Louisa H | American Surrogacy Blog

Your Guide to Pre-Birth Orders in Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey toward achieving your dreams of parenthood. Having an understanding of how to establish your parentage to your little one is an important component of the surrogacy process.

Surrogacy currently isn’t regulated on a federal level, so each state has their own set of surrogacy laws. Because of this, the legal steps needed to establish parentage can vary.

While state’s laws vary, it’s important to familiarize yourself on how to establish your parental rights. Your surrogacy specialist and lawyer will play an important role in this process. While this guide shouldn’t be taken as legal advice, we’re here to explain everything you need to know about pre-birth orders to help you embark on the legal journey of surrogacy with confidence.

If you have any questions about the legal process of surrogacy, then contact us online now to connect with a trusted surrogate specialist.

What is a Pre-Birth Order and How Does it Work?

Pre-birth orders in surrogacy are legal documents that establish you as the legal parents of your child born through surrogacy before the birth takes place. These orders are crucial in ensuring a smooth and legal transition of parental rights from the surrogate mother to the intended parents.

The process involves a court petition where you request to be recognized as the legal parents of your unborn child. This process varies depending on the jurisdiction, and in some places, it may involve strict requirements such as a genetic connection between one or both intended parents.

What Happens After a Pre-Birth Parentage Order is Granted?

Once a pre-birth parentage order is granted, it provides legal protection for the intended parents, helping to avoid potential custody disputes or legal challenges after the child is born. These orders are an important part in the surrogacy process as they help create a clear legal framework for all parties involved.

It ensures your child’s best interests are protected and that you can assume full responsibility of your child once they’re born.

How to Get a Pre-Birth Order

In order to file a pre-birth order in surrogacy, you’ll work with your surrogacy lawyer to gather certain documents. You and the surrogate will sign statements of parentage for the unborn baby, and your will have to complete an affidavit stating he or she completed the embryo transfer for the surrogates pregnancy.

Your lawyer may also file additional social documents and evaluations that were prepared during the surrogacy process. If you live in a state where pre-birth orders are legal, the order is filed around the seventh month of pregnancy, although the process can start as early as the fourth month.

Filing a pre-birth parentage court order protects your legal rights and helps the hospital process move more smoothly by:

Requiring you to be listed on your child’s birth certificate
Allowing you to make medical decisions for your child
Helping resolve any insurance issues (if any)
Allowing your baby to be discharged from the hospital with you

At American surrogacy, we work closely with you and your lawyer to obtain a pre-birth order based on your state’s laws. Starting the process as early as possible can ensure all the legal guidelines are taken care of.

What Are Pre-Birth Order States?

These surrogacy-friendly states permit surrogacies for all parents, grant pre-birth orders and name the intended parents on the birth certificate.

California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Delaware
Maine
New Hampshire
Nevada
Oregon
Rhode Island
Washington

Non-Surrogacy-Friendly States

On the other hand, these states are generally considered non-surrogacy-friendly states:

Michigan
New York

All Other States

While some states are entirely surrogacy-friendly and some are mostly unfriendly, most states fall somewhere in between. Surrogacy is able to be practiced in these states, but the laws will differ in regards to the levels of protection for both surrogates and intended parents.

Some of these states are more surrogacy friendly than others. In surrogacy-friendly states, gestational surrogacy is usually permitted by statute or there are no laws prohibiting surrogacy or pre-birth orders. Here are some of the states that are considered more surrogacy-friendly:

Alabama
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
North Carolina
North Dakota
New Mexico
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Wisconsin
West Virginia

In less surrogacy-friendly states, surrogacy may be practiced but there may be legal obstacles or additional legal processes that are required to complete the surrogacy. For example, pre-birth orders may not be granted, or surrogacy contracts may be legally unenforceable. These states often have unclear surrogacy laws:

Alaska
Arizona
Iowa
Idaho
Indiana
Louisiana
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Virginia
Wyoming

How to Get a Pre-Birth Order

Before you explore the process of obtaining a pre-birth parentage order, it’s important to work with a reputable surrogacy attorney who is well versed in the laws in your state. When you chose to work with American Surrogacy, we’ll help connect you with a lawyer who’s familiar with pre-birth order laws to help you navigate the legal landscape in your state.

