Everything you wanted to know about the surrogacy process from initial considerations to support after birth.
The surrogacy journey is a complex process that includes several stages, some of them also complex, which often require legal, medical and emotional support. Of course, each case is unique and can be different from other cases.
Tammuz Family helps parents and individuals realize their dream of having children and building their families with guidance and support. To embark on a successful surrogacy journey, it is important to know in advance all the steps in this process.
If you are planning to undergo a surrogacy procedure, here is an overview of the steps involved in the surrogacy journey.
First step: consultation and decision
The first step in the surrogacy process is to consider carefully whether surrogacy is right for you. Being a parent through surrogacy can be a long, complex and emotional journey. It’s important to research options and to speak to people who understand/have been through surrogacy.
Initial consultation: Intended parents (IPs) should research and get to know surrogacy agencies or fertility clinics. An initial consultation is then scheduled to understand the entire process.
Selecting a surrogacy agency or clinic: choose a surrogacy agency or fertility clinic that aligns with your goals and values. This organization will guide you through the process.
How can a surrogacy agency help you through the journey?
When you are associated with a surrogacy agency, you have a team of experienced professionals at your side to help you coordinate expectations throughout the process. The team will provide you with guidance and support and help you through this journey with as little anxiety and uncertainty as possible.
Step two: Screening and matching
Both surrogates and IPs go through extensive screening processes to ensure they meet legal and medical requirements. The agency or clinic matches IPs with a compatible surrogate based on preferences and legal requirements.
Step three: Legal agreements
Once a surrogate and intended parent decide to go through a process together, they draft a legal contract with their own attorney to ensure their legal interests are represented and protected.
Legal contracts are drafted to outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. This includes issues like compensation, potential risks, and parental rights. Once everyone agrees to the terms, a contract will be signed and the process can begin.
Step four: The medical and psychological process
Medical Procedures: The medical process involves in-vitro fertilization (IVF), where eggs from the intended mother or a donor are fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a donor. Embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, and pregnancy is confirmed through blood tests.
Pregnancy and medical monitoring: The surrogate receives regular medical check-ups and pre-natal care. Intended parents often attend these appointments to stay involved in the process.
Emotional and psychological support: Both the surrogate and IPs can receive emotional support through counseling or support groups to help navigate the emotional challenges of surrogacy.
The pregnancy phase can be challenging and exciting and for that a lot of patience is needed. Take part in the process, see the tests together if possible, smile in front of the ultrasound images and talk to the surrogate mother. If you cannot be physically close to the surrogate mother, it is important to be involved in the process even remotely through calls, messages and photos.
Step five: The birth
Welcome new baby! The birth of the baby is a life-changing event for both the surrogate and the intended parents. Most of the time, the intended parents will join the birth.
Depending on legal agreements, the child may be immediately placed with the IPs, or there may be a short period of post-birth legal procedures.
After that, the parents return home with their new baby, while the surrogate and the new family in some cases maintain contact even after the birth.
Step Six: Postpartum Support
The surrogacy journey does not end with the birth of the baby. After the birth, the new parents will need all the help and support available. Every family has a unique journey to parenthood. When you finally bring your baby home from the hospital, you will need a postpartum plan that will keep you supported and safe. The professional team of the Tammuz surrogacy agency is here for you with support and guidance even after the birth.
If you are considering starting a family or helping someone else build theirs, a surrogacy procedure can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience and we would love to help make your dream come true. Good luck
Tammuz Family
We are an international surrogacy, fertility, and egg donation company. For more information, write to info@tammuz.com
This content was created for general educational purposes only and might change with time. Speak to your doctor about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, as the content here does not replace a care plan as determined by a physician.
