Kristie and Ken recently welcomed their son into the world. Like many expectant couples, they spent months preparing for parenthood, attending ultrasounds, and buying baby furniture. And one thing made the birth even more special. Their son was delivered by Sierra, a gestational carrier. As a Dallas family photographer, we meet hundreds of families with unique stories. However, Kristie’s journey through infertility was eye-opening.
It was an honor to photograph their family’s experience.
Understanding Fertility Privilege
“I do not enjoy fertility privilege,” Kristie shares in her blog about the experience. She first heard the term fertility privilege at a work conference. She was surprised by the mention of a taboo topic. Meanwhile, it struck a familiar chord.
“After years of false hope, more doctors’ appointments than I can count, two miscarriages, multiple rounds of IVF and numerous other procedures, so many self-administered injections…we are expecting the birth of a son,” she writes.
Now, Kristie and Ken are parents to a healthy baby boy! She explains, “He [was] born…biologically and legally ours at birth, thanks to the miracle of modern medicine, progressive reproductive laws, and a remarkable woman who feels it is her life’s calling to help couples like my husband and me have a family.”
What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is when a woman carries and delivers a baby on behalf of someone else, according to Yale Medicine. The mother is impregnated through IVF. The process often benefits women with infertility or a medical condition. On the other hand, it can help same-sex couples become parents.
According to the CDC, only 2.5% of “assisted reproductive technology cycles” use a gestational carrier.
Kristie gives advice to other infertile parents: don’t lose gratitude. And don’t go through the experience alone. Likewise, she advises supporters:
“Please don’t ask men and women who don’t have children why they don’t.”
“If we do trust you with information, it’s welcomed for you to ask periodically how it’s going.”
Meeting All Kinds of Families as a Dallas Family Photographer
Families are formed in many different ways. In fact, our work as a Dallas family photographer leads us to families of all kinds. Kristie and Ken have finally begun the parenthood journey they dreamed of—and Sierra was able to help. In short, surrogacy doesn’t have to be a secret.
“In response to my alarmed realization that I would have no choice but to disclose to people what has been an intensely private, years-long struggle, a trusted mentor encouraged me to lean into the moment,” Kristie says. “Talking about it…will help other women know it’s ok to talk about.”