A Journey to Remember: Mackenzie and Her IPs Welcome a Baby Boy
- meriel66
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Back in October, our incredible surrogate Mackenzie and her wonderful intended parents welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world. From the very beginning, this team shared a special bond, one built on trust, communication, and genuine care for one another. Their connection only strengthened throughout the process, creating a truly meaningful journey for everyone involved.
We were so honored to support this family every step of the way. Today, we’re excited to share more about Mackenzie’s experience in her own words.
How do you feel physically and emotionally after completing your journey?
“I’m now 6 weeks postpartum and feel great both physically and emotionally. I’ll be honest—after my IPs went home, I did feel a little alone for a few days. Healing emotionally is different when you’re not physically caring for a baby. You go from growing a human for 9 months to them not being there anymore, and there are a lot of emotions that people outside of surrogacy don’t really understand.
You’re also still healing physically from delivery, yet expected to jump back into daily life. And for me, part of the loneliness came from how close my IPs and I became. We went from seeing each other almost every day from sharing dinners, spending time together for over a month, to them suddenly being across the country. That was tough at first.
But I wouldn’t change our relationship for anything. I think that’s also why I feel amazing emotionally now, because we still communicate so much, and I get to see my surro-babe so often.”
What made this journey meaningful for you?
“Everything about this journey was meaningful. My IPs are truly family to us now. I felt so supported not only by them but by their entire families as well. They are the most wonderful, caring people, and it was honestly an honor that they chose me to carry a baby for them. Getting to know them on such a personal level brought so much more depth and meaning to the entire experience.”
Can you share a favorite memory or moment that stands out?
“There are so many great memories, but one that I love telling is from delivery day. I was ready to push, and my IPs had just finished performing a smudging ceremony for all of us. The doctor walked in, smelled the air, and asked if we were smudging in the delivery room. My IPs looked around sheepishly and said ‘yes,’ thinking they might get in trouble—but the doctor thought it was the coolest thing ever and asked to be smudged too! Well…the lighter wouldn’t work.
I was 10 cm dilated, holding back from pushing, in so much pain, and all I could hear was the flick-flick-flick of a lighter that wouldn’t ignite. FINALLY it lit, they smudged the doctor, and it was go time. In that moment, hearing that lighter over and over again, I was filled with so much rage (in a funny way). Looking back, I just laugh and think, ‘Of course this happened to me.’”
What was it like to see the intended parents meet their baby for the first time?
“It was absolutely incredible. I’ll never be able to fully explain the emotions everyone experienced that day. Watching someone meet the child they have wished and waited so long for is indescribable. I loved seeing my IPs look over every little detail, from his sweet little nose, to his toes just like his dad’s, to his tiny head of hair. It was magical.”
What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
“It wasn’t really something I learned about myself, it was something I realized about my village. I have the most amazing group of people around me who supported me throughout the entire journey. My parents and grandparents coordinated watching my kids from the very beginning, form med screening, embryo transfer, appointments, and while I was in the hospital. My husband was with me every step of the way, from transfer to late-night pregnancy cravings. My friends helped watch or pick up my kids when I had last-minute appointments. And everyone in my life offered emotional support throughout the process. It truly takes a village, and I’m so grateful for mine.”
What advice would you give someone considering surrogacy for the first time?
“For anyone thinking about surrogacy, I would say this: your IP match matters. I’ve heard stories of matches that weren’t the right fit, and I believe it's important to trust your instincts. If something feels off, ask more questions or say no and wait for the right match. Be open with your coordinator about your expectations.
I felt nothing but love and support throughout my journey, and I think that’s because my IPs and I were such a great fit. Take your time during the matching phase. Ask the important questions. Think about the long-term relationship. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your IPs and communicating often and you want that relationship to feel good and natural so you can have the best experience possible.”
We are endlessly grateful for surrogates like Mackenzie, women whose generosity, strength, and heart help create families. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of the love, connection, and community that surrogacy makes possible.
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