Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a family

Dive behind the scenes of international surrogacy with Anastasia, the dynamic coordinator who keeps every detail running smoothly in Mexico’s fertility programs. In this episode, Maria Feekes pulls back the curtain to reveal the hidden challenges, red flags, and heartwarming connections that define the journey to parenthood abroad. From whirlwind emergency calls to the deep-rooted bonds formed wit...

In this heartfelt continuation of "Your Fertility Story," Maria Feekes sits down with Ivanna to reveal the incredible behind-the-scenes journey of surrogacy in Ukraine. From rapid baby registrations and emotional hospital moments to the sheer dedication involved in caring for surrogates, the episode uncovers the meticulous work, trust, and compassion that make these miracles possible, even amidst...

What happens when care goes beyond protocol and a team’s heart determines the outcome of life-changing journeys? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Ivanna, the powerhouse behind Ukraine’s surrogacy coordination team, to uncover the stories you never hear, the silent battles, difficult choices, and extraordinary dedication that make hope possible for families across continents. If you’ve...

What does a surrogacy coordinator really do, and what role does a surrogacy agency play throughout a U.S. surrogacy journey? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Kristi Campbell, U.S. Head of Operations & Coordination at SMARTPath Fertility International, to explain the role of a surrogacy coordinator and what happens behind the scenes during the surrogacy process in the United States....

What is embryo transfer day actually like — physically, emotionally, and mentally? In Part 2 of Megan’s surrogacy journey on Your Fertility Story , Maria Feekes reconnects with Megan shortly after embryo transfer to talk honestly about what the experience was really like from a surrogate’s perspective. Following their first conversation before transfer day, this episode explores what happened duri...

In this episode of Your Fertility Story , Maria Feekes sits down with Korbet Annis from VitalCells to explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—decisions intended parents can make before their baby is born: whether to preserve newborn stem cells and what that actually means. The conversation begins with Maria sharing why this topic became so relevant after multiple intended fathers in...

What’s it really like to meet your baby for the first time after an international surrogacy journey while adjusting to parenthood in a foreign country? In this episode, Whitney and Hugh share the raw, beautiful, and unexpectedly humorous realities of welcoming their child in Ukraine and what new parents everywhere can learn from their experience. Whitney Shefte is an new parent, documentary filmma...

At the very start of her surrogacy journey, Adesola opens up about a rollercoaster of discoveries, unexpected diagnoses, tough decisions, and the powerful self-worth lessons she learned along the way. With honesty and warmth, Adesola and Maria Feekes dive into the unique challenges of finding hope after heartbreak, navigating international options, and breaking taboos around fertility struggles. I...

What does it really take to become a surrogate - and what happens before embryo transfer? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Megan, a first-time gestational surrogate in the USA, to share a real behind-the-scenes look at the surrogacy process from the surrogate’s perspective , right before embryo transfer day. If you’re wondering: how to become a surrogate what happens before embryo tran...

What rights do surrogates have in the United States - and what should intended parents understand before starting? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with attorney Kristen Armstrong to break down surrogate rights and legal protections in US surrogacy , including contracts, autonomy, and the real decisions that shape the journey. If you’re researching: surrogacy laws in the USA and surrogate r...

Why is my surrogacy taking so long - and is this normal? In this solo episode, Maria Feekes answers one of the most common and stressful questions intended parents ask: why the surrogacy process can feel slow and unpredictable , even when everything seems to be done “right.” If you’re experiencing: delays in your surrogacy journey uncertainty around timelines and next steps frustration waiting for...

Curious what really happens behind the scenes of an international surrogacy journey? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Damion, a determined dad navigating the complexities of embryo creation in Mexico City. Packed with surprising lessons on the science, finances, and emotional ups and downs of building a family abroad, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what hopeful parents wis...

What happens when you’ve done everything right — but your path to parenthood still feels impossible? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Irina to share her deeply personal story of infertility, surrogacy across Ukraine and the United States, and building a family through uncertainty . If you’re navigating: fertility struggles and loss of control surrogacy in Ukraine vs USA uncertainty and...

