Category: Intended Parenthood

Personal Development Guide for Surrogate Mothers

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Personal development can be challenging to initiate as a surrogate mother. This is considering the fact that your psyche has a lot of components which makes it difficult to determine where to begin. This post is made to guide you in the development of your personal goals as a surrogate. Here, you’ll find a number of ideas that you can easily implement.

As a surrogate mother, make friends with those who are positive-minded and provide joy to your life. They will serve as motivators and role models for good behavior. Keeping a positive outlook yourself will do wonders for your mental health, so why not give positive thinking a try.

Another great tip is to stay calm and cool as a cucumber. Don’t over think and complicate things. Approach problems as an opportunity to grow and reward yourself in your personal achievements. Do not focus on what you may have lost, but look at what is to come in life.

Being humble is a great trait that will boost your personal growth. Considering the worth and feelings of others show great maturity and helps you to become a better and happier individual.

Stay busy and active, but know when to take breaks. Taking regular breaks is good because it gives you the chance to recharge your mind, and gets you more work done in the long run.

Last but not the least, keep a journal with you. This is known to be good for the heart and soul. As a surrogate mother, keeping a journal is therapeutic and is the perfect medium to take note of changes and feelings. Pack some paper with you when you go out. Write down your idea in detail, and then enforce it at a later time when you can broaden on the issue.

Tips for Gestational Carriers

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As a gestational carrier, a well balanced diet is critical in maintaining good overall health. This can be done by making wiser food choices and altering your eating habits for the better.

Modifying a diet plan seems like a daunting experience for anyone whose eating for two, however, this is actually worth the effort in the long run as a gestational carrier. There are many delicious and nutritious foods that are easy to prepare. Some examples are spinach, and kale, both leafy veggies which can be easily digested by the body. They happen to be a great tasting treat, minus the unhealthy fats, which will surely fight off unwanted cravings in between meals.

Eating foods that are packed with nutrition and are easy to absorb is a must as a gestational carrier. Not only will these kinds of food help you feel full without the bloated feeling, but it helps you to get all the nutrition you and the little one needs. Avocado is a good example, as it is easy on a delicate stomach and has loads of nutrients and well-balanced fats. Additional examples are spinach, kale and broccoli.

Eating nuts are ideal and make for great snacks. Consume nuts in small amounts and you are bound to get a good supply of healthy protein.

The importance of vegetables in one’s diet can’t be beat,  however, having fresh veggies is tough as it spoils quickly. This is where frozen veggies come in handy. You can get creative with this frozen treat and have them as a snack, side dish or even the main course.

Healthy eating must not be a chore. Following these tips will ensure that you and the baby you are carrying get all the nutrition that is needed.

Helpful Tips for A Surrogate Mom

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Being a surrogate mom can be both exciting and terrifying. Nothing matches the wonder of knowing that you are bringing a new life into the world, for the purpose of surrogacy. Having a good grasp of knowledge about being a surrogate can help relieve many of these fears. So here are some valuable insights for any surrogate mother.

If you’re a surrogate mom or choose to be one, staying away from stress would be the most ideal thing to do. Keeping a positive disposition helps, as well as focusing on how to feel better every day until the baby comes. Another simple, but often overlooked stress buster, is to always stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids will make you feel consistently refreshed, thus minimizing stress.

Keeping a healthy body during pregnancy may seem like a chore, especially with the unending appetite for almost all kinds of food. This is why exercising is needed the most. Not only will it ensure your body’s fitness, but also prepare you for when the baby comes.

Try to avoid some of the chemicals that would be harmful to your body, such as paint and toxic supplies around the house. These will end up getting into your bloodstream and could affect your overall health as a gestational carrier. Be extra cautious with common household items that may carry toxic chemicals such as detergents and other household cleaners.

Be sure to find a good prenatal vitamin. In many cases, your physician will prescribe the best one for you, but you can also find them over the counter. Be sure that it has at least 0.4 mg of Folic acid in it. You may also want to look for an additional source of iron to take as a gestational carrier.

