Intended Parents | American Surrogacy Blog

The Best Surrogate Gift Ideas for the 2023 Holiday Season

Discover some of the best surrogate gifts you can get for the 2023 holiday season with this guide.

The 2023 holiday season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to show appreciation and gratitude to those who have made a significant impact in your lives. Whether you’re searching for a surrogate or gestational carrier, finding the right gifts for your surrogate can be a heartfelt gesture that speaks volumes.

If you’re still in the process of finding a surrogate this holiday season, contact us online now to begin your surrogacy journey with American Surrogacy. Our specialists are ready to help you become parents.

Surrogate gifts are a thoughtful way to acknowledge and celebrate your surrogate for helping fulfill your dreams of becoming parents. They’re the heroes who are committing over a year of their time and energy to help you reach your dreams of parenthood. Although surrogate gifts are never expected, it can be a great way to show surrogates how much you appreciate them.

Below are seven surrogate gifts to express your gratitude and make this holiday season unforgettable:

1. Personalized Jewelry

Consider a piece of jewelry that holds sentimental value as you look for surrogate gifts. Engraved bracelets, necklaces, or rings with meaningful dates, initials or heartfelt messages can be a cherished reminder of the special bond shared. Some ideas can be a piece of jewelry with her birthstone, a meaningful charm bracelet or something with the baby’s name and birth date on it.

2. Self-Care Gift Baskets

Show appreciation by pampering your surrogate with a self-care gift basket. The surrogate gift basket can be filled with soothing bath bombs, scented candles, organic skincare products and a plush robe for the ultimate relaxation experience.

You can also make a care package that the surrogate can utilize at any point during pregnancy or even right after delivery. Some surrogate gifts you can get her to include in the package can be comfy slippers, books or magazines, hand or body lotion and more. Anything that helps the surrogate relax can be included in the self-care package.

3. Customized Keepsakes

Capture precious moments by gifting personalized photo albums, custom-made photo frames or a collage capturing milestones throughout the journey. These mementos serve as a beautiful reminder of the shared experience. A scrapbook that details her surrogate journey can also be included as a great customized gift for a surrogate mother.

4. Subscription Services

Consider gifting a subscription box tailored to their interests, such as gourmet food, book clubs, wellness products or even a streaming service subscription. It’s a gift for surrogates that keeps on giving throughout the year and can also help them recover post-delivery.

5. Handwritten Letters or Journals

Surrogate gifts don’t have to be something expensive. You can show your appreciation through something simple as heartfelt, handwritten letters or journals. Share your thoughts, appreciation and the impact their support has had on your life. Personalized surrogate gifts often hold sentimental value and remind the surrogate how much you support them.

6. Home Décor and Gift Cards

Help create a cozy and inviting space by gifting home décor surrogate gifts or gift cards to their favorite home goods store. Thoughtful items like decorative throw pillows, cozy blankets or elegant vases can enhance their living space as they prepare for delivery. Surrogates will go through a nesting phase as they prepare for the arrival of the baby and new home décor can help them make their space more comfortable.

7. Thoughtful Experiences

Surrogate gifts can be an experience, such as tickets to a show, a cooking class, a weekend getaway or a spa day. Consider their interests and choose an experience gift for your surrogate that allows them to relax or indulge in something they love. This gift doesn’t have to be extravagant and can be a great way for the surrogate to unwind and have a safe, healthy pregnancy.

Support Your Surrogate This Holiday Season

Remember, the best surrogate gifts are not necessarily the most expensive but those that come from the heart and demonstrate your gratitude for their support.

Before selecting a gift, take the time to understand the surrogate’s preferences and interests. What matters most is the thought and effort put into choosing surrogate gifts that acknowledge their time, energy and sacrifices. This holiday season, let your surrogate know how much they mean to you with a thoughtful, heartfelt gift that reflects your appreciation for their selfless act of kindness.

If you have any questions about how to make your surrogate’s experience better or about the surrogacy process in general, contact us online now to connect with a surrogacy specialist.

4 Benefits of Using a Known Egg Donor

Using a known egg donor allows you to know more about your baby’s potential genetic makeup.

