The Truth About Surrogacy, IVF, Miscarriage And Birth Trauma With Doula And Gestational Carrier Rebecca Mercer

Co-Owner of Bluegrass Doulas, Rebecca Mercer shares intimate details of the surrogacy journey from her perspective as a gestational carrier. From the serendipitous moment of connecting with the intended parents on Facebook to multiple rounds of IVF, miscarriage, and a D and C, the path was anything but linear on the road to a healthy baby. Rebecca opens up about the unexpected challenges of surrogacy including the traumatic birth that was far from the dream she had spent her entire life romanticizing. If you’ve always wondered what happens behind the scenes of surrogacy, this episode is for you!

We discuss:

-The process of connecting with the intended parents, selection, paper work and initial logistics working with a fertility clinic

-Rebecca’s conversations with her husband and kids about surrogacy

-Unexpected steps such as psychological evaluations for Rebecca and her husband, as well as the medical tests required for both Gestational Carriers and Intended Parents

-Details of the IVF journey including a failed transfer, miscarriage, hysterectomy and second retrieval for the intended parent and successful transfer and pregnancy that led to a live birth

-An inside look at the Gestational Carrier/Intended Parent relationship throughout the process and how it evolved over time

-Having a breech baby and switching providers to have an External Cephalic Version (ECV) 

-Rebecca’s traumatic birth experience being left in the OR and disrespected by medical providers

-Rebecca’s favorite self-care practices and the advice she shares with her postpartum clients

-Reflections on the surrogacy journey and if Rebecca would do it again

Rebecca shares a real, honest view on being a Gestational Carrier without shying away from any details. Listen to an insider perspective on surrogacy and hear a truly inspiring story of strength, compassion and the ultimate gift of a healthy baby in today’s episode!

Connect with Helene and the Mind Body Mother Community!

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Connect with Rebecca on social media here

Learn about the Bluegrass Doulas here and connect on social media here

Full episode webpage here

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.