In the first part of Savannah’s story, she shared the inspiration behind her decision to become a gestational carrier, her matching process, and what it was like preparing to carry a baby for another family. Now, she opens up about the second half of her journey.
In this article:
- The Next Chapter: Embryo Transfer to Birth
- Embryo Transfer Day
- The Joy of a Positive Pregnancy Test
- Staying Connected Through the Pregnancy
- Delivery Day: A Moment She’ll Never Forget
- Life After Surrogacy
- Understanding the Surrogacy Process
- What to Expect During a Surrogate Pregnancy
- Final Reflections
- Every Story Matters
In the first part of Savannah’s story, she shared what inspired her to become a gestational surrogate — from witnessing loved ones struggle with infertility to her deep desire to help another family experience the joy of parenthood.
As a mom of two and a long-time team member at Illume Fertility, Savannah brought a uniquely compassionate and informed perspective to the process. She walked readers through the initial research, emotional decision-making, thorough screening, and the heartwarming moment when she met the intended parents she’d soon carry for.
In Part 2, Savannah shares the rest of her experience as a surrogate.
As embryo transfer day approached, Savannah felt a mix of nerves and excitement.
Surrounded by her husband and the intended parents (IPs), she felt deeply supported — which helped transform the day into one of joy and connection.
“The sun was out, the weather was amazing,” she recalls. “We went out for lunch afterward and even wore matching shirts! It was a great day.”
The transfer itself went smoothly. Savannah was joined by the intended mother in the procedure room at their clinic, where a warm and friendly OR nurse helped ease their nerves by chatting with them throughout the process.
“She made us feel safe and in good hands,” Savannah says.
Inside the procedure room, Savannah was surprised by how many people were present. One assistant explained the sonogram image in real time, while a doctor confirmed the exact embryo that would be transferred.
“I asked if the intended mother could have a sonogram image from the big moment — because why not?!” she laughs. Afterward, the two women continued chatting, took a celebratory photo, and reflected on how far they had come.
When Savannah found out the transfer had been successful, the emotions were instant and overwhelming.
She and the intended parents exchanged excited messages filled with hope, gratitude, and a healthy dose of cautious optimism. “We immediately started making plans for the summer to hang out and do things together,” she shares.
Thankfully, Savannah had a very smooth pregnancy. There was no morning sickness or unusual cravings — just the usual fatigue, hunger, and constant trips to the bathroom.
The only surprising difference? “I felt HUGE,” she says. “Even the intended mom and her friends thought I might be carrying twins. But nope — just one baby!”
Throughout the pregnancy, Savannah maintained a strong and supportive relationship with the intended parents. They checked in weekly, planned fun activities together — including backyard parties and camping trips — and continued building the bond that had begun during their matching phase.
The intended mother was involved every step of the way, attending each pregnancy ultrasound in person and FaceTiming during OB visits when she couldn’t be physically present. “She was a part of the whole journey,” Savannah says. “It was really special.”
Though it took Savannah's family a little longer to fully embrace her decision to become a surrogate, they eventually came around. Her friends and coworkers at Illume Fertility were supportive from day one — always checking in and expressing curiosity about how she was doing.
On delivery day, "I was excited for the IPs, more than anything," Savannah says. "Then it hit me — okay, I’m done now. 'Baby, come on out!'"
Savannah was induced and fully prepared for labor — or so she thought. As the contractions intensified, she opted for an epidural, but it didn’t fully 'take' on the left side of her body.
"I was in so much pain, and needed my husband directly by my side for support," Savannah says. "The IPs were sympathetic, sweet, and attentive the entire time, even during the most difficult parts of labor and delivery. They did not shy away or disassociate themselves at all – I was so grateful for them – and my husband, of course!"
Eventually, the anesthesiologist returned and helped get her pain under control.
After just 20–30 minutes of pushing, a healthy baby girl was born at 2:30 PM, weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces.
The intended parents were present for the entire birth, witnessing the emotional moment their daughter entered the world. “When she was born, she reached her little arms out for her mama, like she knew,” Savannah says. “The intended mother and I looked at each other and she teared up.”
The intended father kissed Savannah’s forehead after cutting the baby's umbilical cord — a moment symbolizing the deep gratitude and connection between the two families.
Immediately after delivery, Savannah felt a rush of relief and joy. While the emotions surrounding the birth experience stayed with her for a while, she notes that she didn’t feel the same kind of bond with the baby as she did with her own two children.
“Saying goodbye wasn’t hard,” she recalls. “I just couldn’t wait to get home to my own babies and rest.”
Instead of a maternal bond, Savannah describes her connection to the baby and intended parents as something different — more like a lasting connection. “They have a special place in my heart, always. I’d love to keep them as part of my chosen family.”