To begin the legal process of surrogacy, contact us online now to connect with a trusted surrogacy specialist who will guide you through your journey with confidence.

Do Surrogates Get Postpartum Depression?

If you’re struggling with postpartum depression following your surrogacy journey, you’re not alone. We’re here to support you before, during and after your surrogacy journey.

Becoming a surrogate is one of the most life-changing decisions you’ll ever make. Carrying someone else’s child is an emotional process and it’s important to understand some of the feelings that come from being a surrogate mother. One of the most often overlooked topics is the emotional toll surrogacy can have on a surrogate.

Postpartum depression is a serious issue that can affect women who have recently given birth. In this guide, we’ll dive into what surrogate postpartum depression looks like and how American Surrogacy will always be there to support you as you navigate the emotional intricacies of surrogacy.

If you need immediate support from a surrogate specialist, then contact us online now or call 1-800-875-2229.

What is Postpartum Depression in Surrogate Mothers?

Postpartum depression in a surrogate is a type of major depression that occurs after having a baby. The timeframe on when it can affect you is 1-3 weeks after delivery. A lot of women report feeling sad or down for a few days after birth and is commonly known as the period where you experience “baby blues”. If these feelings continue for longer than a few days, you most likely have postpartum depression after surrogacy.

This can affect your behavior and mental health as well as your own health and development, so you want to make sure that you receive help when you start feeling like you may have postpartum.

Do Surrogates Get Postpartum Depression?

Yes, surrogates can experience postpartum depression after surrogacy. While it’s not exclusive to biological mothers, surrogates may also undergo hormonal and emotional changes after childbirth that can lead to postpartum.

The risk factors and experiences may differ, but it’s important to understand that you should seek support if you’re experiencing any postpartum emotions. These emotions can include:

Anxiety
Crying
Restlessness
Sadness
And more.

The Most Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression After Surrogacy

The symptoms of postpartum can range from mild to severe but in general, if you feel sad, empty, or emotionless you could be experiencing surrogacy postpartum depression. Here are some possible symptoms to watch out for:

Excessive mood swings
Frequent crying
Feelings of hopelessness and shame
Feeling disconnected from family and friends
Lack of sleep
Extreme irritability or anger
Difficulty concentrating
Brain fog
Thoughts of self-harm
Headaches
Stomach pain

How American Surrogacy Supports You

When you choose to become a surrogate with American Surrogacy, we stay connected with you even after the process is complete. Our specialists are available 24/7 to provide support and provide you with the resources you need when you’re experiencing postpartum depression after surrogacy. We recognize the sacrifices you’re making and your wellbeing is one of the most important aspects of this journey.

Our services ensure you’re emotionally ready to embark on this journey. Here are some of the ways we support you:

Thorough screening process to ensure you’re emotionally ready to become a surrogate.
Professional counseling and support services to help you cope with the emotions that come with being a surrogate.
Ongoing support throughout your pregnancy and beyond from an American Surrogacy specialist to ensure you’re taken care of throughout every step of the process.
And more.

If you’re experiencing surrogacy postpartum depression, check out these resources:

If you think you have postpartum depression after surrogacy, please contact us online now to speak with a surrogate specialist. You’re not alone and we’re always here to provide the support you need.

What is the Surrogacy Success Rate?

Becoming a parent through surrogacy is one of the most beautiful journeys you’ll ever take. Learn everything you need to know about the surrogacy success rate with our guide.

When you’re looking to begin your journey of parenthood through surrogacy, one of the most common topics that come up is about surrogacy success rates. Here, we’ll explore the factors that influence surrogacy success rates to help you prepare for the journey ahead.

As you begin this beautiful journey, know that we at American Surrogacy will be there to help you confidently navigate the transfer process.

If you have any questions about the medical process of surrogacy, contact us online now to speak with our surrogacy specialists.

What Are the Gestational Surrogacy Success Rates?

The IVF surrogacy success rates will always depend on the fertility clinic that completes the embryo transfer. This includes any pre-implantation genetic screening that the clinic needs to complete. In general, a little more than half of all IVF transfers will result in pregnancy, with 35-40 percent of transfers failing to implant.

