Shining Light Baby, 10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 400, Schaumburg, IL (2026)

02/02/2026

This Black History Month, we honor the Black leaders, advocates, and pioneers whose work continues to shape reproductive healthcare, fertility access, and family building today.

✨Henrietta Lacks
In 1951, Henrietta Lacks’ cells—taken without her knowledge or consent—became the first immortal human cell line (HeLa cells). Her cells revolutionized medical research, leading to advances in fertility treatments, IVF, cancer care, and countless other areas of medicine. Her legacy continues to highlight the importance of ethical medical practices, informed consent, and patient rights in all aspects of healthcare.

✨Dr. Yvette Fay Francis-McBarnette
As one of the first Black women to graduate from Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Francis-McBarnette became a pioneering physician in sickle cell research in the 1950s and 1960s. Her work laid the foundation for modern genetic testing, which is now a critical part of fertility and surrogacy journeys, helping families plan and make informed decisions.

✨Dr. Jocelyn Elders
Appointed as the first Black U.S. Surgeon General in 1993, Dr. Elders advocated for comprehensive healthcare access, including fertility treatments and reproductive health education. Her outspoken leadership challenged stigma, promoted honest conversations, and pushed for improved health outcomes for all communities.

✨Loretta Ross
In the late 1990s, Loretta Ross co-founded SisterSong, a collective dedicated to advancing Reproductive Justice and advocating for the reproductive rights of marginalized communities. Her ongoing work ensures that access to surrogacy, fertility care, and reproductive support is seen as a matter of justice, dignity, and equity for all families.

At Shining Light Baby, we honor these trailblazers whose legacies continue to shape the future of reproductive healthcare and family building. Their courage, advocacy, and innovation have made a lasting impact, helping pave the way for a more ethical, inclusive, and compassionate path to parenthood.

01/30/2026

Congratulations to Surrogate Rykia and intended parent “J” on their positive beta! We couldn’t be happier to share this big news.

Sending all our best wishes for a smooth, healthy journey ahead.

Help us cheer on Rykia and “J” as they move forward together! 💕

01/29/2026

For many women, the idea of surrogacy begins with a simple, heartfelt thought:

My family is complete — but I can help make another family’s beginning possible.

Many women who become gestational carriers say they weren’t “done” with pregnancy, even if their own family felt complete. Surrogacy allows you to use your experience to create life-changing possibilities for another family, often for people who have waited and hoped for years.

Becoming a surrogate is about more than giving birth. It’s about giving hope. It’s about standing with intended parents—often during their most vulnerable moments—and making it possible for them to grow their family.

If you’re curious about surrogacy, know that it starts with a willingness to help, a supportive team, and a heart for others. Every journey is unique, but the impact is always profound.

01/28/2026

If you’re wondering how to talk with your kids about being a surrogate, you might find it’s simpler than expected.

Children are often open-minded and accept things just as they are. Sometimes, their reactions and questions are the easiest part of the journey!

When it’s time to share your surrogacy experience with your children, remember these tips:

✅ Use clear, simple language

✅ Highlight kindness and the joy of helping another family

✅ Let them know the baby will go home with their own parents

✅ Answer any questions honestly, but keep it age-appropriate

Even very young kids understand caring for others and the happiness that comes from giving. Sharing your surrogacy story with them can be a beautiful reminder of what love and family truly mean.

01/27/2026

World Breast Pumping Day was created to recognize the time, effort, and responsibility that goes into pumping breast milk. For many gestational carriers, the commitment to give continues even after delivery.

Some carriers choose to pump and ship breast milk directly to the intended parents, with plans discussed early on in the journey.

Sometimes shipping isn’t logistically possible, or intended parents choose not to receive breast milk. In those cases, some gestational carriers decide to pump and donate to a milk bank instead.

And for many gestational carriers, pumping simply isn’t the right fit. That choice is always respected.

Breast milk options after delivery look different for every gestational carrier - and every choice is valid. 🤍

01/26/2026

Getting ready to sign your surrogacy contract?

Before you sign, make sure you’re crystal clear on these key points:

❓ What is my total base compensation, and are there any additional or variable payments?
❓ Which expenses will be fully reimbursed, and how do I submit requests?
❓ How and when will I receive each payment?
❓ Who holds and disburses funds? (hint: it should be a third-party escrow agent)
❓ What happens if the journey ends early or there are unexpected complications?

