Our Surrogacy Journey by Josh and Jack

It is our true belief that family is the greatest gift of all. A gift that comes via many different and unique paths on the road to parenthood.

It is through listening to many unique stories that we find the strength to discover our own voice and tell our own story.

DockATot will be sharing a collection of pregnancy and parenting journeys to enlighten, inspire and encourage others to find their own path to parenthood.

Josh and Jack, after reflecting on their journey, have outlines some advice and tips for other families hoping to start a family via surrogacy.

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We’re Josh and Jack and we are @the_sydney_dads.

Since our last blog post we have welcomed our precious little girl, Ari Rose Bowman-Pinnock.

Ari made her very swift entrace into the world at 6:11am on Thursday 1^st April 2021, weighing 3.48kg (7lb 11oz) and 50cm long.

Both Ari and Fee (our surrogate) are doing well following the birth. We are in awe of Fee’s sheer strength and determination during labour and birth. There are no words to express our gratitude and love towards Fee!

Throughout our surrogacy journey we have been incredibly lucky. We fell pregnant on our first embryo transfer and Fiona had a text book pregnancy and birth. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for many couples - whether they are trying to conceive naturally, through IVF or via surrogacy.

While reflecting on our journey, we have outlined some advice and tips for other couples hoping to start a family via surrogacy. Every surrogacy journey is different and we can only speak from our own experiences.

Research

Do your research and then research some more! Before starting your journney it is important to be knowledgable and well informed on all aspects of surrogacy. Research online, speak with couples who have started a family via surrogacy, speak with current or past surrogates, join the Australian Surrogacy Community Facebook Group, and most importantly - ask questions!

Communication

Like any relationship, it is crucial that your relationship with your surrogate and the dynamic within your surrogacy team is based on open, honest and transparent communication. There are many different emotions and feelings throughout a surrogacy journey and everyone involved deserves to have their feelings heard and validated.

Our communication with our surrogate Fiona has been open, honest and transparent from the beginning. We have built a strong relationship that can withstand any of the complexities or issues that this surrogacy pregnancy has thrown our way!

Financial Stability

Surrogacy is an expensive process and can have a variety of unexpected costs. Before embarking on a surrogacy journey ensure you’re financially stable and have the funds available. Will you be able to afford to support your surrogate financially if she needs to take an unexpected period of time off work during the pregnancy? Can you afford health and life insurance for your surrogate? Do you have the funds available to relocate to your surrogate for the birth?

When we started out on our journey we spoke to many different couples regarding the cost of surrogacy and there was no consistent answer. Every surrogacy journey is different - whether you embark on a journey here in Australia or overseas, there are so many variables that impact the cost of a surrogacy journey.

Career Flexibility

Before you start on your surrogacy journey, speak with your employer and determine what provisions they have in place (if they have any at all) to support employees starting a family via surrogacy.

Josh is fortunate to work for the NSW Government who have provisions in place to support the parents of children born via surrogacy, offering Josh the same leave entitlements as a woman taking maternity leave to birth and care for a child.

When starting out on a surrogacy journey, it can be isolating and overwhelming for some. Although it might seem like you’re going through this process alone, there are many couples out there embarking on a surrogacy journey too!

Should you have any questions or are in need of a welcoming ear to talk to about all things surrogacy, you can email us via thesydneydads@gmail.com or on Instagram @the_sydney_dads.

In our next blog post we will share Ari’s birth story and our life as new parents so far!

Thank you for following along with our journey!

Josh, Jack & Ari x

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Josh and Jack chose the beautiful 'Painted Spots' DockATot Deluxe+ for baby Ari Bowman-Pinnock. 

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Simplifying life for new parents, DockATot is your extra set of hands.

The multi-functional DockATot is the perfect place for your baby to lounge, play, rest, cuddle, and enjoy  tummy time. The DockATot is here for you no matter where the day takes you! Created to mimic the womb and voted as a must-have baby product, parents and babies around the world love DockATot.

From parents who know:

"Life saver! No matter if we are home or out and about, we always take our DockATot with us. So easy for on the go and also easy to clean." - Alexia D.

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