Surrogacy Blog

Well-known Pros and Cons of Surrogacy

Well-known Pros and Cons of Surrogacy

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Surrogacy

It is normal for intended parents and aspiring surrogates to encounter stress and anxiety. Given this fact, learning the top pros and cons of surrogacy is best for determining whether surrogacy is really for you. The key to any important decision is knowledge. When you are equipped with a proper understanding of the process, you will make the right decision. This guide relates the pros and cons of surrogacy.

Top Pros and Cons of Surrogacy: PROS

  1. Intended parents with fertility issues can have a baby with their own genetic makeup.
  2. Intended parents can select the surrogate mother who best meets their needs.
  3. Surrogacy gives intended parents extra support and guidance during the surrogate mother’s pregnancy, while at the same time providing a positive experience for the surrogate mother.

Top Pros and Cons of Surrogacy: CONS

  1. Some individuals and groups do not completely understand surrogacy, so these people may question or doubt the intended parents and the surrogate mother.
  2. The surrogacy process is very time-consuming. Patience is needed from both the intended parents and the surrogate mother. The surrogate mother will go through many medical procedures, which may cause frustration.
  3. For intended parents, the cost of the surrogacy journey is high because their insurance may not shoulder all the surrogate’s medical expenses.

Surrogacy has many pros and cons. However, given the positive factors, many look past the disadvantages because of the joy and satisfaction that surrogacy brings to the intended parents and the surrogate mother.

Surrogate Mother Pay in Houston, Texas

Surrogate Mother Pay in Houston, Texas

Surrogate Mother Pay in Houston Today

Surrogate mother pay in Houston, Texas varies according to a number of factors—whether or not you have experience and insurance coverage, and whether the surrogacy involves a private agreement or is conducted through a surrogate agency.

The average surrogate mother pay ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. Note that this amount may be higher or lower depending on the previously mentioned factors. Aside from the surrogate mother pay, other allowances must be taken into consideration. These include (but certainly are not limited to) the following:

  • Monthly expense allocation
  • Maternity clothing
  • Embryo transfer (meant to include lost wages, child care, and other expenses lost as a result of bed rest after transfer)
  • Multiples (added payment per additional baby)
  • Cesarean section (as recommended by attending physician)
  • Cancelled cycles
  • Health and medical insurance
  • Travel costs (for surrogate mothers who must travel; this includes airfare for the surrogate and a traveling companion, as well as hotel accommodation and transportation)

These allowances ensure that the intended parents cover all costs associated with their surrogate mother’s pregnancy. These benefits make the surrogacy process very appealing to many women hoping to become surrogates.

Surrogate mother pay ensures financial stability for a surrogate as she undergoes this life-changing experience. Aside from the financial reward, there are other advantages that a surrogate enjoys. For example, a surrogate mother gives the miracle of life to a couple or family yearning to have a genetically related baby. This gift can turn into a lasting friendship with the intended parents.

In conclusion, surrogate mother pay truly provides outstanding monetary compensation to surrogate mothers, guaranteeing that the surrogate mother remains worry-free in terms of expenses related to the surrogacy.

becoming a surrogate

Becoming a Surrogate

Becoming a Surrogate: Giving the Gift of Life

Becoming a surrogate is a choice many women don’t even ponder. However, for a few, becoming a surrogate—especially a gestational surrogate mother—is their chance to offer a blessing to someone who would like to become a parent. Becoming a surrogate demonstrates that you are a caring and selfless person who is interested in supporting another family, couple, or individual by giving them the gift of life. However, even before becoming a surrogate, there are factors you must consider to determine whether you have what it takes.

Requirements Before Becoming a Surrogate

First, you must consider your current state of health. Assess whether you are truly prepared to go through the ups and downs of pregnancy and childbirth. Ensure that you are not overweight and that you don’t have any medical problems like hypertension or diabetes. Another vital thing to consider is the fact that you must be a non-smoker. Intended parents prefer non-smokers because smoking has many adverse effects on the body. Be ready to openly disclose information about your genealogy and medical background to the intended parents, as well as to everyone on the team you will be collaborating with throughout the surrogacy journey. Overall, you should be physically and mentally sound before deciding to become a surrogate mother.

