Meet Krislyn!
Kristlyn is a first-time gestational surrogate who gave birth to a baby girl for a family in December 2022!
Q: What led you to become a Surrogate?
My husband and I decided we were done having children, but I wasn’t ready to not get pregnant again. I’m young and in good shape so I want to use my body for good and bring it to families who can’t afford it.
Q. Who has been the most important person supporting your journey?
My husband, Sawyer, has been the most important support person throughout my journey. He never questioned my decisions and was very patient with me throughout the process. He’s always there during the tough parts to remind me what I’ve worked for.
Q. What made you decide to choose your Intended Parents?
I chose my intended parents based solely on gut feelings. I’ve seen a lot of profiles and I’m really looking for a sign that tells me who to choose. As soon as I looked at my IPs profile, I was sure they were the right choice for me. Someone just told me we would have a great trip together.
Q. What were some of the highlights of your trip?
My whole trip was a big highlight. From meeting the IPs for the first time to delivering their baby, it was a great first time experience. Of course, not every moment is easy, but every moment is worth it. I have made lifelong friendships and am even planning to do a sister trip for both families. The whole experience was amazing. It’s hard to explain the emotions and feelings that come with surrogacy until you experience it!
Q. Do you have any advice for women interested in becoming a gestational surrogate?
I can only say that the beginning process is the hardest part. I understand that when starting the process, it can be very intimidating and drawn out. There are a lot of steps before getting to the actual replacement part, but I promise it goes by faster than you think. I’m sitting on the couch now and can’t believe my first trip is over. I remember wanting to get the ball rolling, and now I can’t wait to experience it all again! So just take a leap and trust the FSC and your case manager because they will take care of you and guide you through the whole thing.
Q. How do you feel about your experience working with Family Source Consultants?
I could not have chosen a better company to do my surrogacy through. They guided me and were by my side every step of the way. The community is full of amazing mentors and successors that I look up to and admire. I had many friends and guidance when I needed it. I never doubted that there were people in the company who cared about me.
Q. What have you found to be the biggest misconception people have about surrogacy?
The biggest misconception people have about surrogacy is that we do it for any other reason than to help create a family. Being a surrogate has many personal benefits, but we do it because we want to make a difference in people’s lives.
Q. What’s the funniest/weirdest/most common question you’ve been asked as a surrogate? How did you answer?
I am often asked if I am worried about attachment to the baby. My answer is always no. And that’s the real answer. Even before having a baby, we create such a bond and strong relationship with the parents that we go into a mindset of “I’m going to make these people parents one day.” And then everything is for them. The whole pregnancy and birth is for the parents so the relationship with the baby is very distant.
Q. How has being a surrogate affected your life?
Being a surrogate has impacted my life by giving me lifelong friendships and relationships. I have gained so much while also giving so much. I know that being a surrogate is a selfless, amazing thing but I have also gained so much from it that will fill my heart and life forever.
Q. Was this pregnancy different than your other pregnancies? If so, how?
Since my surrogacy was my second pregnancy, it was obviously a bit more difficult than my first in terms of being in more pain and also having to take care of my baby full time. But as far as the experience and the delivery, it was almost identical to my first pregnancy.
Q. How did you prepare yourself for separation from the baby after birth?
I didn’t really do much to prepare myself for being separated from the baby after birth. I was very detached from the baby during the whole process. I didn’t tell about the pregnancy around my daughter or family because we all knew I was the only carrier. I obviously cared for and loved her, but I was never worried or concerned about being attached to her after giving birth.
Q. What do you want someone thinking about working with a surrogate to know?
I want anyone thinking of working with a surrogate to know that we are human. I had an amazing experience with my Intended Parents and was treated better than I could have ever imagined, but I know this is not always the case for surrogates. The process can be stressful at times but it is important that everyone stays in communication with each other and be patient. We are all looking for the same results and want the same thing!
Learn more about becoming a surrogate by submitting a request for information, or start your surrogate application today!
