The Question That Changed Everything
It came in the middle of a chaotic Tuesday morning, between packing lunches and searching for a missing shoe. My phone buzzed with a message from the London family—the twins I’d carried were now two years old, and their parents were asking the question I never expected: “Would you consider doing this again?”
I stared at the screen, my coffee growing cold. The memories flooded back—the morning sickness, the swollen ankles, the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, the moment I handed those beautiful babies to their parents. And then I thought about my own children, who had navigated this journey with more grace and understanding than I could have imagined.
My answer came almost immediately: “Yes.”
The First Time: Why I Said Yes to Surrogacy
The “Why” That Started It All
My journey into surrogacy wasn’t a sudden decision. It was born from watching friends struggle with infertility, from seeing the heartbreak in their eyes month after month. I’d had two relatively easy pregnancies with my own children, and the idea that I could help someone experience that joy felt like a calling.
But it wasn’t just about helping others. It was about modeling something for my children—showing them that our bodies can be used for incredible good, that helping others is a family value, that science and compassion can create miracles.
The Houston Advantage
Living in Houston gave me confidence in this decision. We’re home to one of the largest medical centers in the world, with reproductive specialists who have handled thousands of surrogacy cases. The legal framework in Texas is well-established, protecting both intended parents and surrogates. And the community support—from other surrogate families to child psychologists specializing in reproductive journeys—made me feel like I wasn’t navigating this alone.
The Journey: What Actually Happened
The Medical Process
The medical journey was more intense than I’d anticipated. Daily injections, frequent monitoring appointments, the emotional toll of waiting for test results. But the medical team at our Houston fertility clinic was exceptional—they explained every step, answered every question, and treated me with respect and care.
The pregnancy itself was relatively smooth, though carrying twins came with its own challenges. The support from my intended parents—the London family—was unwavering. They flew to Houston for important appointments, sent care packages, and checked in regularly. We built a relationship that felt like extended family.
The Hardest Part: The Delivery
The delivery day was a whirlwind of emotions. Holding those babies for the first time, seeing the tears in their parents’ eyes, feeling the weight of what we’d accomplished together. It was beautiful, overwhelming, and yes, bittersweet.
But the moment I handed those babies to their parents, I knew I’d made the right decision. They were exactly where they belonged.
The Aftermath: How It Changed Our Family
My Children’s Response
I worried about how my children would handle this. Would they be confused? Jealous? Would they feel replaced?
The reality was the opposite. My daughter, then six, became fiercely protective of “her babies.” She drew pictures for them, asked about them daily, and proudly told her friends that her mom was helping another family. My son, then four, understood on his level—”Mommy’s tummy is helping grow babies for another mommy.”
They didn’t see it as losing siblings; they saw it as our family helping another family. And that perspective shift was one of the most beautiful outcomes.
The Unexpected Benefits
The experience taught my children lessons I couldn’t have planned:
- Empathy: They developed a deep understanding of different family structures and the struggles some families face
- Medical literacy: They became comfortable with medical settings and conversations about bodies and reproduction
- Global awareness: The London connection gave them a tangible understanding of different countries and cultures
- Altruism: They internalized the value of helping others, even when it’s hard
Why I’m Doing It Again: The Five Reasons
1. The Impact Is Tangible
When I see photos of the twins growing up, when I get updates about their milestones, when I hear the joy in their parents’ voices—I know exactly what my sacrifice accomplished. Two children have a family because of this journey. That’s not abstract; it’s real.
2. The Medical System Is Exceptional
Houston’s medical community is prepared for surrogacy journeys. From the fertility specialists to the hospital’s child life specialists who helped prepare my children, every step was handled with expertise and compassion. Knowing I’m in good hands makes the decision easier.
3. The Legal Framework Protects Everyone
Texas has clear surrogacy laws that protect both parties. The contracts are thorough, the legal process is established, and I never felt uncertain about my rights or responsibilities. That legal security is crucial for a repeat journey.
4. My Family Is Stronger for It
This experience brought our family closer. The conversations we had, the values we reinforced, the way we navigated complex emotions together—it strengthened our bonds in ways I couldn’t have predicted.
5. I’m Healthier and More Prepared
Having been through this once, I know what to expect. I know how my body responds, I know the emotional highs and lows, I know how to prepare my children. This isn’t uncharted territory anymore.
The Practical Considerations: What Made It Work
Support System
I couldn’t have done this without my support system:
- My husband: My rock through every injection, every appointment, every emotional moment
- Our children: Their understanding and excitement made this a family project
- Extended family: Educated and supportive from day one
- Medical team: Experts who treated me with respect and care
- Other surrogates: The Houston surrogate community provided invaluable advice and camaraderie
Financial and Logistical Planning
Surrogacy requires significant planning:
- Work arrangements: Flexible scheduling for appointments
- Childcare: Backup plans for when I needed rest
- Financial planning: Understanding the compensation structure and expenses
- Legal counsel: Independent legal representation to ensure my interests were protected
Emotional Preparation
The emotional journey is just as important as the physical one:
- Therapy: Regular sessions with a therapist specializing in reproductive journeys
- Support groups: Connecting with other surrogates who understood the unique challenges
- Communication: Open, honest conversations with my intended parents about expectations and boundaries
- Self-care: Prioritizing my mental and emotional health throughout the process
The Hard Truths: What I Wish I’d Known
The Physical Toll Is Real
Carrying twins was physically demanding. The fatigue, the discomfort, the limitations on my activities—it was more challenging than I’d anticipated. For a repeat journey, I’m better prepared for what my body will go through.
The Emotional Complexity
The bond I felt with the babies was real, and letting go was harder than I expected. The postpartum hormones, the grief of separation—it was a rollercoaster. But with support and preparation, it was manageable.
The Public Perception
Not everyone understands surrogacy. I’ve faced judgment, curiosity, and sometimes ignorance. But living in Houston, with its diverse and medically-savvy community, made it easier to find support and understanding.
The Future: What This Means for Our Family
Continuing the Conversation
The conversations about surrogacy don’t end when the babies are born. As my children grow, their understanding evolves. We continue to talk about what it means to help others, about different ways families are created, about the science that made this possible.
Modeling Values
I want my children to see that helping others is a core family value. That sometimes helping means sacrifice, but the reward is immeasurable. That our bodies can be used for incredible good.
The Next Chapter
As I prepare for my second surrogacy journey, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. But more than anything, I’m filled with gratitude—for the opportunity to help create another family, for the medical community that makes it possible, for the city of Houston that supports this journey, and for my own family, who embraces this as part of who we are.
The Final Answer: Why I Would Do It Again
When people ask why I would put my body through this again, the answer is simple: because I can.
Because I have the health, the support, the medical resources, and the desire to help. Because I’ve seen the impact firsthand. Because my children have grown from this experience in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Surrogacy isn’t for everyone. It requires physical strength, emotional resilience, and a strong support system. But for me, in Houston, with the resources and community we have, it’s a journey I’m honored to take again.
The London family’s twins are thriving. My children are thriving. And soon, another family will have the children they’ve dreamed of. That’s why I would do it again. That’s why I am doing it again.
Note: This is a fictional blog post based on the premise of a repeat surrogacy journey in Houston. While the specific family details are created for this writing exercise, the information about Houston’s medical community, legal framework, and support resources is accurate to the real-life surrogacy landscape in the city.
