Celebrating National Infertility Week: Amanda Nelson’s Journey as a Surrogate
This week marks National Infertility Week, a time to raise awareness about the struggles faced by many people trying to conceive. In Chicago’s Lincoln Square, Amanda Nelson has turned her personal experience with infertility into an opportunity to help others by serving as a gestational surrogate.
From Pain to Purpose
Amanda Nelson’s journey to motherhood came with its challenges. Now the proud mother of two boys, Elliott and Jonah, her path was filled with emotional rollercoasters, including repeated negative pregnancy tests and numerous medical procedures. “Just a lot of devastation and waiting,” Nelson explained. “It can really feel excruciating.” Despite these hardships, her perseverance bore fruit as she successfully welcomed her sons through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Reflecting on her struggles, Nelson remarked, “It was worth every minute of waiting,” acknowledging the emotional and financial investment involved in her fertility journey.
A New Role as a Gestational Surrogate
Inspired by her experiences, Nelson found a calling in helping others navigate the birthing process as a doula. Additionally, she embraced her role as a gestational surrogate. This decision required her to explain to her sons that the child she is carrying is not their sibling but a hopeful addition to another family. “I want to be the piece of the puzzle that gives someone else the ability to grow their family,” she stated, displaying her commitment to this meaningful journey.
Connecting Surrogates and Intended Parents
Through Brownstone Surrogacy, founded by Jarret Zafran after his own experience with surrogacy, Nelson was matched with a couple from New Jersey. Zafran highlighted the importance of relationship-building, noting that their daughters are aware of their surrogate’s name and story. He shared that the surrogacy process often entails navigating various legal, financial, and medical challenges. “It’s really difficult to qualify to be a surrogate,” Zafran noted, with fewer than 5% of applicants meeting the necessary criteria. Typically, candidates need to be between 21 and 42 years old, maintain a body mass index between 18 and 32, and have a history of uncomplicated pregnancies.
A Joyful Journey
For Nelson, it took nearly a year to find the right match with the couple she is currently supporting. Upon their initial Zoom meeting, she felt a strong connection. “I just love seeing the joy and wonder on their faces,” Nelson shared, reflecting on the couple’s recent visit for a 20-week anatomy scan.
Compensation and Commitment
Compensation for surrogates varies, with Brownstone Surrogacy offering between $60,000 and $75,000. While Nelson clarified that financial incentives are not her primary motivation, she expressed that compensation acknowledges the commitment and responsibilities associated with pregnancy, including regular medical appointments and the delivery process.
As National Infertility Week continues, stories like Amanda Nelson’s remind us of the compassion and resilience individuals demonstrate in the face of adversity, as well as the powerful connections formed through surrogacy.