Episode 190: Navigating Surrogacy Challenges Together - Leslie & Melissa

I Want to Put a Baby in You!

With over 30 years of dedication to pilates and dance, Leslie Lopez teaches privately to clients as well as to toddlers with creative holiday themed movement classes. She is an advocate for the arts and has served as a Board member for The Wallis Performing Arts Center and the California State Summer School for the Arts.

In addition she worked for 20 years in hospitality and customer relations, working front of house for 3 star Michelin Chefs such as Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller.

She is launching her podcast Mother's in Arms this Summer 2024 which focuses on her experience as an intended parent who went through a surrogacy journey independently.

Her podcast description: An independent parent by choice, Leslie went through an isolated surrogate journey in 2020. This episode is a conversation between surrogate mother Melissa and Leslie as to the ups and downs the journey of bringing Elyse to the world.

Listen as Leslie and Melissa share with Ellen and Jenn:

• Leslie growing up being taught never to even look at a boy, trying to avoid pregnancy; then struggling with fertility in her 30s
• Getting pregnant, but then being diagnosed with a “dysfunctional” cervix and losing and burying their daughter. The first of their losses.
• Leslie’s doctor recommending the surrogacy route
• Finding infertility being especially hard in light of her family and culture, her mom was one of 11 and herself on of 5
• Struggling with grief and the unhelpful words of well-intentioned friends
• At least shopping for sperm was fun!
• Melissa having two kids of her own and feeling her family was complete, was inspired by a story she heard at a party.
• Looking for more information and diving in. She carried healthy twins for her first surrogacy, and then deciding to keep going!
• Leslie being married and matched with Melissa, but then facing a divorce
• Together facing obstacle after obstacle – ridiculous insurance issues and… COVID!
• Finding that happy ending, plus a bonus happy ending shared in the outro!

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: [phone].

Learn more about Leslie and Melissa’s Podcast on IG and TikTok: @MothersinArms.pod

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/