Shelby, American Surrogate Mother in Columbus, Indiana, USA

Why I want to be a surrogate mother:

My sister struggled with fertility issues resulting from PCOS for many years. I've witnessed firsthand how painful being infertile can be. I was also there to witness the love her miracle son brought her after his birth. I know how beautiful it can be to watch a mother fall in love with their child after many years of heartache. Through surrogacy, I could give the most amazing gift to someone. I would love to give a deserving couple a child which they can not conceive themselves. Pregnancy and childbirth are momentous occasions, and I would love to make that experience possible and memorable for someone else. Sharing such a unique journey with the right couple would be a blessing. I am gratified to have the ability to give someone such a precious gift.

Description of myself:

I am firstly a mother, everything I am is because of my son. He is what makes me the happy and loving person I am. I am also an intelligent woman, and a full-time college student working towards my Associate of Science in Midwifery at Midwives College of Utah. Birth is a passion of mine, I am so honored to support women and babies. William and I have been together for nearly 6 years, and he truly is my best friend. He supports me fully in my decision to become a surrogate. Although I'm not religious, I do consider myself a spiritual person. I find beauty in nature and people. I believe in treating people with respect, equality, and kindness. I am a down to earth person who loves spending time with her family most. I love to binge watch Netflix, but I also enjoy spending time outdoors in nature.

My letter to intended parents:

Hello, my name is Shelby and I am interested in becoming a gestational surrogate. I am 21 years old and live in Indiana with my love William and our son. I have a 2-year-old son with which I had a wonderful, healthy pregnancy. His father and I began dating in high school, and have been together for 6 years. He fully supports me in my desire to be a surrogate. I have no health issues and had no pregnancy-related health issues. I have never smoked cigarettes and rarely consume an alcoholic drink. I know the tremendous joy and pride you feel when you look into your child's eyes. You know that they have so much potential, and your love can shape their futures. Being able to give this same feeling to another couple would give me so much happiness. I will only work with intended parents who want to transfer one embryo. I feel the risks of twins are too high to my health and future pregnancies (twins that result from a split embryo are acts of nature and completely different). I am willing to donate pumped breast milk for the child, at the parent's request, for up to a year after birth. I could also guide the mother in producing her own milk prior to the baby's birth so she could breastfeed the newborn herself if desired. I would love to include the parents in every aspect of the pregnancy and birth (ultrasounds, birth plan, etc.). I am open to keeping in contact with the parents throughout the child's life if they desire(how awesome!). I am willing to travel for the implantation process. Birth would have to occur where I live due to the unpredictable nature of labor and birth. I truly hope that one day you'll awaken to your tiny miracle child and that your wish comes true. I wish you luck in your surrogacy journey!