Category: Intended Parents

Whether you are thinking about adding to your family through surrogacy or have already started this amazing family-building journey, these articles are for you.

7 Tips on Coping With Infertility During the Holidays

The holidays can be a heavy time for couples struggling with infertility. We’re here to help you cope with the emotions that may surface during this time of year.

Infertility can be a challenging journey, especially during the holiday season when the emphasis on family can magnify feelings of loss and isolation.

Coping with infertility during the holidays requires a balance of self-care, emotional support and strategies that prioritize your well-being. If you find yourself struggling as the holidays approach, here are seven helpful tips to help you cope with infertility during the holiday season.

If you want to learn more about surrogacy as a path to parenthood, then check out this article, or connect with other intended parents like you through our Instagram page.

How to Deal With Infertility During the Holidays [7 Tips]

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

Acknowledging the complex emotions that you’re feeling about infertility around the holidays is the first step toward healing. Allow yourself the space to grieve and process your emotions. It’s okay to feel a mix of sadness, frustration or even anger.

Understanding and accepting these feelings can be a powerful step toward improving your overall emotional well-being.

2. Seek Support and Emotional Guidance

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, family member or a professional counselor specializing in infertility. Infertility counseling can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to express your feelings and learn valuable coping strategies. Sharing your burden with those who understand and empathize can ease the emotional weight during the holiday season.

You can also participate in a support group online or in person to connect with people who have been in your shoes before. This can help you find solace knowing that you’re not the only person who’s struggled with infertility around the holidays.

3. Create New Traditions

Consider establishing new holiday traditions that don’t revolve around children or family gatherings. Focus on activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Find ways to nurture your well-being, such as volunteering, exploring new hobbies, or planning a relaxing getaway.

Shifting the focus away from traditional celebrations can help ease the pain associated with infertility during the holidays.

4. Set Boundaries

Set clear boundaries with well-meaning friends and family members on conversations and gatherings that might trigger emotional distress.

Communicate your needs and limitations to help them understand the importance of sensitivity and understanding on infertility during the holidays. Take charge of your emotional well-being by prioritizing interactions that bring you comfort and support.

5. Practice Self-Care

During the stress of the holidays, make self-care a top priority. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga or regular exercise.

Nourish your body with healthy meals and take the time to rest. By taking care of your physical and emotional well-being, you can better cope with the challenges of infertility during the holiday season.

6. Focus on Gratitude

Redirect your focus towards gratitude by acknowledging the positive aspects of your life. Keep a gratitude journal and reflect on the things that bring you joy and fulfillment beyond infertility.

By having a sense of gratitude, you can gain a more positive outlook on infertility during the holidays.  This can help you cope with the emotional strain that comes with dealing with infertility during the holidays.

7. Stay Hopeful

If you’re experiencing infertility during the holidays, try to maintain a sense of hope and optimism for the future. Consider exploring different options for family-building, such as surrogacy or adoption, and stay informed about advancements in infertility treatments and technologies.

Remind yourself that infertility does not define your worth or your ability to create a loving family. By staying hopeful, you can navigate the challenges of infertility during the holidays with strength.

You’re Not Alone

Coping with infertility during the holidays can be emotionally taxing, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to find solace and joy despite the challenges. Remember that your feelings are valid, and it is essential to prioritize self-care and seek the support you need this holiday season.

If you want to explore surrogacy as a path to parenthood, then contact us online now to speak with a surrogacy consultant.

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. 

Some intended parents find it useful to hear the experiences of others who have gone through the process. For experiences from families like yours, explore our social networks.

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.

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. 

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:

If there are no dedicated support groups in your area, you can always connect with us.

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] .  

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. Our Instagram page hosts many testimonials from our long-standing 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.

The Pros and Cons of Single Parent Surrogacy

Your timeline for parenthood doesn’t need to like anyone else’s. For many, choosing single parent surrogacy is a wonderful option to achieve these goals.

Your timeline for parenthood doesn’t need to be like anyone else’s. Deciding to have a child is such a personal revelation, and you can achieve those goals on your own if you choose. For many, choosing single-parent surrogacy is a wonderful option that can help them achieve these goals.

If you’re a hopeful single-parent who has questions about single parent surrogacy, fill out our online form today to get the support you need.

Many single people have chosen to go with surrogacy in recent years to become a parent. You no longer need to wait on societal standards. It’s within your ability to become a parent at a time in your life when you feel ready. When you choose surrogacy, it’s important to have a general idea of what to expect from the process ahead. Our pro and con list covers many points single-parent surrogacy may cover.

