Breastfeeding after surrogacy is a meaningful way to nurture your baby and create lasting memories from their very first days.

With the right support and resources, inducing lactation allows you to provide many of the health benefits associated with breastfeeding, even if you didn’t carry your child.

Fill out our online contact form to learn more about your breastfeeding options after surrogacy.

Read about what to expect at the hospital.

Below, we’ll break down the additional steps and methods when it comes to breastfeeding after surrogacy as well as the importance of professionals like lactation specialists.

Can You Breastfeed If You Use a Surrogate?

Yes, you can breastfeed if you use a surrogate. This can be done by inducing lactation. To do this, you’ll need to consult with your medical provider, as it requires medications and a structured plan.

If you’re still looking for a surrogate to help grow your family, we can help you find the perfect match in as little as 1-6 months. View our highly qualified surrogates now.

Breastfeeding After Surrogacy: Inducing Lactation

Your process may different but here are four general steps as to what the process could look like:

• Step 1: Begin Taking Hormones: Your doctor may prescribe hormones, like birth control pills, several months before your baby’s birth. These hormones prepare your body for milk production by mimicking the hormonal changes of pregnancy.
• Step 2: Replace Hormones with Supplements and Medication: Before the baby arrives, your doctor will stop the hormones and recommend lactation-promoting medications and herbal supplements to stimulate milk production.
• Step 3: Start Pumping: Pumping frequently, gradually increasing the duration and frequency,  helps stimulate milk production. Your milk supply will grow over time with consistent effort and guidance from your doctor.
• Step 4: Nursing and Supplement Your Milk: Most women will not produce enough milk to fully feed their baby. You can use a supplemental nursing system (SNS) with donated breastmilk, your pumped milk, formula or even the surrogate’s milk if she is consenting.

A Timeline for Breastfeeding and Surrogacy

When it comes to inducing lactation for surrogacy, you have to be mindful of the timeframe it requires and the challenges that could arise.

• Preparation: This needs to take place anywhere from 3-6 months before your baby is born as hormone therapy mimics the natural hormonal changes that occur during a pregnancy. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments take time too.
• Milk Stimulation: 6-8 weeks before the birth, you are weaned off of hormones and medications and herbal supplements are introduced, allowing them the proper time to work. You’ll also begin pumping at this time, every couple hours to prepare stimulate milk production and copy what a newborns sleep and feeding schedule could look like
• After Birth: Nursing should occur as soon possible to encourage milk flow and establish a bond.

Working with a Lactation Specialist for Surrogacy

A lactation specialist familiar with surrogacy can help you navigate the complexities of breastfeeding after surrogacy. They can offer personalized guidance and support tailored to your unique situation by:

• Inducing Lactation: They can guide you through the process of hormone therapy, supplements and pumping to prepare for breastfeeding.
• Pumping Techniques: Learn how to maximize milk production and store milk safely.
• Supplemental Nursing Systems (SNS): Specialists can demonstrate how to use an SNS effectively to combine breastfeeding with supplemental feeding.
• Emotional Support: They can provide encouragement and strategies to manage any emotional challenges associated with breastfeeding after surrogacy.

By working with a lactation specialist, you can build confidence in your ability to breastfeed and create a feeding plan that works for your family.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding After Surrogacy

Breastfeeding is one of the most intimate parts of caring for your baby. Even if you don’t produce a full milk supply, the act of nursing can still be a powerful and fulfilling experience.

• Nutrition: Breast milk contains antibodies and nutrients to help strengthen your baby’s immune system and is naturally designed to meet your baby’s nutritional needs, promoting healthy growth and development.
• Skin-to-Skin Contact: The skin-to-skin contact contributes to your baby’s development by providing emotional security and attachment.
• Bonding: Nursing triggers the release of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” which strengthens the bond between you and your baby and promotes feelings of calm and relaxation.

While breastfeeding your baby after surrogacy is possible and a wonderful way to connect with your baby, inducing lactation may not be suitable for everyone.

If do not want to induce lactation or are unable to, you can still provide your baby with breast milk either from your surrogate or a donor.

Do Surrogates Breastfeed?

Some surrogates are open to breastfeeding the baby after delivery, while others may prefer not to.

Whether a surrogate breastfeeds depends on your and the surrogate’s preferences and the legal agreements established during the surrogacy process.

Ways your surrogate can provide breastmilk:

• Breastfeeding Post-Delivery: In some cases, surrogates may nurse the baby immediately after birth to provide colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk that offers essential health benefits for newborns.
• Pumping and Providing Milk: Surrogates can also pump and provide breastmilk to the intended parents for a set period after delivery. This arrangement can be negotiated in advance and may involve additional costs.

It’s essential to discuss breastfeeding preferences and expectations with your surrogate early in the process.

Using Donor Breast Milk After Surrogacy

If you’re unable to produce enough milk or choose not to breastfeed, donor breast milk is an excellent alternative to ensure your baby receives the nutrients and immune benefits of breast milk.

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) provides regulation guidelines for a network of nonprofit milk banks adhering to the highest safety and quality standards.

View their map of HMBANA member milk banks.

Next Steps

Breastfeeding after surrogacy is a powerful way to nourish your baby and foster an emotional connection. Whether you’re just starting to explore this option or are ready to begin the process, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about your breastfeeding options after surrogacy.

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.

You aren’t alone; plenty of others have started or grown their families through surrogacy. you can connect with them and read their stories through our online community.

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.

Follow us on Instagram for direct insight from surrogates who have been through the process themselves.

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, or explore the content on our social pages like Instagram. 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.

You can find a supportive community of surrogates and intended parents on our Instagram page.

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.