Supporting Surrogates Through Movement: An Interview with Vibrant Coast Physical Therapy & Wellness

The Story Behind Vibrant Coast

Vibrant Coast was founded after years of working within traditional, insurance-based physical therapy models. The founder, Jessica Chellsen, who holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist wanted to create a space where care could be holistic, flexible, and accessible.

Three years ago, Vibrant Coast launched its dedicated Surrogacy Wellness Program, quickly discovering a passion for supporting women who carry for others. Most recently, Jessica co-created the Surrogate Wellness Collective alongside registered dietitian nutritionist Ginger Cochran, bringing together physical therapy and nutrition for comprehensive surrogate support.

Core Philosophy

At the heart of Vibrant Coast’s approach is accessibility and empowerment. “I meet each surrogate exactly where she is whether she’s new to exercise or already very active,” Jessica explains. The goal is to ensure women feel strong, pain-free, and confident throughout pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.

Services for Surrogates

Vibrant Coast offers a 10-month Surrogate Fitness and Pelvic Floor Health Program, which includes:

• Monthly one-on-one virtual sessions to design customized workouts
• Education on birth preparation and postpartum recovery
• Safe, effective programs aligned with ACOG and American Physical Therapy Association guidelines

Services are fully virtual, delivered via secure video sessions and a user-friendly app. This allows surrogates to access care and guidance from anywhere.

Qualifications and Expertise

With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, advanced pelvic health training, and strength and conditioning credentials, Vibrant Coast is uniquely positioned to blend medical expertise with fitness coaching. Unlike traditional trainers, Jessica can also address pain, pelvic floor concerns, and other medical aspects of perinatal health.

Collaboration for Whole-Person Care

To ensure complete support, Vibrant Coast collaborates with other professionals. The Surrogate Wellness Collective, co-founded with Ginger Cochran, integrates nutrition counseling and physical therapy, reflecting a growing understanding that optimal surrogate care requires addressing body, mind, and overall wellbeing.

Personalized Evaluation Process

Every journey begins with a 30–45 minute intake session. This includes:

• Reviewing medical and birth history
• Discussing current symptoms and goals
• Education on pelvic floor protection during pregnancy
• Establishing safe and effective exercise strategies

This personalized process ensures that every surrogate feels supported and confident from day one.

A Typical Surrogate Wellness Journey

Most surrogates begin working with Vibrant Coast once under OB-GYN care. Early sessions account for possible fatigue or nausea after fertility treatments, starting with gentle, manageable exercise.

Over the course of the pregnancy:

• 7 monthly sessions focus on safe strength, mobility, and pain prevention
• 2 sessions before birth emphasize delivery preparation
• 3 postpartum sessions guide recovery and long-term wellness

Client Experiences and Outcomes

Surrogates often share that Vibrant Coast helped make their most recent journey their best yet. Many stayed active, avoided pain or leakage, and felt more confident compared to prior pregnancies. One consistent piece of feedback: pelvic floor education is “a game-changer,” helping women feel empowered and prepared for labor.

Challenges Along the Way

The biggest obstacle? Fatigue from fertility medications or pregnancy itself. Vibrant Coast addresses this by tailoring flexible, realistic programs that support surrogates without overwhelming them.

What Sets Vibrant Coast Apart

According to Jessica, Vibrant Coast is the only program led by a Doctor of Physical Therapy dedicated specifically to surrogates. This level of medical expertise, combined with extensive surrogate-focused experience, makes the program unique among wellness providers in the fertility space.

Looking Ahead

In addition to the Surrogacy Wellness Program, Vibrant Coast recently launched the Surrogate Wellness Collective, expanding services to include nutrition. For those who prefer a self-guided option, the Vibrant Strength app offers prenatal and postpartum fitness support.

Advice for Intended Parents and Surrogates

Jessica encourages anyone considering wellness support to explore their options:

“You have nothing to lose by getting expert guidance on supporting your body. The right care during pregnancy can make a major difference in recovery—and even long-term health.”

Why Surrogate Wellness Matters

Research shows that safe, consistent exercise can reduce risks of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, improve delivery outcomes, and enhance postpartum recovery. What’s more, benefits extend to the child, supporting healthier long-term outcomes.

This evidence fuels Vibrant Coast’s mission: to help surrogates feel strong, supported, and empowered at every stage of their journey.