The process of finding the right egg donor in your surrogacy journey can be an emotional journey. With the growing popularity of using a known egg donor, anonymous egg donors are a thing of the past.

Now that DNA tests are readily available, more intended parents are exploring the possibilities and advantages of choosing a known egg donor over an anonymous one.

Below, we dive into the four key benefits of using a known egg donor and provide guidance on how to find the perfect fit.

To learn more about the surrogacy medical process, check out this article

1. Establishing a Personal Connection

One of the most significant advantages of using a known egg donor is the potential for establishing a personal connection. This choice allows you to foster a relationship with the donor, leading to a deeper understanding of their personality, values and beliefs.

Choosing a known egg donor can foster a sense of trust and ease, creating a more emotionally supportive environment throughout the process.

2. Comprehensive Knowledge of Medical History

Understanding the medical history of the egg donor can significantly impact the health and well-being of your child. Known egg donors provide you with a comprehensive insight into their family’s medical background, including any hereditary conditions or genetic predispositions.

This can help you prepare for any potential health challenges that may arise throughout your child’s life.

3. Shared Genetic Connection

Using a known egg donor can offer the unique benefit of establishing a shared genetic connection between the donor and the child. This shared genetic link can play a vital role in the child’s sense of identity and belonging, fostering a deeper understanding of their biological roots and heritage.

By choosing a known egg donor, you can ensure that your child has the opportunity to learn about their biological origins and family medical history, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. This knowledge enables them to develop a comprehensive understanding of their identity, promoting a stronger sense of self-awareness and emotional well-being as they grow and navigate their own personal journey.

4. Openness to Future Communication

Unlike the anonymity associated with traditional egg donation, choosing a known egg donor allows for the possibility of open communication in the future.

This openness can facilitate a healthy and transparent relationship, enabling your child to have access to information about their biological origins and potentially establish a meaningful connection with the donor later in life.

How to Find a Known Egg Donor

Finding a known egg donor involves careful consideration and planning. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate the process:

Work with a fertility clinic or agency that specializes in known egg donor arrangements.
Network within your community and reach out to friends, family or acquaintances who may be willing to serve as an egg donor.
Consult with legal professionals to ensure that all aspects of the donation process, including legal agreements and rights, are thoroughly understood and documented.

The decision to use a known egg donor comes with its own set of considerations and benefits. While weighing the pros and cons of different options, you’ll want to find a suitable and trusted known egg donor who aligns with your values and aspirations for your future family.

To speak with a surrogacy specialist about the process of using a known egg donor, contact us online now to get more free information.

What are the Benefits of Surrogacy for Parents?

Surrogacy is a family-building option that will empower you in ways other paths may not be able to on your journey to parenthood.

As one of the leading surrogacy agencies in the U.S., we know what it takes to fulfill your dreams of becoming parents. The benefits of surrogacy plus the unconditional support we offer can pave the way on your journey to parenthood. We know the road hasn’t been easy and with our help you’ll be on the right track toward holding your baby for the first time.

We’ve helped thousands of parents start a family and we’re ready to do the same for you.

If you have any questions about the surrogacy process, check out this article.

What Are the Benefits of Surrogacy?

Becoming a parent through surrogacy has never been easier. At American Surrogacy, you don’t have to wait any longer to become parents. One of the main advantages of choosing surrogacy as a path to parenthood is that the wait times are significantly lower. We offer an exclusive program designed to only work with quality surrogates who are American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) qualified.

This can significantly lower your wait time because all our surrogates have been screened to ensure they’re ready for the process. One of the benefits of surrogacy with our agency is that we carefully balance our list of surrogates and intended parents so you aren’t competing with other families for a match.

Why Become a Parent Through Surrogacy? [4 Reasons]

1. An Opportunity to Grow Your Family

Surrogacy is an amazing family-building option, offering hope to parents whose journey to parenthood has been marked by hurdles and setbacks. When other methods such as natural conception or adoption have proven elusive, surrogacy can help you realize your dreams of expanding your family. This method is particularly invaluable for individuals struggling with infertility, same-sex couples or those facing medical conditions that make pregnancy impossible.

With the support of modern medical advancements and legal frameworks, surrogacy has the power to transform heartbreak into joy, uniting parents and surrogates to bring new life into the world.

