Surrogacy is a journey that requires emotional strength, physical endurance, and a deep commitment to helping others. For Sunny Garten, the decision to become a surrogate was inspired by a personal experience at the age of 20, when she unexpectedly became pregnant. Around the same time, a conversation with her manager about his and his wife’s struggles with infertility opened her eyes to the challenges many hopeful parents face. Years later, after having her own children, she learned about surrogacy and how she could help families by carrying a child for them. That realization led her to apply, and she soon found herself embarking on a life-changing journey.
Now in her third surrogacy, Sunny reflects on how each experience has been different, but through it all, one thing has remained constant—her family’s unwavering support. From her fiancé’s hands-on help with daily tasks to her children’s understanding and encouragement, the love and assistance from those closest to her have played a crucial role in her ability to navigate the challenges and joys of surrogacy.
A Family’s Role in the Surrogacy Journey
Sunny’s fiancé has been one of her greatest sources of support throughout her surrogacy experiences. In the early stages of each journey, when medical protocols required hormone injections, he stepped in to help administer them, making a physically demanding process a little easier. As the pregnancy progressed, he took on additional household responsibilities, ensuring that Sunny had the time and energy to focus on her health. Whether it was helping with childcare, cooking meals, or simply offering emotional reassurance, he made sure she never felt like she was going through the experience alone.
Her children also played an important role, even at a young age. They understood that their mother was carrying a baby for another family and offered their own gestures of support. During the third trimester, when fatigue and physical discomfort became more challenging, they stepped in to help with small tasks around the house. Her daughter, particularly intuitive, would remind others to be careful around her mother, recognizing the importance of protecting the pregnancy. These moments of kindness reinforced for Sunny just how much surrogacy was a family effort, with each person playing a part in making the journey smoother.
Extended family members also contributed in meaningful ways. Both her mother and mother-in-law provided childcare when needed, stepping in to watch the children during appointments or giving Sunny time to rest. Their willingness to help ensured that she could focus on her pregnancy while knowing her own children were well cared for. This level of support was especially valuable during the later stages of pregnancy when balancing surrogacy with daily life became more physically demanding.
Lessons in Understanding and Compassion
One of the most profound moments in Sunny’s surrogacy journey came during her second experience when the intended mother expressed gratitude not just to Sunny, but also to her children. She thanked them for supporting their mother in bringing her baby into the world, recognizing that surrogacy impacts the entire family. This moment helped her children better understand the significance of what their mother was doing, reinforcing that their support played a role in something much bigger than themselves.
Sunny also found that each surrogacy journey taught her something new about patience, resilience, and the importance of planning. She learned that involving the intended parents early and ensuring they arrived well before the due date helped create a smoother experience for everyone. She also recognized that emotional support was just as crucial as physical assistance. Having open conversations with her fiancé and children about how she was feeling made it easier for them to understand her needs and offer help when it was needed most.
The Lasting Impact of Family Support
Looking back, Sunny credits her ability to complete three surrogacy journeys not only to her personal determination but also to the unwavering support of her family. Their encouragement, practical assistance, and emotional reassurance allowed her to focus on the process without feeling overwhelmed.
For anyone considering surrogacy, Sunny emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system. Whether it is a partner, children, parents, or close friends, having people who understand and are willing to help can make all the difference. Surrogacy is not just an individual journey—it is one that involves and impacts the entire family. When surrounded by love and support, the challenges become more manageable, and the experience becomes even more rewarding.
Sunny’s story is a testament to how surrogacy is not just about carrying a child for someone else, but about the collective effort of a family coming together to help bring a new life into the world.
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