5 Things To Do Before Becoming a Surrogate

If you’re reading this, you are likely considering becoming a surrogate. While we are all on Team Surrogate, we also know how important it is to fully understand what it means to embark on this journey and how it will affect your—and your family’s—life. There may be hundreds of questions in your head right now, but we want to share 5 things you should do before you fill out a surrogate application.

1. Make sure surrogacy fits in with your life right now (and at least 2 years from now).

While you may come to the decision to become a surrogate rather quickly, the actual process of being a surrogate can take 1 to 2 years. No one will be able to tell you exactly how long your surrogacy journey will be since it depends on a variety of factors, many of which are out of your control.

Think about your life 2 years from the moment you are applying: Is there anything that would prevent you from being a surrogate? If being a surrogate is the right fit now—and will still be 16 to 24 months from now—then go ahead and apply!

2. Understand what is expected of you as a surrogate.

The thought of helping someone achieve their family-building goals is what drives some women to become surrogates. But before you jump into surrogacy, it’s important to know that being a surrogate is a big responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Your biggest job as a surrogate will be to carry and care for your intended parents’ baby. But your responsibilities don’t end there. Here’s a checklist of what is expected of you when you’re a surrogate:

• Being open and transparent about your preferences in your Surrogacy.com profile (even the stuff that makes you uncomfortable).

• Following all medical advice and medication protocols from your clinic. Yes, you’ve been pregnant before, but this time, you’re pregnant with someone else’s baby, and they are counting on you to follow the doctor’s orders.

• Letting go of feelings of embarrassment. Surrogacy is an intimate process, and you will be asked to share details about your life with many people along the way.

• Committing to being present for all appointments, including check-ins with the agency and intended parents.

• Staying as healthy and happy as possible!

  
  

3. Have a support system in place.

When you join the Surrogacy.com community, you will have a built-in support system from your team and other experienced surrogates. Plus, your surrogacy agency will also support you throughout your journey. 

Still, it will be up to you to ensure you have a strong support system in place with your family and friends. Sharing your surrogacy journey with them, educating them when they have questions, and having them be a part of the process will help provide you with the at-home community you’ll need.

4. Be ready to be open and honest.

Open communication with intended parents, the clinic, your Surrogacy.com team, and your surrogacy agency is critical to having a journey that is as successful as possible. It’s important to answer questions truthfully versus what you think someone might want to hear. 

5. Know you have choices and preferences.

As a surrogate, it's up to you to decide what your journey looks like and who you help. Surrogates have choices in the type of agency they wish to work with, the types of intended parents they wish to help, and even who their doctor and hospital will be.

Even though you are carrying a baby for someone else, your preferences matter. 

The Surrogacy.com team will spend time speaking with you about the types of agencies and intended parents out there to help you make an informed decision. 

How Do I Apply To Be a Surrogate?

If you’ve read the above and think, “I’m ready to apply!” we’re here to meet you! If you believe you meet the surrogacy requirements, you can fill out our compatibility form to ensure surrogacy is a good fit. If all looks good, our team will reach out and start a conversation with you.

The best part about applying with Surrogacy.com is that we are not an agency. We are a surrogate community here to educate you about surrogacy and guide you in selecting the right agency for you. There’s no commitment or pressure with us, and we move on your timeline. We look forward to meeting you!