In this episode, Jacqueline shares her personal journey of anticipating the arrival of her daughter through surrogacy, emphasizing the stress and preparations involved when not physically pregnant. Jacqueline mentions listening to Amy Porterfield's podcast for inspiration and perspective on embracing uncomfortable moments for growth, touching upon her infertility struggles and the benefits of pursuing uncomfortable paths for family growth. The episode features an interview with Erin, who recounts her transition into motherhood, including challenges like birth trauma, postpartum support, and the importance of trusting one's instincts as a parent. Erin's story of moving from New Jersey to Chicagoland and seeking community in motherhood through local groups like FIT4MOM is shared. The conversation also explores the resources available for new mothers, emphasizing the need to advocate for personal needs and the importance of a supportive community in navigating the complexities of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum life.•  Join the Motherhood Intended Community•  Follow @motherhood_intended on Instagram•  Leave a review for the podcast• Apply to be a guest on the showStruggling to conceive? Download this *free* Month-by-Month Roadmap to Your Fertility Success to help you stay focused on your journey to baby.This episode is brought to you by History on the Rocks, the podcast that brings you the fascinating tales of lesser known history while you get ready for the weekend with your favorite drink in hand. Join Cody and Audrey as they uncork the stories that time forgot. From famous people like George Washington and his distillery, to pirate queens causing mayhem on the high seas, each episode is a journey through the ages with endless possibilities. Give History on the Rocks a follow on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with news about the latest episodes.00:00 Welcome to Motherhood Intended: Preparing for Baby's Arrival01:37 Finding Inspiration and Embracing Discomfort04:44 The Journey to Motherhood: Erin's Story07:34 Navigating Pregnancy: Expectations vs. Reality21:18 The Birth Experience: From Plans to Reality28:30 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Childbirth29:56 Switching Providers Mid-Pregnancy30:53 The NICU Experience: Navigating Postpartum Emotions35:47 The First Months: Parenthood Under Pressure39:05 Embracing Help and Breaking Stigmas in Motherhood50:35 Navigating Postpartum Anxiety and Finding Support52:05 Final Thoughts: Embracing the Unpredictability of ParenthoodSupport the showIf you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12