If you experience a failed transfer, know that its normal and we will be there to help you during this time. A failed transfer is normal and we will always be there for this emotional process.

What Affects the Surrogacy Embryo Transfer Success Rates?

There are various factors that influence surrogacy success rates. If you’re looking into surrogacy as a family building option, here are some things that affect the success rate of surrogacy:

Age of egg: One of the most important influences determining how successful a pregnancy is. Most surrogacy pregnancies include egg donors that tend to be young, typically in their 20s, while a surrogate can be somewhere into her early 40s. Once a woman turns 40, the quality of her eggs have become less viable but she can still carry a successful pregnancy.
The quality of sperm: This plays a big part in the surrogacy success rates as well. To increase the chances of a success, sperm should be used or donated from a healthy nonsmoker.
Pre-screening surrogates: While the surrogate’s age isn’t as important as the egg donor’s age, you still want to make sure that surrogates meet a clinic’s medical criteria. A thorough agency, like American Surrogacy, will pre-screen all potential candidates to ensure they meet the IVF clinic guidelines and requirements before the medical screening.
The surrogacy agency: You can always improve your chances of having higher surrogacy success rates by working with the right agency. Although fertility clinics mostly influence surrogacy success rates, we will do everything we can to set you up for success from our end. With our 1:1 intended parent to surrogate ratio, we can help you find a surrogate who’s the perfect fit for you and your family in an average of 30-90 days.

How to Maximize IVF Surrogacy Success Rates

One of the ways you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy is by making sure you’re using donor eggs and a surrogate with a healthy uterus. You’ll need to have the young eggs transferred to a surrogate who has had healthy pregnancies beforehand.

The chances can be even higher if you’ve had the surrogate undergo pre-genetic testing. In this case, implantation rates and successful pregnancy chances will be high, while failed transfers and rates will be low.

Benefits of Choosing American Surrogacy

As one of the leading surrogacy agencies in the country, we offer many benefits that can help put you on the right path toward a high surrogacy success rate. Because of how we manage our intended parent list, we’re able to put you on the quickest route toward fulfilling your dreams of becoming parents.

Another unmatched benefit we provide is offering a fixed fee structure to help you have confidence in your budget. We provide a flat fee to help you understand just how much you’ll be paying for your surrogacy journey from start to finish. While we can’t influence your surrogacy success rates, we can have an impact on your success by providing unmatched support and short wait times.

Begin Your Surrogacy Journey Today

To learn more about how successful your surrogacy journey can be with American Surrogacy, contact us online now to speak with a surrogacy specialist. We’re always here to guide you on this life-changing journey.

Do Surrogates Get Maternity Leave?

One of the most common questions we get is “Do surrogates get maternity leave?” We’re here to help you understand what maternity leave looks like for surrogate mothers.

Recovering postpartum is hard, and many women need time away from work in order to return to their normal routines. When you become a gestational surrogate, it’s no different. But you may have questions about whether you qualify for surrogate maternity leave if you’re not bringing a child home from the hospital.

Depending on your employer and surrogacy agency, maternity leave for surrogates may be available. In this guide, we’ll explain what it takes to qualify for maternity leave for surrogates to help you as you navigate life postpartum.

If you would like to speak with a surrogate specialist about how much maternity leave you qualify for, then contact us online now to receive personalized support.

Do Surrogates Get Maternity Leave?

As a gestational carrier, it’s normal to wonder do surrogates get maternity leave. Although you won’t be taking a baby home, you still qualify for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as long as you meet the normal eligibility requirements.

Through FMLA, you can take up to 12 weeks of surrogate maternity leave, unpaid to recover from the “serious medical condition” of pregnancy.

Even though you won’t be taking care of a child, you will still need time off to physically recover and your job will be protected for up to 12 weeks.

Can You Work While Being a Surrogate?

Yes, you can work while being a surrogate. But, if you work weekdays, you may have to miss work for medical or psychological screenings, doctors’ appointments, the embryo transfer day and OBGYN appointments. Preparing your employer ahead of time can help them prepare for your surrogate maternity leave.

Also, you may need to consider job modifications depending on what you do. Some accommodations include more frequent restroom breaks and the ability to sit down more frequently then what’s usually allowed.

