My Surrogacy Story: Sarah Jefford

Sarah Jefford, Lawyer.

I am married with two children, and live in Melbourne.

I was a traditional surrogate for two dads and gave birth to a baby girl in 2018.

I became a surrogate because I wanted to experience pregnancy and birth again, but didn’t want the newborn to care for. I wanted to help someone who couldn’t have a child themselves.

The best thing about my surrogacy journey was the love and friendship with my intended parents. I’ve made friends for life and feel absolute joy seeing them parenting their daughter.

The most challenging part of my surrogacy journey was the post-partum hair loss. Seriously! It drove me up the wall and felt very unfair because I didn’t have a baby to show for all the hair in the drain. I also wish that my relationship with the intended parents was as simple as my other friendships – surrogacy relationships are complex, even when they’re amazing.

I would be a surrogate again because it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I found my Everest and climbed to the top! The post-surro high was a rollercoaster and was amazing.

My advice for a woman considering becoming a surrogate is take your time, be humble and learn from other surrogates, and never be too proud to ask for help. A surrogacy relationship is for life, and you need to be prepared to be friends with the intended parents well beyond the birth. Get good surrogacy counselling throughout the journey – before, during and after. Remember that surrogacy doesn’t end at the birth – surrogacy is for life.

You can find me @sarah_surrogacylawyer. You can hear more about me on the Podcast and in my interview with Sheridon Byrne.

Photo credit – the birth photo was taken by Bree Downes.

If you are sharing any posts, please use #amazingsurrogacy and tag @sarah _surrogacylawyer.

If you are a woman considering becoming a surrogate, you can book in for a free initial legal advice consult with Sarah. Click the link below to book in.