2. More Control Over Your Family-Building Journey

Surrogacy stands out as a more controlled process for parents when compared to other family-building methods. Unlike adoption, where the process can be unpredictable and may involve complex legal and emotional factors, surrogacy offers a greater level of predictability. In surrogacy, parents can actively participate in the selection of their surrogate, ensuring compatibility and trust, which is often not possible in adoption.

The medical aspects of surrogacy are more manageable, allowing parents to closely monitor the prenatal environment and have a more direct influence on the pregnancy experience. This control is particularly essential for individuals or couples with specific medical concerns or those seeking a specific genetic makeup for their child. Surrogacy provides a structured, customizable, and well-regulated path to parenthood, offering a sense of assurance and empowerment throughout the family-building journey.

3. The Quickest Path to Parenthood

We know how much you’ve wanted to start or grow your family. One of the benefits of surrogacy with our agency is that we bring that wait to an end by helping you find the best surrogate for your family in the shortest amount of time. With our one of a kind 1:1 intended parent to surrogacy ratio, we can help you find a surrogate in an average of 30-90 days.

Because we balance this list so effectively, we’re able to help you become a parent through surrogacy as quickly and efficiently as possible.

3. Partner with High-Quality Surrogates

Opting for surrogacy affords parents the opportunity to collaborate with high-quality surrogates, ensuring a level of professionalism, commitment and medical suitability that may be challenging to find in other family-building methods. Surrogates who choose to embark on this extraordinary journey are meticulously screened, both physically and psychologically, to guarantee their ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child.

They are often well-informed and dedicated individuals who genuinely want to help prospective parents achieve their dreams of having a family. This selection process ensures that you can trust in the surrogate’s reliability, health and emotional stability. This level of quality and preparedness, combined with the legal and medical support provided, makes surrogacy a prime choice for parents seeking a secure and positive path to parenthood.

4. Experienced Staff Ready to Support You

Our staff has years of experience helping those who want to become a parent through surrogacy. As you work with us on your path to parenthood, you can be comfortable and confident knowing that our staff has more than 40 years of experience building families through surrogacy and adoption.

Through our financial protection and unlimited matching, we work hard to make sure you experience a safe, secure process.

You shouldn’t have to wait any longer for your child. The benefits of surrogacy with our program are designed to specifically help you become parents as quickly and efficiently as possible. With our thorough surrogate screening process, you’ll be able to connect with a highly qualified surrogate you feel confident moving forward with.

To begin looking at potential surrogates, check out some of the available surrogate situations here. If you would like to connect with a surrogacy consultant, contact us online now.

7 Tips on Coping With Infertility During the Holidays

The holidays can be a heavy time for couples struggling with infertility. We’re here to help you cope with the emotions that may surface during this time of year.

Infertility can be a challenging journey, especially during the holiday season when the emphasis on family can magnify feelings of loss and isolation.

Coping with infertility during the holidays requires a balance of self-care, emotional support and strategies that prioritize your well-being. If you find yourself struggling as the holidays approach, here are seven helpful tips to help you cope with infertility during the holiday season.

If you want to learn more about surrogacy as a path to parenthood, then check out this article.

How to Deal With Infertility During the Holidays [7 Tips]

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

Acknowledging the complex emotions that you’re feeling about infertility around the holidays is the first step toward healing. Allow yourself the space to grieve and process your emotions. It’s okay to feel a mix of sadness, frustration or even anger.

Understanding and accepting these feelings can be a powerful step toward improving your overall emotional well-being.

2. Seek Support and Emotional Guidance

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, family member or a professional counselor specializing in infertility. Infertility counseling can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to express your feelings and learn valuable coping strategies. Sharing your burden with those who understand and empathize can ease the emotional weight during the holiday season.

You can also participate in a support group online or in person to connect with people who have been in your shoes before. This can help you find solace knowing that you’re not the only person who’s struggled with infertility around the holidays.

3. Create New Traditions

Consider establishing new holiday traditions that don’t revolve around children or family gatherings. Focus on activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Find ways to nurture your well-being, such as volunteering, exploring new hobbies, or planning a relaxing getaway.

