First-Time Surrogate Guide
Les Petits Surrogacy is a nationwide and international agency.
Our first-time surrogate guide has the answers to your questions
Have questions about surrogacy? Read the FAQs below for a first-time surrogate guide that may give you the answers you are looking for.
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but the preferred term in the medical world is “gestational carrier.” We often use the term “gestational surrogate,” too. “Surrogate mother” implies that the surrogate will have a biological relationship with the child, or that she is the child’s mother. We don’t prefer this term because today’s surrogate pregnancies are achieved through IVF. This means that the gestational carrier is not related to the baby, and the intended parent(s) are the baby’s mother and/or father before and after the baby is born. The intended parents create an embryo for their surrogate to grow into a baby, and then at birth, the baby is returned to his or her parents. Think of it as babysitting in its most nurturing form.
The answer is not only “yes,” but having experienced a successful pregnancy is one of our requirements for becoming a surrogate. We also require surrogates to be raising at least one child that they have given birth to.
No! There are no costs associated with applying to become a surrogate. If you are approved and decide to move ahead, you will never be responsible for any of the expenses associated with the pregnancy, birth or your recovery.
No. If you have a health insurance policy that covers surrogacy, your insurance premiums will be fully reimbursed to you. If you do not, a health insurance policy will be purchased for you.
Although any pregnancy comes with inherent risks, being approved to move forward with surrogacy ensures that you are in a category that is least likely to have complications. Our team is here to ensure that you receive the very best medical care through every part of your surrogacy process. If you do encounter any pregnancy complications, we will ensure that your health comes first, and that associated expenses are covered. This includes childcare and time away from work, as detailed in your legal contracts, if bedrest or hospitalization are required. You may also receive additional compensation if pregnancy complications arise.
This is one of the most common questions about surrogacy, and it’s not an easy one to answer. You will earn base compensation for the selfless service you provide of carrying the pregnancy to term. This amount can vary based on where you live and other factors, but is typically $60,000+. If you’ve had a successful surrogate pregnancy before, you may receive higher compensation because your next pregnancy is likely to be low risk, and your experience is highly valued. Learn more about this important part of our first-time surrogate guide information here.
You will have many opportunities to explore and consider the type of relationship and level of communication that is right for you, before you match with your intended parents. It is important to identify intended parents that have the same desires as you do. Often, beautiful relationship will flourish organically with the intended parents of the baby you will carry. We encourage everyone involved to share expectations, get to know each other, and build a solid relationship built on mutual respect and trust. Many of our surrogates stay in touch with the family after the baby is born, which they find incredibly fulfilling and rewarding, while others may choose not to.
For intended parents, trusting someone else to carry their baby is an emotional decision. It is important for hopeful surrogates to consider this responsibility before starting the process. We ensure that you have experienced legal representation to guide you through the process of becoming a surrogate. If at any point you feel uncomfortable and choose not to move forward, you are not obliged to sign any legal documents and start the process. However, once you have committed and have undergone an embryo transfer, you must abide by the terms of the agreement that you signed. Your surrogacy attorney will be there to assist you and protect your interests at every step, and counseling services are provided at no cost to you to ensure you stay mentally and emotionally healthy throughout the process.
We applaud you for supporting your friend or loved one in growing their family. We welcome you here and encourage both you and the intended parent(s) to contact us. Working with an experienced surrogacy agency is the best way to protect the interests of all parties involved in a surrogate pregnancy. As an experienced first-time surrogate guide, we are happy to work with both of you to provide the tailored, individualized support you desire to successfully and safely navigate the surrogacy process.
More questions about surrogacy? Ask us!
This first-time surrogate guide is just a high-level overview of answers to some commonly asked questions. If there is something you are curious about that’s not covered here, contact us and ask! We are more than happy to answer all of your questions as you explore becoming a surrogate.
