I had the pleasure of chatting with Brie Powers, Co-founder and President of Heartland Surrogacy, an agency that works with intended parents from across the US and matches them with gestational carriers in the Midwest or the West Coast. Finding the perfect match and creating relationships that exceed expectations is at the heart of their mission, inspired by Brie’s own experience as a three-time surrogate and reproductive health nurse. We loved hearing from Brie about the origins of the agency, the highlights since launching in 2015, and her helpful advice for IPs considering or about to start this incredible journey.
1. What inspired you to work in the fertility industry?
I was inspired to become a surrogate while carrying my oldest daughter in 2005. Through my personal experiences as a three-time surrogate, I became passionate about surrogacy. I combined this passion with my professional experience as a nurse in reproductive health to build our agency. I knew that as an agency owner, I could help even more people achieve their dream of parenthood.
The light at the end of the tunnel…
2. We’d love to hear your story – can you share some highlights of the journey since opening in 2015?
We’ve been so fortunate in our professional journey! We have been supported and mentored by a number of other surrogacy professionals, and have built meaningful connections with many more. Joining such a strong professional community that shares the same goal of building families has been a major highlight for our agency.
3. What has been your most rewarding experience personally over your years in this work?
Every delivery has been rewarding for us. Our team comes together daily to build families, and each baby born reminds us of the privilege we have in supporting these families and in doing work that we love. The culmination of the parent’s and surrogate’s love, sacrifice, and patience…each family building journey is its own exceptional experience.
Waiting…
4. What is your advice for intended parents just beginning to consider surrogacy?
Follow your instincts. We believe the first match in a surrogacy journey is with your agency. You should feel supported even in your first interaction. If at all possible, talk to other parents—and surrogates—that share your goals for a journey so that you can get an idea of what you’re looking for in an agency. Our clients work with us for a variety of reasons – to have open communication with our team, to avoid a conflict of interest by being connected with outside providers for escrow and legal services, and to receive support throughout the entire journey, not just leading to a confirmed pregnancy.
Surrogacy is a gift from the heart!
5. Is there anything else you’d like to share about Heartland Surrogacy?
We believe all participants of a surrogacy arrangement should be guided and informed throughout the entire journey. We provide full transparency to inquiring intended parents and surrogates, even if it means they will decide to postpone their journey until they are better prepared.
Working with a team of three instead of a single case manager (or as with some agencies, a different case manager at every stage) means you will benefit from extended work hours and the security of knowing that you won’t be lost in the shuffle. The family you build is not another number to add to our figures. We will personally know you and the details of your journey.
Happy members of the Heartland Surrogacy team
Thank you, Brie, for sharing all of this and for the work you’re doing with so many IPs, who I’m sure are so grateful for Heartland Surrogacy!
Ready to start your search for a surrogacy agency? Learn more about Heartland Surrogacy and many other wonderful options, here.