Shifting the focus away from traditional celebrations can help ease the pain associated with infertility during the holidays.

4. Set Boundaries

Set clear boundaries with well-meaning friends and family members on conversations and gatherings that might trigger emotional distress.

Communicate your needs and limitations to help them understand the importance of sensitivity and understanding on infertility during the holidays. Take charge of your emotional well-being by prioritizing interactions that bring you comfort and support.

5. Practice Self-Care

During the stress of the holidays, make self-care a top priority. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga or regular exercise.

Nourish your body with healthy meals and take the time to rest. By taking care of your physical and emotional well-being, you can better cope with the challenges of infertility during the holiday season.

6. Focus on Gratitude

Redirect your focus towards gratitude by acknowledging the positive aspects of your life. Keep a gratitude journal and reflect on the things that bring you joy and fulfillment beyond infertility.

By having a sense of gratitude, you can gain a more positive outlook on infertility during the holidays. This can help you cope with the emotional strain that comes with dealing with infertility during the holidays.

7. Stay Hopeful

If you’re experiencing infertility during the holidays, try to maintain a sense of hope and optimism for the future. Consider exploring different options for family-building, such as surrogacy or adoption, and stay informed about advancements in infertility treatments and technologies.

Remind yourself that infertility does not define your worth or your ability to create a loving family. By staying hopeful, you can navigate the challenges of infertility during the holidays with strength.

You’re Not Alone

Coping with infertility during the holidays can be emotionally taxing, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to find solace and joy despite the challenges. Remember that your feelings are valid, and it is essential to prioritize self-care and seek the support you need this holiday season.

If you want to explore surrogacy as a path to parenthood, then contact us online now to speak with a surrogacy consultant.

Your Guide to Pre-Birth Orders in Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey toward achieving your dreams of parenthood. Having an understanding of how to establish your parentage to your little one is an important component of the surrogacy process.

Surrogacy currently isn’t regulated on a federal level, so each state has their own set of surrogacy laws. Because of this, the legal steps needed to establish parentage can vary.

While state’s laws vary, it’s important to familiarize yourself on how to establish your parental rights. Your surrogacy specialist and lawyer will play an important role in this process. While this guide shouldn’t be taken as legal advice, we’re here to explain everything you need to know about pre-birth orders to help you embark on the legal journey of surrogacy with confidence.

If you have any questions about the legal process of surrogacy, then contact us online now to connect with a trusted surrogate specialist.

What is a Pre-Birth Order and How Does it Work?

Pre-birth orders in surrogacy are legal documents that establish you as the legal parents of your child born through surrogacy before the birth takes place. These orders are crucial in ensuring a smooth and legal transition of parental rights from the surrogate mother to the intended parents.

The process involves a court petition where you request to be recognized as the legal parents of your unborn child. This process varies depending on the jurisdiction, and in some places, it may involve strict requirements such as a genetic connection between one or both intended parents.

What Happens After a Pre-Birth Parentage Order is Granted?

Once a pre-birth parentage order is granted, it provides legal protection for the intended parents, helping to avoid potential custody disputes or legal challenges after the child is born. These orders are an important part in the surrogacy process as they help create a clear legal framework for all parties involved.

It ensures your child’s best interests are protected and that you can assume full responsibility of your child once they’re born.

How to Get a Pre-Birth Order

In order to file a pre-birth order in surrogacy, you’ll work with your surrogacy lawyer to gather certain documents. You and the surrogate will sign statements of parentage for the unborn baby, and your will have to complete an affidavit stating he or she completed the embryo transfer for the surrogates pregnancy.

Your lawyer may also file additional social documents and evaluations that were prepared during the surrogacy process. If you live in a state where pre-birth orders are legal, the order is filed around the seventh month of pregnancy, although the process can start as early as the fourth month.

Filing a pre-birth parentage court order protects your legal rights and helps the hospital process move more smoothly by:

Requiring you to be listed on your child’s birth certificate
Allowing you to make medical decisions for your child
Helping resolve any insurance issues (if any)
Allowing your baby to be discharged from the hospital with you

At American surrogacy, we work closely with you and your lawyer to obtain a pre-birth order based on your state’s laws. Starting the process as early as possible can ensure all the legal guidelines are taken care of.