Pros

  • You don’t need to be in a relationship or have found “the one” to start your journey to parenthood.
  • You have the same standards of pursuing single-parent surrogacy as a married couple would.
  • Surrogacy can sometimes be easier to achieve than adoption as many birth moms choose two-parent homes.

Cons

  • Surrogacy is expensive, and you will need to afford the surrogacy costs on one salary.
  • Being a single parent comes with its own difficulties including finances and resources.
  • Single parents may unfortunately still face stigmas throughout the surrogacy process and through parenthood.

Single Surrogacy Vs. Adoption

Many single people who are looking to become parents may look into both adoption and surrogacy. Each has its own unique journey. Choosing between the two often comes down to preferences and finances. The most common reasons to choose one or the other include:

  • Genetics: When you choose single-parent surrogacy, they usually choose to use their own sperm or egg to use in the embryo. This allows them to be genetically related to their child. Through adoption, parents of course won’t generally have a genetic connection.
  • Legal Process: In both adoption and surrogacy you will go through a legal process. This is the route to becoming the legal guardian of your child. Through surrogacy, you will often become the legal guardian of your child before they are even born. With adoption, you cannot become a parent until the legal rights of the birth parents are terminated. This can sometimes be an emotional process.
  • Cost: There are a variety of expenses used in both domestic infant adoption and surrogacy. These may include agency fees, advertising and matching services. Surrogacy costs will also include the surrogate’s compensation throughout their pregnancy, which often makes single-parent surrogacy much more expensive.
  • Wait: The waiting game can be tough for adoptive parents who may wait months or years to find a pregnant woman who wants to work with them. However, the matching process for and intended parent and surrogate range from an average of 30-90 days with American Surrogacy. This allows you to have your baby in your arms sooner.
  • Control: There is often more control through single-parent surrogacy. You get to choose the surrogate and the donor you use. With adoption, the birth mother has the choice of the adoptive family.

No matter how you choose to become a parent, it’s important to feel not only supported but well prepared. There are financial, medical and emotional challenges to the process no matter their relationship status or sexual orientation.

Are you interested in starting the surrogacy process? Connect with our team today.

You can also follow us on Instagram to hear from surrogates who have been through the process before.

Shortest Wait to Find A Surrogate Mother

We are so proud to be able to offer the shortest wait times in the surrogacy industry. In an average of 30-90 days, we can help you find a surrogate who can help you create your family.

When you start the surrogacy process you probably feel excited to find a surrogate mother. You get to choose who gets to carry your baby and help create one of the most important people in your life. It’s likely a special bond you will have for the rest of your lives.

Ready to find a surrogate? Fill out our online form today to get connected with a surrogacy specialist.

We are so proud to be able to offer the shortest wait time to match with a surrogate. In an average of 30-90 days, you could be matched with the person who will be carrying your child and helping you achieve your dreams of becoming a parent. And we can’t think of anything more special than that.

Why Short Wait Times Are Important

When you’ve been trying and waiting to have a baby, you want to get things started soon. And we all understand the process will take some time. That’s why short match times are so important. The sooner you find your perfect surrogate, the better. For some agencies, you may have to wait 3-4 years. That’s too long. Our commitment to providing short match times goes beyond convenience. Our average 30-90 day match time means you could have your baby in your arms sooner than you think.

You may be wondering why our agency has such a fast timeline to find a surrogate for our intended parents. There are a variety of ways we make this possible.

  • Attentive surrogacy specialists: Our surrogacy specialists work diligently to understand what your needs and wants are when it comes to the process and finding a surrogate.
  • Marketing research: This is how potential surrogates find our agency. Most surrogates will search online for an agency to work with, and our websites reach thousands of people each month.
  • A balanced list: We maintain a 1:1 intended parent to surrogate ratio, unlike our competitors. We prioritize the successful management of our intended parents list. We place your need first in our mission to find a surrogate who is perfect for you.
  • Thorough screening process: All of our surrogates are fully screened. Our screening processes ensure our surrogates are ready for the process. Our high standards ensure the well-being of both you and your future child.

How We Help You Find a Surrogate in the Shortest Amount of Time

We pride ourselves on our exceptional approach to ensuring short wait times for intended parents to find a perfect surrogacy match. Upon receiving an application from intended parents, we initiate a thorough assessment to understand your preferences and needs. Simultaneously, we actively engage with our pool of pre-screened surrogates, carefully selecting candidates who align with your surrogacy goals.

