Having a baby can be a life-changing experience, yet for many couples, this is a dream that is too-long unfulfilled. Having a surrogate by your side can not only allow you to finally have a baby, but can give you the opportunity to be part of this child’s life since day one. If thinking of a surrogate mother makes you think of “Baby Mama”, find out how you can really find the best surrogate mother for your unborn child so you can have a great experience, and hopefully soon, a little one in your arms to love and cherish forever.
Mother with her baby – Shutterstock
Start with Family
Your family likely knows that you are trying to have a baby, and if you ask the right family members (preferably a woman who has already had children and would be likely to help you make your dreams come true), you may be able to have a willing participant who can carry your child for you. Having a family member carry your unborn child gives you the peace of mind of already knowing the person who is your surrogate.
Another bonus to having a family member as your surrogate mother is that you can avoid having to pay surrogacy agency fees and massive fees to representing lawyers. You can also enjoy the personal relationship that comes with having a surrogate mother within the family.
Choose a Reputable Agency you can Trust
Surrogacy agencies should have a great reputation with providing healthy and experienced surrogate mothers, a highly successful pregnancy rate, and a great satisfaction level among parents who have used surrogates for their unborn children. You want to make sure you choose an agency you feel comfortable with and who will answer all your questions and concerns in a responsible and kind manner.
Interviewing several surrogate mothers and agencies is a great way to help you feel comfortable making a decision. Don’t be afraid to visit and investigate an agency before making a final decision. After all, you and your unborn child deserve the very best.
Consider Costs
Surrogacy is not a cheap experience, although it is totally worth all costs for many parents who are unable to have a child naturally. On average, surrogacy costs between $80,000 to well over $100,000. A couple using their own sperm and eggs is usually more expensive than a surrogacy pregnancy that lacks these criteria. Agencies vary in fees and lawyer expenses, and individual states have different laws regarding how much money a couple is required to spend on the surrogate mother’s care. A couple is also encouraged to have several thousand dollars set aside for those ‘just in case’ moments that often arise in surrogacy.
Choosing a surrogate for many people has everything to do with what is the most affordable option. If cost is a deterrent for a couple, then a great option is to consider family and friends who may be willing to help, or entertain a loan from companies who assist couples in surrogacy. CSP, the Center for Surrogate Parenting, can help families find the right financing for their surrogate needs and match them with surrogate mothers that meet their personal and financial criteria.
Surrogacy is a wonderful option for couples who can’t have children naturally. In choosing the right surrogate mother, couples are more likely to have an enjoyable experience, feel better about the care of their unborn child, and can know that their little one is in good hands at all times. All it takes is a little bit of research, knowing where to start, and staying informed and you can choose the right surrogate mother for your unborn child and feel great about your decision.
