⚠️ This episode is different and is very important to me 💜
This episode was written as a blog post and then recorded in May 2021, which was about 7 months after the birth of my surrobub Baker, and I wrote it as reflection on my postnatal depression. By speaking my truth, it was as though I shone a light into that corner, and it wasn’t dark anymore. I felt lighter, not ruled by my past from when I was unwell.
As mentioned in the episode, my blog is called Surrogacy Safari and you can find the written version of this episode as well as Baker’s Birth story.
Also Katrina Hale’s guide for surrogacy teams.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-134-my-postnatal-depression-after-surrogacy/
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Joel is a trail blazer as the first man to become a single dad through surrogacy in Tasmania. His son, Mason, was born in February 2025. His surrogate, Jess, lives in Launceston with her husband Ryan and their blended family of 8 children. They were previously strangers but connected thanks to a Facebook post he did explaining his situation, which got shared widely. His egg donor, Vanessa, is a friend from primary school. Audrey, the daughter of Vanessa and Kate, born a few months before Mason, is a genetic sibling and will know each other as cousins. Joel's journey was a long one - including a move from WA back to his home state of Tasmania, and also connections with other surrogates that didn't work out.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-133-joel-gay-dad/
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Jess and husband Ryan live with their blended family of 8 children in Launceston, Tasmania. She birthed a little boy, Mason, as a surrogate in February 2025. Jess met dad, Joel, through a facebook post and reached out to offer to be his surrogate. Joel is a single dad and has moved from WA back to Tasmania to navigate surrogacy. Jess has also been an egg donor, having donated to two families with plans for more!
An ABC article and video documenting Joel’s journey to fatherhood.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-132-jess-surrogate
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Kelsey and her husband Aaron, became parents to their daughter, Charlotte, in March 2024. Charlotte was carried by their surrogate whom they had jointly known for 20 years. It worked first embryo transfer after 14 attempts in Kelsey. Charlotte was first to be born under the NT Surrogacy Act 2022.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-131-kelsey-straight-mum
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
We hear from 3 dads through surrogacy today - all who are part of a same sex male couple.
Check out the full episode show notes:
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-130-how-do-you-decide-which-sperm-to-use
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Beth, a mum of 2 boys, has birthed two children as a surrogate for dads Tyson and Dan - they were initially strangers and all live in Melbourne. She birthed their daughter London in December 2021 and son River in November 2024. They have been a SASS supported, self matched team for their 2 journeys and Beth and Dan have been Mentors with SASS helping many other who are at the beginning of their journeys.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-129-beth-surrogate
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Beth birthed as a surrogate in Melbourne, VIC in December 2021 for a couple who were initially strangers and are now life long friends. They had a little girl, London, and her two dads are Tyson and Daniel who also live in Melbourne. Beth has been a Surrogate Mentor within SASS (Surrogacy Australia’s Support Service) and is one of the first surrogates to have been through SASS as a team, to have been paired up with a mentor for her, and then to become a mentor herself.
The next episode also features Beth, sharing her sibling journey for the dads. They had a little boy, River, in November 2024.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-128-beth-surrogate
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Monica Blizzard leads the KHQ Lawyers’ Family & Relationship Law team, and is an Accredited Family Law Specialist with the Law Institute of Victoria. With nearly 30 years of experience and 10 of that in surrogacy. Her work in this field aligns with her own family creation, due to needing IVF. This lived experience means she understands what it’s like to have limited options and a challenge to her fertility.
If you’d like to arrange your own session with Monica, you can find her on her firm’s website, KHQ Lawyers.
We hear from Monica and cover questions such as:
❤️ What are reasonable expenses that we can cover for our surrogate?
🧡 Are the Agreements enforceable for surrogacy and egg/sperm donation?
💛 Do we as IPs ever get our names on the birth certificate?
💚 Is anyone ever denied a Parentage Order?
💙 What should we look for in a surrogacy lawyer (for IPs and the surrogate)?