With clear communication and constant updates, we maintain a seamless flow of information between all parties, accelerating the matching process. This commitment to transparency and personalized attention significantly reduces the waiting period, ensuring you can move forward with your surrogacy journey with unwavering support.

Empowering Your Experience

The timeline to starting a family will look different when you go through the surrogacy process. We want you to feel as empowered as possible when you are on your surrogacy journey. Our shorter wait times and thorough screening process help instill a sense of hope, reduce anxiety and help you achieve your dreams of parenthood sooner. Our surrogacy specialists are here to help you move through the process to find a surrogate, navigate the medical and legal processes, and help you get to the moment where you are heading home with your baby.

Waiting is hard. And we know you’ve been waiting long enough to have your baby in your arms. That’s why we are committed to offering the shortest wait times to find a surrogate mother who is right for you. Don’t wait any longer. Fill out our online form to get started today.

Follow our Instagram to hear from surrogates and intended parents who have had their lives changed by surrogacy.

How to Find the Best Surrogacy Agencies for Intended Parents

Finding the best surrogacy agency is a crucial step for intended parents embarking on their surrogacy journey. Working with the right agency can provide the guidance, expertise and support necessary for a successful and fulfilling surrogacy experience.

When you’re first beginning your surrogacy journey, one of the first things you’ll need to do is choose a surrogacy professional who can help guide you through the process. If you’re looking for a professional who provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, you may want to look into working with a full-service surrogacy agency.

But how do you know if a surrogacy agency is right for you? The best agencies are happy to sit down with you to explain their services and answer any questions you may have. At American Surrogacy, we strive to make the process as smooth and simple as possible. And we happen to be experts in knowing how to find the best surrogacy agency to work with.

If you have any questions about finding the best surrogacy agencies, then contact us online now or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

What to Look for in the Best Surrogacy Agencies

One of the best things you can do as you search for the best surrogacy agency is to think about what’s most important to you. As you keep in mind what you’re looking for, you’ll discover which professionals are right for you and which ones are not. As you research prospective surrogacy agencies, here are some things you should look for:

  • Thorough screening process: When you enter into a surrogacy arrangement with a surrogate, you’re placing your trust in them and the professional you choose. Surrogacy can be a legally and emotionally complicated process and the best surrogacy agencies will make sure to fully screen all prospective surrogates to make sure they’re ready for the challenges of the surrogacy process.
  • Track record of success: Surrogacy is still a new field, and some surrogacy agencies have been around longer than others. But it’s important to choose a professional who has done surrogacies successfully in the past. If a surrogacy professional can’t give you names of people they’ve helped before, it’s a sign that you should not work with them.
  • Experienced legal counsel: Since surrogacy involves a lot of legal rules, it’s important to have a lawyer who can make sure everyone’s rights are protected. The best surrogacy agencies can recommend reliable and experienced lawyers who know about surrogacy laws. They’ll take care of all the legal requirements even before the medical process begins. If the agency doesn’t do this or insists that one lawyer can represent both sides, those are signs that you should be careful.
  • Clear direction on responsibilities and steps in the process: If someone you’re working with doesn’t explain what each person needs to do, what to expect and the steps involved from the start, you should be cautious. Surrogacy requires the teamwork of different professionals, and the best surrogacy agencies have a well-organized process that keeps everyone safe and makes things go smoothly. If the person you’redealing with seems disorganized, it might be better to find a different professional to work with.
  • Support and availability: While surrogacy agencies can have similar good qualities, people often choose based on how they “feel” about the agency. You’ll be working with them for a year or longer, so it’s important to feel comfortable, supported and appreciated by your surrogacy specialist. Find an agency where you have a connection, where you don’t feel like you’re just another person on their list.

How to Choose a Reputable Surrogacy Agency

Because of the amount of options out there, you’ll probably find agencies that share some of these qualities. So, how can you find the best one for you? When you come across a potential surrogacy agency, make sure to visit them in person or have a phone call, if at all possible. This is an opportunity to not only get to know them, but also for you to decide if you’re comfortable working with them.

Even if you find one of the best surrogacy agencies, it may not be the perfect fit for you and that’s OK. You’re the only one who can ultimately decide whether or not the professional is right for you. As you prepared to meet with an agency specialist, here are some questions you can ask to help you learn more about their agency:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • When are your requirements for intended parents?
  • What are the expenses for intended parents?
  • How involved is your agency during each step of the process?
  • Which states do you work in?
  • How does the matching process work?
  • Do you offer support and education services?
  • Are you a full-service agency? If not, what services will we need to obtain from another professional?
  • On average, how long does the surrogacy process take with your agency?

