You Can Realize Your Dreams of Parenthood

Parenthood is a beautiful journey. You get to watch your child blossom from a baby into a full-grown, wonderful adult, and it’s a fierce kind of love that only you will ever know. Maybe you want to become a parent yourself, but there are complications getting in the way.

You’ve tried in vitro fertilization (IVF), but it just isn’t working. We understand if you’re feeling defeated and upset. This is a lot to go through. Fortunately, though, IVF is not your only option. There is another one that we’re here to tell you about: surrogacy. Parenthood is still possible for you. To learn more, you can contact us online at any time.

What Are the Success Rates of IVF Treatments? [Surrogacy Is Possible]

Today, IVF is a well-known procedure that helps people with infertility issues become parents. It’s becoming more common, but it is also common for people to face challenges with their success rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) national statistics from 2018, 50% of IVF attempts are successful for people 35 and under. For people who are 42 or older, the IVF success rate is 3.9%.

In fact, the success rate actually decreases with each successive round. If you have tried IVF several times and it hasn’t worked, then this could be the reason why. But, you don’t have to lose hope. That’s because you can still become a parent through surrogacy.

What Is Surrogacy? [What You Need to Know]

It’s a term you’ve heard every now and then, and you might understand the basics. But, there’s no doubt that surrogacy can be technical and difficult to grasp. So, what is surrogacy? In simple terms, gestational surrogacy is when the surrogate (also known as a gestational carrier) is not biologically related to the baby that they are carrying.

On the other hand, traditional surrogacy is when the surrogate is the biological parent of the baby that they’re carrying. Gestational surrogacy uses IVF, whereas traditional surrogacy does not. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s eggs are fertilized through IUI using sperm from the intended father or a donor. This means that parenthood is still an option through surrogacy.

What Are the Benefits of Surrogacy? [The Advantages of Choosing Our Agency]

Now that you understand what surrogacy is, you may be curious about the benefits of it. As someone considering becoming a parent through surrogacy, you should think about working with American Surrogacy, the best surrogacy agency around. We offer the most comprehensive benefits and services for intended parents like you.

To give you a better idea of why you should work with our agency, here are some of the benefits of surrogacy that we can provide for you:

• You’ll know that the surrogate can successfully carry the pregnancy: Here at American Surrogacy, we have an extensive screening process that all of our surrogates must undergo.  This ensures that they didn’t have any issues in their previous pregnancies and that their medical history allows them to have another successful one. In other words, you’ll have the best chance possible of becoming a parent through surrogacy with our agency.
• You can raise a child from birth: Working with American Surrogacy means that you have the opportunity to raise a child from birth to adulthood. You can also be actively involved in the pregnancy and develop a meaningful bond with the surrogate if you want.
• You can overcome an inability to have children: At our agency, parenthood is always possible. The biggest benefit of choosing surrogacy is that, if you have been struggling with infertility or other complications, you can fulfill your dreams of becoming a parent.
• You can feel reassured every step of the way: By choosing American Surrogacy, you can rest easy knowing that your trusted professional will be there to walk you through each step of the process. Surrogacy can be difficult to wrap your head around, so that’s why our reputable team will always be there for you.
• You can develop a relationship with the surrogate: One of our professionals can mediate contact between you and the surrogate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become close with the surrogate and get to know them better. In fact, you may discover that you’ve made some new extended family through surrogacy.

If you want to get started on this beautiful journey today, then we would be more than happy to help you out. You can fill out our online contact form whenever you’re ready to get in touch with us. With American Surrogacy, you’ll have everything that you need to become a parent.

Becoming a surrogate is one of the most remarkable experiences that you’ll ever have. You get to play a part in helping intended parents fulfill their dreams of having a child. On top of the emotional rewards, you’ll also be paid to be a surrogate for your dedication, time and commitment throughout the surrogacy journey.

To see how much you can get paid to be a surrogate, contact us online now to speak with a specialist.