You must also be financially stable before becoming a surrogate. Worrying about financial matters is a big no-no for a surrogate mother, which is why she needs to be financially secure. Remember that the desire to become a surrogate mother should come from the heart and not from the desire for financial gain.

Your Support System

Your support group should consist of individuals who genuinely care about your well-being. They must be positive and emotionally encouraging so that they can help you throughout the course of your surrogacy journey. Obtaining emotional support will lower the stress you will likely encounter and help you better cope and adjust.

Another important qualification for becoming a surrogate is to have had at least one successful pregnancy. With this in mind, ensure that your child is aware of your surrogacy experience. Your daughter or son, regardless of age, deserves to know and accept the entire program of surrogacy so that you can avoid any insecurity or apprehension he or she may experience. Knowledge is power, and the more your child knows about the process, the more he or she will understand and support you.

In Conclusion

In general, there are several prerequisites for becoming a surrogate mother. These reminders are just a few things that you can expect. Before becoming a surrogate mother, you must have your heart, body, and mind prepared for the entire journey. The nine-month period during which you support a baby for someone else is certainly a tall order. If you are having second thoughts, get help and seek advice. Find time to think matters through. If you see that surrogacy is really for you, sign up and participate in this amazing journey.

 

surrogate mothers online

Surrogate Mothers Online Tips

Finding The Right Surrogate Mothers Online Today

Surrogacy is a solution for females who don’t wish to bear—or who are incapable of giving birth to—their own babies. Many couples choose surrogacy because it can be a faster process as compared to adoption. More importantly, surrogacy can provide a biological connection to one’s offspring. The process involves finding a suitable surrogate. The intended parents are expected to agree on desirable traits and to have a formal agreement drafted to guarantee that all parties are aware of their obligations. Given this, it is essential to first conduct online research; this is where surrogate mothers online becomes very handy, as it provides many useful tips.

Key Elements

Review the surrogacy laws and regulations in your state. Note that laws differ per state, but all will stipulate and regulate the expenditures you can pay, your rights to the baby once the child is born, and the surrogate’s rights in the course of and after her pregnancy. To support this research step, read posts on surrogate mothers online to get more information. The more you become acquainted with these matters, the less is the probability that you’ll encounter legal issues throughout the process

Also determine whether you want to go for a gestational or genetic surrogate. You can choose to have a genetic link to your baby by using the intended mother’s egg, the intended father’s sperm, or both. You can also adopt a child whom your surrogate has already conceived. Again, refer to surrogate mothers online for more information regarding this matter.

In addition, make sure to hire an attorney who specializes in surrogacy or who is registered with a surrogacy matching agency. Agencies and attorneys can be pricey, but are worth it since they have important contacts and maintain extensive knowledge of your rights under the law.

Do Your Research

Remember that there are several surrogate mothers online sites that will help you learn more about surrogacy. You can even hit two birds with one stone and get results faster by signing up for online surrogacy, adoption, parenting, and fertility sites and posting listings there. Don’t hesitate to get out the word that you’re searching for a surrogate.

You can also choose to work with an agency and an attorney to help narrow down your search for a surrogate and create a contract. This agreement must take note of everything required to safeguard your interests. An extensive contract will guarantee that both parties have a clear understanding of the process. You can always refer to surrogate mothers online sites to learn more about the surrogacy process flow.

With those steps taken care of, the next thing to do is to visit a fertility medical specialist and start a process in which you and your desired surrogate are checked for congenital diseases, and also—if you chose gestational surrogacy—to start inseminating your surrogate (i.e., embedding embryos in her womb). Your specialist will create a complete treatment program and will make it possible for you to proceed with the pregnancy as stipulated in your agreement.

