“Oh wow, you were a surrogate mother?” is usually how the conversation opens. Which is usually followed quickly by “How did you get into that?”, a question that leads into this explanation. Then, nine times out of ten, the very next question that follows is “Isn’t it hard to give up the baby?” Which I always answer emphatically with “No! …
Preparing for Delivery + Surrogates Hospital Bag Checklist Printable
The big day has arrived! No matter if you go into labor on your own, or as a planned induction, delivering your “SurroBabe” is a big day! Most surrogates tell us that, no matter how many times they’ve given birth before, it’s always a bit overwhelming when it comes time to pack your hospital bag for this delivery. Let’s take …
How to Choose a Surrogate
Choosing your surrogate is an incredibly important decision, so how to choose a surrogate that’s right for you? Of course you’ll seek out someone who is healthy, fit, and a great mother already. But a lot more than that should go into finding your ideal surrogate. Things you may have never even considered will wind up making all the difference …
Agency Spotlight: It’s Time Surrogacy
“Surrogacy is a process that can feel overwhelming at times, but with the right team of people around you, you’ll feel secure, informed, and supported.” – Angela Hartshorn It’s Time Surrogacy is a San Diego based surrogacy agency which is owned and operated by two women who have dedicated their lives to the infertility world. Angela Hartshorn, the founder/Co-Owner of …
Surrogacy Contracts Explained
Surrogacy contracts are an essential part of your process, even if the intended parents and surrogate are family or friends. Agencies will absolutely require them, and if you are going independent, you should avoid working with any intended parents or surrogates who are okay working without one. A surrogacy contract, sometimes also called a surrogacy agreement, can be overwhelming to consider, …
Surrogacy Screenings Explained
The surrogacy screening process is a lengthy and involved one that often takes several weeks to complete. It can seem, at times, completely overwhelming. It’s not abnormal to feel intimated and frustrated by the process. It’s also completely normal to feel excited by the process. Here’s a look at what to expect. Most surrogate screenings are done by agencies. Of …
Loss as a Gestational Carrier
“Ask him on Wednesday!” she urged me in response to my post on our group email list. “You have an appointment anyway, so just ask him to take a look!” I already knew that’s exactly what I wanted, but I was hesitant to ask for it. I didn’t want my intended parents billed for something so frivolous as an extra …
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming a Surrogate
Are you thinking of being a surrogate? 5 questions to ask yourself before becoming a surrogate, to help you decide: Becoming a surrogate is a physically demanding and emotional process, even for women who enjoy being pregnant. If you are trying to decide if surrogacy is the right path for you, part of your decision process will be doing some …
How to: Explain Surrogacy to Children
Oh boy! The idea of explaining your choice to become a surrogate to your children is overwhelming! In fact, we’ve heard about a lot of surrogates who are less worried about telling their bosses their choice to become a surrogate than they are to talk with their young kids! Well, take a deep breath and relax. Trust us when we …
Making it Easier for Families Through Surrogacy
With a US conference for those contemplating surrogacy just around the corner, gay dad Sam Everingham explains what motivates him to run events for intending parents promoting good surrogacy practices not just in the US but globally. When my partner Phil & I engaged in surrogacy in New Delhi seven years ago, we were pretty naïve about the risks and …