At American Surrogacy, we offer competitive surrogate compensation you won’t find at any other agency. But how do we do it? Here’s how you can get paid to be a surrogate.

How Do Surrogates Get Paid?

Surrogate pay structures typically consist of two main components: base pay and additional compensation. We take pride in offering complete clarity and transparency to help you get paid to be a surrogate. Surrogate compensation is structured to cover different aspects of your journey including:

Base Surrogate Pay

Base pay shapes the foundation of how you get paid to be a surrogate. This surrogate payment schedule is divided into 10 equal payments, beginning once the pregnancy is confirmed. These consistent payments provide financial stability throughout the pregnancy.

Once the surrogacy contracts are signed, and the medical process begins, you can also be paid to be a surrogate with a monthly stipend to cover out-of-pocket expenses. This stipend can help you manage day-to-day costs associated with the surrogacy journey.

Additional Surrogate Compensation

Along with base pay, you can also be paid to be a surrogate through additional compensation that covers various expenses incurred throughout the surrogacy process. This includes surrogate pay that covers:

• Fertility medications
• Embryo transfers
• Travel expenses
• Lost wages (if applicable)
• Maternity clothes
• Counseling
• And more

This extra compensation acknowledges your efforts and commitments beyond the standard pay structure to help you as you navigate your surrogate journey.

Factors Influencing Surrogate Compensation

If you’re wondering “how do surrogates get paid?” there are several factors that influence how you get paid to be a surrogate:

• Experience: Experienced surrogates often earn higher compensation due to their familiarity with the process and reduced associated risks.
• Income: The income level of the surrogate can influence the compensation range.
• Agency: Agencies like American Surrogacy offer competitive compensation ranging from $50,000 to $110,000, based on various factors.

7 FAQs about Surrogate Pay

Still wondering “how do surrogates get paid?” below are some of the most common questions women have about surrogate compensation to help you understand the process better.

How much do surrogates make per baby?
If you’re carrying multiples, you may have the opportunity to earn an additional $10,000 in compensation due to the increased complexity and demands of a multiples pregnancy.

Do surrogates get paid before or after?

Surrogates receive compensation according to the agreed-upon surrogate payment schedule, with payments typically starting after confirmation of pregnancy.

How do payments work for surrogacy?

Payments are often structured, including base pay divided into installments and additional compensation. You’ll also receive a monthly stipend divided into 10 payments.

Do surrogates get paid if they don’t carry to term?

In the unfortunate event of a miscarriage, you will still get paid to be a surrogate by receiving partial pay. Although this can be devastating, it doesn’t mean the end of your journey. You can still try again if you and the intended parents agree on it.

How much do surrogates get paid monthly?

The monthly stipend varies but typically covers reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the surrogacy process. For example, if your base pay is $75,000, you’ll receive 10 monthly payments of $7,500.

When do surrogates get paid?

Payments are usually made according to the agreed-upon surrogate payment schedule outlined in the contract, with the payments beginning once the pregnancy is confirmed.

How do surrogate mothers get paid?

Payments are often facilitated by an escrow company we partner with, ensuring timely and secure transactions for the surrogate.

If you have any additional questions about how much you can get paid to be a surrogate, contact us today to speak with a surrogate specialist.

You are ready to become a surrogate mother and go through the various steps of the surrogacy process. It is not exactly an easy journey, but it is one that you’re willing to embark on. Because it can be so complicated, you may be concerned that the intended parents will change their minds. We’re here to tell you that there is no need to worry.

If you would like to get free surrogacy information now, then you can fill out our online contact form at any time. But, we have also spent some time putting together this comprehensive article to explain to you why the intended parents likely will not change their minds about surrogacy.

What Happens if the Intended Parents Change Their Minds?

No matter what, you can never legally keep the baby. In other words, the intended parents cannot change their minds and force you to raise the baby yourself. If the family for one reason or another changes their mind, then the child would be put up for adoption.

