If you’re considering surrogacy to grow your family, you are probably curious about surrogate mothers. Who are surrogate mothers? Why do they choose surrogate motherhood? Where do you find a surrogate mother? Surrogate mothers are incredible women who want to help others grow their families. Read on to get answers to all your pressing questions about surrogate mothers.
What Is Surrogate Motherhood?
Surrogate motherhood is when a woman carries a child on behalf of others. Surrogate motherhood comes in two forms:
● Traditional Surrogacy: In traditional surrogacy, the potential surrogate mother uses her own egg. Medical doctors then inseminate her egg with the sperm of a donor father. In traditional surrogacy, a surrogate mother is both the gestational carrier and the biological mother.
● Gestational Surrogacy: In gestational surrogacy, doctors implant an embryo with in vitro fertilization (IVF) into the surrogate mother’s womb. Donor eggs and sperm create the embryo and thus, the surrogate mother is not the biological mother.
No matter which process of impregnation, once the child is born, they are legally considered the child of the intended parents.
Who Chooses To Become A Surrogate Mother?
Sometimes, surrogate mothers may be friends or family, but most of the time, they are strangers. There are a number of reasons women choose to become surrogate mothers, but they are all driven to help others experience the joy of parenthood. Most of the women who choose to become surrogate mothers are women who have had successful pregnancies, love being pregnant and prioritize family above everything else. There are even places in the world where being a surrogate mother is culturally considered a very noble and generous act. In these places, surrogate mothers are celebrated and have a huge support network. Overall, surrogate mothers want to make a difference in the lives of others, and altruistic motives truly drive them.
What Does A Surrogate Mother Do?
A surrogate’s mother’s main job is to have a healthy pregnancy. First, she follows the surrogacy agreement that outlines specific responsibilities during the pregnancy. The surrogate mother, the intending parents, and the surrogacy agency determine these. The agreement will have things like lifestyle and medical requirements. She then attends all the medical appointments and gets all the prenatal care and treatment recommended. She also maintains a healthy lifestyle, eating right, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding anything that could risk the baby, like alcohol or tobacco.
What Challenges Do Surrogate Mothers Face?
Although being a surrogate is highly rewarding, surrogate mothers do face tough challenges. First, there are always risks with IVF and pregnancy, even when you do everything right. So, they are putting their bodies at risk. That is why surrogates tend to be mothers who have already had successful pregnancies. There’s a huge emotional challenge of surrogate motherhood. When you carry a child to term, it’s very easy to form an emotional attachment and bond. The emotional connection is why many couples choose to maintain a lifelong relationship with the surrogate mother.
There are also tough legal challenges, especially if you are in a country without favorable surrogacy laws. Further, if they are not in a culture that is supportive of parenthood, they may face pressure and negativity from their families. Pregnancy is also very expensive and not just for medical care. There are also the costs for transportation to the healthcare provider, maternity clothes and pillows, and prenatal vitamins–which can stack up pretty quickly.
What Are The Rewards Of Being A Surrogate Mother?
Despite the challenges, surrogate mothers experience personal satisfaction and joy. They feel fulfilled and have a sense of accomplishment in helping a family grow. Many of our surrogates feel empowered during the pregnancy, as surrogacy gives them a strong sense of purpose in life. Our surrogate mothers have also shared that they experience an immense amount of personal growth because they’ve become more patient, resilient, and generous as a result of the experience. Some surrogate mothers experience so many rewards they pursue surrogacy again.
How Do I Find A Surrogate Mother?
The best way to find a surrogate mother is to work with a surrogacy agency. Surrogacy agencies specialize in matching intended parents with surrogate mothers. They also handle the full process, including the medical, legal, and logistic planning. Further, reputable surrogacy agencies like Stork Services have a thorough vetting process for their surrogates. They assess the physical and emotional health of potential surrogates, as well as other lifestyle factors like their support network, living circumstances, and diet and exercise routines. The vetting process ensures that only women who will truly thrive within the experience are selected.
If you’re considering surrogacy to grow your family, we can help you find a surrogate mother. For over a decade, Stork Services has helped families with a new bundle of joy. We have a large network of qualified surrogate candidates that could be the right fit for you. Book a meeting now to start the process!