In this powerful and eye-opening episode of the EmpowerMoms Podcast, Alex and Chauntelle sit down with Ariel from Carried With Love, a fertility counsellor and surrogacy advocate whose work supports individuals and families navigating some of the most emotional chapters of their lives.
Ariel shares her personal path into surrogacy, the realities of infertility, and the deep need for better resources, education, and mental-health support in women’s health. Together, they unpack the emotional layers of fertility journeys — from grief and loss to hope, resilience, and the importance of feeling seen and supported.
The conversation also explores the financial complexities of surrogacy, the role of therapy in building a strong foundation, and how social media has changed the landscape of fertility awareness. This episode is gentle, grounding, and full of clarity for anyone touched by infertility, surrogacy, or reproductive health.
Key Takeaways
✅ Ariel’s surrogacy journey began with a genuine desire to help and support others.
✅ Infertility is common — yet still widely misunderstood and rarely talked about openly.
✅ Social media has become a vital tool for education, connection, and advocacy in fertility spaces.
✅ Virtual counselling filled a major gap during the pandemic and remains essential today.
✅ Grief and loss in surrogacy require specialized emotional support for both surrogates and intended parents.
✅ Therapy shouldn’t be reactive — proactive mental-health care creates a stronger foundation for the entire journey.
✅ Financial planning is an important (and often overwhelming) part of surrogacy that families need support navigating.
✅ Education and empowerment help intended parents make confident, informed decisions throughout the process.
✨🤍 Interested in learning more about becoming a surrogate or needing some support? Explore Ariel’s support services:
Carried With Love Website or 📲 Follow Ariel on Instagram: @carried.with.love
🎧 Connect with your hosts: @realtoralexward | @chauntellemolfeserealtor
