Two Lives Forever Changed By Surrogacy | Season 2: Episode 4

March 7, 2023

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SEASON 02: WICKED GOOD PREGNANCY | EPISODE 04

Two Lives Forever Changed By Surrogacy with Ashleigh Donahue + Emma Swartz

Welcome back listeners! We have covered such a wide variety of topics in our Wicked Good Pregnancy series, and today’s show is really special. One of our guests today actually reached out to us asking if we could shine a light on surrogacy, and of course the answer was, “yes!” We are thrilled to learn more about this family building option, and to hear from a surrogate and intended parent: two lives forever changed by surrogacy.

About Our Guest

EMMA SWARTZ is a North Shore mom who welcomed a baby boy via surrogacy in October 2022. Emma and her husband lost their first born in June of 2020 when she was 27 weeks pregnant, and she went into cardiac arrest. Her son was born while she was unconscious as medical professionals heroically fought to save her life. Emma never met her son, as she spent months in a coma and on life support. Miraculously she survived and after 100 plus days in the ICU, Emma began her healing journey. It was a long road learning how to walk again, regaining her strength and grieving the loss of her son. A year or so later she began IVF, hopeful that she and her husband could make embryos for a surrogate. After 3 rounds of IVF, Emma and her husband were able to transfer their single embryo to a superhero gestational carrier. Emma is currently a stay at home mom, but makes it her life mission to do what she can to make sure this doesn’t happen to others, as well as give hope to those who are going through their own struggles with infertility.

ASHLEIGH DONAHUE is a South Shore mama of two amazing little girls, ages 7 and 4. She works as a virtual Licensed Mental Health Therapist. She has completed two surrogacy journeys through Circle Surrogacy and is a Circle Surrogate Mentor and Ambassador.

How to Keep in Touch

Follow Ashleigh on Instagram

Follow Emma on TikTok

What is the Wicked Good Momcast?

WHO | The Wicked Good Momcast is hosted by Shannon Gibson + Meghan Block, two local moms with a heart for community and with an undeniable connection that we hope you’ll hear through our voices.

WHAT | In each episode, you’ll hear from local + national experts in various spheres relevant to parenting, local moms and business owners who you should know about, and special guests!

WHERE | You can listen wherever you listen to other podcasts! Please subscribe so you never miss an update!

WHEN | New episodes drop the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

HOW | Are you someone we should interview? Is there a topic you want to be sure we cover? Are you a local brand looking to expand your marketing efforts with Boston Moms? Email [email protected] to chat or share your thoughts – we would love to hear from you!

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