💜 What if the relationship breaks down among the team
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-127-monica-blizzard-lawyer
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
This series of episodes springs from my work with SASS (Surrogacy Australia’s Support Service). When Intended Parents (IPs) have completed their profile and are in the pool of IPs waiting to connect with a surrogate, I do monthly check-ins to make sure they’re still active and waiting. I like to give some guidance and support along the way because the waiting game can be hard.
This series of episodes is designed as though they are a letter to the waiting IPs.As mentioned in the episode, you can find links on our website for the SASS Monthly report and a presentation about ‘How do you find a surrogate in Australia?’
Check out the full episode show notes:
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-126-ideas-for-ips-intended-parents-in-waiting
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Dwayne and Shane became Dads to their daughter (Zara) in August 2018. Zara was carried by their surrogate (previously a stranger) Amelia who was also a Traditional surrogate for them, meaning it was her egg.
Dwayne was also one of the original Mentors with SASS and has supported many new gay Intended Dads who are at the beginning of their journey.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-125-dwayne-gay-dad
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Alex and Carlo became dads to their daughter, Elodie in December 2024. Their surrogate, Em, previously a stranger was initially their egg donor, but became their traditional surrogate (meaning it was also her egg). They all live near each other on the Sunshine Coast and are planning a sibling journey. They are also long term attendees of this webinar series, with a total of 30 and once co-hosting on one called How to Find a Surrogate. Alex and Carlo are the founding members of Australian Surrogacy and Donation which includes an annual week of education, community events, story time for kids and culminates with a Gala Awards night to celebrate individuals and industry @au.surrogacy.donation
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-124-alex-gay-dad
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Em and husband, Kurt, live in Brisbane with their 2 children and she has birthed 2 children as a surrogate, with plans for a 3rd! The first girl, Alice, was born in March 2022 in Perth for a couple who were friends of Em's mum. She then offered to be an egg donor for Alex and Carlo, but moved to being their traditional surrogate. They had a little girl, Elodie, in December 2024 with plans for a sibling. Em is also a founding member of ASD (Australian Surrogacy and Donation). @au.surrogacy.donation
The video played during the webinar can be found on the YouTube channel Australian Surrogacy and Donation and is titled A Story Of Gratitude And Appreciation — The Generosity Of One Very Special Woman.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-123-em-surrogate
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
One of the 'main' facebook groups in Australia for surrogacy is called Australian Surrogacy and Donation (ASD). It is open to Intended Parents (IPs) and surrogates who live in Australia, and who are navigating either domestic or overseas surrogacy. It is a growing group with 600+ members.
If you're looking for a one-on-one connection, SASS has a buddy system that we call the Mentor Program.
If you're looking for a smaller group, there are state based facebook groups.
❤️ @Surrogacy in South Australia
🧡 @Victorian Surrogacy Group
💛 @Sydney Surrogacy Catchups
💚 @QLD Surrogacy Community
💙 @North Queensland Surrogacy
💜 @Western Australia Surrogacy Group
💖 @Canberra Surrogacy Australia
🤎 @Tasmanian Surrogacy Group
🤍 @Surrogacy Northern Territory
Check out the full episode show notes:
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-122-where-can-i-find-support
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Hear from 3 midwives who have supported surrogacy teams
Guests: Julie, Rachel and Ashlee
PREGNANCY
* When assigned a surrogacy team, what were your initial thoughts / concerns?
* Is the schedule of appointments the same/different?
* The woman who births a child is usually also the parent - but these roles are separated in surrogacy. How do you plan for that?
* What are the emotional and physical challenges for a team during pregnancy?
BIRTH
* Logistically, a surrogacy team takes more coordination at birth - what are they?
* The hand over moment is very important for the surrogate - how to plan for that?
* What are the emotional and physical challenges for a team around the time of birth?
THE FOURTH TRIMESTER
* There’s a baby to care for and the surrogate is recovering from birth and navigating hormones - how do you support everyone in the team at this time?
* Where can tensions arise at this time?
* What changes would you like to see for surrogacy in Australia?
* How has being a surrogate influenced your work as a midwife?
