BECOMING A SURROGATE: SURROGACY ADVICE FROM SURROGATES
Becoming a surrogate can seem overwhelming and a bit lonely at times. While surrogates are not as rare as you might think, it is true that you’re unlikely to ever meet another surrogate in your everyday life without seeking out the shared connection.
Growing Generations’ surrogates share a deep bond. Many of them meet through a private Facebook group where they can offer surrogacy advice and support, sharing their experiences with one another. We recently asked this group of ladies, “What advice would you give to a new surrogate?” Here is a compilation of the wisdom they’d share with a brand new “surro-sister.”
1. USE YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM
Surrogates expressed this one simple bit of advice over and over. In fact, it was the most common reply we saw. Growing Generations prides ourselves on offering total support throughout your entire surrogacy experience, including your postpartum recovery. Your case specialist and Dr. Kim Bergman are experts in this field and want to help you. Many of our surrogates even reach out to talk about life issues that may not even be directly linked to their journey.
From the monthly Surro-Support phone conferences and internet surveys to direct phone time with your Growing Generations support network, never be afraid to reach out and ask for support. It’s a benefit we provide during your journey, and your team is always more than happy to help you.
2. SEEK COMMUNITY
Apart from our network of professionals, you can also seek out support from a community of other surrogates. Surrogacy is a special journey that not many have experienced. Many of your closest friends, despite their best intentions, do not understand what you are going through the way that another surrogate would. In addition to our monthly “Surro-Support” phone conferences, you can seek out other surrogates through social media. A variety of groups are available, giving you a place where you can bond with like-minded women who share your experiences and understand what you’re going through.
3. DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP
It is important that surrogates act, in part, as their own advocates. Because women who choose surrogacy often have a desire to please others, we often find that they don’t speak up when something is amiss or bothering them. However, problems often fester if they are not addressed directly. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Asking questions is a great way to take control of your journey and make it a special experience you’ll look back upon fondly for years to come.
4. PREPARE TO TAKE TIME OFF OF WORK
It’s true. Becoming a surrogate does assume that you’ll be missing a bit of work as part of the surrogacy process. Generally you will be required to miss work for the screening process, the match meeting (if meeting in person), the transfer, and the birth. Of course you may miss more hours at work for doctor appointments and other necessities relating to pregnancy as well.
5. HAVE PATIENCE
We ask all of our surrogates to remember that while a pregnancy lasts 9 months, a complete surrogacy journey is more like a 12-18 month commitment—sometimes even longer than that. Setbacks, holdups, delays, and miscommunication can happen. You'll wonder how soon is too soon to announce your surrogate pregnancy. Successful surrogates are ones who realize that this is a marathon not a sprint and are able to be patient with the process and enjoy the ride.
6. FOLLOW YOUR HEART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO PROFILES
Surrogacy is an incredible journey that you’re likely to do just once, or at most, only a handful of times. It is so important to listen to your heart and your gut when choosing the intended parents that you will help. This advice also holds true as you think about your preferences for communication, relationship building, and the birth experience.
7. THE BEST IS YET TO COME
We’re talking specifically about the look on the parents’ faces when their baby arrives. Surrogacy can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and at times pretty stressful. But at the end of the day, nearly every single one of our surrogates tell us that it is an overwhelmingly positive, life-affirming process. In other words, it’s totally worth it.
If you're considering becoming a surrogate, Growing Generations is here to offer unparalleled support. Reach out to us online to learn more and become part of the Growing Generations family.