Navigating the Surrogacy Journey: Insights from Stephanie Levich
For those struggling to conceive, the journey to parenthood can feel overwhelming and full of uncertainty. In a recent episode of Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, fertility expert and founder of Family Match Consulting, Stephanie Levich, shared invaluable insights into surrogacy, fertility treatments, and how her personal experience with adoption and IVF led her to this life-changing work.
Whether you’re considering surrogacy for medical reasons, infertility struggles, or personal choice, Stephanie’s expertise offers clarity and guidance through the process. Plus, her new book, From the Start: A Book About Love and Making Families, helps parents share their children’s unique conception stories in a beautiful and celebratory way.
Understanding Surrogacy: More Than Just an Alternative Path to Parenthood
Surrogacy is often misunderstood, with many misconceptions surrounding it. Stephanie shared that people turn to surrogacy for various reasons, including:
- Medical conditions preventing pregnancy, such as uterine complications or past hysterectomies.
- Mental health medications that are unsafe for pregnancy but necessary for well-being.
- Same-sex couples or single fathers wanting to build families.
- Pregnancy-related trauma from previous pregnancies or births.
Many assume surrogacy is only for those who don’t want to carry a child themselves, but the truth is far more complex. “Every situation is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all path to parenthood,” Stephanie emphasized.
Debunking Surrogacy Misconceptions
Surrogacy can often come with judgment and stigma, especially for high-profile individuals. Maria shared her experience of encountering skeptics who assumed she opted for surrogacy simply to avoid pregnancy weight gain—a common but false assumption.
Stephanie debunked this misconception, explaining that in her 20 years of experience, she has never encountered a case where a woman chose surrogacy solely to avoid pregnancy. “It’s always deeper than that—there’s always a medical or personal reason behind the choice.”
Another misconception is that surrogates want to keep the baby. In reality, surrogates are carefully screened and are required to have had their own children before becoming a surrogate. Most surrogates are driven by the desire to help someone else experience the joy of parenthood.
The Surrogacy Process: What to Expect
Surrogacy is a lengthy and intricate process, requiring patience and the right guidance. Stephanie broke down the essential steps:
- Finding the Right Surrogate:
- Traditionally, parents work with an agency, but matching can take years due to high demand.
- Stephanie’s company, Family Match Consulting, has a network of over 100 agencies, enabling matches within days rather than months or years.
- Medical Screening & Approvals:
- Once a match is made, the surrogate undergoes extensive medical screening with a fertility specialist.
- This includes hormonal assessments, ultrasounds, and infectious disease testing to ensure she is physically prepared for pregnancy.
- Legal Process:
- Both parties sign legal agreements outlining responsibilities, financial arrangements, and parental rights.
- Embryo Transfer:
- The surrogate starts hormonal treatments to prepare her uterus.
- A mock cycle may be conducted to determine the ideal transfer window.
- The embryo transfer takes place, and pregnancy is confirmed via blood tests.
- Pregnancy & Birth:
- The intended parents and surrogate maintain open communication throughout the pregnancy.
- Some surrogates invite the parents to be present at delivery, making it an emotional and joyous experience.
Embracing the Emotional Aspects of Surrogacy
Maria opened up about the emotional toll of her 11-year fertility journey, filled with setbacks, hope, and perseverance.
Stephanie reassured listeners that it’s normal to experience emotional detachment throughout the process. “When you’ve been through so much, it can be hard to believe it’s really happening,” she said. “But that’s why it’s so important to celebrate every milestone, even the small ones.”
A Book to Celebrate Unique Family Journeys
Stephanie’s new book, From the Start, is a groundbreaking resource that helps parents introduce their children to their conception stories in a positive way. Unlike most children’s books that focus solely on one fertility method (such as IVF or adoption), From the Start encompasses all forms of modern family-building, including:
- IVF
- Egg & Sperm Donation
- Surrogacy
- Adoption
The book aims to normalize these journeys and ensure children feel celebrated and loved regardless of how they were conceived. “It’s important that children know their story is not a secret, but a beautiful part of who they are,” Stephanie said.
Final Thoughts: Hope for the Future of Fertility
Maria’s surrogacy journey has been long and challenging, but with Stephanie’s guidance, she is now closer than ever to welcoming a child. Stephanie’s compassionate and expert approach is helping countless families navigate their own journeys with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re struggling with infertility, exploring surrogacy, or considering alternative family-building options, know that you are not alone. There are resources, support networks, and dedicated professionals like Stephanie ready to guide you every step of the way.
To learn more about Family Match Consulting, visit their website or follow Stephanie on social media. And don’t forget to check out her book, From the Start, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
For more healing and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to the Heal Squad with Maria Menounos podcast via YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
