On this episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline shares a deeply personal story about the birth of her daughter via surrogacy. Detailing the steps leading up to the birth, including signing with an agency, being matched with a surrogate, and the excitement of learning the pregnancy news, she provides insights for anyone curious or embarking on a similar journey. She discusses the emotional and logistical aspects of surrogacy, such as creating a birth plan with the surrogate and preparing for changes in post-birth care decisions, like breast milk or formula. The narrative is interwoven with reflections on motherhood, adjustments to family life, and the profound gratitude towards her surrogate. Additionally, she speaks on personal challenges and light-hearted anecdotes about her appearance, family life, and preparations for the arrival of her new baby. The episode closes with a look forward to taking a summer break, focusing on family, and hinting at exciting future content for the podcast.

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• If becoming a surrogate is on your heart, click this link to learn more (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

00:00 Welcome to the Final Episode of Season Three!
00:20 The Realities of Recording with a Newborn
00:37 A Glimpse into Motherhood: No Makeup, Air-Dried Hair, and Workout Clothes
01:58 Announcing a Summer Break and What to Expect
02:59 Our Surrogacy Journey: The Birth of Our Daughter
04:25 The Birth Plan: A New Experience for Us
10:49 Reflections and Decisions Post-Delivery
14:29 Delivery Day: An Unforgettable Experience
20:54 The Arrival of Lorelei: A Joyful Beginning
21:13 Reflecting on Baby Sizes and Family Traits
22:40 First Moments with Our Newborn: Embracing Parenthood
22:55 Navigating Newborn Feeding: Trials, Triumphs, and Bottle Choices
24:50 Hospital Stay and Heading Home: Overcoming Challenges
27:27 The Journey Back: Navigating Airports and Flights with a Newborn
34:05 Warm Welcome Home and Reflecting on Surrogacy
37:09 Closing Thoughts: Embracing Different Paths to Parenthood

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

This episode features a conversation between Jacqueline, and guest Jess Hull, a former Facebook and Google executive who founded Mother Me, an app, online course, and support framework for successful women navigating postpartum. The core of the episode delves into the Mother Me Method, developed by Jess, based on the science of matrescence and incorporating global perspectives on postpartum support. Jacqueline and Jess emphasize the societal need to support mothers' well-being as substantially as the care provided to newborns, interspersing personal experiences with scientific research to underscore the pivotal role maternal health plays in both a mother and child's life. This episode also explores how the transition to parenthood affects relationships and how understanding and respecting each other's experiences can fortify marital bonds in challenging times.

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• Learn more about Mother Me
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00:00 Welcome and the Joy of Spring

01:12 Embracing the Little Things in Life

01:26 The Journey to Motherhood and Mental Health

03:18 Introducing Jess Hall and the Mother Me Method

05:28 Deep Dive into Postpartum Experiences and Support

22:38 Exploring Matrescence: The Science of Becoming a Mother

28:28 Navigating Relationship Challenges in Parenthood

29:20 Personal Stories of Parenthood and Marriage

30:54 Addressing Resentment and Finding Solutions

34:36 Embracing Different Parenting Perspectives

37:09 Top Tips for Preparing for Postpartum

39:54 Fostering Appreciation and Connection in Relationships

44:34 The Importance of Physical Touch and Care

48:27 Introducing Mother Me: A Resource for New Moms

52:29 Connecting with Mother Me for Support

54:09 Closing Thoughts on Postpartum Education and Support

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

After an unexpected hiatus, Jacqueline is back with a new episode as she joyfully shares her family's recent expansion to five as they welcomed a perfect little girl into the world! She was born happy and healthy on April 17th via their gracious surrogate. Everyone is doing well! More on her birth story to come...

In this episode, Jacqueline chats with Jodi, a fellow preemie mom, on how to manage when birth stories deviate from expectations. Jodi's journey with her daughter's premature birth at 28 weeks, the subsequent NICU stay, and the emotional aftermath is intimately detailed. Through both of their stories, this episode delves into the struggles and triumphs of navigating premature parenthood, advocating for one's children, and the importance of finding and offering support to others in similar situations.

The discussion also touches on broader themes of motherhood, infertility, surrogacy, and reframing mindsets to cope with unexpected life events. The conversation is not only a source of comfort and camaraderie for those with shared experiences, but also offers practical advice and highlights the critical need for extending and seeking support through networks like Jodi's initiative, FLRRiSH. Jacqueline encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection, reach out for support, and contribute to the podcast community.

• Sign up now for the Motherhood Intended Newsletter and receive FREE resources, podcast updates, fertility tips, and product recommendations every week straight to your inbox!
• Join the Motherhood Intended Community
• Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Learn more about FLRRiSH
• Connect with Jodi on Instagram

00:00 Welcome Back & Personal Updates

00:27 The Magical Journey of Surrogacy

01:48 Podcast Season Updates & Listener Support

03:12 Navigating the NICU Journey: A Conversation with Jodi

06:42 Empowerment Through Advocacy: Flrrish's Mission

11:11 The Transition Home from NICU: Challenges and Support

17:17 Reframing Parenthood After Premature Birth

19:38 Advocating for Your Child's Needs Beyond the NICU

25:11 The Power of Resilience in Premature Births

26:23 Celebrating Preemie Strength as a Superpower

28:23 Navigating Parenthood and the Importance of Mindset

29:21 Embracing Alternative Paths to Parenthood

30:10 The Impact of Positive Energy and Support

34:25 Creating Flrrish: A Journey from Personal Struggle to Helping Others

38:45 The Emo

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12