How to Qualify for Maternity Leave for Surrogate Mothers

If you’re wondering do you get maternity leave as a surrogate through FMLA, there’s certain requirements you must meet. In order to qualify for FMLA, you must:

Work for a covered employer
Work 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of leave
Work at a location where the employer has 50 or more employees within 75 miles
Have worked for the employer for 12 months

How to Talk To Your Employer About Maternity Leave for a Surrogate

Talking to your employer about taking surrogate maternity leave ensures that all your bases are covered following your surrogate pregnancy. Be honest and upfront as much as you think is necessary in your surrogacy journey. Your job will be protected, but notifying your employer can ensure your responsibilities are handled during your maternity leave as a surrogate.

Your surrogacy attorney can help you prepare by making you aware of your local workers’ laws and the compensation policies you’re eligible for. Prepare yourself with a list of talking points and questions so you know exactly what you want to say to your employer. Here are some tips to help you prepare for this conversation:

You’ll want to wait until you’re 20 weeks along to tell your employer about the pregnancy. A lot can happen in the first stage of the surrogacy process and there’s a chance that some things might not work out.
As the surrogate, you get to decide whether you want to tell your employer if you’re carrying a gestational pregnancy.
Avoid giving your employer a set time when you’ll be out of work. Many surrogates recover quickly but you don’t want to force yourself to go back to work too soon. Make sure you take the time you need to rest during your surrogate maternity leave.
Consider what you want to share with your co-workers about your pregnancy. You can help them learn about the surrogacy process if that’s something you want to share.

These conversations about maternity leave for surrogates can be complicated, but you should be proud of the heroic journey you’re embarking on. Our surrogate specialists at American Surrogacy will help you as you navigate life as a gestational carrier. You’ll never be alone on this journey.

Learn More About Maternity Leave for Surrogate Mothers

Still wondering do you get maternity leave if you are a surrogate? Contact us online now to see how much surrogate maternity leave you qualify for. Our specialists are ready to help.

What to Know About Surrogate Pay in 2023

Learn more about surrogate pay in 2023 and how we provide fair compensation for all our surrogates.

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey and one of the main concerns is how surrogate pay works. Being a surrogate involves a significant commitment of time and effort and it’s crucial that you’re rewarded fairly. At American Surrogacy, we take this responsibility seriously and are dedicated to ensuring that all our surrogates receive the surrogate compensation they deserve.

In this guide, we’ll dive into what the average surrogate pay is and how we provide fair surrogate compensation for our surrogates.

If you have any questions about becoming a surrogate with American Surrogacy, then contact us online now to receive personalized support from a surrogate specialist.

How Much Does Being a Surrogate Pay?

The amount of surrogate mother compensation you can receive will depend on a few factors. If you’re a first-time surrogate, you can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $90,000. If you’re a second-time surrogate, you can earn $60,000 to $110,000. Factors such as your cost of living and current income can determine how much surrogate pay you qualify for.

For example, if you’re a first time surrogate living in a mid-sized city in the Midwest and work part-time, you’ll earn $65,000 in total compensation for surrogate mothers. On the other hand, if you live in a city that has a higher cost of living and you’re a first time surrogate, you may earn up to $80,000 in surrogate pay.

You can determine your potential surrogate pay with our surrogate compensation calculator that factors in your experience and state of residence.

What Does Surrogate Pay Cover?

Our surrogate mother compensation package will increase your personal income and will cover your medical, legal and travel expenses. These expenses include:

Fertility medications
Embryo transfers
Travel expenses
Maternity clothes
Lost wages
Counseling
And more

Do You Receive Surrogate Pay Monthly?

Yes, you’ll receive surrogate mother pay monthly after you’ve completed and signed your surrogacy agreement. Throughout your surrogacy journey, you’ll receive monthly allowance to cover expenses, as well as fertility medications and the embryo transfer.

After your pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll receive your base compensation in monthly increments.

What is the Highest Surrogate Mother Compensation?

The most surrogate pay that has been offered is over $100,000. These are usually second-time surrogate carriers who can earn anywhere from $60,000-$100,000 because of past experience. Your cost of living and current income will also contribute to this amount.