Ultimately, it is pretty rare that this is something that you would have to worry about anyway. But, in the case that you would, you can rest assured knowing that the baby would be placed for adoption with a loving, nurturing family. You wouldn’t have to fret over unexpectedly raising them.

So, this means that you will never have to become a parent if you are not ready to. Whether that is through surrogacy or adoption, there is always an option available to you.

Screening for Intended Parents [And How It Protects You]

Because you are a prospective surrogate mother, you are making a significant commitment. It takes up quite a bit of your time, and it’s a big emotional investment, as well. That could be why you were so worried about the intended parents changing their minds.

The good news is that there is a thorough screening process for intended parents. Just as prospective surrogate mothers like you undergo certain screening requirements, the intended parents also go through their own version of that system. This is designed to protect your interests and make sure that the intended parents can’t force you to keep the baby. They will also sign some legal documents that prevent them from doing so.

We would like to reiterate, though, that if for some reason they change their minds, your baby will likely be put up for adoption through a reputable private agency. Becoming a prospective surrogate mother should never have to come with the added risk of raising a child yourself. That’s not fair to you, and this screening process for intended parents protects you from that. Still, it is incredibly rare for intended parents to change their minds at the last minute.

You Can Still Change Your Mind about a Match

On the other hand, you can always change your mind about a particular match. If you have suddenly realized that a family is not right for your needs or preferences, then finding new intended parents is always a click away. There is no shame in going with your gut decision.

If this scenario applies to you, then you can get in touch with your trusted surrogacy professional and search for new intended parents whenever you want. You can sit down with your professional, and you can browse intended parents together until you find a match that you feel 100% confident in. Take all the time that you need to find the right family for you. This choice will always rest in your hands.

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So, what happens if the intended parents change their minds? First of all, you can rest easy knowing that this almost never happens. The intended parents go through plenty of steps to ensure that they are committed to this path. It involves a lot of work, and it ensures that they are as ready to move forward as ever. Even in the case that the intended parents do change their minds, the baby will be placed for adoption with a caring, compassionate family.

This can be a lot of information to soak in at once, so we understand if you have some more questions. That’s why you can get more surrogacy information now when you contact us online. We would be more than happy to help you out in any way possible.

After you have spent some time researching surrogacy and learning more about it, you might realize that becoming a surrogate mother is something that you’d like to do. But, you might have one big question. Can you still become a gestational carrier if you’re single? Yes, you absolutely can.

If you would like to get more surrogacy information now, then you can fill out our online contact form whenever you’re ready to reach out to us. In the meantime, though, we have put together this informative guide that spells out how you can become a surrogate mother when you’re single.

Can I Become a Gestational Carrier if I’m Single?

You can become a gestational carrier if you’re single. Although it is possible, there are a few things that you need to be aware of. For instance, you will likely want to build a support system. Also, if you have kids, you will have to spend some time away from them if the fertility clinic is in another city.

Becoming a surrogate mother when you’re single is doable, but it requires a lot more planning. To help you understand what exactly this would entail, we have detailed a few things below that you’ll need to keep in mind.

Building a Support System

One of the most important parts of becoming a surrogate mother when you’re single is building a surrogacy support system. Maybe you already have a close network of family members, friends and other loved ones to lean on during this time. But, if you haven’t built one yet, then it can make a big difference in your overall surrogacy process.

Becoming a gestational carrier isn’t easy. This rings true from both an emotional and physical standpoint. That’s why it’s so critical for prospective surrogate mothers like you to build this support system so that you are not alone in this journey.

Spending Time Away from Your Children

Another aspect of being a single surrogate is that, if you have children, you would have to spend some time away from them if the fertility clinic is far away. In fact, the clinic could be located in another city, which means that you would have to find someone to take care of your kids while you’re gone. Maybe that person who can watch them will be in your surrogacy support system.

Having Someone with You for Appointments

For anyone who decides to become a surrogate mother, whether you’re single or not, doctor’s appointments and regular health check-ups are always a part of it. Going to these appointments by yourself can seem intimidating, and it can be nice to have someone else there with you to support you. The medical process of surrogacy can be taxing on your own, so having a close friend or family member with you can be helpful.

