How to prepare yourself for the first meeting with the surrogacy experts?

Surrogacy is certainly a life-changing journey for everyone- intended parents, surrogate mothers and donors ( if required). That said, it does demand careful yet meticulous planning from the intended parents.

This is where the role of a surrogacy agency comes of utmost importance. Still, as an intended parent, you should be ready before you visit a surrogacy agency in order to make an informed choice. This comprehensive guide will enable you to be ready for that ever-important meeting.

Prepare yourself for the first meeting with the surrogacy experts

1. Get familiar with the concept of Surrogacy

Your first challenge is to get familiar with the basic concepts of surrogacy before visiting an agency. A woman (the surrogate) engaged in surrogacy is carrying a baby for another person, the intended parents. Moreover, these are two types of surrogacy practised worldwide

Traditional Surrogacy: This type of surrogacy was practised a few years back and is rarely seen these days. During this procedure, the surrogate uses her egg and gets inseminated with the sperm of the intended father.

Gestational Surrogacy: This comes as the most popular surrogacy currently mostly due to the fact that the surrogate doesn’t hold any biological connection with the child. An embryo produced from the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors is placed in the surrogate’s womb, under the process known as IVF. This is where you must research the emotional, medical, and legal sides of each type to know what each type of Surrogacy involves

2. Clearly State Your Objectives and Expectations.

Your expectations and objectives for the surrogacy process should be precisely known. Think about these:

-Why are you considering surrogacy?

-Tell me exactly about your motivation to pursue surrogacy.

-Consider the traits you find important in a surrogate.

-Do you have any financial limitations? Surrogacy can be costly, hence knowing your budget is really important.

To be sure you are on the same page, jot down your ideas and go over them with your spouse or family.

3. Research about Surrogacy agencies

Since all the surrogacy agencies are not the same, it’s crucial to choose one that fits your values and requirements. Use these guidelines:

Evaluate their reputation: Search for client reviews and evaluations from past work.

Examine their background. Select agencies with strong credentials and years of expertise.

Learn about their services: While some agencies may just provide matching services, others provide full-service packages including legal and medical help. List possible agencies and write down any questions or reservations you have about each

4. Get Questions Ready for the Agency.

Your first meeting offers a chance to compile as much data as you may want regarding Surrogacy. This is where you must get ready with questions for the agency. Check out for questions like:  Since when have you been operating? How many intended parents have you supported till now, and how many effective surrogacy arrangements have you provided?

Method of Screening: How are possible surrogates screened? What standards does a surrogate have to satisfy? Do you offer legal support? In what way do you manage legal agreements between the intended parents and the surrogate?

Financial Information: What expenses are involved? What is the total agency fee? Should we anticipate any more costs?

Support Services: Over the process, what kind of support do you provide intended parents and surrogates?

Asking such questions can help you to get a better understanding of the surrogacy agency and its functionality.

5. Stay ready with all the necessary details and records

Having all required details and documents available will help to expedite the procedure. Usually needed records include:

Medical records: Keeping the records in regards to your medical history, particularly with relation to diseases or fertility treatments

Financial records: Evidence of your capacity to pay for surrogacy-related expenses.

Personal identification: Driver’s licenses, passports, or any kind of identity.

Sort these files and documents into a folder for simple access during your meeting

6. Connecting with the experts

Consult with experts and professionals who can offer views particular to your circumstances

Fertility Expert: Before moving further, know your medical alternatives and any required treatments

Legal specialist: Make sure your state or country’s legal view of surrogacy approves this practice. Laws vary greatly; so, it is important to be aware of your rights and obligations

Financial advisors: Clearly understand the financial ramifications as well as cost control strategies. These meetings can equip you for agency conversations and guide your decisions.

7. Emotional preparation

Surrogacy is a journey that comes along with a list of emotions. Hence, you must be ready and facilitate your support network as well.

Counseling: Think about talking to a counselor knowledgeable in surrogacy concerns. They can guide you across the emotional roller coasters.

Support Network: Create a support system among friends and relatives who accept and support your choice. They can offer great emotional help all through the process. Get ready for the emotional complexity of the surrogacy process, which may include possible delays or disappointments.

8. Stay patient

Surrogacy is not a matter of a few hours and days. It may take weeks or even months to get along with the process. That said, knowing the duration will enable you to create reasonable expectations:

Initial meeting: Your first contact with the agency to talk over your objectives and get knowledge about their services is known as an initial consultation.

Matching Process: Selecting the right surrogate can take time. As the agency searches and matches you with possible applicants, be patient.

Legal process: Drafting legal agreements related to medical tests, and embryo transfer techniques constitute part of the legal and medical process

Pregnancy and Birth: Although with extra emotional and practical considerations, the surrogate’s pregnancy and the birth of your kid will follow the normal schedules

9. Financial Preparation

Surrogacy may attract some good costs and expenses overall. This is where knowing about the expenses and getting ready financially is absolutely vital:

Agency fees:  fees for the agency’s services including support and surrogate matching.

Medical fees: cover prenatal care, delivery, embryo transfer, and fertility treatments

Legal Expenses: Legal agreements and any other required legal procedure related to the other aspects.

The surrogate’s compensation: To bear the pregnancy, the surrogate mother needs to be paid a pre-agreed amount.

Other expenses: Travel expenses, insurance, and other random spending can all be included here. If needed, take some thought on creating a budget and investigating financing choices.

10. Remain honest and adaptable

Finally, approach your meeting with an open mind and an adaptation ability. The difficult and occasionally erratic procedure of surrogacy may sometimes demand transparency and honesty. Also, your path will be more seamless if you are adaptable and open to changes.

Final words

A vital phase of your surrogacy process is getting ready for a meeting with a surrogacy agency. You can approach this meeting with confidence if you know the fundamentals of surrogacy, define your goals, research about agencies, prepare questions, compile documentation, consult experts, emotionally prepare yourself, understand the timeline, prepare financially, and remain flexible. This preparation will equip you to make wise decisions and lay the groundwork for a great surrogacy experience.