Last but not the least, as a surrogate mom; be sure to follow the advice of the mother to be. The intended parent will know what’s best, but when in doubt, you can always check with your ob-gyn.

The tips discussed above will certainly make your surrogacy journey more memorable and before you know it you are on your way to delivering the best gift ever, the gift of life.

Surrogate Compensation

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Surrogate Compensation 

Compensation is never the main priority when becoming a surrogate. Being a surrogate involves a lot of selflessness and challenges that are mentally and emotionally exhausting.

That being said, surrogate mothers deserve to be compensated fully.

Surrogate Compensation: Costs for Service

Surrogacy charges differ from agency to agency. The intended parents’ application fees generally work upwards of around $500, while legal expenditures frequently arrive at $15,000. These charges do not go straight to the surrogate mother. Funding is maintained and serves as a guarantee not just for the surrogate, but also for the intended mom and dad.

Surrogate Payment

Turning into a surrogate is no easy task. It can be likened to a full time employment so it is essential that the intended parents recompense the surrogate with a cash fee. This is actually determined in agreement prior to pregnancy and must cover all various fees as well as health care expenditures. In terms of the pricing, a first time surrogate may receive around $25,000 to $35,000. An experienced surrogate, on the other hand,  is expected to earn much higher.

Surrogate Compensation: Various Other Costs

As mentioned previously, a surrogate mother’s medical costs are already paid for by the intended parents. This covers ob-gyn  clinical visits as well as any type of additional treatment helpful to the surrogate’s overall health and wellness. Apart from this coverage, a surrogate is somewhat insured from unlikely circumstances that is detrimental to her overall well being. An instance is when a surrogate mother is evicted from her property. Financing would be actually created and offered by the intended moms and dads to preserve her residing security.

Understanding Surrogacy in Iowa

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The legality of surrogacy in the USA can be considered an ongoing argument. What makes it more complicated is the fact that the laws vary per state which results in more questions than answers. Given this complication, you must fully understand the laws regulating surrogacy in all states to avoid running into any problems as you go along this process.

The Essential Components

The lawyer you’ll be hiring to protect your interest will need all the inputs coming from you and the surrogate. Partner with this kind of expert to work hands on with the intricacies of the contract or agreement that you will have with the woman carrying your child. It is also important to hire independent lawyers for you and the surrogate.

The list seen below will be of great help to cover the basics of the said agreement.

1. Name of parties involved: husband, wife as well as the woman acting as the surrogate.
2. Should be of legal age
3. Number of attempts
4. The process of getting pregnant, like “no sexual intercourse.
5. Agreement to never attempt to discontinue pregnancy.
6. A declaration that the mother is unable to conceive or sustain pregnancy.
7. Statements of extensive clinical and mental state of the surrogate as agreed.
8. Health plan for all concerned, including the embryo.
9. Procedures including the positioning of the fertilized egg (s).
10. Close monitoring of surrogate’s activities as well as medication taken.
11. Discussion and agreement on regular prenatal health care.
12. Regulation on the surrogate’s activities that may be seen as dangerous to the pregnancy as well as the birth procedure.
13. Surrogate’s parental rights.
14. The presence of the couple throughout childbirth.
15. Legal or Physical custody of the couple and surrogate once the child is born.
16. Financial terms and obligations in the course of pregnancy and post pregnancy.
17. Confidentiality terms and clauses.

This checklist covers a great deal of what is good to know at the start of this process. It is, however, ideal to watch out for other conditions that will better prepare you for potential issues in the future.

Surrogate’s Compensation

Knowing the ins and outs relating to the surrogate’s compensation is of utmost importance. This should the first of the many to consider when opting for this service. Understanding just how much your financial obligation will be can help you plan for other concerns related to this process. Whatever pay a gestational or even traditional surrogate gets, it is important to identify that they are not an employee. The employee- employer connection still stands even if the surrogate offers the service for free.

