Surrogacy is often talked about as a beautiful and rewarding journey, but what happens when that journey takes an unexpected turn? In this episode, Eloise Drane sits down with Pamela Marshall, a gestational surrogate whose experience challenged everything she thought she knew about pregnancy, risk, and resilience. Pam shares her deeply personal story of entering surrogacy with excitement and confidence, only to face a rare and serious medical complication that changed the course of her pregnancy. From being hospitalized for weeks to navigating separation from her own children, her journey reveals the emotional and physical realities that many never see. Pam explains what carried her through the hardest moments and why, despite everything, she would make the same decision again. This conversation offers an unfiltered look at the realities of surrogacy and the extraordinary people who choose to walk this path. Guest Bio: Pamela Marshall is a mom of 3 boys, living in Pennsylvania and she is a licensed social worker. She has been a surrogate and loves helping build families! She is also currently a journey manager at Family Inceptions. You’ll hear about: Why Pam chose to become a surrogate What happens when a pregnancy becomes high risk Being hospitalized for weeks away from family The emotional toll of unexpected complications How support systems make all the difference Why she would still choose surrogacy again Related episodes: Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhoodhttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-118-surrogacy-and-the-emotional-journey-to-motherhood/ Ep 93 – U.S. Surrogacy for International Parentshttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-93-u-s-surrogacy-for-international-parents/ Ep 85 – Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Storyhttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-85-surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples-carnell-roberts-tells-his-story/ Ep 49 – Social Surrogacyhttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-49-social-surrogacy/ Ep 37 – Husband’s Are You Prepared (Partner Involvement in Surrogacy)https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-37-husbands-are-you-prepared/