Welcome to Ivy Surrogacy, where we are dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their dreams of parenthood. Becoming a surrogate mother is a life-changing and rewarding journey filled with compassion, purpose, and the opportunity to make a profound difference in someone’s life. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming an Ivy Surrogate, highlighting the key requirements, benefits, and steps to start your journey.
Section 1: Understanding Surrogacy
What Is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a reproductive arrangement in which a woman, known as the gestational surrogate, agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another individual or couple, referred to as the intended parents. This arrangement is typically pursued when the intended parents are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy due to medical, physical, or other personal reasons. Throughout the pregnancy, you’ll receive comprehensive support, including financial compensation, healthcare, and emotional guidance to help navigate the journey. This involves not only maintaining your own health through proper self-care but also following medical advice and guidelines closely to ensure the well-being of both you and the baby. Your responsibilities include attending regular prenatal check-ups, undergoing necessary medical tests, and adhering to prescribed lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary restrictions or exercise recommendations. Additionally, maintaining open and honest communication with both the intended parents and the medical team is crucial to ensure all parties are informed and aligned. You’ll also need to be prepared for the legal aspects of the surrogacy arrangement, following the established guidelines to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and rights of all parties involved, ensuring a clear understand of the arrangement, including parental rights and obligations after birth.
There are two primary types of surrogacies:
Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate carries an embryo created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm, meaning the surrogate has no biological or genetic link to the child they are carrying.
Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate uses her own egg and is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the intended father or donor, making her genetically related to the baby.
At Ivy Surrogacy, we focus on gestational surrogacy to provide a clear and secure experience for both surrogates and intended parents. It is important to understand the requirements and legal implications of being a gestational surrogate, highlighting both the process and the responsibilities involved for those considering this role.
Who Do Surrogates Help?
Surrogates play a crucial role in helping intended parents who face challenges in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to terms. By choosing to become a surrogate, you offer a selfless gift that enables families to experience the joy of parenthood.
Intended parents seeking surrogacy may include:
- Couples who have faced infertility issues and have exhausted their options.
- Same-sex couples who require a gestational carrier to have a biological child.
- Single individuals who wish to become parents but cannot carry out a pregnancy themselves.
- Women with medical conditions that make pregnancy risky or impossible.
- Men with medical conditions that prevent them from fathering a child.
Your role as a surrogate is invaluable, offering hope and the possibility of a family to those who might otherwise never have the chance.
Becoming a Surrogate
Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing decision that requires careful consideration and a commitment to helping others. To become a surrogate, you must meet specific requirements and undergo a thorough screening process with specialists. This process ensures that you are physically and emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey. Your surrogacy journey is supported every step of the way by Ivy Surrogacy, ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience.
Section 2: Why Choose Ivy Surrogacy?
Support and Resources
Choosing the right surrogacy agencies is crucial, as not all agencies provide the same level of support and respect for surrogates. Ivy Surrogacy offers unparalleled support at every stage of the surrogacy journey, including:
Expert Guidance: Our team members have training in all areas of fertility care. From working in clinics across the state to being fertility patient and surrogate themselves, we have collective experience to help you with the surrogacy journey.
Personalized Care and Support: A dedicated coordinator assigned to you to guide you through the entire process. We ensure every surrogate feels informed, respected, and valued from matching to delivery. We are here to build a close relationship with you.
Care beyond Calls: Your case manager will attend milestone appointments and support you during labor & Delivery.
Fast Matching Process: Our agency stands out for its rapid matching process. Our agency excels in creating perfect matches as we carefully consider your preferences and needs.
Legal Assistance: Expert legal professionals ensure contracts are clear and protective.
Financial Compensation: Competitive compensation packages cover your time, effort, and expenses.
Emotional and psychological support: We offer a monthly support group where many surrogates, who are on the same journey as you, come together to share experiences and provide mutual support.
Testimonials
“There are so many things to look for when finding an agency to help a family bring home a child. I did so much searching and found that ivy surrogacy was the best fit! And finishing a journey with them for the time was amazing! They 100% are with you the entire time. Someone is always there to answer every single one of your questions no matter what time of day it is. They always check on you as well. They also have support groups with the other surrogates so you hear how other journeys are going and compare them to each other. Everyone is so friendly. I am definitely doing another journey with them! Best 1st time experience!”–Andrea Lopez
“Hello everyone, I am a 2nd time surrogate. The first time I went through a different agency and this last time I went through this one. I honestly couldn’t have been happier with this agency.
From start to this day (almost 2 years later since baby) they check up on me and see how I am doing. They became my family and I didn’t feel like a paycheck to them. My first agency I felt like a paycheck. This agency was amazing with everything. They made sure they took care of me emotionally and physically. I had the same case manager from start to finish. Her name is Kelli and she is just amazing. I honestly can’t say enough how great this agency is and their people.”–Bethany Molnar
Section 3: What are the requirements to become a surrogate?
