Surrogacy Milestones – 7 steps to a successful journey

Surrogacy is a unique, emotional, and personal journey, with ups and downs on the way, to creating a new family. This guide walks you through the millstones, from the first consultation to the moment you hold your baby.

Step 1 – First consultation
Your first consultation is the exciting start of your surrogacy journey and we’re here to
make it open and supportive, helping you to explore the different possibilities. Here’s what to expect during your first consultation:

• A clear overview of the surrogacy process from start to finish.
• A rundown of the fertility clinic and destination options.
• Honest answers to all your questions.
• Discussions on your personal situation and specific needs.
• Insight into how our professional Nordic team will guide and support you every
  step of the way.

Step 2 – Follow-up meetings
We reconnect and take a deeper dive into your potential surrogacy journey. Follow-up focus on your needs, answering your new questions, and exploring opportunities that match your parenthood goals. This is what you can expect:

• We review your specific needs and preferences in more detail.
• We explore potential fertility clinics and destination matches.
• We discuss timelines, legalities, costs, and practical steps to move forward.
• We answer your follow-up questions.

Step 3 – Mapping your surrogacy journey
Step three is where your surrogacy journey really begins to take shape as we create a clear plan tailored to your needs. With your financial commitments and steps clearly outlined, you can embrace the journey ahead. What to expect:

• A roadmap of the process, including milestones and payment dates, with
  flexibility for potential delays.
• Detailed plans for key stages like selecting donors and clinic visits.

Step 4 – The fertility process
In this step embryos are prepared for transfer to the surrogate. Fertility specialists ensure the
best possible outcome, whether you’re using your own eggs or an egg donor. What happens in this step?

• You make your first visit to your clinic, where screenings and sperm collection takes place. If using your own eggs, ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval are
  carried out.
• You choose an egg donor (if needed) based on medical, genetic, and personal preferences.
• The eggs are fertilized, and the highest quality embryos are preserved for
  transfer. In most cases, unlimited eggs may be retrieved over time, if using a
  donor.

Step 5 – Matching and embryo transfer
With the embryos ready, the next key step is where your journey truly comes to life.
You are matched with the surrogate who will help bring your baby into the world
and the embryo is transferred. What can you expect?

• You’re introduced to a healthy, carefully screened surrogate who is happy to
  carry your child.
• The surrogate undergoes hormone treatment, and the selected embryo is
  transferred into her uterus at the clinic.
• After 10 to 14 days, a test confirms if the transfer was successful.

Step 6 – Pregnancy
With embryo transfer complete, and successful transfer confirmed, your surrogacy
journey enters the pregnancy phase. Focus shifts to nurturing your baby’s growth
and the anticipation of parenthood. What happens during pregnancy:

• You receive regular updates from your clinic and case manager.
• You plan your travel and accommodations for the birth.

Step 7 – Birth
The big day is close by. With a successful pregnancy nearing its due date, you have arrived at the clinic, ready for the final, life-changing milestone. What to Expect:

• A skilled team of healthcare experts are on hand during delivery.
• Your child is born and you get to hold it for the first time.
• Any necessary legal paperwork is completed registering the birth of your child and the legal guardian.
• You travel home to start your new life.

Congratulations! Your surrogacy journey reaches completion. Legal paperwork remains to be completed, but you can now focus on the wonderful practical steps of parenthood.

If you have any questions about these steps or would like to find out more about your starting your surrogacy journey, book a meeting today!