While these questions are a great place to start, make sure to write down any additional questions you may have. You’re never obligated to choose a surrogacy professional until you’re 100% sure it’s the right one for you.

Why American Surrogacy is Right For You

As one of the best surrogacy agencies, we offer a wide range of benefits to help make your dreams of becoming parents a reality. Our dedicated team of specialists has helped thousands of hopeful parents on their path to parenthood and we’re ready to do the same for you. Here are some of the key benefits you’ll experience with our program:

  • Short wait times when looking for the perfect match
  • Sense of security from our experienced staff
  • Financial protection
  • Unlimited matching
  • Clear upfront fixed fee structure
  • Unwavering commitment to providing care and support
  • And more

We also maintain a supportive network of surrogates, intended parent, and parents through surrogacy on our Instagram account. Connect with us there for first-hand accounts of the surrogacy process.

Your well-being is top priority and we’re committed to providing you with the utmost care throughout your surrogacy journey. With our full-service program and team of dedicated specialists, there’s no doubt that we’re one of the best surrogacy agencies in the nation.

Our specialists are always willing to answer any questions you may have about choosing a surrogacy professional. To learn more about our surrogacy program, contact us online now or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

Affordable Surrogacy Options for You

For individuals and couples who dream of becoming parents, having affordable surrogacy options to choose from can help make budgeting for the journey ahead more efficient.

Because of all the helpful resources and services that go into the surrogacy process, there are various costs to account for when planning for your surrogacy journey.

In addition to managing your own finances through budgeting, there are other affordable surrogacy options. If you’re looking for ways to afford surrogacy, a great place to start is by reaching out to one of our specialists who can help get you started on the right path.

If you have any questions about how to pay for surrogacy, then contact us online or call 1-800-875-2229.

How to Pay for Surrogacy [Your Options]

We offer a fixed fee structure, which means you’ll know exactly what you’ll be paying from the beginning, so that you can budget accordingly. Even with this financial certainty, it’s helpful to have options to help create a more affordable surrogacy journey.

 Below is a breakdown of your affordable surrogacy options.

Loans

Loans are one of the most common ways intended parents pay for surrogacy. There are many lenders out there that specifically offer loans to couples undergoing fertility treatments and pursuing surrogacy. Like any other loan, you must consider the interest charged on loans for surrogacy and decide whether you can reasonably afford monthly payments even after you become parents. Here are some loans you may consider:

  • Home equity loans (using your home as collateral)
  • Borrowing from 401(k) plans
  • Credit cards (although watch out for high interest rates)

For fertility specific financing loans, here are some companies you can contact:

Grants

If you don’t want to borrow money to pay for surrogacy, then you may have the opportunity to earn funds through fertility and surrogate grant programs. Each program will have different requirements, so make sure to fully research each to decide what you qualify for. Below are some grants you can apply for:

Fundraising

Another affordable surrogacy option is community fundraising events. As the intended parent, you may have a supportive community of friends and family members who are willing to help you raise money to help with an affordable surrogacy. There are many ways you can go about fundraising for your surrogacy journey:

  • Online crowdfunding: There are many ways you can reach out to a large audience through sites like GoFundMe to share your surrogacy and infertility journey. Friends, family and strangers can easily donate as much or as little as they’d like.
  • A community event: Whether you want to host a community wide garage sale or something larger like a silent auction, you can reach out to your community to help you accept donations and raise money to help pay for surrogacy.
  • Turn a hobby into a business: If you have any hobbies or interests, you can sell your handmade goods or services on sites like Etsy or partner with a direct sales consultant to get your product out there. These profits can be put toward paying for surrogacy.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and family for help. You can always ask for money to be put toward your surrogacy fund instead of receiving typical gifts for holidays or birthdays. It’s also a good idea to start saving your money and allocating a portion of your income to a special surrogacy savings account.

Get the latest updates on surrogacy and fundraising through our Instagram.

Choosing American Surrogacy

Although you may be tempted to find a cheap surrogacy agency, you may be sacrificing essential services that can help you have the best experience possible.

We understand the importance of providing high-quality service throughout your surrogacy process, which is why we place such an emphasis on an affordable surrogacy journey that benefits everyone involved.

With our fixed fee structure, you’ll be able to see exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden fees. You’ll be able to budget accordingly and move through your surrogacy journey with confidence and certainty in your finances.

