4 Easy Steps To Become A Surrogate

By Rachel Lee Reynolds

Children are the dream of any couple to complete their family. This dream may be hard to fulfill if the couples suffer from infertility. The couple can be truly anxious about it at first until they are able to accept it. They could find hope in a nurturing and kind soul who would like to become a surrogate. Since it can be a daunting task to become a surrogate mother or couple as well, proper steps should be taken to have a successful surrogacy procedure. Here they are:

Screening the Application

To become a surrogate, the individual who wants to become a surrogate mother or couple would have to apply to a surrogacy agency. A representative from the surrogacy agency would contact the applicant once the application is received. A permanent counselor will be assigned and will provide guidance during the whole process after the applicant has asked their questions. The applicant will be screened thoroughly at the first meeting with the agency. The applicant will possibly undergo other processes such as receiving an invitation to attend a group support meeting that may be available and a background check. There will be a meeting with a representative of the agency to ensure that pregnancy medical expenses will be covered by the applicant's insurance policy. The applicant will have a medical screening by a fertility specialist whose expertise is working with surrogate mothers once the applicant passes the screening.

Match-Making Process

The agency will present profiles of prospective couples to the would-be surrogate, previously matched based on the information gathered during the application screening. The would-be surrogate has the opportunity to choose the couple to work with. The would-be surrogate's profile will be sent to the prospective couple and an initial meeting with a counselor will be set once both parties agree. After both parties have decided to work together, an agency attorney will be assigned to draft a contract and send it out to be signed. Once both parties sign the contract, the couple will be required to deposit the surrogacy fee and other possible expenses held in trust by the agency.

Medical Care

The procedures will be explained to you by a fertility specialist associated with the agency, whether artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. Any further questions will be answered about the process. You will be monitored throughout the medical process.

Periods of Pregnancy and Childbirth

You will have the freedom of informing the couple of the exciting news as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed. You should choose an obstetrician that is approved by your medical insurance or continue working with an obstetrician you already have an existing working relationship with during the pregnancy. You may start doing doctor's visits at least eight (8) weeks during your pregnancy. It may be suggested by the agency that you keep in touch with the couple at least once every two (2) weeks since most couples would want to take part during the pregnancy.

The couple will be completely responsible for the caring of the child as soon as the baby is born. While in the hospital, both surrogate mother and couple who may have established a bond would take turns with the baby. It could become emotional for the surrogate mother because she would have to part ways with the couple and the baby once the child is released from the hospital. The joy she has given to the new parents of the baby she selflessly carried is beyond compare. Inspiration, support and lasting friendships may be established with other surrogate mothers once the amazing story on how to become a surrogate is shared in the group support meeting. - 29962

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