In this episode, Jacqueline opens up about her entire journey to motherhood, from hopeful beginnings and unexpected infertility, to devastating losses, NICU stays, IVF, and eventually surrogacy. She vulnerably shares the highs, lows, and in-betweens of becoming a mom to three beautiful children and explains why there is no one “right” way to build a family.

What You’ll Learn:

• Jacqueline’s complete fertility journey from IUI to IVF to surrogacy
• The emotional and physical realities of infertility and loss
• Insight into IVF, embryo testing, surrogacy, egg/sperm donation, and more
• The differences between gestational vs. traditional surrogacy
• Why it’s okay to grieve the story you thought you’d have
• Options available to build a family when things don’t go as planned

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In this deeply compassionate episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline opens up about the emotional toll of the “waiting season” during the fertility journey. Whether you’re waiting for test results, a cycle to begin, or answers that feel impossibly out of reach, Jacqueline shares her own experiences and insights to help you feel seen and supported during this often invisible and very isolating stage. She offers grounding practices, mindset shifts, and an invitation to rest rather than constantly prepare — reminding you that this season is not wasted.

What you'll hear:

• Why the “waiting season” can feel so overwhelming — and why it’s not actually a passive phase
• Practical tools to ground yourself when everything feels out of control (daily rituals, journaling prompts, affirmations)
• The importance of reframing rest as necessary, not indulgent, while trying to conceive
• How therapy and community support can be essential tools, even if you’re “just” in the waiting

Mentioned in the Episode

• Click here to take the Fertility Path Quiz

PLAYLISTS:

• TTC + Infertility
• Miscarriage, Loss, & Grief
• When You or Your Child Are Given a Diagnosis
• Pregnancy + Postpartum
• Surrogacy
• Parenting + Self Improvement
• Top 10 Episodes of 2024

Connect with the podcast:

• Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
• Instagram: @motherhood_intended
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show!

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

Season 5 comes to a close with a heart-to-heart from host Jacqueline Baird—reflecting on the powerful stories shared, the community built, and a new chapter that’s just beginning.

In this special solo episode, Jacqueline opens up about her own fertility journey and the inspiration behind Your Fertility Village—a new support community for women navigating infertility, IVF, TTC, loss, surrogacy, or adoption.

She also shares:
💛 A look back at Season 5’s most meaningful moments
🎧 New Spotify playlists curated by topic (so you can find what you need, when you need it)
🌻 What to expect inside Your Fertility Village
📅 Season 6 will premiere August 21—with bonus episodes over the summer

If you’ve ever felt alone on your path to motherhood, this episode is for you.
👉 Join the waitlist for the Village at bit.ly/yourfertilityvillage

PLAYLISTS:

• TTC + Infertility
• Miscarriage, Loss, & Grief
• When You or Your Child Are Given a Diagnosis
• Pregnancy + Postpartum
• Surrogacy
• Parenting + Self Improvement
• Top 10 Episodes of 2024

Connect with the podcast:

• Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
• Instagram: @motherhood_intended
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show!

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In this episode, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist and AAP spokesperson, to explore what truly builds a strong foundation between parents and their newborns. From NICU realities to bonding after surrogacy, this episode is a science-meets-heart deep dive into connection, communication, and ditching the pressure to “do it all.”

What you’ll learn:

• Why bonding isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence
• How early relational health impacts brain development
• The science behind skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care
• What to know about birth plans, baby gear, and bonding expectations
• How babies communicate through crying and cooing
• The truth about sleep training, co-sleeping, and newborn needs
• Why it’s okay if love doesn’t happen “at first sight”
• How your baby benefits from your support system
• Misconceptions about newborn needs and bonding “rules”
• Why “you are enough” matters more than anything else

Questions answered in this episode:

• What happens in the brain when a baby bonds with a caregiver?
• Is it possible to bond deeply if you didn’t carry your baby?
• Does skin-to-skin actually do anything physiologically?
• What should you do if bonding doesn’t happen right away?
• Are birth plans helpful—or harmful?
• Is it okay if I’m not a “baby-wearing mom”?
• Can babies really communicate through different cries?
• What’s the science behind co-sleeping or sleep training?
• How can parents build trust and resilience in their baby?
• What do newborns really need most from us?

Connect with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie:

• Instagram: @jopargalinkiemd
• Book: The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with Your Newborn
• AAP Parent Resource: HealthyChildren.org

Connect with the podcast:

• Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
• Instagram: @motherhood_intended
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show!

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In today's episode, Jacqueline sits down with Betsy Goldbeck, a mom of four, to share the emotional and complex journey of her son Aiden, born with a serious heart defect. From an unexpected diagnosis mid-pregnancy to a traumatic birth and multiple hospital stays, Betsy opens up about life as a special needs mom, the toll it’s taken on her family, and the resilience that continues to carry them forward. This is a story of strength, advocacy, and faith—and a reminder that you’re never alone in your motherhood journey.

