Choosing to carry and give birth to a baby on behalf of someone is generous, selfless, and fulfilling. But the journey is also characterized by many different experiences, some beautiful and exciting, and others challenging and intimidating.
The surrogate mother pay or compensation is a factor, but as many on either side of the process will agree, money is just but a small aspect of the gratitude and sense of achievement that crowns the whole process.
Surrogacy is becoming more popular by the day and everyone from world-renowned celebrities to ordinary folks is taking advantage of the opportunity to have a bundle of joy in their arms. In equal measure, there are more women willing to help others grow their families through surrogacy.
If you want to become a surrogate mother, preparation is key. More importantly, however, you need to know that not everyone is cut out for such an undertaking. So, before signing up to become a surrogate, here are 5 factors worth considering.
Your Health and Eligibility
Your health must be evaluated before you can sign up to become a surrogate.
Guidelines for the health and eligibility of surrogates may vary from one agency to another. Still, most of them will require a certain age bracket that starts at 21 years of age, a healthy BMI, and at least one successful pregnancy and delivery, among other requirements.
If you have had a medical history that could prove risky, undergoing a thorough medical screening by health specialists will determine if you are healthy enough to carry a pregnancy without risking yourself or the baby.
This goes further than physical health; it is also about your emotional and mental preparedness to handle the surrogacy journey from beginning to the end, a step that may necessitate working with a counselor.
Commitment to the Surrogacy Process
Commitment means devoting a year or longer to the process. It may entail constant appointments, additional screenings, invasive procedures, a multiple pregnancy, and possible complications.
In addition to these aspects, you must also be able to handle the physical, emotional, and mental effects of the pregnancy including an upsurge of emotions, fatigue, exhaustion, discomfort, and nausea.
Socially, you will have to accommodate the needs of the intended parents, intrusion into your privacy, third parties overseeing the success of the process, as well as people who will get awkward around you because they don’t understand surrogacy.
Once you understand the commitment, it becomes easier to set yourself up for a successful experience.
Your Support System
When you are carrying a pregnancy, you need lots of support from loved ones to help you deal with the changes and transformations. You will also need practical assistance doing certain things on a day-to-day basis.
The need is amplified with surrogacy because, in addition to the above, there are other activities, parties, and variables involved. Before you commit to surrogacy, ensure that you have a solid support system in place.
People close to you, especially your significant other, kids, relatives, and trusted friends, should understand what the surrogacy process means for you and them and be on board with helping you through it.
The Financial Implication
Surrogacy comes with several financial implications which, if not well planned for beforehand, can affect you or your family negatively. These may result from lost earnings, extra child-care expenses for your children, treatment costs, travel costs, recovery after delivery, therapy during the surrogacy period, special diets and supplements, and maternity clothing.
To help your intended parents plan well and ensure a smooth process, you should have an idea of all of the above and any other special expenses to ensure they are captured in your agreement.
Another aspect of the financial part of surrogacy is the surrogacy mother pay or compensation. There’s no standardized pay for surrogates, meaning that it can vary based on factors like experience, location, and individual arrangements.
Ensure that you know and are in agreement with what you stand to make before signing up.
The Details of your Agreement
A surrogacy agency takes care of ensuring that each party’s needs are considered before a surrogacy process begins. When you choose to become a surrogate mother, it falls on you to ensure that your needs are communicated as clearly as possible.
You should meet with the intended parents to discuss the surrogacy process in its entirety so you can decide if you still want to sign up. This is the part where you voice your concerns, expectations, and any deal-breakers.
For example, a typical surrogate relationship may involve a close interaction between the intended parents and the surrogate’s family and friends.
If this doesn’t feel comfortable for you, it is okay to suggest meetups, appointments, and communication with the intended parents that don’t involve other people in your life while still maintaining an honest and trustworthy relationship with them.
