How to Prepare to Become a Surrogate Mother

Why Be a Surrogate Mother?

First of all, you need to be clear about your reasons for making this decision so you can have a ready answer to the question of why be a surrogate mother. The benefits of being a surrogate mother are many. Probably the most frequently cited reason surrogate mothers have as their primary motivation is being able to give the absolutely invaluable gift of a child to someone who would not have been able to have a baby on their own.

Of course, being a surrogate mother entitles you to a very generous compensation and benefits package, although compensation is usually never the primary reason a woman considers embarking on this journey. If you are considering doing this, then you have already carried a successful, healthy pregnancy to term and are raising a child. Most likely you enjoyed the experience of being pregnant, so surrogacy lets you experience the joy of pregnancy again without adding to your own family.

In addition, when you become a surrogate mother, you will step into an incredibly close and supportive network of both surrogates and professionals. Plus, by becoming a surrogate mother, you will have accomplished something that few other people can say they have done.

For more information on both the benefits as well as the disadvantages of becoming a surrogate mother, see our page on pros and cons here.

Research Surrogacy Well

Yes, it’s important to do your research and do it well. Many women who are considering surrogacy are concerned with issues regarding termination, how many embryos will be transferred and so forth, but please, discuss your questions and concerns with a medical professional, not Dr. Google!

Then, consider such factors as your physical limitations, your overall health, and the family that already relies on you, as well as your belief system and your values. When you are sure about these variables and are sure about your boundaries and have been educated about them, stay firm on them.

Understand the Surrogacy Process

Possessing a good understanding of the medical and biological processes involved in becoming a surrogate mother is essential. No, you don’t have to become a fertility specialist, but you will find that the more you understand about the process, the easier it is to make the necessary decisions. Plus, you will undoubtedly be educating family members and close friends as well who may be concerned about your decision, so you need accurate information.

Particularly important for the potential surrogate mother to understand is that surrogacy does not use your egg, so your individual genetics are not involved. You will not be at all genetically related to the baby you carry, although because you do provide the environment for the baby’s growth and development, you do have an environmental effect, known as epigenetics. Plus, contrary to what you may have heard, the surrogate mother does not share blood with the baby.

You also need to have an understanding of why certain medications are given to prepare you for the pregnancy, as well as how the embryo transfer process works. We have more information for you on becoming a surrogate here and also more detail on surrogacy epigenetics here.

Support Network for Your Surrogacy Journey

We cannot underscore enough the importance of having a strong support system, both emotionally and physically. One that understands both your decision, and something about the process itself as well. Ask yourself if your husband or partner supports you in this? Will you have the support of your family and friends

Is Your Own Family Complete?

For anyone considering a surrogate pregnancy, it’s best that their own family is already complete. Just as in any pregnancy, complications, although they are not common, can happen. If your own family is complete, a complication that leaves you without the ability to have more children would not be as disastrous.

Do You Have the Right Mindset for Being a Surrogate?

The right mindset for being a surrogate is essential. Have you cared for others’ children in such a way that you are able to differentiate between being nurturing to them and bonding to them? Do you have mental safety nets in place, such as a trusted therapist, counselor or other individual to whom you can turn for support?

Are You Financially Secure Without Surrogacy Payments?

Although surrogates are compensated generously for their time, effort and commitment, the money you will receive must not be your main motivation to become a surrogate. You must already be financially secure, which means being employed or being a stay at home mom with a steady household income. You cannot rely on surrogacy compensation as your main income. Please see this page for more information on surrogacy compensation.

Check That You Qualify to Become a Surrogate

Please be sure you understand and meet all the requirements to qualify to become a surrogate. These requirements are there for a very good reason: to keep both you and the baby as healthy and safe as possible. While some surrogate qualifications may be flexible and may differ from one surrogacy agency to another, there are some that cannot be compromised. Please see this page for more information on surrogate qualifications.

Surrogacy Process Needs a 12–18-month Commitment

Even if you meet all the requirements and qualify to become a surrogate, the surrogacy process needs a 12 to 18 month commitment. Do you have an unbroken 12 to 18 months to commit to the surrogacy journey? This means planning to stay in the same geographical area for the 12 to 18 months and not moving, other than locally. This also means you are not planning to change your relationship status during this time, such as getting a divorce or getting married. You’ll need to be in as stable a situation as possible, as this is best for both you and the surrogate baby.

Understand Your Wishes, Rights, and Obligations

Once you have understood everything that goes into becoming a surrogate, now is the time to be really honest with yourself. What is really important for you in your journey? Having everything sorted out and being sure you understand all aspects of surrogacy, including your wishes, your rights and your obligations is critical. When you reach this point, you can sign your surrogacy contract with complete confidence and certainty that you are doing what is right for you and your family. At Pinnacle, Surrogacy, we provide your legal representation at no cost to you, you will be supported by an attorney experienced in surrogacy laws. For more information on surrogacy contracts and legal considerations please see this page.

How to Prepare My Body for Surrogacy?

The answer to how to prepare my body for surrogacy is the same as in any pregnancy. You want to be sure you are in the best health possible, both physically and emotionally, so as to make the pregnancy healthy and safe for you and the surrogate baby.

Good nutrition is at the heart of a healthy pregnancy and that begins as soon as you make your decision to become a surrogate, even before the transfer of the embryo and actual pregnancy. Here at Pinnacle Surrogacy, we take this preparation process seriously and offer free counseling, nutrition consultations and also arrange deliveries of fresh fruit and vegetables to all of our pregnant surrogates. Here is more information on nutrition in surrogate pregnancy to help keep yourself as healthy as possible.

Preparing to Be a Surrogate

The very best way to start preparing to become a surrogate is to speak to us. Each one of our surrogacy coordinators have been surrogates themselves, multiple times, and can speak from their personal experience. They are true experts who can and will guide and support you throughout your surrogacy journey in a way that is unparalleled.

If you are ready to apply to become a surrogate, please complete and submit our short online surrogate application online here.

For even more information we invite you to explore our website where we have a library of resources at your fingertips, including our page on becoming a surrogate, as well as our surrogate FAQ.

Plus, some of our surrogates who have completed their journeys share their personal insights into their experiences and you can read those surrogate stories here

If you have questions or need more information, please contact us online or call us at 877 261 0392. We would be delighted to speak with you!