A: There are many couples/people who are struggling with infertility, or unable to have a child for other medical reasons.
Some turn to doctors for assistance, while others reach out to women like Angie Campeau.
Angie, 28, is a two time surrogate who is now a Team Member of Canadian Fertility Consultants, a Surrogate consulting firm with offices in both British Columbia, and Ontario.There, Angie serves as a Surrogate Support worker & Case Manager, where she helps women move through the Surrogacy process in a truly meaningful way.
Angie, who lives in St.Thomas Ontario, explains how surrogacy works.
Q: How did you first decide to become a surrogate?
A: I grew up with many people around me struggling to build their families.I saw family adopt, go through IUI & IVF.I knew that one day when I was done building my family that I would help someone to build their own.I didn’t know what surrogacy was or how to go about it back then, but I knew in my heart it was something I needed to do.
Q: What is the process like to become a surrogate?
A: To become a Surrogate, you must be between 21-40 years of age.Have a BMI of 34 or less and have had uncomplicated full term pregnancies of your own.The next step is booking an Intake call with me.On this call, we will go over a questionnaire together outlining your medical history, personality & what you're looking for in intended parents.From there you will undergo a Physical and Psychological assessment which will determine if you are a good candidate to help someone build their family.The best part about working with CFC, is that I will guide you through all these steps so you aren’t doing it alone.
Q: How many times have you been a surrogate? Can you tell us about the experiences?
A: I was a surrogate Mom in *** and delivered a 8lb 14oz baby boy.I am working on journey number two currently…who knows maybe there will be a third too?!
Q: Is it difficult to give the baby up after carrying it for nine months?
A: No, not at all.You walk into this knowing this is your end goal.You fall in love with your couple’s story and want to change it! It’s like babysitting a friends kid for a long period of time.And bonus you get to go home and sleep after the delivery!
Q: Why is surrogacy a good option for couples that can’t conceive?
A: It’s an amazing, hands-on approach for intended parents.They can experience the pregnancy alongside the surrogate by attending their doctor appointments.They get to be there and hold that newborn baby the moment it is born.What an amazing thing to be a part of together.
Q: Do you have your own children?
A: Yes, two 8 year olds and a 1 year old.I truly loved having the ability to be an example of service in action and showing them that sometimes you have to sacrifice for others.What greater gift could I share with my children?
Q: What is a misconception about surrogacy?
A: That woman who are doing this are going to want to keep the baby or be emotionally scared afterwards.This is so untrue, the women who go into this have thought long and hard about this process and truly this is something they have always wanted to do.Another misconception is that these women are doing it for “the money”…and that they are becoming “rich” off having babies for others.In Canada you can’t be paid for surrogacy- so the whole process really weeds out someone looking to make a buck, and brings about the people wanting to do this for the right reasons!
Q: Is there one food or activity you partake in only when you’re pregnant?
A: When I’m pregnant, I always go out of my way for a big cup of crunchy ice or snow cones.Any treat is better frozen, from a bowl of grapes to frozen Hostess Zingers or Twinkies.I’ve never been iron-deficient, thankfully, but that has always been my odd pregnancy specific habit and craving.
Q: What’s the best advice you ever received about Surrogacy?
A: It doesn’t always work the first time.And that’s ok.
Q: What is one thing that has shaped you to be the person you are today?
A: As a teenager I traveled as a missionary every summer.Building bathrooms, schools and shelters.Going door to door handing out food & clothing.It really shaped who I am as a person today.
