A Calling of the Heart: Elizabeth’s Surrogacy Journey with VSN

A Calling of the Heart: Elizabeth’s Surrogacy Journey with VSN

At Vermont Surrogacy Network, we believe every journey is rooted in connection, between surrogate and family, between intention and transformation. One of the greatest honors we have is witnessing these connections unfold in real time. Today, we’re honored to share the story of Elizabeth, a teacher, mother, and gestational carrier who brought selfless service to life in a deeply personal and powerful way.

The Seed of Intention

For Elizabeth, the idea of surrogacy began close to home.

“I have a sibling who’s always had concerns about fertility,” she shared. “And I remember telling her, ‘If you ever need it, I would carry for you.’”

That willingness to step up for family eventually blossomed into something larger. A few years later, the thought returned, this time with more clarity and conviction.

“I thought, if I’m willing to carry for my sister, why not do it for someone else who needs it?”

Backed by the unwavering support of her husband and grounded in her faith, Elizabeth answered what she described as a divine calling. “Sometimes I think we’re just called to something. That’s what it felt like. Like it was time.”

The Journey Begins

By the time she officially filled out her application with VSN, Elizabeth had settled into her teaching career, bought a home, and was ready to step into the unknown.

What she didn’t expect was how long the process could take. From application to embryo transfer, more than ten months passed. “I thought the longest part would be the match. But contracts, transfers, it all just took longer than I expected. I’m glad I planned ahead.”

Despite the wait, Elizabeth was quickly matched with a family whose warmth and kindness mirrored her own. “They never made me feel ‘less than.’ We truly felt like extended family.”

A Different Kind of Pregnancy

Though Elizabeth had carried two children of her own, this pregnancy was entirely different.

“I was sick the entire time, couldn’t brush my teeth without gagging. The heartburn was awful. She was a mover and a shaker from the start, and I told the mom, ‘She’s not going to slow down when she gets here.’”

But the physical discomfort wasn’t what stood out most.

“This pregnancy wasn’t about me. Every symptom, every movement, I was hyperaware. You feel this immense responsibility, not just physically but emotionally, to protect something that belongs to someone else.”

That heightened awareness didn’t come with pressure from the intended parents. In fact, their balanced and respectful communication became a cornerstone of their relationship.

“They checked in with genuine care. Not constantly, just enough. And when I needed something, they were there.”

A Family Experience

One of the most touching aspects of Elizabeth’s journey was the involvement of her children.

“I was worried at first. Would they understand? Would they be sad when the baby didn’t come home with us?”

Not only did her children embrace the experience, they flourished within it. Her daughter often joined her during injections, asking questions, offering quiet support, and learning firsthand about the power of empathy and sacrifice.

“My kids now understand that service isn’t just about money. It’s about doing what you can, with what you have.”

Her daughter, after holding the baby post-delivery, even asked for a baby sister—a tender, if complicated, moment that reminded Elizabeth how deeply the experience had shaped her family.

The Moment That Changed Everything

Nothing could prepare Elizabeth for the moment the baby was born.

“I had complications with the placenta. They were working on me for over an hour. But what kept me grounded, what brought me peace, was watching the mom hold her baby. That was the moment. That’s why I did it.”

Her husband, who had worried about emotional attachment, felt similarly.

“We thought it would be harder. But it wasn’t. Watching that family come together, that filled us up more than we expected.”

Teaching By Example

Elizabeth is not just a surrogate and mother, she’s a high school teacher of animal science, and her pregnancy sparked curiosity and deep conversations in the classroom.

“My students asked everything, about embryo transfers, about breastmilk, about the entire process. Especially my older kids. It opened up space for learning, compassion, and awareness.”

She was even able to tie the experience to her curriculum, comparing gestational surrogacy to surrogate mares in livestock care, building real-world context for reproductive science.

Looking Ahead

Now that the baby is safely in her parents’ arms, Elizabeth reflects on her journey with humility and pride.

“I’m proud of my body, yes. But more than that, I’m proud of what I taught my kids, what service and selflessness really look like.”

As for the future?

“I’d love to carry for my sister, if she needs me. And I’m open to doing another journey in general. But I also know how much of a toll it takes physically. So it’s something I’m holding with intention.”

Advice to Future Surrogates

For anyone considering this path, Elizabeth offers heartfelt wisdom:

“You’re going to have tough days. Let yourself feel it. Your emotions don’t take away from the gift you’re giving. Stay grounded in your ‘why.’ And don’t be afraid to attach, not to the baby, but to the family. That’s where the real bond is.”

A Final Word

Elizabeth’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when intention meets heart. Her story reminds us that surrogacy isn’t just about creating families, it’s about expanding them in every direction. At VSN, we’re deeply honored to walk alongside people like Elizabeth, people who embody compassion, resilience, and purpose with every step.

To learn more about becoming a surrogate or intended parent through VSN, visit https://vtsurrogacy.com or email us at info@vtsurrogacy.com.