For a surrogate, nothing beats the feeling of giving life to someone else’s family. But many prospective surrogates still want to be aware of the various risks and benefits that could come as a result of their decision.
Surrogacy is fulfilling, for both the parents as well as the surrogate. For the parents, the feeling is a sense of completeness from a new family member. For the surrogate, the feeling is one of pride from having provided the parents with a baby. Surrogates at ConceiveAbilities and around the world are strong, selfless women who delight at giving hope and opportunity to growing families.
Surrogacy is a singular experience, and sharing your story may be difficult when others cannot relate. Luckily, surrogates have banded together to create solid communities and sisterhoods. Many former ConceiveAbilities surrogates remain close well after their journeys, meeting at ConceiveAbilities events, picnics, and other social gatherings.
All surrogates that undergo the process are already mothers and enjoy being mothers. When you become a surrogate, you have the opportunity to experience being pregnant again. Though some may shudder at the thought, many surrogates love the experience of pregnancy. Through surrogacy, mothers can relive the experience without expanding her own family.
In countries and states that support commercial surrogacy, gestational carriers are compensated for their time and risk. At ConceiveAbilities, surrogate compensation ranges between $37,000 to $62,000. This figure can vary depending on several factors, including the type of pregnancy (singleton or multiples) and the number of previous surrogacy pregnancies.
Contracts don’t just protect the parents, they make sure that surrogates are covered too. These contracts ensure the gestational carriers are reimbursed for their time and contribution and absolve her of any responsibility for the baby following childbirth.
Similar to a traditional pregnancy, surrogacy can take its toll on one’s body. Surrogates must undergo screenings, attend interviews and appointments, and carry a baby for 9 months. During this time, gestational carriers are asked not to engage in any risky or strenuous physical activity that could endanger the pregnancy. Certainly, this demands are balanced against the reward of delivering a new family member.
Carrying a baby and giving birth is one of the most beautiful acts a human can do, but it can also be emotionally difficult. At times you may feel intense joy and excitement and, at other times, you’ll need the support of your family and friends. You’ll never be alone, though, as you can always reach out to the ConceiveAbilities team if you need someone to talk with.
The surrogacy process, from applying online to delivering the baby, spans 15-18 months. If you’re planning on becoming a surrogate, you’ll have to confirm that you are ready for the full journey.
If you need more information before choosing the path of surrogacy, don’t fret. The more you research, the better. Read up on our blog post, Everything You Need to Know About Gestational Surrogacy, to find out more about the process, the laws, and the costs. Check out 10 Signs You’d Make a Great Surrogate to learn more about how surrogacy could be right for you. Finally, if you’re ready to apply, fill out our secure, online application today.
All Things Conceivable is a blog dedicated to sharing the knowledge and expert opinions of the dedicated team at ConceiveAbilities, a Chicago-based egg donation and surrogacy agency.