Here at The Fertility Agency, we have helped create families through surrogacy for the past 20 years, bringing over 1,100 babies into the world.
We service only gestational surrogacy, a process in which a surrogate mother carries a baby for intended parents. The embryo is implanted via IVF and consists of sperm and egg from either the intended parents or donors, but never the surrogate herself.
Gestational surrogacy is commonly used by individuals and couples facing infertility, medical conditions, absence of a uterus, repeated pregnancy loss, LGBTQIA+ couples, and single parents who wish to have a genetically related child.
Surrogacy is a long, emotional journey with many steps. If you are considering having a child through surrogacy, while you can choose to have an independent journey without the help of an agency, there are an abundance of benefits to using a long-standing, highly trusted agency.
Using an agency for a surrogacy journey provides intended parents with professional guidance, legal support, and a structured process to ensure a smooth and secure experience.
Helpful Tips to Prepare Intended Parents
Regardless of whether you choose to go with a surrogacy agency like our own, it is essential to be fully prepared for all this journey entails as well as fully knowledgeable about the entire surrogacy process and what to expect. Doing in-depth research prior to starting is extremely helpful preparation.
Here are nine tips to help ensure a smooth surrogacy journey.
1. Understand the Basics of Surrogacy
Intended parents should have a full understanding of the basics of surrogacy prior to embarking on their journey.
As mentioned, surrogacy is a process where a surrogate carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple (the intended parents).
There are two types of surrogacies: traditional and gestational. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is used, making her the biological mother of the child. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby, as the embryo is created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors.
Many surrogacy agencies, like ours, only work with gestational surrogacy to avoid the complex legal and emotional issues that can arise from the surrogate having a genetic connection to the child.
The surrogacy process involves several key steps: matching intended parents with a suitable surrogate, legal agreements to protect all parties, medical procedures to achieve pregnancy, and ongoing support throughout the pregnancy and birth.
The relationship between the intended parents, the surrogate, and the agency is foundational to a successful surrogacy journey. The agency plays a vital role in facilitating communication, providing legal and emotional support, and ensuring that all parties adhere to the agreed-upon terms. This collaborative relationship helps create a positive experience for everyone involved.
2. Agree on a Budget
Surrogacy can be quite expensive. Agreeing upon a budget before starting a surrogacy journey is an essential step for intended parents.
Surrogacy costs can include medical expenses, egg donation, multiple embryo transfers, legal fees, and compensation for the surrogate. Knowing your financial limits helps you narrow down agencies, transfer options, and other decisions, ensuring you stay within your means.
Some surrogacy agencies, like The Fertility Agency, offer comprehensive packages that cover various aspects of the surrogacy process, providing a clearer picture of the total surrogacy cost and helping to ensure you achieve your goal of having a child.
We acknowledge that this process is not an option for everyone due to the high costs. There are many programs to help intended parents pay for surrogacy such as grants and loans.
3. Choose the Right Surrogacy Agency
Choosing the right surrogacy agency can significantly impact the success and experience of your journey.
Using a surrogacy agency rather than pursuing independent surrogacy offers numerous benefits, including professional guidance, legal support, and a structured process. Agencies handle complex coordination, surrogacy contracts, legalities, and emotional aspects, providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of complications. They offer a network of vetted surrogates, ensuring a better match for your needs.
When selecting a surrogacy agency, it is important to look for one that is reputable and has positive reviews from other intended parents. Consider the level of support and communication they offer throughout the process, as consistent and clear communication is vital.
By choosing the right agency, you can feel confident that you have a dedicated team working to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
4. Prepare Questions and Preferences for Surrogate
Preparing questions and preferences before meeting with potential surrogates is a key part of the process.
Having a clear idea of what you are looking for when choosing a surrogate helps ensure that both parties are on the same page and can foster a positive and collaborative relationship. Common preferences that intended parents might discuss include communication styles, the frequency of updates, and involvement in key moments such as medical appointments, embryo transfers, and birth. Establishing these preferences early on helps set expectations and ensures a smoother journey for everyone involved.
When meeting with potential surrogates, it is important to ask thoughtful questions to understand their motivations and support systems. Frequent questions include asking why they want to be a surrogate, what kind of support they have from family and friends, and any concerns they might have about the process. These questions help intended parents gauge the surrogate’s commitment and readiness for the journey.
This procedure aids intended parents in making more informed decisions and building a solid foundation for their journey.
5. Build a Connection With Your Surrogate
Building a good connection with your surrogate fosters trust and a positive experience throughout the surrogacy journey.
To build this connection, it is important to establish mutual respect and clear boundaries from the beginning. Open and honest communication helps ensure that both parties feel heard and valued. Celebrating milestones together, such as medical appointments, pregnancy updates, and birth, can strengthen the bond and create shared memories.
By nurturing this relationship, intended parents and surrogates can work together harmoniously towards the common goal of bringing a new life into the world.
Many of our intended parents and surrogates have life-long friendships and continue to meet up or share updates for years following the journey.
6. Read, Research, Ask Questions
As intended parents preparing for a baby through surrogacy, one must be well-informed.
Researching, reading books and blogs, as well as listening to podcasts about surrogacy and parenthood all can provide valuable insights and guidance. It is also important to ask questions of other parents and surrogacy agencies to gain practical advice and support. Being knowledgeable helps you navigate the surrogacy process, prepare for parenthood, and prepare to have meaningful conversations with your child about their surrogacy story.
This proactive approach ensures you are well-prepared and confident in your journey to becoming a parent.
7. Keep Organized
Remaining organized throughout the process is vital due to the extensive paperwork, legal documents, and expenses involved.
Creating a timeline or calendar can help you stay on track, ensuring that you complete necessary tasks at each step of the process. This proactive approach minimizes stress and helps avoid potential delays.
Additionally, surrogacy agencies can provide valuable guidance and support, helping you navigate the complexities of the journey.
8. Prepare Your Home for a Child
It is imperative to properly prepare your home to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for your new arrival.
This involves making sure you have all the necessary baby supplies, such as a crib, diapers, and clothing, as well as baby-proofing your home to prevent accidents. Securing furniture, covering electrical outlets, and installing safety gates are just a few steps you can take to create a safe space.
By getting your home baby-ready, you can focus on enjoying the precious moments with your new baby, knowing that their environment is secure and well-equipped for their needs.
9. Have a Support System
Having a support system is integral for intended parents expecting a baby through surrogacy. Building a network of family, friends, counselors, and other resources before the birth ensures you have the necessary support when needed.
This support system can provide emotional and practical assistance, helping you navigate the challenges and demands of parenthood. It also plays a pivotal role in maintaining your mental health, offering a sense of community and reassurance during this transformative time.
Become a Parent With The Fertility Agency
If you are interested in becoming an intended parent through surrogacy and considering using our agency, the next step is to fill out an application for The Fertility Agency.
Our agency stands out due to our experienced team, extensive expertise, and comprehensive services. We guide you through every step of the surrogacy journey, ensuring you receive personalized support and care. Our dedicated professionals are committed to making your experience as seamless as possible, providing you with the confidence and peace of mind you need during this incredible time.
Choose The Fertility Agency for a trusted partner in your path to parenthood. We would love to play a part in helping you complete your family!
