I didn’t work during my surrogacy journey, but under UK law, surrogates have the same protection as all pregnant people — 52 weeks’ maternity leave and to return to their job afterwards.

When researching agencies to go with, Brilliant Beginnings stood out because they match their surrogates and intended parents based on personality profiling. They ensure you’re aligned on all the key issues throughout the journey, and also look into things you have in common, such as hobbies and interests, so you can have conversations that aren’t just about surrogacy.

I matched with my first couple in August 2015 after a six-month screening process and did four embryo transfers with them, which were, unfortunately, all unsuccessful. The couple had used up all their embryos at that point and decided they didn’t want to use donor eggs, so chose to end their surrogacy journey.

I’d made really good friends with my first couple – we’re still in touch now – and I was unsure whether it was possible to have a second match that was as good as the first. However, I matched with a second couple in February 2017 and began treatment in April. The treatment worked the first time and I gave birth to a little girl at the end of February 2018. She’ll be five at the end of the month.

“I’m a surrogate who helps women like Lily Collins become parents – this is what I want you to know about the process”