Guest: Aymar Santana Rios | Mother, Doula & Surrogate

Hosted by: Ana Munoz, LMT & Nicolle Maldonado, LM

Runtime: 54:09

💬 Episode Summary

In Part 2 of our conversation with Aymar Santana Rios, we dive deeper into her surrogacy journey and the relationships that make the experience so meaningful. Aymar shares what early pregnancy has been like as a surrogate, the different ways intended parents choose to be involved throughout the process, and how she helps them feel connected every step of the way.

We also explore important considerations surrounding labor, delivery, and postpartum care in a surrogacy journey, along with the emotional and practical support that has helped Aymar along the way. From navigating expectations to creating meaningful connections, this episode offers an honest look into the realities of modern surrogacy. If you're curious about becoming a surrogate, are an intended parent, or simply love hearing powerful birth stories, this conversation is full of insight, compassion, and real-life experiences.

🌟 In This Episode, We Cover:

• What early pregnancy feels like through the lens of a surrogate and how it differs from carrying her own children

• The wide range of intended parents’ involvement during pregnancy and ways surrogates can help foster connection and inclusion

• The importance of planning for labor, delivery, and postpartum in a surrogacy journey

• How Aymar’s family has supported her decision to become a surrogate and the role that support plays throughout the process

👑 Guest Bio

Aymar Santana Rios is a Puerto Rican mother, wife, doula, and surrogate living in Central Florida. Passionate about supporting families through transformative life experiences, she brings both personal and professional insight to the world of pregnancy and birth. Through sharing her surrogacy journey, Aymar hopes to educate others about the realities of the process while emphasizing the importance of emotional wellness, preparation, and support every step of the way.

📲 Connect With Aymar Santana Rios

Instagram and Tiktok: @truly.aymar

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Guest: Aymar Santana Rios | Surrogate, Doula, Wife & Mother

Hosted by: Ana Munoz, LMT

Runtime: 36:41

💬 Episode Summary

What does the surrogacy journey really look like from the first conversation to postpartum recovery? In Part 1 of this conversation, Ana sits down with surrogate and doula Aymar Santana Rios to unpack the realities of modern surrogacy. Together, they explore the financial, emotional, and practical considerations that come with carrying a child for another family, while highlighting the importance of preparation and support throughout the process.

Aymar shares her personal experiences navigating surrogacy, discusses the differences between working through an agency versus pursuing an independent arrangement, and offers valuable insight into the mental and emotional aspects that often go overlooked. Whether you're considering surrogacy, supporting someone on this journey, or simply curious about the process, this episode provides an honest and compassionate look inside the world of surrogacy.

🌟 In This Episode, We Cover

-The Surrogacy Process Explained:

A step-by-step look at how surrogacy works, including agency-based and independent surrogacy pathways.

-Financial, Pregnancy & Postpartum Considerations:

What intended parents and surrogates should understand about compensation, support systems, pregnancy care, and recovery after birth.

-The Importance of Mental Preparation

Why emotional readiness and strong support networks are essential for a positive surrogacy experience.

-Aymar's Personal Journey

Real-life stories and lessons learned from balancing motherhood, marriage, doula work, and surrogacy.

👑 Guest Bio

Aymar Santana Rios is a Puerto Rican mother, wife, doula, and surrogate living in Central Florida. Passionate about supporting families through transformative life experiences, she brings both personal and professional insight to the world of pregnancy and birth. Through sharing her surrogacy journey, Aymar hopes to educate others about the realities of the process while emphasizing the importance of emotional wellness, preparation, and support every step of the way.

📲 Connect With Aymar Santana Rios

Instagram: @truly.aymar

💖 Loved this episode?

Subscribe and leave a review! It helps this podcast reach more birthing families and providers throughout Central Florida.

Tag us on Instagram @centralflbirthpodcast and let us know your favorite takeaway from today's conversation.

Want to be featured on the podcast or suggest a future guest? Send us a DM on Instagram @centralflbirthpodcast.

Guest: Jucely Paulino

Hosted by: Ana Munoz, LMT & Nicolle Maldonado, LM

Runtime: 1:06:35

💬 Episode Summary

In this episode, Ana and Nicolle sit down with sonographer and entrepreneur Jucely Paulino to talk about the deeper impact of accessible prenatal care and compassionate support for growing families. As the founder of Babies First Glance and the soon-to-open Hope at First Glance Pregnancy Center, Jucely shares how her passion for helping parents connect with their babies has evolved into a mission to support women facing unplanned pregnancies, limited healthcare access, and uncertainty about their future.

From emotional ultrasound moments to building a safe, welcoming community for young parents, this conversation is full of hope and powerful reminders that support can truly change lives.

🌟 In This Episode, We Cover:

✨ Making ultrasounds and prenatal support more accessible for uninsured families and those without consistent healthcare access

✨ How compassionate support for young parents experiencing unplanned pregnancies can encourage healthier futures for both parent and baby

✨ The emotional power of seeing and bonding with your baby before birth and why those moments matter deeply

✨ Jucely’s journey from sonographer to business owner and now founder of a pregnancy resource center focused on support and community

👑 Guest Bio

Jucely Paulino is an OB/GYN Sonographer with 14 years of experience and a proud mom of three whose passion for maternal care comes straight from the heart. For the past six years, she has served families through her business, Babies First Glance, helping parents bond with their little ones through unforgettable ultrasound experiences.

Now, she’s expanding her mission by opening Hope at First Glance Pregnancy Center; a space dedicated to supporting moms through ultrasounds, education, resources, and a safe, welcoming community where families can feel seen, supported, and empowered.

📲 Connect With Jucely Paulino

Instagram: @Babiesfirstglance

Website: Babies First Glance

💖 Loved this episode? Subscribe & leave a review! It helps this podcast reach more birthing folks and providers in Central Florida 💕

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