The journey of gestational surrogacy is a profound and life-changing experience for all parties involved. It offers the gift of parenthood to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity, while providing surrogates with the chance to make a lasting impact on someone’s life. However, navigating this intricate process can be challenging, and it’s essential to take proactive steps to avoid potential issues. In this article, we’ll explore six crucial strategies to ensure a smooth surrogacy journey.
1. Partner with an Experienced Agency
The surrogacy landscape is complex, with shifting legal implications and ethical guidelines. To navigate these complexities effectively, it’s highly recommended to work with a reputable surrogacy agency. These agencies possess the experience and expertise to guide all parties involved—intended parents and surrogates—through every stage of the process. Agencies like Elevate specialize in facilitating the surrogacy journey and have a thorough understanding of the legal, medical, and emotional aspects.
Furthermore, agencies often offer Benefit Packages that outline various scenarios and their potential impact on the journey and compensation. These packages provide a clear understanding of what to expect, reducing misunderstandings and surprises down the road.
2. Establish Clear Preferences and Expectations
Effective communication is the foundation of a successful surrogacy journey. Most agencies, including Elevate, utilize matching questionnaires that help match surrogates with the best-fitting intended parents. By openly sharing your preferences and expectations, such as the type of person or couple you’d like to be matched with, compensation expectations, views on carrying multiples, and thoughts on termination and selective reduction, you can avoid potential conflicts later in the process.
Discussing your preferences regarding future contact with the intended parents is also crucial. Having these discussions upfront helps all parties understand each other’s expectations, reducing the likelihood of disagreements and legal complications post-match.
3. Build a Strong Support System
Gestational surrogacy is an emotionally charged journey that requires a strong support system. While your agency and intended parents will provide support, having a local support system is equally important. Whether it’s your spouse, family members, or a dedicated support friend, having someone who’s physically present day-to-day can help alleviate emotional stress and provide comfort during your pregnancy.
4. Adhere to Medical Protocols Precisely
Medical care is a significant component of the surrogacy process, especially in the realm of reproductive endocrinology. Surrogates are required to attend numerous appointments and administer various medications. Following these medical protocols meticulously is essential for a successful embryo transfer and maintaining a healthy pregnancy until your body takes over hormone production. Deviating from the medical plan can lead to complications, delays, and emotional stress for all parties involved.
5. Create a Detailed Birth Plan
The birthing experience is a culmination of the surrogacy journey, and creating a comprehensive birth plan with your intended parents is crucial. Discussing preferences regarding induction, protocols for a possible C-section, and plans for post-birth breastfeeding can help ensure a smooth and harmonious birth day. Collaborating on a birth plan ahead of time minimizes the potential for disagreements and allows everyone to focus on the joyous occasion.
At Elevate Surrogacy we employ a comprehensive birth plan with over 150 questions for surrogates and intended parents to consider. This birth plan is also a help for the delivery hospital who can utilize the document to help them plan for the special experience that is a surrogacy birth.
6. Embrace Curiosity and Ask Questions
Throughout the surrogacy journey, you’ll encounter various professionals, including mental health experts, reproductive endocrinologists, OB/GYNs, reproductive attorneys, and agency professionals. Don’t hesitate to ask questions whenever you have doubts or uncertainties. These professionals are there to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions and navigate the process smoothly. Embracing curiosity and seeking clarification can significantly contribute to a stress-free and positive experience.
The surrogacy journey is a remarkable and life-changing endeavor that requires careful planning, open communication, and a strong support network. By partnering with an experienced agency, establishing clear preferences, and adhering to medical protocols, you can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth and fulfilling surrogacy process. Creating a detailed birth plan, building a robust local support system, and actively seeking information from professionals involved are all critical steps toward achieving a successful and harmonious surrogacy journey. Remember, every decision and effort you make contributes to the joyous outcome of helping others become parents while leaving a lasting impact on your own life.
To learn more about becoming an Elevate Surrogate please contact us at info@elevatebaby.com or being your journey today by completing our 2-minute initial surrogacy application.