Traditional or Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational Surrogacy is different from Traditional surrogacy since the surrogate carries the pregnancy and gives birth from an already fertilized egg. In this case, there will be no hereditary link in between the surrogate as well as the child. Traditional Surrogacy, on the other hand, entails artificial insemination or even IVF by merging the surrogate’s eggs with the semen of the benefactor. In this instance, the woman acting as the surrogate possesses a hereditary link to the kid, which can be high-risk.

Lawful Issues Post-Birth Adoption

A number of states make it possible for the name of the mother and father to appear on the child’s birth certificate. In other states, the surrogate’s name is the one put on the document, which may be changed later when the order for the intended parent comes and gets listed.
Some states permit pre-birth sequence under specific conditions. At the end of the day what is still very important is to understand as well as know the rules of each state with regards to surrogacy.

How To Select A Gestational Surrogate in Iowa

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For most couples, starting a family is as easy as 1-2-3; but, for some, they may opt to choose a surrogate carrier or a gestational surrogate. So how does a couple select a gestational surrogate?

A gestational surrogate is defined as a woman bearing the child for another couple or single parent who wishes to have a child; but can not bear to go through the process of a normal pregnancy. However, choosing a gestational surrogate has a course that usually has to be followed. Still, it is always a good idea to consult with your own preferred doctor.

Choosing the Right Agency for You

A couple or single parent usually has an ideal surrogate carrier in mind. Before this, the first step would have to be choosing the right agency for you. There are many agencies that offer this service so always choose the one that you feel most comfortable with. Always remember that this will be the agency that you will have to work alongside with for the next 12 to 24 months. Do your research; make sure that the agency is well established. Read feedbacks from single parents or other couples who have already used the reason and the service why these couples or single parents chose them in the first place? It is always best to trust your gut instincts.

Selecting A Gestational Surrogate

After choosing the agency to work with, finding the right candidate for the gestational surrogate is the next step. The ideal candidate should have had at least one successful pregnancy, with no background on miscarriages, abortions, bleeding or any other medical issues that may be a risk factor. It is always best to consult with your OB/Gyne or reproductive endocrinologist regarding the medical history of the GS that you plan to work with. A thorough medical examination must be performed on the GS so that any complications may be prevented. This will include, but not limited to: a physical examination, laboratory examinations, ultrasounds, a comprehensive medical history check, psychological examinations, and screening for any threatening diseases.

The Ideal Gestational Surrogate

The gestational surrogate should ideally be drug and disease-free during the pre-natal and post-natal stages, and between the ages of 21 to 40 years old. Prior pregnancy that involves the delivery of twins should also be taken into consideration. A deeper understanding for the ideal GS would best be discussed with your physician. Some couples or single parents may opt to choose a relative for the purpose of keeping things within the family genes. If you or your partner chooses to go through in vitro fertilization, make sure to choose your preferred Reproductive Endocrinologist.
In Conclusion

The process of finding the right gestational surrogate may take some time. Remember that using the service of a GS is not for everyone; there will be a lot of emotions that will run through your mind.

A gestational surrogate is defined as a woman bearing the child for another couple or single parent who wishes to have a child; but can not bear to go through the process of a normal pregnancy. Choosing a gestational surrogate has a course that usually has to be followed. After choosing the agency to work with, finding the right candidate for the gestational surrogate is the next step. The gestational surrogate should ideally be drug and disease-free during the post-natal and pre-natal stages, and between the ages of 21 to 40 years old. The process of finding the right gestational surrogate may take some time.

Communicating with your gestational surrogate.

Intended Parents 101: Communicating with Your Gestational Surrogate

Angel Dela Cruz Leave a comment

Communicating with your gestational surrogate during the surrogacy journey is very important to its success. The surrogate agency you work with will make sure that all of your preferences are met in finding an ideal gestational surrogate to assist you. The degree of communication and relationship you want with a gestational surrogate will really depend on you and your partner’s preferences. So it is very important to be truthful with your agency when disclosing this information.

After you have disclosed your personal preferences on the type of relationship and communication you want with a gestational surrogate, your surrogate agency will match you with a gestational surrogate who shares the same preferences with you and your partner. If you would like to keep your relationship with your gestational surrogate on a more personal level – meaning you want to have a close working relationship with open communication – your surrogate agency will find you a gestational surrogate who wants the same type of relationship.