American Surrogacy’s Promise on Fair Surrogate Mother Compensation

When you become a surrogate, we understand how much of a commitment it can be. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing the highest competitive surrogate pay in the industry. Our promise is to ensure you have the best experience possible and this means high surrogate compensation, a perfected match making system and constant support throughout every step.

When you speak with your surrogate specialist, you will get an upfront breakdown of how much surrogate pay you qualify for. Some agencies will claim that they pay the most in order to get the attention of prospective surrogates. Unlike these agencies, we make sure you receive enough surrogate compensation to reward you for the precious gift you’re providing.

Start Receiving Surrogate Mother Pay

Becoming a surrogate isn’t an easy journey and that’s why we go above and beyond to ensure you’re paid fairly. When you choose to embark on this journey, you’re choosing to give the gift of parenthood. And that’s why we’ll make sure you receive the surrogate compensation you deserve.

To begin receiving surrogate pay, contact us online now to get connected with a surrogate specialist. We’re here to help you get the surrogate compensation you need.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month 2023 [Finding Support]

During pregnancy and infant loss awareness month in 2023, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Our specialists are here to help you navigate this difficult loss.

October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month and we’re here to raise awareness and honor those that have passed on. The tragedy of experiencing infant and pregnancy loss can take on many forms and is a common experience every year.

If you’ve been personally affected by pregnancy or infancy loss and are in need of support, you can reach out to one of our experienced specialists today by filling out our free form or calling 1-800-875-BABY.

Many families experiencing a loss often find themselves feeling like they need to grieve alone. But, know that you don’t have to face these feelings on your own. During infant loss month, we aim to shed light on ways to commemorate your loss, find support and cope in a healthy way.

How to Cope During Pregnancy and Infant Lost Awareness Month [Finding support]

When you experience a loss, you might not know where to turn to help process your grief. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources out there that can help you as you navigate this difficult experience. Here are some steps you can take to cope during pregnancy infant loss month:

Step 1: Reach out to someone you can talk to

The pain of losing a child or pregnancy is one of the hardest things you can experience. Talking to someone you trust can help you acknowledge your grief in a healthy way. Reach out to a spouse, parent, sibling, friend or surrogacy specialist. Verbally processing your emotions can help as you navigate the wave of emotions that come with loss.

By sharing your thoughts, you may feel less alone in your journey and can gain a sense of validation for your emotions. You’ll be able to express your thoughts and feelings, gain perspective and feel supported. Reaching out to someone is a reminder that you’re not alone in your journey.

Step 2: Find a support group in your area

Finding a local support group can be a valuable way to cope with grief and loss. If you can’t find any support groups in your area, you can explore online resources like websites, forums and social media groups from people who have also experienced pregnancy or infant loss.

By actively seeking out and participating in a support group, you can find comfort in the shared experiences of others who have been in your shoes, helping you navigate the journey of pregnancy and infant loss. During infant and pregnancy loss awareness month, connecting with a support group can be beneficial for your health and wellbeing.

There are surrogacy groups listed below that can help you cope with grief and connect with those that have had similar experiences:

Step 3: Find a way to commemorate your loss in a meaningful way

During pregnancy and infant loss awareness month, finding a way to commemorate your loss can help with the healing process. You can create a personal memorial or ritual that honors the memory of your child. This can involve planting a tree, creating a garden or dedicating a special place in your home with photos or mementos. Lighting a candle or releasing balloons with messages can also be a good gesture.

You can also raise awareness during infant loss month by volunteering with organizations that support families that have experienced infant and pregnancy loss. This can help you find purpose and connection within a community who shares your experiences.

Your Journey Isn’t Over

Experiencing a pregnancy or infant loss can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever go through. But, it’s not the end of your journey. There are alternative family-building options that are becoming more popular and accessible. Your dreams of starting or building your family can be fulfilled after infertility.

Whether you’re still trying to have a baby or are ready to explore your options, there are two ways you can fulfill your dreams of becoming parents during infant and pregnancy loss awareness month:

Adoption: If you’re looking to start or expand your family through adoption, domestic infant adoption is often the most common route for hopeful parents. This type of adoption involves a prospective birth mother creating an adoption plan for her unborn baby. She then chooses adoptive parents that match what she’s looking for. You’ll be able to create a profile that explains your hobbies, interests, lifestyle and more. Then after the birth, you get to welcome a newborn home.
Surrogacy: The surrogacy process can be another great way to grow your family. There are several ways you can find a match, choose a gamete donor and complete other aspects of the process. The most important step is finding the right surrogacy agency to work with. To learn more about the surrogacy process with American Surrogacy, contact us online now to speak with a specialist.

