Surrogacy and Donor IVF Guidance for Intended Parents

Learn what surrogacy really involves, both in your country and abroad, through expert-led events and webinars, one-on-one consultations, and trusted connections.

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Surrogacy can be overwhelming

Every family-building journey is different; but intended parents often face complex hurdles:

Managing costs and timelines

Finding trustworthy providers

Navigating legal complexities

Managing documentation, travel, and logistics

Facing delays or unexpected setbacks

If you’re experiencing any of these challenges, you’re not alone. And we’re here to support and guide you.

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Who We Are

10+

Years Global Experience

100+

Educational Events

4,000+

Families Supported

Growing Families is an independent, educational organisation guiding intended parents through the complexities of surrogacy and egg donation. We provide clear, compassionate, and country-specific advice, whether you’re just starting out or navigating medical, financial, psychological or logistical challenges.

Why Growing Families?

Independent Advice

Our guidance is focused not on particular providers but on surrogate, donor and client care

Global Expertise

We understand the legal, medical, and cultural differences across countries and help you navigate cross-border donor IVF and surrogacy with confidence.

Personalised Support

Whether you’re just starting or already deep in your journey, our consultations and concierge services are tailored to your unique needs.

Community & Connection

Our events bring together intended parents, surrogates, and professionals — providing real stories, expert insights, and a supportive network.

Discover How We Help

What Our Families Say

Real stories from intended parents who’ve navigated their journeys with Growing Families by their side.

From Heartbreak to Hope:

Tamara’s Surrogacy Journey

After years of failed IVF and red tape in Australia, Tamara found renewed hope with Growing Families. With expert support and compassionate guidance, her surrogacy journey led to the birth of healthy twins — and a whole new outlook on family building.

Read the full story

Testimonials

Testimonial 4

Growing Families was pivotal in supporting our surrogacy journey. Their communication, timely responses and urgency in facilitating the movement of our most precious embryos, was nothing short of extraordinary. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to any person requiring gamete transfer from one facility to another. We would happily engage Growing Families again, should the need arise.

– Emma M.

Testimonial 5

Amazing support, communication and professionalism from Sam and his team at Growing families. We were talked and guided through every step of the process. Our twins were born healthy and Growing families made all of dreams come true. Highly recommend them to anyone.

– W. O.

Testimonial 6

I cannot overstate how much Sam helped me in my quest to have a child through surrogacy nor his contribution to the Australian surrogacy community. Choosing to have a child this way is a tremendously complex undertaking. Growing Families was there for me with support and invaluable advice every step of the way.

– Elizabeth G.

Testimonial 1

I regard contacting Sam as a first and a mandatory step in anyone considering pursuing surrogacy. He and his team went over and above through the most chaotic of circumstances for us, and for many others. Reach out to them before you do anything else.

– Alex V.

Testimonial 2

Sam has been a wealth of knowledge, connected with all the right people to bring our dreams of having a family to a reality. Thanks Sam.

– Marcus S.

Testimonial 3

Sam and the team have been a fantastic help to us with our journeys across a range of areas and we really appreciate the support they have provided.

– Heidi I.

How We Support You

From your first questions to the final steps of your family-building journey, Growing Families offers tailored services to guide and empower you every step of the way.

Personalised Consultations

One-on-one guidance tailored to your unique situation and needs.

Book a Consultation

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Global Events & Webinars

Educational sessions featuring experts, real stories, and networking opportunities.

See Upcoming Events

experts helping someone navigate a complex scenario

Tailored Concierge Support

Comprehensive assistance through complex logistical challenges.

Learn About Support

Meet Sam Everingham

Sam Everingham, a proud gay dad through surrogacy, founded Growing Families to ensure others wouldn’t have to navigate the process alone. Drawing on his personal journey and 15 years of experience globally, Sam has become a trusted advocate and educator for intended parents around the world.

Learn More About Sam

Upcoming Events & Webinars

Join us in-person or online to gain insights, ask your questions, and connect with others on the same journey. Our expert-led sessions are designed to inform and empower you — wherever you are in your journey.

Sat, 15 Nov

Brisbane, Queensland

Surrogacy & Donor Conception Conference – Brisbane 2025

Join us in Brisbane for expert guidance on international surrogacy and donor IVF options, costs, legal steps, and real-life experiences.

Sun, 16 Nov

Perth, Western Australia

Surrogacy & Donor Conception Conference – Perth 2025

Get expert advice on international surrogacy and donor IVF options at our Perth event. Compare global programs, costs, and legal requirements in one place.

Fri, 31 Oct 5:00 pm

Free Webinar

Finding Affordable Surrogacy Options

Explore cost-effective surrogacy destinations and learn how to evaluate programs with confidence.

Browse All Events & Webinars

Understanding Surrogacy

Surrogacy allows individuals and couples to have a child when carrying a pregnancy themselves isn’t an option. It typically involves a surrogate carrying the pregnancy, often with egg or sperm donation and IVF. Learn more about Surrogacy.

The Surrogacy Journey at a Glance

Surrogacy can feel overwhelming at first — but once you understand the steps, the path becomes much clearer.

Whether you’re at the very beginning or already partway through, this journey typically follows key milestones.

Use the visual guide below to understand how the process unfolds, from your first consultation to holding your baby in your arms.

Breaking Down the Surrogacy Journey

Our commitment is to help your family dreams a reality through surrogacy, egg or sperm donation.

And we fully understand that the process can be overwhelming. With so many aspects to consider, such as information gathering, vetting providers, understanding legal rights and identifying the right people to talk to, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Let us help you navigate the surrogacy process with a clear and concise breakdown of key milestones along your journey.

Growing Families step by step surrogacy journey map

International vs. Domestic Surrogacy

In some jurisdictions, surrogacy can be pursued within your own country or internationally. In others, only cross-border surrogacy is possible due to legal, cultural or financial barriers Each path comes with its own unique legal, medical, and logistical considerations.