Superhero Status: The Highs and Lows of Carrying 9 Babies as a Surrogate with Emily Westerfield

Today, Ali is talking to Emily Westerfield — a surrogate to nine babies and mom of three — who has carried a total of twelve healthy pregnancies… six boys and six girls. Emily has delivered nine babies through surrogacy, helping other families grow in the most extraordinary way. But as you’ll hear, this journey has not come without high highs, low lows, and everything in between. Ali and Emily talk about the happiest parts — including when she decided that becoming a surrogate was her calling, as well as the hardest parts — including miscarrying a surrogate pregnancy at 19 weeks — and what it actually takes, physically and emotionally, to show up again after loss, for yourself and for someone else. They also get into what surrogacy really looks like behind the scenes, why language matters — and why she never uses the term “surrogate mother.” She also talks about supporting others through her agency, Carrying Dreams Surrogacy.For more, go to https://carryingdreams.com/Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/carrying.dreams/EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PIPER & MINTPiper & Mint makes pajamas specifically for women dealing with night sweats and temperature swings — which, hi, is basically everyone in this community at some point.Their fabric is sweat-wicking, mint-infused, and designed to help keep you cooler and more comfortable so you can actually get some rest.And honestly? During infertility… we’ll take any win we can get.I'm a fan, and if you want to try them, go to PiperAndMint.com and use code INFERTILEAF for 15% offAgain, that's INFERTILEAF for 15% off at PiperAndMint.com. PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy