Hope for couples through surrogacy

When one in six couples faces the heartache of infertility, many find hope in the loving arms of a surrogate mother.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Ashley Mareko, a remarkable surrogate mom from SurrogateFirst, who has helped bring four healthy babies into the world for families who couldn't do it on their own.

Her story is not just about the babies she’s carried, but about the love and hope she spreads along the way.

Ashley is a mother of two, who decided to share her gift of carrying babies with others.

"I’m here to love them as much as I can, keep them safe, and get them back to their parents," Ashley shares with a warm smile. "My job was just to love them, grow them, and return them back to their parents."

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In the world of surrogacy, the babies don’t share any DNA with the surrogate. Ashley puts it simply.

"I am an oven, and that is their bun. My intended mother's oven didn't work, so she asked me to bake her cake for her," explains Ashley. 

Through the wonders of science, embryos are created and then lovingly carried by surrogates like Ashley.

Ashley is passionate about the need for more surrogates, highlighting both the emotional and financial rewards.

"There are moms out there who deserve a baby, they'd be amazing moms," she says earnestly. "For every one qualified surrogate, there are ten families looking."

The ideal surrogate is between 21 and 45 years old, and while the journey can be costly, there’s help available.

"There are grants, there are scholarships. A lot of employers are now offering fertility benefits to help families grow," Ashley points out.

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One of the beautiful aspects of surrogacy is the choice to maintain a lifelong connection or part ways after birth. Ashley chooses to stay in touch with the families she’s helped.

"I love them, I care for them, but I can go home because Auntie Ashley's gonna go and rest," she laughs.

Ashley Mareko’s journey is a testament to the power of love and the incredible impact surrogacy can have on families. Her story is a call to action for those who might consider becoming a surrogate, offering hope and joy to families in need.

For more information, click here.

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