira shares with Ellen and Jenn:Calling her second date romantic interest to tell him she’s pregnant.Rewinding, getting good advice at 35 to get her fertility checked. Finding out she had a very low egg count, choosing to go through the expensive process of egg freezing. Talking to a financial planner about her hopes to be a parent, and ultimately making some major shifts in her life (including a major move).Still wanting a partner, but meeting people became hard with the onset of the COVID pandemic. Grieving the loss of an idea she had for her life, but then being ready to move forward. Researching who decides to become a single mother by choice; finding that these women are bad asses.After telling her second date the news, him still being in. And then being all in. Finding out about a serious medical complication, moving to Florida together for specialized care. Experiencing her happy ending/beginning.Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here!