My name is Carla, I am Dutch and my partner, Michael, is from New Zealand. We lived in London for 5 years, and are now happily engaged and living in Australia. Amy asked if I would write about my experience working with West Coast Surrogacy; I would do everything for Amy and just like to say to you: 'you hit the jackpot'. Obviously I do not know your life story but I can tell you mine and I hope this would help you in making decisions regarding picking your surrogate agency.
In London I found out that I should not carry my own kids because of a heart condition. I was devastated as we all are when we find out. However, the hospital in London has been fantastic and introduced us to the option of a surrogate. I got used to the idea and when we moved to Australia I contacted the local IVF centre to get started. It was hard, as they are very relaxed in Australia and I wanted children. Better yesterday then today. Most of the visits to the IVF Doctor ended up in tears. It was just not going fast enough, did not get the answers I wanted and to make it short 'from December 2007 until June 2008 were pretty frustrating. We did one egg retreival in Australia and got 2 frozen embryos. Finally our doctor contacted an IVF doctor in Los Angeles, Dr. Ringler.
When I spoke to Dr. Ringler the following week he gave me a couple of surrogate agencies contact information. I contacted them by email and that is where our journey changed from being a long tearful process into a happy, understanding and cheerful trip of a lifetime.
Amy called me as soon as she received my email. It did not stop her even if we are based on the other side of the world!! We talked and she was so understanding and positive...I think that day I just walked around in disbelieve. Amy is easy to talk to and knows everything from fertility details up to contracts, accounts and passports etc. She does not make you feel if you are standing alone, she has done it, been there and just understands. I was so happy that day and still am. Since that day we have been emailing back and forwards. She emailed me profiles from surrogates and my eye fell on Jackie! As I am Dutch I seem to be a very realistic person, not very pink but when I saw Jackie I knew she was the one who I would feel relaxed with, the one who I could give a cuddle, have a joke with and simply feel not stressed with the complete treatment.
Amy did the match pretty good and then Amy organized everything. Me and Jackie started emailing each other. She helped us with organizing contracts and everything that we needed to do. Michael went over first to deliver his semen (this needs to be in quarantine for one month) Amy spoke with the centre to organize all this. When Mikes plane was delayed she cancelled his hotels, organized the appointments to be re-scheduled. I did not have to do a thing, except biting my nails. LOL. Jackie, Mike and Amy went for a nice lunch, organized by Amy. Amy went with Mike to the clinic and supported him through the first exciting but scary visits.
Then after 3 month it was my turn to go to Los Angeles to do the egg retrieval and transfer. Amy and Jackie came to pick me up from the airport; I was so excited. It was if meeting some old friends and it did not feel uncomfortable for even a minute!! We went to my hotel and when that seem to be completely in a wrong area. Amy did not let me stay there and organized another hotel for me. She did not make a fuss, she just does it! We had a lovely afternoon together. On the Saturday we went to the horse races with her family which was so cool. I had the winning horses (sorry just had to mention that).
And to keep it short (I am really trying but there is so much to tell) Amy supported me for two weeks. She organized my appointments, took phone messages for me as I did not have a phone. She did it all. She stayed with me in the hotel when I had my egg retrieval, After the egg retrieval I was a bit disappointed in myself as I only had 5 eggs. After 3 days we had 3 beautiful embryos.
On Tuesday Amy and Jackie came to pick me up from the hotel and we were having the transfer done at 10.30 am. Jackie already took her valium in the car and we had such a good time. Again Amy was there with us and gave Jackie and me an angel coin. I still have that coin and carry it with me all the time...
Amy did such a great effort it was hard to say goodbye and go back home. I was in LA for over 2 weeks but it flew by. However, now we still email like three times a week. Just a little chat, just a little hello, and we discuss some 'jackie' details about morning sickness because WE ARE PREGNANT...WE ARE HAVING TWINS.
Poor Jackie has been really sick but she is doing fantastic.
I got to know them both, Jackie and Amy will stay in my life forever! I cannot wait to go back to LA as I so want to see them again. Jackie is so special for me, it is hard to describe, I am very happy Amy introduced us.
Instead of having this period in my life as dramatic and negative it is now a privilege and enjoyment thanks to Amy and of course Jackie! I was right about the embryos being fighters as Jackie has found out. Hopefully the morning sickness goes down by the 10-12 weeks, Amy said so, so it must be true!
Take care,
Mommy to be,
Carla
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