To become an Ivy Surrogate, you must meet specific qualifications to ensure a safe and successful journey. These qualifications are crucial for navigating the entire surrogacy process, from initial medical screenings to delivery.
- Age range: 21 to 40 years
- BMI within a healthy range
- Non-smoker and drug-free lifestyle
- No more than 5 deliveries & No more than 2 C-section deliveries
- No major health concern and history of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes controlled by medication, or preterm labor
- No major history of severe mental health disorders
- Ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy and follow medical advice throughout gestation
- Financial stability and a reliable support system (partner, family, or close friends)
- Background check without criminal history
Section 4: What is the process to become a surrogate?
Step-by-Step Guide
- Initial Inquiry and Consultation: Contact Ivy Surrogacy to express your interest. An intake coordinator will promptly reach out to provide more information and guide you through the next steps.
- Application Process: Complete a detailed application that includes your personal background, medical history, and lifestyle information, helping us understand your suitability for the program.
- Obtain and Review of Medical Records: Detailed examination of your medical history to confirm you meet the health criteria
- Background Check: Ensuring no criminal history
- Matching Process: Based on your preferences, medical history, and personal values, you will be matched with intended parents who share similar goals and expectations for the surrogacy journey.
- Psychological Screening and Medical Screening: Comprehensive screening evaluations to ensure you are in good physical health and mental health ready for the surrogacy process.
- Legal Contract: Review and sign a customized legal contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the surrogate and the intended parents. This legally binding agreement must be completed and finalized before any medical procedures can begin, ensuring clarity and protection for all parties involved.
Key Milestones after signing legal contract
- Medical Preparation with Fertility Center: Medicated hormonal treatments and embryo transfer to the uterus
- Pregnancy Care with OBGYN: Ongoing medical appointments and adherence to a healthy lifestyle to support the pregnancy
- Child Delivery: A carefully planned birth experience with support from Ivy Surrogacy
- Post-Birth Process: Emotional support and guidance after delivery to ensure your wellbeing
Section 6: Support and Compensation
Financial Compensation
Our compensation structure is designed to support you throughout your surrogacy journey covering your time and effort.
- First Time Surrogate: Ranges from $40,000 to $50,000, depending on the state of residence. This is to ensure our surrogates are compensated fairly in line with regional living standards.
- Experience surrogate: Surrogates who have successfully completed a surrogacy journey before will receive higher compensation in recognition of their continued commitment and expertise in helping a family.
- Additional for multiple pregnancy: If the surrogacy results in multiple pregnancy, an additional $10,000 is provided for each additional baby, acknowledging the extra care and effort required.
Competitive base compensation with Benefit Package
- Travel expense coverage
- Maternity clothing allowance
- Lost wages reimbursement (if applicable)
- Contract signing bonus
- Medication start bonus
- Maternity clothing allowance
- Medical Expenses: For medical procedures, prenatal care, Labor and Delivery.
Intended parents are responsible for covering these costs and expenses related to surrogacy, which are clearly outlined in the surrogacy contract. Additionally, surrogates may receive extra compensation for pregnancy-related expenses such as maternity clothing and childcare support. This comprehensive financial support ensures that you are well-compensated and that all necessary expenses are covered throughout the surrogacy journey.
By understanding the financial aspects of surrogacy, you can make an informed decision and feel confident in the support provided by Ivy Surrogacy.
Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
- What is a surrogate mom?
A surrogate mother is a woman who carries a baby for intended parents who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves.
- How does being a surrogate work?
The process involves medical preparation, embryo transfer, pregnancy, and delivery, all with continuous support from Ivy Surrogacy.
- Can you be a surrogate with herpes?
Yes, in many cases, individuals with herpes can still become surrogates, depending on medical evaluations.
- How much is a surrogate mother compensated?
Compensation varies depend on location and experiences but typically includes a base fee along with additional benefits and reimbursements.
- What are the surrogate requirements?
Surrogates must meet specific health, age, and lifestyle criteria to ensure a safe and successful experience.
Conclusion
Becoming an Ivy Surrogate is an extraordinary and meaningful journey that allows you to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals or couples who are unable to experience the joy of parenthood on their own. It is a path that requires compassion, commitment, and resilience, offering both personal fulfillment and the chance to help others build their families. As a surrogate, you will be supported emotionally, medically, and legally, by our experienced team at Ivy Surrogacy.
If you feel that you are ready to take the first step towards becoming a surrogate, we invite you to reach out to us today. Our team will provide you with detailed information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the application process. This is an opportunity to not only change the lives of others but to embark on a rewarding experience that will leave a lasting legacy.
Ready to start your journey as an Ivy Surrogate? Visit Ivy Surrogacy today and take the first step in making a life-changing difference for an intended family. Your selfless contribution can help bring the gift of parenthood to those who need it most.
- Ability to discuss and reflect on personal feelings regarding surrogacy, including the connection with the child during pregnancy and the separation after birth
- Willingness to attend counseling sessions or meet with a therapist as part of the surrogacy process if recommended
- Strong communication skills, ensuring transparency and understanding between all parties involved in the process