If moving forward seems impossible, it may help to read stories from others who have been in your shoes. You’re not alone and there will always be a brighter future ahead.

Contact Us Today

If you want to speak with a surrogacy specialist about pursing surrogacy after infertility, then please contact us online. We’re always here to provide support during miscarriage infant loss awareness month and beyond [SP1] .

Can I Be a Surrogate if My Tubes are Tied?

If you’ve been wondering “can I still be a surrogate with my tubes tied” the answer is yes. We tell you how.

Maybe you’re done having your own children, but you want to help other intended parents achieve their goals of parenthood. While tubal ligation or having your ‘tubes tied’ can be a permanent solution to preventing you from having your own children, you can still carry an embryo to term.

If you’ve been wondering “can I still be a surrogate with my tubes tied” the answer is yes.

To get more information about our surrogate requirements, you can contact us today by filling out our online form or calling 1-800-875-BABY.

What Does it Mean to Have Your “Tubes Tied?”

Tubal ligation, commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure performed on individuals, typically women, as a permanent method of contraception. During this procedure, a surgeon seals or blocks the fallopian tubes, which are the pathways through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

By obstructing or cutting these tubes, the procedure prevents sperm from meeting an egg, thereby making pregnancy highly unlikely. Tubal ligation is considered a highly effective and irreversible method of birth control, providing individuals with long-term reproductive control and freedom from the need for ongoing contraception. While it is a significant decision due to its permanent nature, it offers peace of mind for those seeking to end their fertility journey or prevent unintended pregnancies.

How Can I Be a Surrogate With My Tubes Tied?

While many women who choose to have their tubes tied believe they can’t get pregnant on their own again, you may still be able to carry an embryo to term. A tubal ligation just prevents your own eggs from coming down from the ovaries to the uterus. You can still have your period and ovulate through you cycle, though. Some potential surrogates who have gone through the procedure ask “can I be surrogate mother after tubal ligation,” especially those who are seriously considering getting it reversed. The answer is that you are a great candidate for surrogacy when you have your tubes tied.

4 Reasons Why Being a “Tubes-Tied” Surrogate Is Great

You have an extremely low risk of getting pregnant with your own child.
With tubal ligation, you have an almost zero chance of accidentally getting pregnant on your own. This is of course ideal if you’re choosing to become a surrogate mother.
You’re done building your family.
If you’ve made the choice to have your tubes tied, it’s likely that you are done adding to your own family. This may mean you are in a better position to help others build their own family.
You don’t have to worry about how your fertility will affect your own family planning.
Surrogacy can come with many risks, including a loss of fertility. When you choose to take your fertility into your own hands with tubal ligation, fertility loss is likely something you’ve already accepted.
You’re more likely to be emotionally ready for the process.
Due to the fact that you have gone through tubal ligation, completed your own family goals and have chosen to pursue surrogacy, you are probably a better candidate for the emotional process of surrogacy.

If you want to be a surrogate, don’t let a tubal ligation stop you from pursuing your goals. You absolutely do not need to go through getting the tubal ligation reversed to become a surrogate. If you have questions about the procedure or your condition, contact a surrogacy specialist today.

Can I Be a Surrogate Without Having a Child?

Learn more about the importance of already having a child of your own before you can become a surrogate with American Surrogacy.

Surrogacy agencies have many requirements for surrogates to go through the surrogacy process. These are put into place to avoid risk and keep everyone’s best interests at heart.

To get more information about why needing to already have a child, you can fill out our online form to get in touch with a surrogacy specialist.

For anyone asking “can I be a surrogate without having a child,” they may not be a likely candidate.

The truth is most agencies will not work with a surrogate who has never been pregnant before and is not raising their own child. There are many risks and reasons why you cannot become a surrogate without having a child yourself.

