Surrogacy Awareness Week 2024

But beyond her busy daily life, Natalie harbours a unique story, a journey through surrogacy that is marked by resilience, hope, and an unwavering desire to help others.

Natalie’s surrogacy journey is rooted in a personal struggle. At the tender age of 21, she faced a dual health crisis: Polycystic ovary syndrome, which threatened her fertility, and skin cancer, which delayed her plans to conceive. But life had a surprise in store.

At 25, against all odds, Natalie naturally conceived with her then-partner. This miraculous turn of events led to a firm resolution in her heart: if she could have a healthy pregnancy and carry full-term, she would extend her help to those who needed it, just as she thought she would have needed.

However, Natalie’s initial foray into surrogacy was fraught with obstacles. From a lack of proper information and guidance to her then-husband’s refusal to accept her decision, the path was anything but smooth. But then, a phone call out of the blue from a friend put her in touch with an Intended Parents (IP) pair, and she found herself joining Surrogacy UK (SUK) as part of a team.

The surrogacy journey started with excitement and joy. There were fantastic team days, the incorporation of Natalie’s children into the process, and a successful transfer. But the joy was short-lived. A heart-breaking miscarriage followed, and Natalie found herself facing not only physical pain but emotional torment too, a feeling that was exacerbated by the breakup of her team.

Family and friends questioned Natalie’s determination to continue her surrogacy journey, worried about the physical and emotional toll it had taken on her. But Natalie’s resolve was unwavering. She refused to let a single negative experience quash her dream. Her determination bore fruit when she connected with a new set of IPs, a same-sex couple.

The connection was instant and genuine, a true friendship first, which has blossomed into an incredible surrogacy journey. Natalie is currently five months pregnant with their first baby, a journey marked by happiness, friendship, and mutual respect.

Natalie’s story, though marked by trials, is ultimately a testament to her strength and commitment. The experience has reaffirmed her belief in the transformative power of surrogacy and the value of the supportive community she’s found at SUK.

It is an extraordinary example of resilience, hope, and the shared joy that comes from helping others build their families. The cheerleading and immense support within the community are, in Natalie’s own words, “just incredible to see.”