Don’t ever feel shy about asking your agency, coordinator, or attorney to break it all down for you.

This is your journey, and understanding every detail is the best way to protect yourself.

01/23/2026

Is my surrogacy compensation taxable? 🤔

We get this question a lot, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. The IRS hasn’t issued clear guidance on whether surrogacy payments count as taxable income. Most agencies won’t send a 1099 for compensation, and some attorneys believe these payments might be non-taxable as “pain and suffering.” Still, other professionals recommend playing it safe and reporting the income just in case.

Because there’s no universal rule, the best thing you can do is consult a tax professional who understands surrogacy. They’ll help you navigate current state and federal regulations, so you know exactly what’s required for your unique situation.

No matter what, keep detailed records of every payment and reimbursement during your journey. Good planning helps you make the most of your compensation—whether you’re saving, investing, or treating yourself to something special.

When in doubt, ask an expert. Your peace of mind is worth it!

01/22/2026

We're lighting the way to new possibilities!

Vicky and Amber from Shining Light Baby had a wonderful visit with the team at Wisconsin Fertility Institute. We’re grateful for the chance to build strong partnerships that help us support intended parents and surrogates every step of the way.

Thank you to the team at Wisconsin Fertility Institute for welcoming us and helping us light the way for families together!

01/21/2026

Are surrogacy expenses HSA or FSA eligible?

The IRS only allows HSA or FSA funds to be used for the medical care of the account holder, their spouse, or their tax dependents. This means that the medical expenses must be for you, your spouse, or your legal dependent—not your gestational carrier.

Expenses that may qualify for HSA or FSA reimbursement:

✅ Medical procedures performed on the intended parent, like egg or s***m retrieval
✅ IVF procedures when the intended parent is the patient
✅ Fertility medications and diagnostic testing for the intended parent

Expenses that do NOT qualify:

❌ Any medical care for the gestational carrier, such as prenatal visits and delivery
❌ Compensation or payments to the gestational carrier
❌ Agency fees and legal fees
❌ Travel, lodging, or related costs for the gestational carrier

Bottom line: If the service or procedure is performed on your gestational carrier, you cannot pay for it using your HSA or FSA, because she is not your spouse or tax-dependent.

Surrogacy laws and tax rules are complicated and can change, so always seek guidance from a qualified professional who knows your situation and your state’s regulations.

01/20/2026

Thinking about surrogacy but not sure where to start?

The lists of requirements and legal steps can feel overwhelming at first. We get it, because we’ve been in your shoes. Our team has navigated the appointments, the contracts, and the delivery rooms ourselves.

Whether you’re wondering if you qualify, want to know about compensation, or just need honest answers about the process, our team is ready to help.

Reach out today for a chat with one of our intake specialists and get the answers you need from the people who’ve actually walked the path.

Start the conversation today at ShiningLightBaby.com!

01/19/2026

❓What happens if there are complications during the pregnancy?

This is one of the most important topics we discuss early on in the matching process. Before moving forward, surrogates and intended parents talk through what-ifs and make sure everyone understands the plan if complications arise.

If something unexpected happens, your health and safety come first—always. You’ll be supported by your OB and care team, with legal protections and insurance in place to cover medical needs. Intended parents are kept in the loop, but all medical decisions are made with your well-being as the top priority.

If complications affect the baby, the intended parents work closely with the medical team to make decisions about the baby’s care. These situations are emotional and complex, but no one faces them alone. Everyone involved is supported with clear communication and guidance every step of the way.

01/16/2026

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time to share knowledge, support families, and focus on prevention.

For families using IVF and surrogacy, Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a powerful tool that can help reduce the risk of certain birth defects. The goal of genetic testing is not to find “perfect” embryos, it’s to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

By identifying embryos with the correct number of chromosomes or free from specific genetic disorders, PGT can help determine which embryos have the best chance of healthy development.

As you consider whether genetic testing is right for your journey, here are a few helpful questions to ask your fertility team:

❓Is genetic testing required by the clinic?
❓What type of testing do you recommend for us?
❓What are the risks or limitations of the tests?
❓How will the results be explained and used in our treatment plan?
❓Is genetic counseling available if we need more guidance?

Genetic testing can be a helpful tool in supporting a healthy pregnancy through surrogacy. While it’s not required for every family, it can offer peace of mind and help you make more informed decisions along the way.

Shining Light Baby

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