What is it really like to have twins through surrogacy — and should you transfer two embryos? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Stacie and Iran to share their real-life experience of having twins through surrogacy , including the emotional decision behind double embryo transfer , the risks involved, and what life looks like raising twins. If you’re researching: can you have twins throug...

What happens when your fertility journey doesn’t follow the plan you’ve worked so hard to create? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Keena to share a deeply personal story of infertility, loss, and ultimately finding hope through surrogacy . If you’re experiencing: fertility struggles and emotional ups and downs grief after loss or failed treatments stress around timelines and feeling ou...

What is surrogacy in Mexico really like from the surrogate’s perspective? In this episode of Your Fertility Story , Maria and Anna speak with Genny, a surrogate mother in Mexico who recently carried a baby for intended parents from the United States. Genny shares her honest experience becoming a surrogate, including the fears she faced before starting the surrogacy process, the emotional highs and...

What does surrogacy in the USA really look like - legally, financially, and emotionally? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with leading reproductive attorney Melissa Brisman to break down surrogacy in the United States , including legal requirements, contracts, risks, and the realities intended parents should understand before starting. If you’re researching: surrogacy in USA laws by state h...

Is surrogacy in Ukraine legal — and who qualifies for the program? In this episode, Maria Feekes speaks with experienced attorney Oksana Lutsenko to explain surrogacy laws in Ukraine , including eligibility requirements, legal parentage, and the process of bringing your baby home after birth. If you’re researching: is surrogacy legal in Ukraine for foreigners who qualifies for surrogacy in Ukraine...

In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Mexican attorney Ramiro Alejandro García Flores to break down surrogacy laws in Mexico , including the real legal process, parental rights, and common mistakes that can delay or derail a journey. If you’re researching: is surrogacy legal in Mexico for foreigners surrogacy in Mexico laws by state (Tabasco, Sinaloa, Mexico City) how parentage is establish...

How does embryo transport actually work - and is it safe to ship embryos between clinics or across countries? In this episode, Maria Feekes explains embryo transport step by step , including how embryos are safely moved between fertility clinics in the USA and internationally (Mexico, Ukraine, and beyond). If you’re researching: how embryo transport works in IVF shipping embryos between clinics em...

In this episode, Maria Feekes breaks down surrogacy in the USA, Mexico, and Ukraine , focusing on what intended parents are actively searching for: cost, legal parentage, safety, and timeline . If you’re researching: surrogacy in USA cost vs Mexico cost is surrogacy in Ukraine legal for foreigners surrogacy in Mexico safety and legal process whose name goes on the birth certificate in surrogacy ho...

In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Rich and Daniel, a Melbourne-based couple sharing their real experience navigating international surrogacy. From comparing the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia to understanding Australia’s legal limitations, they walk through how they made one of the most important decisions of their lives. They openly discuss what it actually takes to choose a surroga...

What if you could screen your embryos for over 1,200 genetic conditions before pregnancy even begins? In this episode, genetic counselor Maria Katz reveals her company's groundbreaking technology that is changing the way you think about your family's future. Maria Katz is a passionate genetic counselor with a background in high-risk obstetrics and a deep commitment to supporting families impacted...

Join us for an eye-opening episode of Your Fertility Story, where Whitney shares her resilient journey through the world of surrogacy in Ukraine. Against the backdrop of the war, she dives into the ethical nuances and unexpected hurdles faced when choosing surrogacy abroad. With candid insights into her personal trials and triumphs, Whitney reveals how her determination, filmmaker's vision, and th...

Join Maria Feekes in this episode of "Your Fertility Story" as she explores postpartum nutrition with expert Kameryn. Discover the importance of preparing for postpartum well-being, learn impactful nutrition strategies, and gather practical tips for a smooth recovery. Whether you're on a fertility journey or a new mom, gain valuable insights that can enhance your postpartum experience and help you...