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Redefining Family: Rachel Mangahas’ Journey Through Infertility, Adoption, and Surrogacy

Writer's picture: Chelsea MyersChelsea Myers

Rachel Mangahas’ path to motherhood is a testament to resilience, trust, and the beauty of finding joy in unexpected places.

Through infertility, adoption, and surrogacy, Rachel has navigated emotional challenges, cultural stigmas, and life-changing decisions to build her family.


Facing Infertility

Rachel’s journey began with the heartache of infertility—a medical diagnosis that often carries unwarranted guilt and societal pressure, especially in cultures that place high expectations on natural conception. Reflecting on the experience, Rachel shares, “We waited a full year, and then we got into trying for another full year. So that’s two years already.” This prolonged struggle brought an emotional toll, yet Rachel emphasizes the importance of compassion and self-acceptance.


Person sitting with head on knees, arms wrapped around, wearing a gray sweater and jeans. Neutral wall background, conveys sadness.
A person sitting with their head down and arms folded over their knees, conveying a sense of introspection or emotional struggle.

Adoption and Surrogacy: Expanding the Definition of Family

After facing challenges with conception, Rachel and her partner turned to adoption, welcoming their first son from South Korea. She recalls the whirlwind experience of bringing him home at 18 months, noting the joy and fulfillment it brought despite the complexities of the process.


The family’s next step involved surrogacy, a journey filled with unique decisions and the need for exceptional medical care. “We found an exceptional doctor,” Rachel says, underscoring the importance of finding the right support system. The process led to the birth of their twin boys, created from a single embryo that unexpectedly split.

Rachel now has four children—two twin boys and two children adopted from South Korea. She describes her journey as a “wild ride,” celebrating the diverse ways in which her family came together.


Trusting the Journey and Embracing Joy

Throughout her journey, Rachel learned to quiet her mind, trust her instincts, and let go of unrealistic expectations. She emphasizes, “Motherhood goes beyond DNA,” highlighting the love and connection that transcend biological ties.


Finding joy has been a cornerstone of Rachel’s approach. From engaging in new hobbies to rediscovering her identity, she encourages others to prioritize self-care and seek connections with people who understand their experiences.


Hand holds a lit sparkler against a blue sky. Bright sparks and bokeh lights surround the sparkler, creating a festive mood.
Finding "glimmers" of joy.

A Message of Hope

Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder that family can take many forms, and dreams can evolve in ways that are just as meaningful as originally imagined. By sharing her experiences, she inspires others to embrace their unique paths with courage, trust, and compassion. For Rachel, motherhood is a celebration of love, resilience, and the bonds that make a family whole.


*Catch Rachel's episode here!


*This post was crafted by AI, utilizing details and transcripts from Rachel's podcast episode.

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