Embarking on the journey to become a surrogate is a powerful and life-changing decision. At Delivering Hope, we recognize the courage and generosity it takes to help create a family for someone else. We also understand that the journey can be both exciting and daunting, especially for those who are new to the process. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps of the surrogacy journey once you are deemed qualified as a surrogate. We will focus on what to expect during each stage, the importance of spousal support, and how Delivering Hope is committed to providing exceptional care and resources to surrogates and their partners.
If you want to learn more about Delivering Hope as a surrogacy agency, you can explore more here.
The Steps of Your Surrogacy Journey
Once you are deemed a qualified surrogate with Delivering Hope, you are set to embark on a beautiful and rewarding journey. The surrogacy process is designed to support you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling experience. Here is an overview of the key stages in your journey:
1. Matching Phase
After being approved as a qualified surrogate, you will move on to the matching phase. This is one of the most important stages in the surrogacy journey, as it determines who you will be partnered with during the process. At Delivering Hope, our goal is to ensure that surrogates and intended parents are compatible in terms of communication styles, expectations, and values. This is accomplished by reviewing both surrogate and intended parent profiles, which helps identify the best possible matches.
Once a potential match is found, we arrange a “get to know you” video call between you, the intended parents, and our Delivering Hope team. During this call, you will have the opportunity to discuss your expectations, concerns, and goals. This step ensures that both parties feel comfortable and aligned before moving forward together. When both sides agree to proceed, a matching sheet is signed, outlining all expectations and requirements.
The matching phase is a crucial part of building a positive and trusting relationship between you and the intended parents. At Delivering Hope, we are dedicated to making sure that this partnership is built on a foundation of mutual understanding and respect, ensuring a fulfilling and harmonious journey for everyone involved.
For more details about the matching process and what to expect, you can visit What to Expect Through Surrogacy.
2. Medical Screening and Psychological Evaluation
Once you are matched, the next step involves medical screening and psychological evaluation. These evaluations are critical to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of everyone involved in the surrogacy journey.
The medical screening is performed at the intended parents’ fertility clinic and includes thorough health assessments and blood work. Additionally, both you and your partner will be asked to complete a psychological evaluation, as the emotional demands of surrogacy are unique and require preparation. At Delivering Hope, we believe that mental and emotional health is equally important to physical health, which is why we take this phase very seriously.
Completing these screenings is an important step in building a strong foundation for the surrogacy journey ahead. The psychological evaluation also provides an opportunity for you and your partner to discuss any concerns or questions you may have, ensuring that you are emotionally ready for the journey.
3. Contract Signing and Legal Agreements
After the screenings, the next step is to sign legal contracts. A specialized attorney will draft the contract for the intended parents, while Delivering Hope will provide you with suggestions for an independent attorney to review and discuss the terms with you. This ensures that you fully understand the responsibilities, expectations, and protections outlined in the agreement.
Contracts typically cover all details, including surrogate compensation, intended parent responsibilities, and contingency plans for various situations. It’s essential to approach this step with care, as it provides clarity and security for all parties involved. Delivering Hope is dedicated to ensuring that both surrogates and intended parents feel informed and confident throughout the legal process. We want you to feel empowered and protected, knowing that your interests are being looked after every step of the way.
The legal agreements provide a clear framework for the entire surrogacy journey, which helps to minimize misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is on the same page. For additional details on what to expect during this phase, feel free to visit What to Expect with Delivering Hope Surrogacy.
4. Medication and Embryo Transfer
After signing the contract, you will begin the medication process in preparation for the embryo transfer. You will receive a detailed calendar from the intended parents’ fertility clinic that outlines all upcoming medications, appointments, and timelines. This stage involves taking medications that help prepare your body for the embryo transfer, which may include pills, patches, and injections.
Once the intended parents’ doctor confirms that your body is ready, the embryo transfer will be scheduled at the fertility clinic. Many intended parents choose to be present during the embryo transfer, and some even spend additional time with their surrogate before and after the procedure. It is a special and emotional moment for both the intended parents and you, the surrogate, as it marks a significant milestone in the journey to create a family.
During this stage, Delivering Hope will be by your side, providing support and guidance to ensure you are comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. We understand that the medications can have physical and emotional effects, and we are here to help you manage any challenges that may arise.
The Role of the Surrogate’s Partner in the Journey
Spousal Support: A Crucial Part of the Surrogacy Experience
The support of your partner is invaluable in making the surrogacy experience a positive one. While being a surrogate is an incredible and selfless gift, it is also a journey that requires both physical and emotional commitment. Having a supportive partner by your side ensures that you feel encouraged and valued throughout every stage.
The role of a surrogate’s partner extends beyond emotional support; it also involves practical assistance. From helping with household chores to attending medical appointments, partners play a vital role in easing the demands of the surrogacy process. Open communication between you and your partner is essential to maintaining a strong bond and understanding each other’s needs.