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-121-surrogacy-for-midwives
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Sylva and husband Kim from Tweed heads became parents to their daughter (Delilah) in July 2024. Delilah was carried by surrogate Micaela, from Sydney, who was previously a stranger and now a lifelong friend. Sylva had previously birthed her angel baby, son Roman, in 2021 before needing a hysterectomy. This was Micaela's second time as a surrogate, and also the second surrogate for Sylva as her sister was their first surrogate but experienced pregnancy losses with 3 embryo transfers.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-120-sylva-straight-mum
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
SASS = Surrogacy Australia's Support Service. Since 2019, we are the first agency for surrogacy in Australia. We support Intended Parents (IPs) and surrogates who are looking for a match and also teams who are self matched.
Still have questions?
We have a recorded webinar to take you through the whole SASS process and a flow chart of Stage 1 and 2.
Check out the full episode show notes:
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-118-what-is-sass
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Marnie birthed as a surrogate in Sydney in August 2018 for a couple who were initially strangers and are now life long friends. They had a little girl, Sienna, whose parents are Kristy and Ben. Marnie was one of our original SASS Surrogate Mentors, has been an admin for the surrogates facebook group where together we created and ran a Buddy program for years, and she has helped many at the beginning of their journey.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-117-marnie-surrogate
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Kristy and Ben from Canberra became parents when their surrogate, and now life long friend Marnie, birthed their daughter Sienna in August 2018. Kristy was one of our original SASS Parent Mentors and has helped many IPs at the beginning of their journey.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-116-kristy-straight-mum/
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
Fraser and David, from Sydney, became dads to their son (Harry) in June 2024. Harry was carried by their surrogate Rachel who is David's sister. It was traditional surrogacy, meaning Rachel was the surrogate and egg donor. They went through IVF (as opposed to home inseminations) and were successful first go.
These podcasts were recorded as part of the free webinar series run by Surrogacy Australia. If you would like to attend one, head to our website for dates and registration links. They can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
Follow Surrogacy Australia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-115-fraser-gay-dad/
Watch this episode on youtube
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
About me:
My name is Anna McKie and I’m a part time high school senior Math teacher, single mum with two children in Adelaide, South Australia and birthed as a surrogate in September 2020 for two Dads. I’ve also been an egg donor for 3 families, and 2 of those were for surrogacy teams. I have been closely involved in the Australian surrogacy community since 2016 and am responsible for the day-to-day administration of Surrogacy Australia's Support Service (SASS).
I’m passionate about the surrogacy community (the village) and that people should be able to navigate surrogacy in Australia without being on Facebook. That was part of our motivation for creating SASS, the monthly zoom catch ups and the free webinars. Within SASS we have a Mentor program, so you can be connected with a peer to meet in person and to ask questions without fear of online judgement.
Contact…
Facebook: @surrogacyforaustralians
Instagram: @surrogacyaustralia
YouTube: @surrogacy.australia
Website: www.surrogacyaustralia.org
Email: sass@surrogacyaustralia.org
Welcome to the Village 🥰
This series of episodes springs from my work with SASS (Surrogacy Australia’s Support Service). When Intended Parents (IPs) have completed their profile and are in the pool of IPs waiting to connect with a surrogate, I do monthly check-ins to make sure they’re still active and waiting. I like to give some guidance and support along the way because the waiting game can be hard.
This series of episodes is designed as though they are a letter to the waiting IPs.
Check out the full episode show notes:
https://www.surrogacyaustralia.org/podcast/episode-114-ideas-for-ips-intended-parents-in-waiting
Looking to find a surrogate in Australia? Consider joining SASS.
Looking for an overview of surrogacy? Join us in a free, fortnightly Wednesday night webinar.
Looking to chat with other IPs and surrogates in a casual setting? Join us for a monthly Zoom catch up, one Friday of each month.
Looking to hear stories from parents through surrogacy and surrogates? Listen to our podcast series or watch episodes on our YouTube channel.
Looking for support one-on-one? Register for SASS to connect with me - your Siri for Surrogacy, or book in for a private consultation sass@surrogacyaustralia.org