If you find that surrogacy is out of your price range, you can explore different family building options such as adoption. You can contact our sister company American Adoptions to help you understand the adoption process by calling 1-800-ADOPTION.

However if you are confident that surrogacy is the right path for you, then contact us online now or call 1-800-875-2229 to get started.

Can a Surrogate Keep the Baby?

The amazing surrogates who commit to carrying a child for someone else want nothing more than to help you start or grow your family.

Surrogacy can help you fulfill your dream of becoming a parent and working with American Surrogacy means that you will have all of your questions answered.

 If you’re wondering “Can a surrogate keep the baby?” you can rest easy knowing the answer is a hard no.

In this article, we will answer this and some of the other common questions about surrogate relationships and what it is like to grow your family with American Surrogacy. You can also get help now from a surrogacy professional, and stay up to date with the world of surrogacy by following us.

Can Surrogates Keep the Baby?

No. Surrogates cannot keep the baby that they carry for another family. What is more important though, is that they don’t want to. When you work with American Surrogacy, you can rest assured that each and every gestational surrogate has been screened thoroughly and wants to be a surrogate for the right family.

As a part of our screening, we ensure that surrogates have been through pregnancy before and have their own children at home. This means they have children of their own and if they wanted to have another child of their own, they could. But the truth is that women who choose to be surrogates often feel called or passionate about helping another family have a family of their own. In other words, they want to help you and they don’t want another child of their own.

Do Surrogate Mothers Get Attached to the Child in the Womb?

Gestational surrogates certainly have a unique bond with the children they carry as well as the child’s biological parents, but surrogates know from the beginning that the child they are carrying is not theirs. So while surrogates certainly may feel protective, care for the child they carry, and want to see the child have a happy life, they do not have the same bond as they do with their own children.

Do Surrogates Get Attached to the Baby After Birth?

Gestational surrogates are called “gestational” because they are surrogates only during pregnancy and birth. Once the child is born, as a biological parent, you will be the parent, not the surrogate.

When you find a surrogate, your surrogacy professional will help you and your surrogate make agreements about communication expectations after birth. Some families and surrogates are interested in staying in contact and giving each other updates. However, in other cases, you and your surrogate may agree that you will live separate lives.

Surrogates generally do not have a significant amount of contact with the children they carry after birth as they have their own children and their own lives.

What Happens if a Surrogate Wants to Keep the Baby While Pregnant?

It is worth noting again that surrogates voluntarily choose to be surrogates and usually a big reason for choosing surrogacy is because they want to help a family like yours. Surrogates do not want to keep your baby because they have their own family and they want to help you.

In many cases, getting to know your surrogate ahead of your surrogacy agreement and building a healthy relationship may help ease your mind.

That being said, if you choose surrogacy with American Surrogacy, you will already have an agreement with your surrogate about what will happen, and even if the surrogate has strong feelings towards the baby she carried, that doesn’t change the agreement with you that the baby will be yours at birth.

What if a Surrogate Decides to Keep the Baby at Birth?

If a surrogate gives birth to a child with an established surrogacy agreement, she cannot simply “decide to keep the baby.” When the baby is born, the surrogacy agreement will still be in effect.

When Can a Surrogate Change Their Mind?

Since the surrogate is choosing to be a surrogate voluntarily, she also has opportunities to change her mind about becoming a surrogate. However, that doesn’t mean that you should be worried your surrogate will back out at the last minute. 

With American Surrogacy, your surrogate is screened thoroughly and interviewed, and has several steps to back out of the decision before she makes an agreement to be your surrogate:

  • First, in the informational stage, she can back out at any time and choose not to seek out additional information.
  • If she continues seeking information and begins screening, she can back out of the screening at any time and choose not to become a surrogate. 
  • If she completes screening and is approved to be a surrogate, she has the ability to say no to any family profile she doesn’t want to be a surrogate for.
  • If she chooses to get to know a family, she can still choose not to move forward with the family if she has any hesitations. 

Once you and your surrogate have come to an agreement and created a surrogacy contract, she is obligated to continue with surrogacy. And at this point, she has likely given much thought to the process and is fully prepared to complete the process.

With American Surrogacy, you can get added peace of mind knowing that we offer unlimited matching if you meet a surrogate match that doesn’t work out.

Get Help Now

Surrogacy can be a beautiful journey, and it is normal to have questions about the process. If you have questions like “Can surrogate mothers keep the baby?” or “Can a surrogate change her mind?” our surrogacy professionals can help you understand how we protect you and help you find a great surrogate. Click here to get help now.