Physical Challenges

Pregnancy has a plethora of physical challenges from morning sickness to fatigue. And you don’t know how you will react to any part of pregnancy until you go through it. On top of the typical physical side effects of pregnancy, you can also encounter some more serious complications. These may include preeclampsia, placental complications, congenital disorders and more.

Many of these issues you won’t be able to know the likeliness of until you go through pregnancy. Even if you are a healthy individual, you could still face physical challenges during pregnancy. To be a surrogate without having child could put you and the child in unnecessary risk.

Emotional Challenges

The emotional challenges of becoming a surrogate without having a child are just as harmful as the physical challenges. There are many emotions that you go through during pregnancy and post-partum, some of which you won’t understand until you go through them.

If you were to go through the surrogacy process as a first pregnancy or without having a child of your own, you may be more likely to have complicated emotions that could result in anxiety or depression. Without going through pregnancy previously, you also won’t know how post-partum depression and anxiety may affect you.

Risk for Intended Parents

If you are inexperienced with pregnancy, it won’t just affect you. It will also affect the intended parents. The intended parents who have chosen to go through surrogacy have often gone through every other route to become parents, not to mention spent thousands of dollars already.

Having a child through surrogacy is sometimes their last resort, especially if they have a limited amount of embryos. Surrogacy is too important to gamble their chances of becoming parents on a surrogate who hasn’t been pregnant before.

Don’t Give Up on Surrogacy

Just because you cannot become a surrogate without having a child right now does not mean you won’t be able to in the future. You could still become a surrogate once you’ve gone through pregnancy and have your own child. You can also go through alternative routes to help others pursue their family goals such as egg donation.

Doing more research on the surrogacy process can also help you better understand what is expected of our surrogates and how intended parents feel going through the process as well.

If you are interested in learning more about the surrogacy process, you can contact our team of surrogacy specialists at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

What You Should Know About Surrogacy Agency Reviews

Surrogacy agency reviews can tell you a lot about an agency. We can tell you what you need to know about finding quality reviews to help make your decision.

Today we rely on reviews for everything. We look at reviews of movies before we go see them, we check out reviews of restaurants to decide where to eat, and we even look up reviews of shampoo before we buy it. So why wouldn’t you look up the surrogacy agency ratings before you commit to one?

If you want more information about what to look for in surrogacy agency reviews, fill out our online form.

Navigating surrogacy agency reviews on the other hand can sometimes be tricky. There’s so much more relying on choosing the correct agency to begin your surrogacy process. This can help determine what you experience. So we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the reviews.

Reviews vs Testimonials

Clients who had a positive experience are sometimes asked by the agency to offer a testimonial that can be used on the company’s website. These will likely go into more detail and even include a video so you can feel connected to the real people who have been in your shoes. Testimonials are a good way to understand the surrogacy process and learn how the agency works with intended parents and surrogates.

Reviews of surrogacy agencies on the other hand are less of a production and may or may not be included on the website. But just like any business, positive reviews are always requested from clients. You can find reviews through Google and other ranking websites. However, it’s important to make sure you are using a reputable third party resource that is not dictated by sponsorships.

Negative Reviews

Negative reviews are more common than positive reviews. Statistically, people are more likely to leave a review if they had a negative experience. While positive reviews are important, negative surrogacy reviews can be just as important to read through. When you read negative reviews and notice patterns of the same situation happening to people over and over again, that might be a sign not to work with that agency.

Fake Reviews

Unfortunately fake reviews can muddle the information as you look through reviews. A fake review will usually have very generic language and information. They will use terms like “good” and “bad.” A fake review might also include incorrect grammar and spelling or the flow of sentences won’t quite make sense. Usually fake surrogacy reviews will be reported and hopefully removed, but they can still slip through the cracks so it’s important to be aware of them.

Find the Right Fit for You

Not every surrogacy agency is the same. Whether it’s the services, people or location, not every agency will be the right fit for everyone. You do not have to go with the first surrogacy agency you find through your research of surrogacy reviews. Take the time to ask questions and interview the people you would be working with. There may be pros and cons to each agency and you will have to weigh which one will ultimately be the best fit for you. Surrogacy is a big commitment and you should feel confident in your decision.