 

how to become a surrogate mother

How To Become A Surrogate Mother

How To Become A Surrogate Mother Today

When one considers how to become a surrogate mother, a number of stages come to mind. Becoming a surrogate mother is not for most women, as the process is stringent and requires a particularly meticulous set of qualifications. The process indicated here will help answer your surrogacy questions and let you know whether surrogacy is meant for you.

In any surrogacy program, there are many steps that must be completed for a woman to become a surrogate mother. The first step is to go through the application process, during which your personal information will be requested and documented. Once your application is approved, you will proceed to the next step, which will require that you submit more information and go through a screening. A thorough evaluation will be administered to review your lifestyle, work history, and medical history.  Using the results generated from this assessment, the agency can determine whether you are truly qualified to be a surrogate mother for intended parents seeking their perfect match. An in-depth profile review and match meeting follows to guarantee an ideal match.

How to Become a Surrogate Mother Guidelines

Once you are successfully matched, you will sign a contract to make the agreement legally binding. A comprehensive exam is performed to ensure that you are physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. An in-depth physical and medical examination is done to help prevent any issues that may arise while you are pregnant. Once you are cleared medically, you will go through IVF cycles to engage your uterus to receive the embryos that the couple made. Pregnancy is expected to occur, followed by the process of childbirth.

There are many issues a potential surrogate candidate will come across in terms of the question, “how to become a surrogate.” This summary provides answers and can bring you closer to your goal of becoming a surrogate mother. We hope that this post has helped answer your question on how to become a surrogate mother today.

surrogates

Fitness Tips For Surrogates

Easy Fitness Tips For Surrogates

Exercising regularly may not sound like the most fun thing to do as surrogates; however, it is very beneficial for you and the baby you are carrying. Many people regard fitness and exercise as something that is wearisome and dreadful. Nevertheless, exercise is extremely important for your body and can be fun if you put your heart into it! Below are some practical tips for getting fit; these will definitely get you moving.

As surrogates, the most effective exercise you can do is either swimming or walking. These are simple exercises that you can complete without burning yourself out. Exercise with care, as over-exercising can cause cardiovascular complications, muscle injury, and dehydration. At the same time, if you exercise for too long, you will not burn fat.

Improving blood flow is the most efficient way to transport crucial nutrients to the cells in your body. As surrogates, the best way you can strengthen blood circulation is by stretching. Stretching before exercising will help reduce trauma and increase muscle tone throughout the course of your surrogacy journey.

Yoga is another good exercise. The benefits of holding yoga positions correctly are extensive, as the practice can provide you with a total workout that builds primary strength and flexibility.

To achieve your fitness goals as surrogates, monitor your nutrition. If you want to take complete advantage of your exercise sessions, do not forget to drink lots of water and eat a well-balanced diet rich in protein, simple carbohydrates, and complex carbohydrates. Consider your daily caloric needs and track your intake. Make sure to fill your caloric needs as well as your daily nutritional needs.

To remain fit throughout the course of your surrogacy experience, you must eliminate unhealthy eating habits. Although a healthy and well-balanced diet leads to total fitness, it is a bit challenging to commit to when you are eating for two. The temptation to eat just about anything you get your hands on is strong.

This is a craving that can be avoided by making healthy food choices. Keep in mind that the faster you acclimate to a healthy, balanced diet, the faster your cravings for unhealthy food will be eliminated.

Remaining fit throughout the course of your surrogacy experience isn’t so bad when you know what to do to stay active. Choose an exercise routine that accommodates your needs and soon you’ll be feeling and looking much better.

 

Surrogacy

Celebrities and Surrogacy

The Best Surrogacy in Houston Texas

Surrogacy is not the simplest, quickest way to have your own child. However, there are those who are determined and resolved to put all their time, money, and effort into making this dream a reality. Surrogacy makes this possible for them. Let’s take a look at some celebrities who have solicited surrogacy services and who are pleased with the results.

