Childbirth could be the most miraculous and joyful experience that people may have in their lifetime. What if this dream of having children is unable to come true because of the misfortune of infertility? The couple may experience their worst nightmare but will eventually find respite with the involvement of someone who would want to become a surrogate mother. This person is someone who is kind-hearted and generous enough to lend her womb to bear a couple’s bundle of joy and might just be the best answer. It is however challenging and fearful to be a surrogate mother or couple at that and this is the reason why the correct steps should be followed for a successful surrogacy procedure. What follows are these steps:

Screening the Application

To become a surrogate, the individual who wants to become a surrogate mother or couple would have to apply to a surrogacy agency. A representative from the surrogacy agency would contact the applicant once the application is received. A permanent counselor will be assigned and will provide guidance during the whole process after the applicant has asked their questions. The applicant will be screened thoroughly at the first meeting with the agency. The applicant will possibly undergo other processes such as receiving an invitation to attend a group support meeting that may be available and a background check. There will be a meeting with a representative of the agency to ensure that pregnancy medical expenses will be covered by the applicant’s insurance policy. The applicant will have a medical screening by a fertility specialist whose expertise is working with surrogate mothers once the applicant passes the screening.

The Match-Making

You will be presented with profiles of prospective couples that have been previously matched based from the information gathered during the application screening by the agency. You will choose the couple to work with. Your profile will be sent to the prospective couple and an initial meeting with a counselor will be set once you and your chosen couple agree. After you and your chosen couple finally decide to work together, an agency attorney will be assigned to draft a contract and send it out to be signed. Once you and your chosen couple sign the contract, the agency will hold in trust the surrogacy fee and other possible expenses that the couple is required to deposit.

Medical Care

The procedures will be explained to you by a fertility specialist associated with the agency, whether artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. Any further questions will be answered about the process. You will be monitored throughout the medical process.

Periods of Pregnancy and Childbirth

As soon as the pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate mother will have the freedom of informing the couple of the exciting news. She should then choose an obstetrician that is approved by her medical insurance or an obstetrician she already has an existing working relationship to consult with during the pregnancy. At least eight (8) weeks during the pregnancy, doctor’s visits may be done. The agency might suggest that the surrogate mother keep in touch with the couple at least once every two (2) weeks since most couples would want to take part during the pregnancy. Most couples would want to be there when the baby is born so it would be best that they be informed by the surrogate mother ten (10) days before it is due.

You may also, it is suggested, inform the couple ten (10) days before the baby is due as most couples would want to be there when the baby is born. The couple will be completely responsible for the caring of the baby as soon as you give birth to it. You and the couple may have established a bond and should consider taking turns with the baby while in the hospital. You might not help getting emotional once the baby is released from the hospital because you would have to part ways with the couple and the baby. Although, nothing can compare to the joy you have given to the new parents of the baby you selflessly carried. You may want to share your amazing story on how to become a surrogate to other surrogate mothers in the group support meeting to inspire, support and build lasting friendships with them.

Find out what are the different infertility options and how to select the best one. Discover everything about being a surrogate by visiting the site or simply clicking the provided links.

Tags: Fertility Problems