1. Acquaintance
We are Julia and Markus. We come from Baden-Württemberg in Germany. Our daughter Vika is now 14 months old.
2. The beginning of the journey
- How you learned about surrogacy as a possible option?
- How you first heard about VittoriaVita?
We spent 10 years trying all methods of having children (IVF, egg donation) until eventually surrogacy was the only option left. Then we researched online where and by whom surrogacy is offered. After deciding on Ukraine due to the circumstances at the time, we came across Vittoria Vita online.
3. Why you chose VittoriaVita
- How you found us (recommendation, internet, social networks, forum)?
- What did you like about the first contacts?
- What was the decisive factor?
The first contact was very friendly right away. All our questions were answered and our initial fears were taken away, as it was still a very big step for us. Naturally, new questions kept arising as we delved deeper into the topic. However, everything was answered patiently, promptly, and in detail. We were also speaking with other agencies and clinics at the same time. But nowhere were we supported as well during the decision-making process as with VV, which is why we ultimately chose them.
4. How the program went
- The first steps (visit, documents, meeting the manager)?
- The most emotional moments (meeting the surrogate, ultrasound, birth)?
- Support from the team?
The first visit went absolutely smoothly. We were picked up from the airport and taken to our reserved apartment. The next day, our coordinator picked us up and took us to the clinic for medical examinations. She was also always present for the notarial matters. As we also had to deal with setbacks during the program, we were in very close contact with our coordinator Ivanna, and she is truly a gem. She took excellent care of us all the way until the birth of our daughter. That was the most emotional part of our over 14-year journey, and it could not have been more beautiful. The team also supported us so well after the birth that we were able to leave Ukraine again after just 10 days with all documents, despite the war and just before Christmas.
5. Legalization phase in your country
- How the document process went?
- How long it took?
- Whether any difficulties arose and how you solved them?
With the Ukrainian documents, we were then able to obtain the birth certificates in Germany and apply for all other benefits (child allowance, parental allowance). The adoption process also went absolutely smoothly. We did not need a lawyer. Unfortunately, everything took a very long time (one year), as the authorities are very slow and in our case also had no experience with surrogacy. It pays off to be persistent and to keep pushing things forward, as this speeds up the process significantly.
6. Result
- Your feelings when you first held the child in your arms?
- How life changed after the program?
- Whether you maintain contact with the surrogate (if this was your mutual wish)?
In conclusion, all that remains to say is that we had a very long journey with many setbacks, and it would be a lie to say that we never thought about giving up or questioned whether this was the right path. Looking back, and seeing our sweet daughter, we can only say that every tear was worth it, and we strongly encourage everyone never to give up. There is simply nothing more beautiful than children. Every day is a new, exciting adventure, and although it is exhausting, it gives life a completely new and wonderful meaning. We are still in contact with our surrogate mother and write to each other regularly. We also visited her in Ukraine back then. A visit from her to us in Germany is still to come.
Translated from German