Resources for Surrogates

Becoming a surrogate mother is a journey of immense love and unparalleled generosity. It’s a decision that intertwines the miracle of life with the gift of helping others create a family.

If you meet the criteria to become a surrogate and are pondering whether this path is right for you, our blog offers valuable insights to guide your decision. It’s filled with key indicators and heartfelt stories that illuminate the journey of a surrogate mother. As you explore these narratives and learn about the defining qualities of successful surrogates, you may find a reflection of your own potential in them. 

So, if you feel a connection to this life-changing role, we encourage you to read on and then connect with us at Surrogacy Grace to start your extraordinary journey.

1. Strong Physical Health

Physical health isn’t just about the absence of illness. It’s about creating a nurturing environment for the baby. This means regular exercise, nutritional eating, and proactive health monitoring. Think of it as preparing the best possible home for the baby’s first nine months of life.  

A surrogate needs to have a proven track record of healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Regular medical check-ups, a BMI within a healthy range, and a lifestyle that avoids smoking, excessive alcohol, and illicit drugs are crucial. This ensures a safe environment for both the surrogate and the baby.

2. Emotional Resilience

Surrogacy can be emotionally challenging. The ability to handle these emotions, from the joy of pregnancy to the complexities of carrying a child for another family, is crucial. A strong, resilient character, often supported by a good sense of humor and a positive outlook, is a key trait.  Emotional resilience also involves preparing for the post-birth period. It’s about understanding and planning for the complex emotions that might arise after handing over the baby to its parents.

3. Supportive Environment

A solid support system is invaluable. This includes having the backing of family, friends, and significant others who understand and support your decision to become a surrogate. Their emotional and practical support can make a big difference in your
surrogacy experience.

Vianetia J., a surrogate with GRACE, found a unique way to balance her family life with her surrogacy journey. She shares, ‘I decided to work as a surrogate to help provide for my family while still being able to stay at home with my kids. I absolutely loved working with all the amazing women that work at this company! This company feels like a family. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, I would definitely recommend GRACE.’ Her experience underscores how surrogacy can be harmoniously integrated into your family life, supported by a compassionate and understanding team.”

4. Genuine Altruism

Altruism in surrogacy is about more than just the physical act of carrying a child. It’s about understanding and empathizing with the struggles of those unable to conceive, and wanting to be a part of their solution in a deeply personal and compassionate way.

A deep-seated desire to help others is at the heart of surrogacy. Your willingness to help someone else build a family should stem from a place of compassion and empathy, understanding the profound impact you’re making in someone’s life.

5. You’re a Mother with Positive Past Pregnancy Outcomes

Being an ideal candidate for surrogacy is strongly indicated by having previously given birth to at least one child and possessing a history of positive pregnancy experiences. This crucial criterion demonstrates that you have successfully navigated through the full term of pregnancy and understand the intricacies of childbirth. As a mother, you have firsthand knowledge of the physical and emotional changes during pregnancy, equipping you with a realistic perspective on what the surrogacy journey entails. Moreover, if your past pregnancies were free from significant complications and led to the birth of healthy babies, it further reinforces your suitability for surrogacy. This history suggests a proven capability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for fetal development. Your experience in handling various pregnancy stages, from morning sickness to labor, is invaluable, ensuring you are prepared for the physical and emotional demands of surrogacy. This combination of having given birth and having had positive pregnancy experiences not only highlights your physical and emotional readiness but also offers reassurance and confidence to the intended parents entrusting you with the responsibility of helping them build their family.

6. Understanding of the Surrogacy Process

A good grasp of the surrogacy process, including the legal, medical, and emotional aspects, indicates that you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead. This knowledge helps in setting the right expectations and building a strong, transparent relationship with the intended parents. You can learn more about the landscape of State Laws.

7. Understanding Age Requirements

When considering surrogacy, one of the key factors is the age of the potential surrogate. To ensure both the health of the baby and the surrogate, most surrogacy programs require candidates to be between 21 and 40 years of age. This age range is chosen based on medical research indicating that women in this bracket generally have lower-risk pregnancies. Women younger than 21 may not have reached full physical or emotional maturity, which can be crucial in handling the complexities of a surrogate pregnancy. On the other end, risks associated with pregnancy typically increase after the age of 40. Therefore, being within this age range not only aligns with medical guidelines for a healthy pregnancy but also suggests a level of life experience and maturity conducive to handling the unique responsibilities of surrogacy.

8. Commitment to a Healthy Lifestyle

In addition to meeting the age criteria, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount for surrogates. This involves leading a life free from harmful habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. These lifestyle choices are not only crucial for your own health but are integral to the well-being of the child you’ll be carrying. A healthy lifestyle extends beyond the absence of negative habits; it includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental wellness practices. This commitment to health ensures that the surrogate is physically capable of carrying the pregnancy to term without undue risk and is in a mentally sound state to navigate the surrogacy journey. A surrogate who embodies these healthy lifestyle choices offers the best possible environment for the growth and development of the baby, significantly contributing to a successful and healthy pregnancy outcome.