Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Westerfield.
Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2008, my journey into motherhood faced an early setback—a miscarriage that left me grappling with grief. However, in 2011, a pregnancy emerged as my most cherished, leading to the birth of my daughter. This special moment marked not only the joy of motherhood but also the initiation of a profound transformation.
Subsequent pregnancies were tinged with the pain of miscarriage, casting a shadow over the prospect of expanding our family. The birth of my first son in 2013 brought a mix of joy and trepidation. Soon after, a swift conception raised daunting questions and fears—was I trapped in a cycle of joy followed by sorrow?
During this period, my connection deepened with a cousin facing the heartbreak of infertility. Their wonderful marriage lacked the laughter and patter of tiny feet. Witnessing their struggles, I was struck by the unfairness of it all. Here was a deserving couple deprived of the joy of parenthood.
This shared grief became a catalyst for a pivotal decision. I contemplated surrogacy, recognizing the potential to offer a lifeline to those battling fertility issues. Months of meticulous research followed, fueled by a desire to understand the legal, financial, and procedural intricacies.
In 2014, after completing my own family, I took the plunge into gestational surrogacy. The distinction is crucial—a gestational carrier, unlike a traditional surrogate, doesn’t contribute genetically to the child. My resolve to embark on this journey emanated from a deep-seated belief that everyone deserves the chance to experience the joy of parenthood.
The initial journey unfolded with a couple from Cleveland, OH, whom I met in an online fertility community. Their dream of completing their family became a reality with the birth of a little girl in 2015. A surge of emotion overwhelmed me as I handed them their child—a moment etched as one of the proudest in my life.
Eager to extend a helping hand again, I embarked on a new journey with a family from Michigan. This time, the intended parents were first-timers, making the experience a cascade of firsts for all of us. The bond formed was more than a contractual agreement; it blossomed into a deep friendship.
I delivered twins—a boy and a girl—in 2017, completing another successful surrogacy journey. Four more surrogate babies later, all including two sets of twins and three singleton deliveries (not including my own), my commitment to helping others build their families remains unwavering.
Throughout these journeys, I never felt pressured or compelled to make decisions against my wishes. Clear contracts and alignment with intended parents ensured harmony. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s the importance of being on the same page from the start.
My personal experiences as a surrogate paved the way for the founding of Carrying Dreams, Inc. in late 2022. As a full-service surrogacy and egg donation agency, we strive to match U.S. surrogates with intended parents worldwide, facilitating the journey of starting, building, and completing families.
Surrogacy holds a special place in my heart. Despite its challenges, I’ve built a career around helping others realize the dream of parenthood. Pregnancy, while daunting for some, has been a source of joy for me. Through my story, I aim to illuminate the path for those navigating the overwhelming yet hopeful world of surrogacy. There is hope, there is possibility, and through sharing my journey, I aspire to inspire others to believe in both.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the surrogacy and egg donation landscape has been both rewarding and challenging. While our mission to facilitate the creation of families is deeply fulfilling, we’ve encountered obstacles along the way.
One significant struggle has been the ethical considerations surrounding competitive “recruiting” in this industry. We strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity while ensuring that both surrogates and intended parents receive the support and guidance they need. Balancing these priorities can be complex, particularly when it comes to keeping costs manageable for intended parents without compromising on the care and compensation provided to surrogates and egg donors.
Another hurdle we’ve faced is the ever-changing landscape of online regulations, particularly on platforms like Google and Meta. Adapting to these changes and finding effective ways to reach our intended audience amidst evolving regulations has been a constant challenge.
Additionally, there’s a prevalence of outdated information about surrogacy and egg donation, making it difficult to educate and inform people about the true beauty and benefits of these processes. Many individuals still harbor misconceptions or lack understanding about the intricacies of surrogacy, which underscores the importance of our efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information to the public.
Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to breaking down barriers and sharing the transformative potential of surrogacy and egg donation with those who seek to embark on this journey.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Carrying Dreams isn’t just a family-building agency; we’re a dedicated team fueled by the mission to turn dreams into reality. Specializing in surrogacy and egg donation, our focus is on spreading joy, love, education, and resources. We work globally with intended parents and connect them with surrogates and egg donors in the United States, guiding them through every step of this beautiful journey.
What sets us apart is our commitment to making these journeys accessible. Family building can be financially overwhelming, with costs ranging from $90,000 to $130,000 and beyond. At Carrying Dreams, we strive to keep financial burdens as low as possible for intended parents, offering fair rates to our carriers and donors. Our co-ownership model, with team members who have experienced surrogacy and intended parenthood firsthand, brings a unique blend of personal understanding and professional expertise to each match.
Our pride lies in providing not just services but a supportive and empathetic community. From A to Z, we walk alongside our clients, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident as they navigate the complexities of becoming parents. Carrying Dreams is more than an agency; it’s a partner in the profound journey of building families.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
Life will always throw a curveball every once in a while. Learn to adapt. See each “crisis” as an opportunity and that tomorrow will be a better day. When the Covid-19 pandemic was in full force, it taught us to take a step back. Human beings, companies, restaurants, schools, and everyone else were affected. In a world where nothing seemed to be going right, we were all living to make it right in our own way.
Pricing:
- Compensation for Gestational Carriers – $25,000 – $70,000
- Surrogacy Total Journey Costs for Intended Parents – $90,000 – $130,000+
- Egg Donors Compensation – $7,000 – $15,000
- Egg Donor Total Journey Costs for Intended Parents – $16,000 – $32,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carryingdreams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrying.dreams/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarryingDreams
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkCoCdiXNj_zn_XQuydvbDg