What you’ll learn:

• What it’s like to receive a heart defect diagnosis mid-pregnancy
• The emotional toll of hospital life, medical trauma, and postpartum recovery
• How Betsy navigated motherhood with three other kids during a NICU stay
• Advice for new moms facing medical diagnoses in pregnancy or postpartum
• The importance of self-advocacy, boundaries, and trusting your intuition
• What day-to-day life looks like with a child who has a feeding tube and developmental delays
• How her support system, including Fit4Mom and her church, carried her through
• The role of faith and perspective in walking a challenging path
• How siblings can be powerful advocates and helpers for a special needs baby
• The joys of celebrating small milestones that feel enormous

Get Connected:

• Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
• Instagram: @motherhood_intended
• Leave a review for the podcast
• Apply to be a guest on the show!

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In this episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline chats with Evonne Roman who is a single mom, entrepreneur, and the founder of Sweet Gear about the transformative journey from corporate life to creative independence. Evonne shares the deeply personal story behind her business launch, the realities of solo parenting, and how reclaiming her identity fueled her professional and personal reinvention. Whether you’re dreaming of a new path or in the thick of a tough season, this conversation will leave you inspired to take that next brave step!

What you’ll learn:

• What inspired Evonne to leave corporate life and start her business
• How she balances solo motherhood with entrepreneurship
• The role of intuition, timing, and resilience in navigating career shifts
• What it takes to build a business from scratch as a single mom
• Why networking and real-life connections matter as much as online growth
• How she structures her day for both flexibility and focus
• The importance of accepting help and prioritizing self-care
• Tools and routines that help her stay grounded and productive
• The mental health impact of entrepreneurship after personal hardship
• Encouragement for moms thinking about making a career change

Connect with Evonne Roman:

• Sweet Shop Gear
• Instagram: @sweetgearshop
• Mailing List: Sign up via her shop for 15% off your first order!

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In today's episode, Jacqueline has a conversation with Sarah Trott—tech executive, mom of three, and creator of the Fourth Trimester Podcast—to explore the crucial yet often overlooked postpartum period. They dive deep into how technology can compliment, not replace, the support new parents need, and Sarah shares the inspiration and utility behind her latest project, Hello Gaia, an AI-powered, trustworthy parenting resource tool. With warmth, candor, and a wealth of lived and learned experience, Sarah empowers moms to plan their fourth trimester with intention, resources, and confidence.

What you'll learn:

• Why creating a fourth trimester plan is just as important as a birth plan
• How technology like Hello Gaia can support postpartum parents with vetted, reliable information
• The importance of doulas, postpartum care, and trustworthy support systems
• Practical postpartum essentials to consider adding to your baby registry
• Where to find reputable parenting information online
• Why self-trust and intuition matter in your parenting journey
• How Sarah’s own experience led to the creation of Hello Gaia and her podcast
• Ways to involve your partner in postpartum planning and care
• The realities of postpartum emotional and physical recovery
• The hidden impact of maternity care deserts in the U.S.

Connect with Sarah Trott:

• Website: Fourth Trimester Podcast
• Hello Gaia: hellogaia.com
• Instagram: @fourthtrimesterpodcast

Books & Resources Mentioned:

• Book: The Power Pause by Neha Ruch
• Niha Ruch’s platform: Mother Untitled (follow on Instagram!)
• App: IRTH (Birth without the Bias)

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

In this episode of Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline celebrates a significant milestone: the first birthday of her daughter Lorelei, who was born via surrogacy. Joined by her husband Josh, the two reflect on their journey from deciding to pursue surrogacy to reaching this joyous milestone. They discuss the emotional highs and lows, the logistics and financial challenges, and the overwhelming joy of bringing Lorelei into their family. Jacqueline and Josh share valuable insights and advice for other hopeful parents considering surrogacy, emphasizing the beauty of how families can be built in diverse and incredible ways. This heartwarming episode is not just a tribute to their daughter's first trip around the sun, but also an inspiring reminder that love, resilience, and intention are at the core of every family's journey.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

01:21 Reflecting on Lorelei's First Year

03:41 Mixed Emotions on Completing Our Family

07:57 The Day Lorelei Was Born

11:03 Challenges of Parenting Three Kids

14:29 Our Path to Surrogacy

19:29 Navigating the Surrogacy Process

23:36 Financial Realities of Surrogacy

25:34 The Joy of Holding Our Baby for the First Time

27:19 Reflecting on the Surrogacy Journey

32:01 Bonding with Our Baby Through Surrogacy

40:05 Hopes and Dreams for Lorelei's Future

44:42 Advice for Hopeful Parents Considering Surrogacy

Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!

Support the show

If you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12