To make sure that your partner feels involved in the process, Delivering Hope encourages participation in significant moments, such as medical appointments, embryo transfers, and any other milestones along the way. This involvement helps your partner understand the emotional ups and downs you may experience, ultimately strengthening the support system you both provide each other.
Handling Emotional Changes and Hormonal Medications
The surrogacy process involves taking medications that can affect your hormones, which may lead to emotional fluctuations. It is natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but having an understanding partner who can offer empathy, patience, and a listening ear makes a tremendous difference.
Delivering Hope encourages partners to educate themselves about the effects of the medication cycle and to be prepared for the challenges that may come along with it. The more informed your partner is, the better equipped they will be to offer support and compassion during the entire surrogacy journey. We also provide resources and support for partners to help them feel connected to the journey and understand their role in the process.
What to Expect During Pregnancy and Beyond
Pregnancy Confirmation and Monitoring
About ten days after the embryo transfer, a blood test will confirm the pregnancy. From there, you will have several appointments to monitor hormone levels and ensure that the pregnancy is progressing well. Once a heartbeat is confirmed (typically between 6-8 weeks), base compensation payments begin. Around 8-10 weeks, the intended parents’ fertility clinic will transfer your care to an obstetrician near your home, who will oversee the remainder of your pregnancy.
Delivering Hope will continue to support you throughout the pregnancy by maintaining regular communication and ensuring you have access to resources and support as needed. This stage is all about nurturing your physical and emotional health while growing the intended parents’ future child. We believe that maintaining open lines of communication is key to ensuring that you feel supported and confident throughout the entire pregnancy.
Preparing for Birth and Delivery
As you approach your delivery date, Delivering Hope will work with both you and the intended parents to ensure all arrangements are in place. Several weeks before delivery, our team will confirm that all necessary documents have been submitted to the hospital, and that everyone involved is aware of the circumstances of the surrogacy. This preparation ensures that your birthing experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The birth is a moment filled with emotions, joy, and gratitude. Whether the intended parents are present in person or via video call, Delivering Hope will be there to ensure that all expectations are met, and that you feel fully supported. After the birth, surrogates are often filled with a mix of emotions, which is why Delivering Hope remains committed to offering support during the postpartum period as well. We understand that this is a time of significant transition, and we are here to help you navigate it with compassion and care.
Postpartum Support and Recovery
The postpartum period is a time for healing, reflection, and celebrating the incredible gift you have given to a family. During this time, Delivering Hope continues to provide support, ensuring that you have the resources you need to recover and transition back to your routine. Many surrogates choose to stay in touch with the families they helped, building a lifelong connection that is rooted in love and gratitude.
We also encourage surrogates to join our ongoing support groups and connect with others who have been through similar experiences. This sense of community can be incredibly helpful in processing the emotions that arise during the postpartum period and beyond. Delivering Hope is committed to being there for you, not only during the surrogacy journey but also in the weeks and months that follow, ensuring that you feel valued and supported every step of the way.
Start Your Surrogacy Journey with Delivering Hope
Becoming a surrogate is an extraordinary journey filled with profound moments, challenges, and rewards. At Delivering Hope, we are honored to be a part of your journey, and we are committed to providing you and your partner with the support, resources, and care you need every step of the way. With personalized care, ongoing guidance, and access to a community of like-minded individuals, Delivering Hope makes the surrogacy process a positive and enriching experience.
If you are ready to take the next step and become a surrogate, we encourage you to explore more about our agency by visiting Meet Delivering Hope – Your Surrogate Agency. To learn more about what to expect throughout your surrogacy journey, visit What to Expect Through Surrogacy and What to Expect with Delivering Hope Surrogacy.
We are here to help make your journey as a surrogate as rewarding and fulfilling as possible. Together, we can create families, deliver hope, and make dreams come true.
Frequently Asked Questions of Surrogates or Their Spouse About Surrogate Journey
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How does the matching process work?
Once you are approved as a qualified surrogate, Delivering Hope will help match you with intended parents based on compatibility, communication styles, and shared values. A “get to know you” video call will help determine if both parties are comfortable before proceeding. |
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What kind of medical and psychological screenings are required?
Medical screenings include thorough health assessments and blood work, while psychological evaluations ensure that both you and your partner are prepared for the surrogacy journey. These screenings help build a strong foundation for a successful experience. |
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What role does the surrogate’s partner play in the journey?
The partner provides essential emotional and practical support, helping with household chores, attending medical appointments, and participating in significant milestones. Open communication and involvement are key to ensuring a positive experience. |
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Will the medications affect my emotions?
Yes, the medications used during the surrogacy process can impact your hormones and emotions. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but having a supportive partner and being informed about the effects can help manage these emotional changes. |
