The birth of a child is an experience unlikely any other. Through surrogate labor and delivery, you get to be an active participant in what will likely be one of the best days of the intended parents’ lives.
Although the experience will be similar to a regular pregnancy, there may be some other aspects of the process that differ from your past deliveries.
To help you understand what to expect, we’re here to explain the surrogate delivery process so that you can embark on this life-changing journey with confidence.
If you’re ready to start creating your birth plan, contact us online now or text us at 913-204-0224.
What Happens When a Surrogate Gives Birth? [5 Steps You’ll Take]
Before the big day, we’ll help you create a birth plan that guides you and the hospital staff through your labor and birthing preferences. This plan is tailored to your unique situation and helps create a roadmap of what you want your hospital stay to look like.
Once your birth plan has been established, here’s what you can expect during the surrogate labor and delivery process:
Step 1: Arrive at The Hospital
Whether you were induced or go into natural labor, the intended parents will be there either when you arrive or shortly after. We’ll contact the hospital beforehand to see if they can accommodate the intended parents in another room, so you can each have your own privacy while also being near each other.
Hospitals are usually pretty accommodating and we do our best to let them know what’s going on before you get there. They’ll have a copy of your surrogate delivery plan and will be aware of all your preferences in advance.
Step 2: Receive Two Wristbands
Just as with any delivery, you’ll be given two wristbands when you check in during the surrogate labor and delivery process. One of the wristbands will be for you and the other for the intended parent. When the baby is born, they might have your last name on their wristband. This is just to keep track of your group in the hospital.
Some intended parents might feel a bit sensitive about it, but it's a routine that helps the hospital stay organized. We make sure to let intended parents know ahead of time so that everyone is comfortable during the hospital stay.
Step 3: Welcome a New Life into The World
In most surrogacies, one or both of the intended parents will be present with you in the delivery room. The hospital staff will make sure to inform the intended parents of when it’s time to deliver the baby. They’ll be there to support you during labor, offering words of encouragement and reassurance as needed.
After the surrogate delivery, the doctor or nurse will hand the baby to the new parents. This is when you’ll share intimate experiences with the intended parents, like cutting the umbilical cord and having skin-to-skin contact. The surrogate delivery process is one of the most remarkable moments of surrogacy as you get to see the joy and excitement the intended parents feel when they meet their new baby for the first time.
Step 4: Discharge from Hospital
Depending on the rules at the hospital, the intended parents might stay with their new baby in a room nearby while you recover in your own room.
If that's not allowed, they could stay with you if you’re comfortable or in a nearby hotel. During this time, the baby might be with you in your room or in the hospital's nursery depending on what was discussed in your surrogate delivery plan.
While the intended parents enjoy time with their newborn, this can be a great time for you to relax. Your family and friends can visit you during this period and the intended parents may also want to spend time with you as you recover.
Usually, you'll need to stay in the hospital for about 24 to 72 hours after the baby is born. The baby will often be discharged within 24 hours and you and the intended parents may leave together if you’re discharged at the same time.
Step 5: Postpartum Recovery
Now that your surrogate delivery and labor are over, all the hardest parts of surrogacy are behind you can you can focus on your own recovery. This will be a bit easier than your past pregnancies as you won’t need to juggle the responsibilities of caring for a newborn with postpartum recovery.
You may experience some confusing emotions due to your pregnancy hormones which is completely normal. Make sure to take the time you need to rest, and don’t forget we’re always a phone call away. Our specialists are always there for you for as long as you need after the surrogate delivery process.
Every surrogate journey is different, and your experience will revolve around your own preferences. When you work with us, we do everything we can beforehand to ensure your delivery experience is the best it can be.
If you’re ready to start preparing your surrogate delivery experience, then contact us online now or text us at 913-204-0224.