In 2009, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick decided to work with a surrogate. After Parker’s first pregnancy, she found that getting pregnant again had become a challenge. In an interview with Billy Bush, she said that she wouldn’t have opted for surrogacy if she could have gotten pregnant herself. Now they have twins, Marion Loretta Elwell and Tabitha Hodge.

In 2010, Chris Daughtry and wife Deanna had twins, Adalynn and Noah, through a surrogate. They opted for gestational surrogacy because Daughtry’s wife had a partial hysterectomy in 2006 and was unable to bear a child.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban got lucky in 2008 when Nicole became pregnant with their daughter, Sunday. In 2011, they went through a series of misfortunes while trying to have a second child. Kidman had an ectopic pregnancy, experienced miscarriages, and went through fertility treatments. Both Kidman and Urban wanted to have a second baby, so when everything else failed they saw hope in surrogacy. Now they have Faith Margaret and are happy with their decision.

These are just a few of the famous people who opted for surrogacy. Even with the continuous controversy about surrogacy on its moral and legal grounds, there is no denying the fact that surrogacy has enabled many parents to find the contentment that money alone can’t buy.

Many people regard surrogacy as a preferred process to have a family. In this light, surrogacy has opened a window of hope and promise, permitting parents with fertility problems to have children of their own.

Gestational Surrogate

Nutrition 101 For Gestational Surrogate Mothers

Gestational Surrogate Nutrition Tips

As a gestational surrogate, ensure that both you and the intended parents’ baby remain in good health by taking in the appropriate nutrition. Consider the tips and advice in this article to easily integrate nutrition into your daily life.

Eating smaller sized meals on a regular basis is ideal. About five or six small portions spaced out over the course of a day will render better digestion and keep weight down. Managing your weight as a gestational surrogate mom can help prevent hypertension, diabetes, and other maladies. Eating smaller meals frequently also cuts your appetite and lessens the urge to overeat.

When establishing a diet plan for optimal nutrition as a gestational surrogate mother, consider the first meal of the day—breakfast. After your body has gone without food for the entire night, it needs a hearty breakfast to provide both you and the baby with energy for the day. It also helps to follow the prescribed ratio regarding the nutrients you consume. About half of what you eat should be carbs, then one-quarter protein and one-quarter fat. Remember that as a surrogate mother you are no longer eating for just yourself, but also for the baby you are carrying.

Food cravings are part of a gestational surrogate mother’s life. To avoid the temptation of eating unhealthy treats, familiarize yourself with the various nutritional profiles of the foods you crave. From there, determine healthier substitutes for unhealthy foods. If you happen to go out with friends for dinner, don’t worry, as you can ask for a menu that shows the nutritional information for the foods you like to eat. This will make it easier for you to eat healthy.

As a gestational surrogate mom, be sure to include fiber in your diet. Fiber is great for managing your weight, keeping you full, and regulating your bowel movements. There are also some ailments with which fiber helps, such as diabetes, heart problems, and some forms of cancer.

You must learn simple tricks to balance your diet and enjoy the best in nutrition. By following these tips, you can be assured of a healthier and happier surrogacy journey that will also benefit the baby you are carrying.

finding a surrogate

Finding A Surrogate Agency In Texas

Finding a Surrogate

There are many steps involved in finding a surrogate agency in Texas, so expect that it will take some time before you finally get to partner with the one who meets your requirements. This is where surrogacy agencies come into the picture—to get you started on the right foot. You will initially be matched with a couple of surrogate mothers to give you a good pool to choose from.

Choosing the Right Agency to Help in Finding A Surrogate

A single parent or couple usually has a surrogate carrier in mind. Prior to this, the initial step is to choose the right service provider. There are many agencies that deliver this service, so make sure you choose one you feel at ease with. You will be working closely with this agency for the next 12 to 24 months, so you must be very confident in your choice. Do your research; ensure that the agency is established. Pay attention to the reviews of other customers who have enlisted the agency’s services; learn about their experiences and why they picked this provider in the first place. To get the right agency for your needs, it is also best to rely on what your instinct tells you.

