With offices in the UK and the US, the team at Nappy Endings Surrogacy Agency supports intended parents, with 24/7 support throughout the entire process – all inspired by their own personal journeys. Having had four surrogate babies herself, Co-Founder Rachel Westbury is acutely aware of the specific highs and lows of any surrogacy journey. Together with Co-Founder Ursula Pandoo, they offer families a personal and compassionate service. Read on to learn more about NESA, what inspired Rachel to follow this route, their efforts to raise awareness around surrogacy, and advice for intended parents about to embark on this journey.

A few of NESA’s happy families

1. What inspired you to work in the fertility industry?
I’ve always been interested and fascinated by pregnancy and fertility, and after seeing a documentary on surrogacy many years ago felt instantly it was something that I knew I wanted to do. Everyone has the right to be a parent and to be a part of helping IPs on their journey seemed the perfect thing to do, and is and always will be a huge passion of mine.

2. We’d love to hear your story – can you share some highlights of the journey since opening in 2017?
There have been so many highlights from delivering my first journey of healthy twins and seeing the parents’ faces, from being asked to go on tv to raise awareness for surrogacy. Every day helping many families and knowing they feel supported and being able to reassure them are all highs. I’ve had 4 surrogate babies and every one of those journeys as well as opening the agency have been ultimate highs.

NESA Co-Founder Rachel Westbury works tirelessly to raise awareness around surrogacy

3. What has been your most rewarding experience personally over your years in this work?
I think the most rewarding experience was having one of the babies at home, to the most amazing couple that had previously gone through so much heartache. I will never forget their faces when the midwife handed them their gorgeous little girl. My son then came into the bedroom and said how proud he was of me straight after and that day was one of the most rewarding moments so far.

4. What is your advice for intended parents just beginning to consider surrogacy?
I definitely think it’s important to determine the journey you want, and if going through an agency finding the right fit for your needs. Always remember it’s your journey and to be as involved as you can be. The most important piece of advice is even though it’s a surrogacy journey it’s still an emotional rollercoaster, as with any fertility or pregnancy journey you can sometimes experience highs and lows but ultimately don’t be daunted. If you’ve done your research and have the correct guidance then surrogacy can be the most amazing thing ever. Trust the process.

5. Is there anything else you’d like to share about NESA?
We feel that we like to be slightly different as in giving a 24 hour service and going on every journey personally with anyone that comes to NESA. No one should ever feel scared, alone or unsupported and that’s what I’ve always prided myself on. We also ensure everyone is matched as we don’t send out profiles to surrogates, we do it the opposite way. We don’t believe it’s fair to wait to be chosen as everyone’s story is their own and not to be judged on. Lastly we are a small boutique agency therefore you will only ever get myself, Ashley and Ursula anytime you need. Personally, having experienced highs and lows of fertility, I use all my experience to help others as much as I can. It’s my passion that’s become a privilege.

Meet the NESA team

Thank you for sharing your experience with us Rachel, as well as for helping raise awareness around surrogacy paired with your support for so many intended parents who have come through your program.

Ready to start your search for a surrogacy agency? Learn more about NESA and other wonderful options, here.