Every couple’s journey to parenthood is unique, with some journeys involving more difficulties and heartaches than others. Surrogacy is the clear choice for male couples eager to have children that are biologically related to them, but gestational surrogacy is not a quick or simple process. It involves selecting an egg donor, being matched with the right surrogate mother, and waiting many long months for a successful pregnancy. The following tips can help gay prospective parents as they navigate the surrogacy journey.
Work With an Agency
Surrogacy is a complex process to begin with, but gay couples experience an especially long process since they must use an egg donor, complete the IVF process, and then find a surrogate mother. With so many moving parts, it is best to work with a professional surrogacy and egg donation agency that has the experience and precision necessary to efficiently manage the process from start to finish.
Selecting the right agency will ensure your own health as well as the health of your baby and surrogate mother. An agency provides support for everything from psychological testing and egg donation to surrogacy matching and legal issues. You can rest assured that there is always an expert keeping your surrogacy process afloat, and you will always have a support system to help you with your questions, fears, and uncertainties.
Decide the Role You Want Your Surrogate to Play In Your Life After Birth
There is no right or wrong decision to this question. Some male couples become close friends with their surrogate mothers, send pictures as their children grow, and stay connected on social media. Some surrogate mothers even continue to pump milk for the baby for weeks or months after birth! Other couples express their deep gratitude and appreciation for their surrogates but do not stay in touch after their child’s birth.
As your surrogacy journey progresses, reflect on the relationship that you would like to have with your surrogate in the future and be sure to communicate this with the people who matter most. This will help to make the transition after birth smooth for everybody.
Prepare For a Major Financial Commitment
It’s no secret that surrogacy is not a cheap process. Before you begin, it is very important to consider the implications of surrogacy on your financial capabilities. Some couples take out personal loans to pay their surrogacy costs back over time. Others seek financial help from advocacy organizations like Men Having Babies, which offers a Gay Parenting Assistance Program that provides grants and free or discounted services to gay men in need of financial support in their quest for parenthood.
For more help navigating the surrogacy system and making your dream of becoming a biological parent a reality, call (941) 741-4994 to schedule a consultation with Open Arms Surrogacy & Egg Donation in Bradenton, Florida. Open Arms offers intended parents, egg donors, and surrogate mothers the intricate services they need in a nurturing and supportive environment.