Recovery went well, both physically and emotionally. Within a week, Savannah was up and walking around — even taking a road trip to Florida shortly after giving birth.
Since the birth, Savannah has stayed in touch with the intended parents. They check in monthly, share baby updates through Instagram and over text threads, and are even planning some summer get-togethers.
“Seeing photos of their baby girl makes me feel so proud and happy for them — they’re so deserving,” she says.
When asked about the most rewarding part of the journey, Savannah doesn't hesitate: “The delivery, for sure. Seeing that family a bit brighter and happier and full of so much joy — it was beautiful.”
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Surrogacy is a team effort — not just emotionally, but legally and logistically, too.
Savannah worked with an experienced surrogacy team that helped guide her through each step, ensuring both she and the intended parents felt confident and supported. Prior to the embryo transfer, a legal contract was created and signed by both parties with the help of independent legal counsel.
The agreement covered everything from compensation and medical decisions to expectations around communication and involvement during the pregnancy. “Having that contract in place gave me peace of mind,” Savannah says. “It made everything feel clear and protected everyone involved.”
From the intended parents' perspective, ensuring legal parentage is a critical step.
Depending on the state, this may involve a pre- or post-birth order to declare legal parenthood. For Savannah’s intended parents, this process was handled well in advance of the birth to ensure a smooth transition when their baby girl arrived.
On the logistical side, Savannah and her intended parents coordinated doctor visits, planned for the birth, and maintained open communication to ensure everyone was on the same page. “There were a lot of moving parts, but we worked as a team the whole way through,” she shares.
For those considering surrogacy — either as a gestational carrier (GC) or an intended parent (IP) — understanding the process can help ease anxieties and clarify expectations.
While every journey will be unique and vary slightly, here’s a step-by-step overview of what a typical surrogacy journey entails:
Before any medical steps begin, prospective surrogates must undergo comprehensive screening to ensure they are medically and psychologically fit, including:
Intended parents are also carefully evaluated for medical readiness, emotional preparedness, and commitment to the process.
Once approved, both parties are matched through a process that considers shared values, communication styles, personality compatibility, and expectations about the journey. This is where the foundation of trust begins to take shape.
Each party retains independent legal counsel to draft a surrogacy contract that protects the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved. This agreement typically covers:
The legal contract must be finalized and signed before moving forward with any medical procedures.
Once legal clearance is received, the medical phase begins. The gestational carrier undergoes a series of hormone treatments to prepare her uterus for embryo transfer — typically using the intended parents’ embryo (created via IVF).
The transfer takes place at a fertility clinic and is a quick, painless procedure.
Roughly 9–12 days after the embryo transfer, a beta hCG blood test is performed to confirm pregnancy. If the transfer has been successful, the surrogate will continue hormonal support until the fertility clinic gives her the green light to “graduate” to a regular OB/GYN.
Throughout the pregnancy, the gestational carrier attends regular OB visits and ultrasounds to check on the baby. The level of involvement from intended parents varies depending on the agreement and distance, but will often include:
Clear and ongoing communication is key to maintaining a strong, respectful relationship.
As the due date approaches, a birth plan is created in collaboration with the surrogate, intended parents, and the delivery hospital. This plan outlines:
In most cases, the intended parents are present for the birth and meet their child immediately after delivery.
After delivery, the baby goes home with their parents, and the gestational carrier begins her recovery with support from her own family and care team. Surrogates often describe this time as joyful and emotional, as they see the profound impact their role has had on a growing family.
Continued emotional support and rest are essential during this period. The relationship between the surrogate and intended parents may continue in the form of updates, photos, or even future visits — depending on what was mutually agreed upon.
Every surrogacy journey is unique, but with open communication, legal safeguards, and a strong support system, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved.
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While Savannah’s experience as a surrogate was overwhelmingly positive, she does wish more people understood how the journey impacts the surrogate’s own family. “It’s hard to put into words,” she says. “But the emotional side — both good and bad — affects everyone involved.”
Would she do it again? For the same family, absolutely. For someone new, she’s still deciding.
“I’d love to, but I definitely need more time to think about it and talk it through with my family. Their opinions matter — they’re so much a part of this whole deal.”
We’re so thankful to Savannah—and to the intended parents she carried for—for allowing us a glimpse into their incredible surrogacy journey. Her compassion, honesty, and strength remind us that no two paths to parenthood are alike, and that every story has the power to inspire hope.
Together, we can all light the way for those still navigating the challenges of infertility and family building—one powerful story at a time.
Additional Resources
If you're looking for support or want to learn more:
- Explore our Patient Story Library for hope and inspiration
- Visit our NIAW Resource Hub to find support or get involved in advocacy efforts
- Join Illume for an upcoming community event or educational workshop
- Watch our Ask Monica Q&A Series for expert insights on fertility