Do Your Research

Ultimately, the best thing you can do for yourself is to do your research before making the commitment to a surrogacy agency. Understanding the surrogacy process and what is expected from you can help you to better understand what is important to you when choosing a surrogacy agency. Once you understand the surrogacy process you will be able to better navigate the negative surrogacy agency reviews to determine if the review is about the process or the agency.

If you’re ready to begin your surrogacy process, contact us today.

Being a Surrogate for a Family Member [What to Know]

Being a surrogate for a family member is possible through American Surrogacy’s identified surrogacy program. Learn more about how to become a surrogate for a family member.

If you’re wondering if you can be a surrogate for a family member, the short answer is yes. Offering to become a surrogate for a family member is a beautiful way to help someone you love start a family. Surrogacy comes with its own challenges for anyone trying to start a family.

To get more information about being a surrogate for a family member, reach out to a surrogacy specialist today.

You will need to meet the requirements to become a surrogate for a family member, but it’s important to understand what can happen after you qualify.

Questions to ask yourself:

Is our relationship strong enough for this?
Will this make the surrogacy process more complicated due to family dynamics?
Do I want to do this, or do I feel pressured to do this?
What will our relationship be like after the baby is born?
Is surrogacy right for me?

Can You Be a Surrogate for a Family Member?

Yes! If you already know your intended parents, this is called identified surrogacy. Here are some things to consider before being a surrogate for a family member:

Changes in Relationship

It’s important to realize being a surrogate for a family member can change your relationship with that person. No matter how close you are to the intended parents, this could change the dynamic of your relationship. Because you have a different relationship from many intended parents and surrogates, you may feel like more or less inclined to advocate for yourself.

While family dynamics can change, you should be aware of where you started and where you want to grow as a family. But also remember, this could create a new level for your relationship that is positive. It has the potential to bring you closer to that family member and have a special bond with their child.

Set Boundaries

To try to prevent negative changes in your relationship, it can be helpful to set boundaries with each other. If you decide that being a surrogate for a family member is something you’d like to do, you should talk with the family member before moving forward with any medical procedures to decide how you’d like to relay information, when to talk about the baby, who can share information about the baby and more.

This is when working with a surrogacy agency can be beneficial. They will work through any mediation needed between intended parents and surrogates to make sure things go smoothly for a better surrogacy experience.

Altruistic Surrogacy

Altruistic surrogates do not require compensation. This means that you would not be paid for your service as a surrogate if you chose to go this route as a surrogate for a family member. Not all situations where intended parents know the surrogate result in altruistic surrogacy. However, some intended parents may choose this path due to the likelihood of finding an altruistic surrogate.

How to Become a Surrogate for a Family Member

If you’re interested in being a surrogate for a family member, American Surrogacy can help make this happen through our identified surrogacy program. As a surrogate, the identified surrogacy process will only differ in the matching step of your journey. Since you already have plans to be a surrogate for a family member, you don’t have to go through the matching process. Here’s what you can expect from our identified surrogacy process:

Reaching Out to American Surrogacy: If you decide American Surrogacy is right for you, you can reach out to our specialist at any time to begin your surrogacy process.
Legal Process: Since you already have your surrogacy partner in mind, you can move to the legal process of drafting a surrogacy contract. If you don’t have a surrogacy attorney, we can connect you with a surrogacy attorney from our network of professionals.
Medical Process: You’ll follow a fertility medication protocol to prepare your body for embryo transfer. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to create embryos using the intended parents’ genetic material. After successful embryo creation, one or more embryos are transferred to your uterus. Subsequent pregnancy tests will confirm whether the transfer was successful.
Birth and Beyond: Throughout the pregnancy, you’ll receive medical care and support from your healthcare team and the surrogacy agency. Regular check-ups ensure the health and well-being of both you and the baby. Following a healthy pregnancy, you’ll bring new life into the world for your family member. The birthing process will be coordinated with the intended parents’ involvement and preferences.

It’s Your Choice

If family members are pressuring you to be a gestational or altruistic surrogate for a family member, then this might not be a great fit. Decide for yourself if surrogacy is right for you. Learn more about what being a surrogate means and if you feel ready to become a surrogate for a family member. Get started by reaching out to a surrogacy specialist today.