There are two kinds of surrogates. There is the traditional surrogate, which is much less favored because the surrogate is the child’s natural mother, who had the father’s sperm artificially inseminated. Basically, she turns over her parental rights to the soon-to-be mom. The second kind is the gestational surrogate, which is the preferred approach, since the child is genetically linked to the intended parents.

A comprehensive discussion about the chosen gestational surrogate should take place with your physician. The surrogate must be drug- and disease-free during the pre-natal and post-natal stages, and must be between the ages of 21 and 40 years old. A history of pregnancy that involves the delivery of twins should also be considered. Take note that some couples or single parents may consider a relative for a surrogate so as to preserve genetics associated with the family. The desired reproductive endocrinologist should be agreed upon once you and your partner are willing to undergo in-vitro fertilization.

Select The Right Agency

After choosing a provider to work with, finding a surrogate is the next step. The chosen candidate should have had at least one successful pregnancy, without any miscarriages, abortions, bleeding, or other medical difficulties that may be risk factors. It’s best to consult with your OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinologist about the medical background of the gestational surrogate you plan to work with. A comprehensive medical exam must be performed on the gestational surrogate to ensure that any complications are prevented. This will include, but not be limited to, a physical exam, laboratory work, ultrasounds, an in-depth medical background check, psychological examinations, and diagnostic tests to check for any diseases.

In Conclusion

As mentioned previously, the process involved in finding a surrogate will take some time. Keep in mind that utilizing the assistance of a gestational surrogate is not for everyone, given the complexity involved in the process. It is best to take this on with an open mind and a patient attitude. In the end, all of this will be worth it once you have a child to call your own. We hope that this post has helped shed some light on your questions in finding a surrogate.

surrogate mother

How To Be The Best Surrogate Mother In Agency Texas

How to Be the Best Surrogate Mother Today

The process of becoming a surrogate mother in Texas can be very enjoyable, but also nerve-racking. If you are concerned about what you can do at this moment to become the best surrogate mother you can be, take a look at this guide to help you remain at ease in your wonderful surrogacy journey.

As a surrogate mother, make sure you are 100 percent comfortable with the doctor, OB/GYN, or other medical professional who will be delivering the intended parents’ child. If you are not, search for another one. Ask the questions to which you need answers. Don’t be embarrassed; there is practically nothing your doctor has not heard before.

It is also advisable to see your dentist before you become a surrogate. Your gums will likely be a bit more sensitive when you’re pregnant, thus causing discomfort when you get dental procedures done. You also will not be able to get any x-ray work done during your surrogate experience, so it’s ideal to get that out of the way beforehand.

As a surrogate mother, avoid using any item with chemicals that could impair you and the baby you are bearing. This includes a number of cleaning products that are likely lying around in plain sight, whether at home or at work. Getting a whiff of these fumes not only endangers yourself, but also the baby you are carrying. Use brands that are safe and made from 100-percent organic ingredients.

Keep extra deodorant and a small towel with you wherever you go. Surrogate mothers—and pregnant women in general—tend to sweat a bit more, so keep yourself dry and smelling fresh with these items. Think about purchasing some portable fans to help you beat the heat as well.

As a surrogate, try to exercise on a regular basis. This will keep your weight in check as well as boost your blood circulation. Exercising also helps prevent nightly leg cramps. While exercising is ideal, don’t do it at night, as it will give you difficulty falling asleep.

Continue exercising after giving birth. Remaining fit after the surrogacy journey will help you get back in shape. Pay attention to how you feel and take it slow, but keep active as much as you can.

With the tips above, the process of being a surrogate need not be intimidating. A satisfied and lively you is the best way to ensure a happy, healthy baby for the intended parents. All these things will lead to an experience as a surrogate mother that is calmer and less stressful.