If you prefer a more “business like” relationship with your gestational surrogate, your agency will pair you up with a suitable gestational surrogate who shares the same preferences. In this scenario, your agency will be doing most of the communicating with your gestational surrogate and will be informing you of any doctor’s appointments or checkups that you may want to attend with your gestational surrogate.

Communicating with your gestational surrogate is now easier than ever thanks to the services of a reliable surrogate agency. Remember, a good surrogate agency should be able to provide excellent services and support all throughout your surrogacy journey. They should be able to assist you in any way possible to make the journey a lot easier and more stress free for you and your partner.

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Communicating with your gestational surrogate.

Surrogates in Pennsylvania and Their Relationship with the Intended Parents

Angel Dela Cruz Leave a comment

Surrogates in Pennsylvania and their rapport with the intended parents is exclusively unique in its own way. Mounting a rich understanding of your expectations of the relationship and allocating those specifics with your surrogacy agency and each other is important.

The prime areas to focus discussions about your surrogate relationship concerns are regularity of communication, types of communication, and the overall tone of your personal relationship. This relationship can be reflected many different ways or you may indicate that you do not wish to have a relationship. Every intended parent’s approach will be different, as will that of the surrogates in Pennsylvania.

Relationships evolve and change over time. Being aware of this creates a balance with your surrogate mother, enabling a healthy relationship to develop and grow.

Surrogates in Pennsylvania must have a balance of communication between themselves and intended parents. It can be a delicate process involving each of you. Determining the amount of communication and gaining an insight into the surrogate’s expectations should be carefully considered. Some intended parents like high levels of interaction, regular updates via e-mail or phone, and the expectancy of attending the doctor appointments.

It is extremely essential to some intended parents to be included in the pregnancy. Similarly, some surrogates in Pennsylvania also desire this close bond with their intended parents and may be disappointed if the intended parents choose not to engage in regular contact throughout the journey and beyond. Many choose to have a life-long friendship even after the birth.

A small percentage of intended parents and surrogates in Pennsylvania feel compelled to have a small dose of contact such as quick updates and texts or phone conversation. Before entering into a surrogacy agreement together, it is important that several discussions take place as to the desirable amount of communication that will take place throughout the pregnancy and beyond.

It is important to talk with your partner about what type of relationship you would like to have with your surrogate before, during and after pregnancy. There are so many advantages and disadvantages to both options. The final decision ultimately rests on your shoulders and your personal preferences.

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Gay Intended Parents 101: Simple Ways to Bond with Your Newborn

Intended Parents 101: Simple Ways to Bond with Your Newborn

Angel Dela Cruz Leave a comment

One of the major fears gay parents face is whether they will bond or connect with their newborn, but most intended parents don’t realize that this is a very common worry amongst all types of parents. Here are some helpful tips and ideas to help gay parents bond with their newborn baby:

  • Before your newborn arrives, it is best to join a support group or a network with other gay parents that have tried surrogacy. The more you are able to talk through your fears, learn suggestions and hear stories from other parents, the more you will be prepared and have reasonable expectations of the initial months with your newborn. Reading books on parenting and watching DVDs or TV programs will help you feel ready when your newborn is placed in your arms.
  • Once your newborn arrives, it is best to focus on nurturing and meeting the baby’s needs. This is one of the main ways that parents and children bond to each other. You and your partner need to pay close attention to the nurturing tasks you are doing for your newborn, like feeding, changing, dressing and holding. By coming to your child when called and when you are needed, you will build trust and a feeling of safety which is at the basis of bonding. Responding to your baby’s cries or perceived “neediness” with consistency, love, and gentleness will let them slowly know that you are the parent and you can be depended on. For babies, dependency is a good thing.
  • Talk to your newborn. Language is a key element of connection and will help your baby in his development. Even with a newborn, it is important to talk and sing and coo and use your voice to share information and emotion. You can talk while you are doing care-taking tasks, talk about what you’re doing, and talk while you’re taking a walk. Even though you may think your child doesn’t understand you, you are conveying attachment and sharing information when you talk to him or her.
  • Play. Play is one of the joys of both parenthood and childhood. Before you know it, your newborn will be in the terrible teens and you will miss the days when you were his or her favorite playmate. For infants and babies, traditional games like peek-a-boo and singing games are wonderful ways to interact and bond, as well as teach your baby.
  • Touch. This may seem like a no-brainer, but touch is a key element in attachment and bonding. With an infant or baby, you will be holding your child to feed, rock, and comfort. A thousand words of comfort and security can easily be conveyed to your newborn through touch.