What Are Pre-Birth Order States?

These surrogacy-friendly states permit surrogacies for all parents, grant pre-birth orders and name the intended parents on the birth certificate.

California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Delaware
Maine
New Hampshire
Nevada
Oregon
Rhode Island
Washington

Non-Surrogacy-Friendly States

On the other hand, these states are generally considered non-surrogacy-friendly states:

Michigan
New York

All Other States

While some states are entirely surrogacy-friendly and some are mostly unfriendly, most states fall somewhere in between. Surrogacy is able to be practiced in these states, but the laws will differ in regards to the levels of protection for both surrogates and intended parents.

Some of these states are more surrogacy friendly than others. In surrogacy-friendly states, gestational surrogacy is usually permitted by statute or there are no laws prohibiting surrogacy or pre-birth orders. Here are some of the states that are considered more surrogacy-friendly:

Alabama
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
North Carolina
North Dakota
New Mexico
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Wisconsin
West Virginia

In less surrogacy-friendly states, surrogacy may be practiced but there may be legal obstacles or additional legal processes that are required to complete the surrogacy. For example, pre-birth orders may not be granted, or surrogacy contracts may be legally unenforceable. These states often have unclear surrogacy laws:

Alaska
Arizona
Iowa
Idaho
Indiana
Louisiana
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Virginia
Wyoming

How to Get a Pre-Birth Order

Before you explore the process of obtaining a pre-birth parentage order, it’s important to work with a reputable surrogacy attorney who is well versed in the laws in your state. When you chose to work with American Surrogacy, we’ll help connect you with a lawyer who’s familiar with pre-birth order laws to help you navigate the legal landscape in your state.

To begin the legal process of surrogacy, contact us online now to connect with a trusted surrogacy specialist who will guide you through your journey with confidence.

What is the Surrogacy Success Rate?

Becoming a parent through surrogacy is one of the most beautiful journeys you’ll ever take. Learn everything you need to know about the surrogacy success rate with our guide.

When you’re looking to begin your journey of parenthood through surrogacy, one of the most common topics that come up is about surrogacy success rates. Here, we’ll explore the factors that influence surrogacy success rates to help you prepare for the journey ahead.

As you begin this beautiful journey, know that we at American Surrogacy will be there to help you confidently navigate the transfer process.

If you have any questions about the medical process of surrogacy, contact us online now to speak with our surrogacy specialists.

What Are the Gestational Surrogacy Success Rates?

The IVF surrogacy success rates will always depend on the fertility clinic that completes the embryo transfer. This includes any pre-implantation genetic screening that the clinic needs to complete. In general, a little more than half of all IVF transfers will result in pregnancy, with 35-40 percent of transfers failing to implant.

If you experience a failed transfer, know that its normal and we will be there to help you during this time. A failed transfer is normal and we will always be there for this emotional process.

What Affects the Surrogacy Embryo Transfer Success Rates?

There are various factors that influence surrogacy success rates. If you’re looking into surrogacy as a family building option, here are some things that affect the success rate of surrogacy:

Age of egg: One of the most important influences determining how successful a pregnancy is. Most surrogacy pregnancies include egg donors that tend to be young, typically in their 20s, while a surrogate can be somewhere into her early 40s. Once a woman turns 40, the quality of her eggs have become less viable but she can still carry a successful pregnancy.
The quality of sperm: This plays a big part in the surrogacy success rates as well. To increase the chances of a success, sperm should be used or donated from a healthy nonsmoker.
Pre-screening surrogates: While the surrogate’s age isn’t as important as the egg donor’s age, you still want to make sure that surrogates meet a clinic’s medical criteria. A thorough agency, like American Surrogacy, will pre-screen all potential candidates to ensure they meet the IVF clinic guidelines and requirements before the medical screening.
The surrogacy agency: You can always improve your chances of having higher surrogacy success rates by working with the right agency. Although fertility clinics mostly influence surrogacy success rates, we will do everything we can to set you up for success from our end. With our 1:1 intended parent to surrogate ratio, we can help you find a surrogate who’s the perfect fit for you and your family in an average of 30-90 days.

