Surrogacy allows those who otherwise could not carry a pregnancy, such as same-sex male couples, many queer or transgender people, and those who may have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or failed IVF cycles, to start their families. At Manchester Fertility, we work to support our patients through every step of the surrogacy journey, providing specialist care, tailored treatment packages and expert advice for intended parents.
We caught up with Olivia, our dedicated Surrogacy Co-ordinator, about her role, what she loves most about being such an important of the surrogacy process, and her top tips for all intended parents considering surrogacy.
How Did You Find Yourself at Manchester Fertility?
Before I joined the team at Manchester Fertility I worked in Reproductive Medicine at St Mary’s Hospital, as part of the NHS. At the time, I was looking to progress within my career and within the field of fertility, and luckily, a job role became available when I was ready to take that next step.
Joining Manchester Fertility ended up being an amazing choice, as I’ve had the opportunity to progress within my role and now, I get to lend my expertise to all intended parents and surrogates that contact our clinic looking for support.
Tell Us a Little More About Your Role
Not only do I get to support all intended parents and surrogates throughout their journey. I am also responsible for our reception team, making sure that every patient who walks through the door is greeted with a smile and feels at ease the moment they enter the clinic. It’s vitally important to the work we do that every patient, no matter how long they’re with us, feels supported and cared for every step of their journey.
What Is It You Love Most About Working with Intended Parents?
I love that I am able to support patients from the very start of their journey, I see every stage of the journey for both intended parents and surrogates, so it really feels like I have been a part of their journey with them, which is massively rewarding.
How Do You Support Intended Parents and Surrogates as They Go Through the Surrogacy Process?
I give intended parents and surrogates every piece of the information that I think they will need to help them understand and navigate the surrogacy journey. This includes an idea of how long treatment may take and how much the process may cost. I also take time to direct them to specialist resources to help them and explain to them that I am always available for any questions or concerns that they may have and if they just want to talk things through, I’m here for them.
What Skills Do You Have That Make You Perfect for Your Role?
I’m a people person, I love working directly with intended parents and getting to know them not just as a patient but as a person too.
As My Surrogacy Journey’s Centre of Excellence for the North West and Midlands, the dedicated surrogacy team here at Manchester Fertility are constantly striving to ensure we meet the needs of both intended parents and surrogates. As a member of our dedicated surrogacy team, it’s exciting for me to work with our partners, TwoDadsUK and My Surrogacy Journey, and take part in surrogacy events as a representative of Manchester Fertility.
What Are Your Top Tips for Someone Looking to Complete Their Family Through Surrogacy?
Research is the most important part of the surrogacy process. There are a few different treatment pathways and the process can be tailored to what is best for the intended parents, and the surrogate.
I would advise that you research all aspects of surrogacy, including the clinic you’re having treatment at, how to find a surrogate and what that involves, finding an egg donor (if this is applicable to you), and the legalities. We will always be available to offer support and answer questions when they arise, but having a basic understanding of the process will help patients make informed decisions for their care.
Meet Our Surrogacy Specialists
Olivia is one part of our dedicated surrogacy team – a selection of specialists who are experts in supporting intended parents on their journey to parenthood. Meet the rest of our specialist surrogacy team on our blog today.
Or visit our surrogacy treatment page for more information on the surrogacy process, or if you’d like to speak to a Olivia directly, call us at 0161 300 2730, and provide extension number 2738, for advice, support or to learn more about our surrogacy treatment package.
Representing Manchester Fertility and Our Surrogacy Treatment Offering
Last updated: 7th November 2023