This point also plays into building your surrogacy support system. At the end of the day, no one should have to go through the surrogacy journey alone. That’s why having loved ones around you right now is paramount to having a smooth experience as a prospective surrogate. It can help you in many ways that you may have not even realized at first.

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From a general outlook, your journey as a prospective surrogate who’s single is not all that different from someone who is married and choosing surrogacy. The main difference is that you’ll have to do a bit more planning and build a strong support system. This support system of loved ones can help you watch your children and be there with you at your doctor’s appointments.

Remember, you can contact us online at any time to get free surrogacy information now. We would be more than happy to help you out whenever you may need us.

When a woman conceives a pregnancy naturally, her body will produce specific pregnancy hormones to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and create a safe and stable environment for the embryo to grow and develop. When it comes to surrogacy, the gestational carrier will need to recreate these hormones through supplemental and regimented medications.

As a surrogate, you will be prescribed a variety of medications and hormones to maintain and control your cycle to ensure a safe embryo transfer. These medications will increase your chances of achieving and sustaining a successful pregnancy at every stage.

The exact amount of medication and when you take it will depend on a variety of factors such as your own unique needs and circumstances throughout your surrogacy process. It’s important to take all the medications you are prescribed at the appropriate times, as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your medical professional or surrogacy specialist.

Birth Control Pills

The first types of medication you will be asked to take are birth control pills. The fertility clinic will use these to sync up your cycle to coordinate with the date of the embryo transfer. Your fertility specialist will make sure you start and stop taking these pills at the right times so that everything lines up with the transfer.

Lupron

After taking birth control pills, you will begin taking Lupron. You will administer Lupron via injection for just a little under a month. Lupron will prevent your cycle from interfering with the surrogacy process by limiting the release of hormones that affect your cycle. It does this by preventing your ovaries from ovulating prematurely, regulating your cycle.

Side effects: Headache, fatigue and hot flashes

Estrogen

Next up, you’ll add estrogen to your surrogacy medication regimen about two weeks after you begin Lupron. You will be able to take estrogen in the form of pills, twice a day. Sometimes this can be done via path or injection. The estrogen will help coordinate with the intended mother or donor’s cycle, as well as help maintain early pregnancy.

Side effects: Nausea, breast tenderness, headache, weight changes, upset stomach, cramps.

Progesterone

You will start taking progesterone five days before the embryo transfer.  This will be done through an intramuscular injection, rather than subcutaneous. You’ll want to massage the injection site to make sure the hormone is dispersed evenly. After a successful embryo transfer, you’ll continue taking progesterone until your 12^th week of pregnancy to maintain a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Side effects: Bloating, irritability, dizziness, breast tenderness.

Additional Medications

Antibiotics

You (and sometimes your partner) will be prescribed antibiotics before the embryo transfer to ensure that your body is clear of any bacteria and prevent infections. This will increase the chances of a successful embryo transfer. There are two main antibiotics you may receive:

• Doxycycline. This antibiotic may be prescribed to you and your partner early on to treat any potential pelvic infections and act as an anti-rejection measure to increase the likelihood of your body accepting the embryo. This is taken in the form of a tablet.
• Tetracycline. This antibiotic will be taken a few days ahead of the embryo transfer to prevent infection and rejection of the embryo. This will be taken via a tablet.

Medrol

Medrol is a low-dose oral steroid that may increase the chances of a successful embryo transfer. This medication may not work for everyone, so make sure you listen to your doctor’s directives.

Aspirin

You may be advised to take aspirin in the first 12 weeks to increase your chances of successful embryo implantation. This should only be taken if your doctor approves of it.

Prenatal Vitamins

Your doctor will likely recommend that you take prenatal vitamins before the transfer and during your pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins ensure that you and the baby are getting the necessary nutrients to ensure that the baby is developing healthily.

