If you’re considering becoming a surrogate in the New Year, you might wondering about how to prepare to be a surrogate mother. This is the guide for you. We’re laying out the best ways you can prepare your body, mind and well-being for the surrogacy process. From getting your family ready for the changes ahead to finding the right agency, we can help you begin this amazing journey.
Contact us today for more tips on surrogate mother preparation.
How to Prepare to Be a Surrogate Mother
There are a number of surrogacy requirements you will need to meet before you begin the surrogacy process. Making sure you meet these requirements is the first step to preparing to be a surrogate. This includes:
- Not getting tattoos prior to 12 months of the surrogacy process
- Abstain from antidepressants for at least 12 months
- Maintain or achieve a healthy BMI
Surrogacy is a 12-18 month commitment for many surrogates. Making sure you are able to stay in the same geographical area, you are not planning to change a lot in your life, and ensuring you’re going to have a stable environment for that time is important. Understanding this can help you prepare your calendar, family and work for the whole process.
Make the Appropriate Work Arrangements
When you begin your surrogacy journey, you may need to find out what your work’s policy is on maternity leave. Talk to your human resources department or boss to learn more about the benefits they offer. If your work does not offer a maternity leave package or if you will lose wages due to pregnancy or giving birth, we can include those lost wages in your surrogate compensation package.
Talk to Your Family
Having a support system for your surrogacy journey is so important. Talking to your spouse, child(ren) and anyone else you live with to help them prepare for surrogacy can create a positive experience for everyone. When you begin the surrogacy process, a social worker will meet with your family to help everyone feel prepared and give them better insight into surrogacy. One of the best resources to talk to your family about surrogacy is by consulting one of our surrogacy specialists. Contact us to get information today.
Cultivate Healthy Habits
One of the best ways to be a good surrogate mother is adopting some healthy habits before your pregnancy. Getting your body ready for a healthy pregnancy can help you feel your best as you go into surrogacy. The medical process can feel intensive so taking care of your health can be important for preparing for surrogacy. Here are a few of the things you can do to prepare yourself physically and mentally.
- Start taking prenatal vitamins
- Cut out or cut back on alcohol
- Get a fitness routine like yoga or walking
- Prioritize good nutrition
- Talk to a mental health counselor
- Connect with a surrogacy specialist
Preparing Your Network
Finding the right surrogacy agency is one of the most important things you can do to prepare. Our surrogacy specialists are ready to help you through the surrogacy process and give you the best experience possible.
Contact us to get started or learn more about how to prepare to be a surrogate mother. We can’t wait to work with you!