How to Maximize IVF Surrogacy Success Rates

One of the ways you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy is by making sure you’re using donor eggs and a surrogate with a healthy uterus. You’ll need to have the young eggs transferred to a surrogate who has had healthy pregnancies beforehand.

The chances can be even higher if you’ve had the surrogate undergo pre-genetic testing. In this case, implantation rates and successful pregnancy chances will be high, while failed transfers and rates will be low.

Benefits of Choosing American Surrogacy

As one of the leading surrogacy agencies in the country, we offer many benefits that can help put you on the right path toward a high surrogacy success rate. Because of how we manage our intended parent list, we’re able to put you on the quickest route toward fulfilling your dreams of becoming parents.

Another unmatched benefit we provide is offering a fixed fee structure to help you have confidence in your budget. We provide a flat fee to help you understand just how much you’ll be paying for your surrogacy journey from start to finish. While we can’t influence your surrogacy success rates, we can have an impact on your success by providing unmatched support and short wait times.

Begin Your Surrogacy Journey Today

To learn more about how successful your surrogacy journey can be with American Surrogacy, contact us online now to speak with a surrogacy specialist. We’re always here to guide you on this life-changing journey.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month 2023 [Finding Support]

During pregnancy and infant loss awareness month in 2023, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Our specialists are here to help you navigate this difficult loss.

October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month and we’re here to raise awareness and honor those that have passed on. The tragedy of experiencing infant and pregnancy loss can take on many forms and is a common experience every year.

If you’ve been personally affected by pregnancy or infancy loss and are in need of support, you can reach out to one of our experienced specialists today by filling out our free form or calling 1-800-875-BABY.

Many families experiencing a loss often find themselves feeling like they need to grieve alone. But, know that you don’t have to face these feelings on your own. During infant loss month, we aim to shed light on ways to commemorate your loss, find support and cope in a healthy way.

How to Cope During Pregnancy and Infant Lost Awareness Month [Finding support]

When you experience a loss, you might not know where to turn to help process your grief. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources out there that can help you as you navigate this difficult experience. Here are some steps you can take to cope during pregnancy infant loss month:

Step 1: Reach out to someone you can talk to

The pain of losing a child or pregnancy is one of the hardest things you can experience. Talking to someone you trust can help you acknowledge your grief in a healthy way. Reach out to a spouse, parent, sibling, friend or surrogacy specialist. Verbally processing your emotions can help as you navigate the wave of emotions that come with loss.

By sharing your thoughts, you may feel less alone in your journey and can gain a sense of validation for your emotions. You’ll be able to express your thoughts and feelings, gain perspective and feel supported. Reaching out to someone is a reminder that you’re not alone in your journey.

Step 2: Find a support group in your area

Finding a local support group can be a valuable way to cope with grief and loss. If you can’t find any support groups in your area, you can explore online resources like websites, forums and social media groups from people who have also experienced pregnancy or infant loss.

By actively seeking out and participating in a support group, you can find comfort in the shared experiences of others who have been in your shoes, helping you navigate the journey of pregnancy and infant loss. During infant and pregnancy loss awareness month, connecting with a support group can be beneficial for your health and wellbeing.

There are surrogacy groups listed below that can help you cope with grief and connect with those that have had similar experiences:

Step 3: Find a way to commemorate your loss in a meaningful way

During pregnancy and infant loss awareness month, finding a way to commemorate your loss can help with the healing process. You can create a personal memorial or ritual that honors the memory of your child. This can involve planting a tree, creating a garden or dedicating a special place in your home with photos or mementos. Lighting a candle or releasing balloons with messages can also be a good gesture.

You can also raise awareness during infant loss month by volunteering with organizations that support families that have experienced infant and pregnancy loss. This can help you find purpose and connection within a community who shares your experiences.

Your Journey Isn’t Over

Experiencing a pregnancy or infant loss can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever go through. But, it’s not the end of your journey. There are alternative family-building options that are becoming more popular and accessible. Your dreams of starting or building your family can be fulfilled after infertility.