Every pregnancy is different. You may not take the same dosage of the same medications at the same time as other surrogates. This will all depend on your unique body chemistry. Always be sure to follow your medical professional’s advice and ask questions as you have them. If you have questions about the medications and hormones you will be taking, reach out to your adoption specialist.

Finding out you’ve been matched with a gestational carrier is one of the most exciting parts of the surrogacy process because you get to move onto the medical portion of the process. This brings you closer to having the family you’ve been waiting so long to have.

The relationship you will have with your surrogate will be one of the most important bonds you’ll have throughout the surrogacy process. It’s important to have a healthy and supportive relationship with your surrogate. After all, she’s committing a significant amount of her time and physical and emotional energy to this process. It’s important to establish a positive connection from the very beginning.

It’s normal to be unsure about what your relationship with your surrogate is supposed to look like, especially if you’ve never gone through the surrogacy process before. If you even feel unsure or need some guidance, you can reach out to your surrogacy specialist to get advice on how to navigate your relationship with your surrogate. We’ve helped intended parents and surrogates on their surrogacy journey and we can do the same for you too.

You can reach out to a surrogacy specialist at any time for advice and guidance on how to build a healthy and positive relationship with your surrogate. Or you can continue reading our helpful tips below.

1. Show Her That You Care, but Respect Her Boundaries

As an intended parent, you’re likely experiencing a lot of different emotions: Excitement, anxiety, anticipation, etc. But don’t forget that you’re not the only one experiencing a complex mix of emotions. Carrying someone else’s child for nine months can be emotionally complicated, especially when you factor in pregnancy hormones.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to her and see how she’s doing. Make sure that she knows she can talk to you about what she’s feeling or thinking if she needs or wants to. With this in mind, it’s important that you don’t cross personal boundaries. You can be there for her without disregarding her space and privacy.

Checking in too much might make your gestational carrier feel like you don’t trust her. This may make her withdraw, which may then make you want to check in again, feeding into an unfortunate cycle. We understand that as intended parents you wish you could carry your child yourself and want to be as involved as you can. But at the end of the day, your carrier is providing you with a valuable service and it’s important that you respect her boundaries.

When drawing up your surrogacy contract, these boundaries can be outlined. Make sure you adhere to any agreed-upon modes and frequency of communication, and try not to hover too much. This will foster a positive relationship between you and your surrogate.

2. Help However You Can

While respecting your surrogate’s boundaries is integral to a positive bond, also keep in mind that she’s taking on a big physical and emotional commitment by choosing to carry for you. Even if she’s excited to be your gestational carrier and enjoys being pregnant, being a surrogate in addition to family responsibilities, job obligations and other time commitments can be overwhelming.

As the intended parent, you should always offer to help in any way you can. If she needs financial help, be sure to reach out to your surrogacy specialist to make sure that she is compensated in the way she needs. You can also provide valuable emotional support through taking her out to lunch, creating some pregnancy care packages, or take her and her family out for a fun activity.

As important as it is to financially support your surrogate, providing emotional support will strengthen your relationship and makes sure she feels appreciated.

3. Stay in Touch

Even though the surrogacy process will end once your baby has been born, that doesn’t mean your relationship with your surrogate has to end. Many intended parents stay in contact following the delivery, and even maintain a friendship. Some even come to see each other as extended family.

Let your surrogate know that you want to remain in her life even after the delivery, and demonstrate this through your actions. It can be incredibly hurtful for a surrogate to provide you with such an amazing miracle and then be shut out by the intended parents after the process is complete. Of course, it’s important to make sure she is comfortable with contact after the pregnancy.

Your surrogacy specialist can help you figure out the best way to navigate interactions with your gestational carrier during the birth of your child and the hospital stay, as well as how to maintain a positive relationship after the birth of your child.

Having a healthy and mutually respectful relationship with your surrogate before, during and after the delivery will ensure a positive relationship for many years to come. If you have more questions about how to navigate the relationship between you and your gestational carrier, reach out to a surrogacy specialist today to get the answers you need.