An OVEN to Their Dough: Lived Experiences of Surrogate Mothers
Nicarose M. Ibañeza, 1, Erish Nicole C. Joyaa, Chaztinne Kyle Patricioa, Chatlyn Mherina
D.L. Embuiedoa
a Dr.
Yanga’s Colleges Inc. - College of Health Sciences
Mc Arthur Highway, Wakas, Bocaue, Bulacan, 3017
1 ibaneznicarose143@gmail.com; 0966-536-5543
Category: Undergraduate student research
Background. Surrogacy is a procreative process where a surrogate mother gestates and
relinquishes the child to intended parents after giving birth. It is ideal for couples
experiencing infertility, as infertility affects one in every 10 Filipinos. This reproductive
issue was considered one of the main reasons for couples to consider surrogacy.
Surrogacy is one of the assisted reproductive technology practices that is still confidential
and controversial in the Philippines. Surrogacy is known but still considered taboo by
many, which creates misconceptions about the process. There are many studies that
explore the lived experiences of intended parents, but little to none have explored the
viewpoints of surrogate mothers.
Purpose. The study delves into exploring and understanding the lived experiences of
surrogate mothers. Through a qualitative lens, this research aims to uncover the
multifaceted dimensions of surrogate motherhood, shedding light on the emotional,
psychological, and social intricacies faced by these women. By acknowledging their
journey, nurses can provide more empathetic and tailored care.
Methods. Colaizzi's data analysis approach was employed by the researchers in order
to uncover the phenomena that were experienced by the surrogate mothers. The
informant selection involved purposeful sampling, specifically targeting individuals who
had prior experience as surrogates and had successfully facilitated the transfer of a child
to their intended parents. Data saturation was achieved after doing the ninth interview;
nevertheless, a few further interviews were included to confirm that the data had indeed
reached saturation. The data collection process involved the utilization of semi-structured
interviews. In order to enhance the credibility of the findings, the researchers did member
checking.
Results. This research reveals four emergent themes: 1) Oasis of Life: A Place for Her
Child, which discusses the surrogate mother's motivation to be a surrogate. 2) Vantage
Point: Surrogacy's Gestational Norm focuses on how surrogate mothers handled their
emotional experiences, 3) Embodiment of Parenthood: Three Becomes One emphasizes
the crucial role of the intended parent in the surrogate mother's life and the entire process
of surrogacy. 4) Noteworthy Contribution: Beginning of an End explains how surrogate
mothers cope with their lives after surrogacy. The findings indicate that the informants are
motivated to help struggling couples and to earn compensation as surrogates. In addition,
surrogate mothers stated that they rarely need to cope right after surrogacy, as they try
to explain that they are aware of the essence of surrogacy. Most surrogate informants are
not emotionally attached to the baby, resulting in no maternal bond between them.
Conclusion. The study finds that surrogate mothers are altruistic individuals with
personal reasons for being surrogate mothers. They bring life to intended parents, but do
not have maternal attachment to the child. Surrogacy is ideal for infertile couples seeking
a biologically related child, but it must be chosen with careful consideration for both
surrogate mothers and intended parents. Integrating the insights gained from studying
these experiences, nurses can create a more compassionate and informed healthcare
experience.
Keywords: Surrogacy, Filipina surrogates, Intended parent, nursing surrogate mothers,
phenomenology