Megan is a heart transplant recipient who is unable to carry her own child due to her transplant. She was able to choose from surrogacy, adoption, or fostering. This is a Q&A about the beginning of her surrogacy journey at UAB Women & Infants Center.
Can you briefly explain your experience with UAB Women & Infants Center?
I have been with Women & Infants Center for the past two years! We have gone through two rounds of IVF with Dr. Campbell to create embryos. These embryos will then be transferred to our surrogate in the hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy!
Do you have any highlights about your experience you want to share? Perhaps you had a favorite staff member that made you feel at ease?
We love Dr. Campbell! Prior to being at UAB Medicine, we were at a different clinic and felt as if we were just a number. A gut feeling told me we were not in the right place. At the time, one of my dear friends worked in the OB/GYN department and had told me about a doctor she was so fond of! I looked her up, gave her office a call, and it was within a short time that we were introducing ourselves and telling our story to Dr. Campbell. She set forth a clear plan of action for what we needed to do, and we have felt at ease ever since. We also greatly enjoy Tabitha, the IVF coordinator! She is the most organized and on top of things.
You mentioned to me earlier that you chose a gestational carrier due to a heart transplant you had. Did you happen to have other options outside of a gestational carrier? How did you arrive at your decision?
Yes! I had my heart transplant on my 19th birthday and it was not until I got married that it was indicated to me that carrying a child would be unsafe due to the stress it would place on my body, as well as my transplanted organ. I, of course, was heartbroken, because I’ve always known that I wanted to be a mother. Other options for us included fostering and/or adoption. Stephen and I have always felt God leading us to surrogacy, and we have leaned into His plans since day one. At the end of the day, our hope is for a healthy baby so that we can continue to keep my health and my heart happy.
If you don’t mind my asking, how far along is your gestational carrier?
She is not pregnant, yet! We will have a transfer in the coming months.
What advice would you have for women that may be in a similar situation?
My biggest piece of advice for women that may be in a similar situation is to try and connect with someone who has already walked the journey of surrogacy! There is so much information available online, but I have learned the most from speaking with other women who have been down a similar path. Even finding just one person can help you feel much less alone in what may already be a trying, challenging, and emotional time.
We are thankful to work with UAB Medicine on our Lullaby Wishes series. Their position as a major center for research leads them to constantly investigate new advances in fertility treatment, but their team’s heart for the men and women affected by infertility is what truly sets them apart.
Our Lullaby Wishes series is in partnership with UAB Women & Infants Services. This is sponsored content.
