Each woman who embarks on the journey as a surrogate mother has her own unique reasons for what drives her. For some, they may have heard of a heartbreaking infertility story in which a woman was unable to have her own child or perhaps a woman with clear cancer, but was rendered infertile by her treatments.
The path of surrogacy is full of distinctions, but it has a common goal: to make dreams of parenting come true.
As each surrogate mother comes from different backgrounds and professions, there is an internal call to help those in need and to be of service. However, taking the first steps in learning to become a surrogate mother can be overwhelming.
As the co-founder of an international surrogate and egg donor agency, there are different checklist items that a potential candidate should consider before applying. It is just as important for a surrogate mother to interview an agency as it is for an agency to interview her.
It is a symbiotic relationship.
The most important recommendation is that a candidate research the best surrogate agencies. A top-notch agency will help you navigate.
Most reputable agencies will require a candidate to undergo a physical and psychological examination to ensure that they are able and able to undertake this trip.
In addition, a surrogate mother must already be a mother and have one or more children. Above all, you must have had healthy pregnancies and enjoy being pregnant.
During the application and selection process, an agency will want to ensure that a candidate leads a healthy lifestyle that includes:
• No Smoking
• No use of recreational drugs
• Keep a healthy weight
• Maintain a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or less
A respected agency will also want to be sure that the money a surrogate receives will not be her main income. While substitutes can earn $ 35,000 or more, this money is considered supplemental. Most agencies will contact and advise candidates that they cannot receive any government assistance.
Having support during a surrogacy trip will be abundant in a good agency, but having this kind of support at home is also imperative. It is important for a woman’s family to be together because surrogacy is a journey for everyone in the home.
Being a surrogate also means having some flexibility in scheduling medical appointments, tests, and exams.
When choosing an agency, consider the following key factors:
• The surrogate agency does not operate like a home-based business and it actually has an official brick and mortar headquarters.
• Options for compensation, life insurance, monthly payments and direct deposit
• The agency pays in advance all expenses related to the trip, and a substitute does not pay
• The agency is affiliated with the best fertility specialists and legal experts.
Some of the best surrogate agencies actually have former surrogates working with them. This gives women traveling on the road for the first time great peace of mind as these veterans have been there before.
After finding some agencies, interview them more than once and ask if it would be possible to speak with a current or former substitute for the agency. Any reputable company would be honored to do so.