How Does Surrogacy Work?

the Surrogacy Process

The Surrogacy Process

At Delivering Hope, our goal is to find the best possible match between you and our intended parents and to offer you an unparalleled level of support at every step of the surrogacy process. We are committed to helping create the kinds of relationships between agency, surrogate, and intended parents that feel like family. All of us at Delivering Hope feel honored to be by your side through this journey that’s so close to our own hearts, and we thank you for taking the first step toward fulfilling a dream. We are so happy you’re here and interested in becoming a surrogate!

Below, you will gain an understanding of how to apply to be a surrogate and the many surrogate qualifications that must be met. Again, we thank you for your interest in the surrogate mother process and look forward to assisting you.

Looking to become a surrogate? There are many surrogate requirements that must be met. Becoming a surrogate requires an extraordinary commitment from an extraordinary person, one with a strong desire to help others and an openness to the powerful, life-altering process of pregnancy. We know that you have landed here looking at how to become a surrogate after carefully considering the risks and sacrifices, and with the assured support of those close to you. We also know that though this is an exciting time, it is also one full of questions and unknowns. We know because we’ve been where you are right now, imagining a family’s joy at having their baby placed in their arms. Before you apply to be a surrogate, we want to make sure surrogate mothers understand all components of the surrogacy process. At Delivering Hope, our goal is to find the best possible match between you and our intended parents and to offer you an unparalleled level of support at every step of the surrogacy process. We are committed to helping create the kinds of relationships between agency, surrogate, and intended parents that feel like family. All of us at Delivering Hope feel honored to be by your side through this journey that’s so close to our own hearts, and we thank you for taking the first step toward fulfilling a dream. We are so happy you’re here and interested in becoming a surrogate! Below, you will gain an understanding of how to apply to be a surrogate and the many surrogate qualifications that must be met. Again, we thank you for your interest in the surrogate mother process and look forward to assisting you.

"There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others."
-Mandy Hale

Step-by-Step of Surrogate Journey

Application Process

Once you decide to begin your surrogacy journey and have met all the requirements listed on the “Become a Surrogate” tab, you can submit the preliminary application. After you apply to be a surrogate and are qualified, you will receive the link to the full application. After submitting, we will schedule your first consultation to discuss further screening questions, what to expect, and answer all of your surrogate requirement questions. If you are ready to proceed, we will begin working together on gathering medical records. Once medically reviewed, you will complete the other pre-screening requirements. We will notify you soon afterward if you are accepted to be represented by Delivering Hope.

Matching Phase of the Surrogacy Process

During this portion of the surrogacy process, a profile will be created using information from your application. Once an intended parent selects your profile, we will schedule a “get to know you” interview via a 3-way video call, including yourself, the intended parents, and Delivering Hope. Once the call is over, a match is made if both parties agree to move forward. Both parties will sign a matching sheet outlining expectations and requirements. The intended parents will then pay the agency fee, and exchange contact information.

Medical Screening & Psych Evaluation

During this phase of the surrogacy process, there is much to attend to and a lot going on behind the scenes. You will have bloodwork done and an OB appointment with the intended parent’s fertility clinic. You will also have a psychological evaluation done over the phone. These are all standards in the surrogate mother process.

Contract Phase

The intended parent’s attorney will draft a contract. Our agency will provide representation for you, paid for by the intended parents. Your attorney will review the contract with you to ensure you are clear on your responsibilities and expectations and make any changes you wish to make. We will be here to assist you with any questions or concerns that arise. Once all parties sign contracts, you can begin medications in preparation for the transfer.

Embryo Transfer

During this phase of the surrogacy process, the fertility clinic will send you a calendar outlining your medication and appointment schedule in preparation for the transfer. Medications will be ordered, and bloodwork will be done. You will have several ultrasounds to confirm your lining is optimal before the transfer. The transfer will be scheduled, and the intended parents will pay for all the arrangements. The transfer will take place at the fertility clinic chosen by the intended parents. Travel likely be necessary, and resting 1-2 days after transfer will be required.

Pregnancy

About ten days post-transfer, pregnancy will be confirmed via a blood test. You will have several appointments with your clinic or lab to monitor hormone levels. An ultrasound will be scheduled for 6-8 weeks to confirm a heartbeat, and base compensation payments will begin. Around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy, you will be transferred to an obstetrician in your area for the duration of the pregnancy.

Support

Delivering Hope will continue supporting you and the intended parents throughout the pregnancy. We will check up on you periodically and want you to contact us at any time during the surrogacy process for anything you need. We believe in a high level of communication to make this the best possible journey for everyone. From helping you learn more about what a surrogate should expect to the end of the process, Delivering Hope is there for surrogate mothers.

Birth & Beyond

Several weeks before delivery, we will make sure all appropriate forms have been submitted to the hospital and that the hospital is aware of the circumstances and will make all necessary accommodations. Everyone’s expectations for the delivery will have been discussed in detail by this time, so there will be no surprises in the delivery room or afterward.

Everyone experiences different emotions after the birth and the baby has gone home. You won’t know how you’ll feel until it happens. We will continue to support you in every way possible as you recover. Surrogate mothers will also receive a personalized gift to help you reflect on what you’ve just accomplished. You are amazing!

We hope this provided you with ample information regarding the surrogate mother process. Being a surrogate can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a woman’s life. We encourage you to contact our team with any additional questions about surrogate requirements. We thank you for your interest in how to be a surrogate and look forward to assisting you throughout this journey.