These are just some of the simple ways gay parents can bond with their newborn. By learning all the important skills new parents need to care and nurture for their child, you can easily build a lasting bond with your newborn baby.

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7 Critical Personality Traits A Surrogate Should Possess

7 Critical Personality Traits A Surrogate Should Possess

Angel Dela Cruz Leave a comment

As intended parents, you want to find the best surrogate mother for your surrogacy needs. Due to the growing number of people experiencing infertility in the United States, surrogacy has become more widely recognized, and more women today understand the concept of surrogacy and want to help others by choosing to be a surrogate. But with the increasing number of surrogates, it gets difficult to choose the right one for you. To help you get started on this wonderful surrogacy journey, here are a few characteristics you need to look for in a surrogate mother:

  • Honesty. Intended parents need to be able to trust their surrogate completely. A surrogate mother should be honest with the intended parents that chose her to work with them. All questions intended parents might have should be answered truthfully. Honesty is the most important part in any surrogacy relationship and greatly helps with its success.
  • Reliable. A good surrogate should be reliable with the intended parents. The surrogate mother should always make herself available for her intended parents or surrogate agency. Since the surrogate plays an important role, intended parents need to know that they can depend on their surrogate. To be a surrogate means being both reliable as well as professional.
  • Healthy. A good surrogate mother should not just be healthy enough to carry a child to term. She should have a good medical history meaning she has no chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. In order to be a surrogate, she should have a good mental history meaning she has no history of mental illnesses such as depression, chronic anxiety and bipolar disorder. She should also maintain a healthy lifestyle by not smoking, drinking or using drugs.
  • Good Communicator. Surrogate mothers should be very vocal when communicating with all involved parties including intended parents, the surrogate agency and the medical personnel. She should provide regular medical updates to the surrogate agency and to the intended parents. She should also alert them if she has concerns about her health or the status of her pregnancy. The surrogate should be able to respond honestly and promptly to both the surrogate agency and the intended parents during the process of surrogacy.
  • Intelligent. A surrogate should be smart enough to understand all the processes involved with surrogacy. She should be able to comprehend all the important legal aspects like the surrogacy contract and relinquishing of all her legal rights to the child. She should also be smart enough to understand all the medical procedures that she will undergo and follow the medical instructions precisely rather than making her own decisions. An intelligent surrogate knows all her responsibilities and understands the gravity of what she will be doing for the intended parents.
  • Nurturing. A good surrogate mother should be nurturing, which means choosing what is best for the baby over what she may want to do. Since the surrogate mother will be carrying the intended parent’s child she should give it the same care as they would during the pregnancy. She should know how to take care of herself and the child she is carrying for the intended parents. A nurturing surrogate mother should be eating healthy, getting enough sleep and making choices that are best for the baby.
  • Responsible. A good surrogate mother should be responsible in her actions. She should follow through with instructions that she is given and be able to complete any tasks that are assigned to her by the intended parents, the surrogate agency or the doctor’s office. A responsible surrogate does what she is told without needing to be reminded. She should act responsibly in informing everyone involved if she has medical concerns.

Knowing for yourself these 7 important characteristics to look for in a surrogate will greatly increase your chance for a successful surrogacy journey. To be a surrogate mother, they should be professional and have the integrity that is embodied by these 7 characteristics. It is vital to identify them in a potential candidate prior to selecting her as your surrogate. A surrogate who possesses these qualities will not only give the intended parents a healthy baby but also a wonderful surrogacy journey.

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