When you think of resilience, you might picture an athlete, a survivor, or an innovator. But in our podcast episode “The Unexpected and the Unbreakable,” resilience comes in the form of Claire: a woman who twice became a gestational carrier, giving life not for herself, but for others. Her story is one of strength, vulnerability, and deep humanity.
The First Journey: Stepping Into the Unknown
Claire never expected that surrogacy would be part of her life. But when the opportunity came, she embraced it. Her first journey into surrogacy was filled with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and uncertainty. She spoke candidly about the initial fears: how would it feel to carry a child that wasn’t hers? How would her own family respond? What emotional challenges lay ahead?
“Surrogacy isn’t just a medical or logistical arrangement—it’s a profoundly human experience.”
The answers didn’t come quickly. Instead, they unfolded slowly through unexpected moments. From the first prenatal milestones to the quiet, intimate moments when she felt the baby kick, Claire learned that surrogacy is filled with meaning beyond what she imagined.
The Second Journey: Familiar Yet Different
While her first experience prepared her for much, Claire found her second surrogacy to be uniquely challenging and rewarding. No two pregnancies are alike, and the emotional landscape of her second journey was distinct. She reflected on how her perspective had grown, how she could anticipate some of the challenges, yet still be surprised by new emotional twists.
“Strength isn’t about avoiding difficulty—it’s about moving through it with grace and courage.”
This second experience deepened her resilience. Each journey carried its own beauty, its own heartbreak, and its own triumphs.
Emotional Highs and Lows
Perhaps the most moving part of Claire’s story is her willingness to open up about the emotional rollercoaster of surrogacy. She described the delicate balance of attachment and boundaries—bonding deeply with the life she carried, while knowing she would eventually let go. She spoke about the bittersweet moment of saying goodbye after birth: a moment of pride, surrender, and profound love.
“It’s a delicate balance—loving deeply, while knowing you’ll eventually have to let go.”
Her honesty gives listeners a rare window into the complex emotions behind surrogacy, emotions that are often misunderstood or oversimplified.
Breaking the Stigma
Beyond her personal journey, Claire emphasized the importance of awareness and empathy. Surrogacy remains a topic clouded by stigma, misinformation, and judgment. By sharing her story, she not only humanizes the process but also advocates for more open and informed conversations.
“Transform stigma into understanding.”
Her courage in speaking out makes her experience not just a personal journey, but a gift to others walking a similar path.
Why Claire’s Story Matters
Claire’s dual surrogacy story is rare, but its impact is universal. It’s a reminder that resilience takes many forms. That strength doesn’t mean unfeeling—it means showing up, loving deeply, and letting go when the time comes. And that, sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys are the ones we take on behalf of others.
“The unexpected can test us, but it also reveals the unbreakable within us.”
Claire’s story teaches us that the unexpected can test us, but it can also reveal the unbreakable within us. Whether you’re considering surrogacy, curious about it, or simply in need of an inspiring story about courage and compassion, Claire’s journey is a testament to what it means to carry life—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, too.
Listen to the full episode.
—
Interested in learning more? Follow @createahappyfamily on Instagram and TikTok to hear more of Claire’s story and her courageous step into a third journey in our upcoming social docuseries.
