Intended Parents: How to Prepare Yourself When Deciding to Use Surrogacy

For many people, becoming parents is a dream. Nothing is more fulfilling for parents than feeling the immense joy of holding their little one for the first time in their hands. However, not all couples are blessed with the ability to conceive a baby naturally.

On the bright side, medical experts can now offer alternative procedures to help parents have a child. One of them is surrogacy. It refers to a fertility treatment wherein another woman carries a baby for the intended parents. However, like other fertility procedures, surrogacy can be challenging and complicated if you and your partner are unprepared for it.

If that is the case, fret not. This article will give tips on preparing yourself when you decide to use surrogacy.

1. Talk to a Fertility Specialist

It’s essential to consult with a fertility specialist after deciding to use surrogacy for having a baby. Talking to a medical professional lets you know how surrogacy can work for you and your partner. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask about the surrogacy costs, medical requirements, legal implications, and other relevant information about the procedure. As a result, you can set realistic expectations if you want to proceed with surrogacy.

Moreover, consulting with a fertility specialist can help you make sound decisions about having a baby. For instance, you can tell them about any medical condition and the medicines you’re taking or allergic to. This way, the doctor will know whether surrogacy can be a safe and effective procedure for your situation.

2. Work with a Surrogacy Agency

Another way to prepare for surrogacy is to work with a surrogacy agency. As intended parents, you and your spouse can undergo the procedure independently or through an agency. But since the process can be delicate, seeking assistance from a surrogacy agency is highly recommended.

By partnering with them, you can have the professional support you need throughout the surrogacy journey. For example, you can ask licensed professionals to help select a surrogate mother for you and formalize the process through a legal agreement. If you don’t have a lawyer, the surrogacy agency can also help you find one to handle the legal aspect of the procedure.

Working with a surrogacy agency can be an excellent way to prepare for the procedure. But if you still want to know more about this process, you may check some reliable resources online to provide you with further reading on surrogacy.

3. Get Ready with Your Finances

Using surrogacy can be overwhelming if you have not enough time to prepare financially. Like other fertility treatments, surrogacy can be a costly procedure. It requires you to cover certain costs, including legal expenses, medical and agency expenses, compensation for the surrogate mother, and egg donor fee, if necessary.

Therefore, preparing for these costs is essential as soon as you decide to use surrogacy to have a baby. You should also know that there are expenses to pay for the pregnancy of the surrogate mother. For example, if you’re the intended parents, you’re expected to shoulder the surrogate mother’s medication, care expenses, In Vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, and other related costs.

Knowing your potential expenses means figuring out whether you have enough money to push through with surrogacy. If you have financial issues, you may consider getting a medical loan to have enough funds for the procedure.

4. Take Care of Your Emotional Health

Having another person to carry your baby can be emotionally overwhelming. Therefore, preparing yourself emotionally is crucial to ensure a stress-free surrogacy journey. You can do this by establishing a healthy relationship with the surrogate mother and providing everything they need during the nine-month pregnancy. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing the surrogate mother and your baby are healthy and safe during the pregnancy.

Moreover, staying connected with the surrogate mother is essential to prepare yourself emotionally for the process. For instance, you should find the time to accompany them to their ultrasound and other medical checkups. Don’t hesitate to assist them with shopping and other essential activities, especially if they have something to do with the pregnancy.

On the other hand, it’s also best to seek support from your family and friends. Although it is natural to have mixed emotions about the procedure, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to address it. You can ease those feelings by staying connected with the people you love. By doing this, you can take care of your emotional health as you push through with the surrogacy.

Conclusion

The surrogacy journey can be challenging. But with proper planning and preparation, you and your partner can navigate the process more efficiently. So, as intended parents, keep the information mentioned above in mind to help yourself prepare for the surrogacy journey. The more you’re ready, the more you can have a pleasant surrogacy experience.

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