The Role of Trust and Communication in surrogacy: How to create a strong partnership

A healthy surrogate relationship is built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and open communication. Whether you are an intended parent or a surrogate, establishing clear expectations and maintaining honest dialogue throughout the journey is essential to ensure a positive and supportive experience for everyone involved.

Here’s how these two elements shape the surrogacy experience, for everyone involved.

Mutual Trust and Open Communication

Trust begins with transparency. Being open about surrogate requirements, motivations, and expectations from the very beginning helps both parties feel secure. Surrogacy agencies play a vital role in this process by thoroughly screening candidates and guiding intended parents and surrogates through the process.

When both sides feel confident in each other’s intentions, the relationship naturally becomes stronger, smoother, and more resilient. Trust isn’t built overnight – it’s nurtured through honesty, reliability, and consistent support throughout the journey.

Once matched, consistent and clear communication helps strengthen the connection between intended parents and their surrogate. Whether it’s checking in after an appointment or sharing personal milestones, this openness fosters mutual respect. You don’t need to talk every day, but agreeing on a rhythm and style of communication that feels comfortable for both parties can make a world of difference. Regular check-ins, thoughtful messages, and timely responses create a sense of reassurance and partnership throughout the process.

Setting Expectations Early: The Key to Avoiding Misunderstandings

Surrogacy in the United States involves many moving parts: appointments, legal steps, and the emotional complexity of the journey. That’s why setting clear expectations early is so valuable.

But what does “early” mean? At Elevate, “early” means before the matching even begins. We ask both parties thoughtful questions about communication preferences, boundaries, medical decisions, and how they’d like to be involved in key moments like ultrasounds or check-ins. Even seemingly small details benefit from proactive conversation, and these insights are considered when we begin the matching process.

Establishing these guidelines early prevents misunderstandings and creates a foundation for a collaborative, positive relationship.

Tips for Building a Healthy Surrogate Relationship

• Check in Often: Whether by phone, video, or in person, regular check-ins strengthen the relationship and show appreciation, especially as the pregnancy progresses.
• Act as Partners: Approach the relationship as a true partnership. Surrogacy is a shared journey, and empathy, respect, and collaboration make the experience more positive and fulfilling for everyone.
• Celebrate Milestones Together: From medical appointments to personal pregnancy milestones, celebrating these moments, through thoughtful messages, small gifts, or shared photos, deepens the bond and shows mutual gratitude.

Final Thoughts

Every surrogacy relationship is unique. Some intended parents and surrogates thrive on frequent communication, while others prefer more space. What matters most is honoring those boundaries – whether about medical decisions, communication frequency, or personal privacy.

By leading with trust, being transparent, and setting expectations early, intended parents and surrogates can build a relationship rooted in respect and shared purpose. At its heart, surrogacy is about creating families – and when both sides feel supported and understood, the journey becomes not just successful, but deeply meaningful.

We’re here to ensure yours is supported with expertise, respect, and genuine care from beginning to end.

If you’re a potential surrogate ready to take the next step, start your application today!

If you’re an intended parent, contact our team today to learn how we can guide you through every part of the surrogacy journey with care, clarity, and confidence.