Whether you’re still trying to have a baby or are ready to explore your options, there are two ways you can fulfill your dreams of becoming parents during infant and pregnancy loss awareness month:

Adoption: If you’re looking to start or expand your family through adoption, domestic infant adoption is often the most common route for hopeful parents. This type of adoption involves a prospective birth mother creating an adoption plan for her unborn baby. She then chooses adoptive parents that match what she’s looking for. You’ll be able to create a profile that explains your hobbies, interests, lifestyle and more. Then after the birth, you get to welcome a newborn home.
Surrogacy: The surrogacy process can be another great way to grow your family. There are several ways you can find a match, choose a gamete donor and complete other aspects of the process. The most important step is finding the right surrogacy agency to work with. To learn more about the surrogacy process with American Surrogacy, contact us online now to speak with a specialist.

If moving forward seems impossible, it may help to read stories from others who have been in your shoes. You’re not alone and there will always be a brighter future ahead.

Contact Us Today

If you want to speak with a surrogacy specialist about pursing surrogacy after infertility, then please contact us online. We’re always here to provide support during miscarriage infant loss awareness month and beyond [SP1] .

4 Questions about Surrogacy for Infertile Couples

Surrogacy for infertile couples can be a turning point in their journey to parenthood. We want to help you achieve those goals.

Infertility creates a long and emotional journey for many couples. From doctor appointments to infertility treatments to money spent, we know there are so many hurdles you’ve overcome to try to create the family you’ve always dreamed of.

To get more information about how the surrogacy process can benefit you in your unique situation, reach out to a surrogacy professional today.

Deciding on surrogacy for infertile couples can be a turning point in their journey to parenthood. The choice to go through the surrogacy process may be a big decision, but we’re here to help you choose if surrogacy is right for you. If you’ve been struggling to decide what the best next steps are for you and your family, we urge you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is surrogacy right for you and your partner?

Making decision to move on to a new chapter can be difficult. It may mean giving up on another way of trying to have a child that you had put a lot of hope into. Surrogacy for infertile couples may be something to pursue on their journey to parenthood. Deciding to begin another route to becoming parents can be challenging both emotionally and physically. If you’ve been going through fertility treatments and shots and constantly checking in with your body, it can sometimes feel like a relief to move on from strict and strategic treatments. Talk with your partner and discuss if this feels like the right move for you.

2. Are you ready for someone else to carry your child?

This can be difficult, especially for intended mothers, and that is 100% understandable. Know that however you feel about it is valid. If you’ve been going through infertility struggles, talking to a therapist may be something you’re already doing. But talking out these thoughts with a professional can help if you are choosing to pursue surrogacy. Discuss what surrogacy options for infertile couples can do to help you achieve your goals.

3. Do you have embryos left over from fertility treatments?

A large decision intended parents have to make when it comes to surrogacy is whether they are going to use their own egg and sperm or a donor’s. If you have already been through fertility treatments like IVF and you have embryos left over, you can use those for surrogacy. This also means that your treatment for the IVF process can still help you achieve your goals. Choosing to transfer one of these embryos to a surrogate can give you a potentially higher chance of a positive outcome.

4. Is becoming a parent more important than being pregnant?

If being pregnant is your goal, surrogacy may not be right for you. Talking to your doctor will help you understand if that is a possibility you can keep trying for, or if you should pursue other routes. Depending on the circumstance, some doctors may recommend surrogacy for infertile couples. If you are at a point in your infertility struggles where you just want to have a baby and be a parent, surrogacy can be a great option.

Surrogacy is a huge commitment, and one we do not take lightly. We want to help you achieve your goals of starting a family through surrogacy for infertile couples. You’ve been through enough and we want to be the last stop on your journey to parenthood. Choosing surrogacy after infertility is a big step and we’re ready to help you get started. Reach out to a surrogacy specialist today.

Deciding Between Surrogacy Vs Adoption

Discover the pros and cons of surrogacy vs adoption to help you create the family you’ve been dreaming of.

The choice to have a family is always exciting, but deciding how to have a family can be hard.

To get more information about your family-building options, fill out our online form.

For couples and hopeful individuals who cannot have a family on their own, you may be considering alternatives to starting a family. This can likely include surrogacy vs adoption as potential options.

The Pros and Cons of Surrogacy vs. Adoption

Navigating the pros and cons of surrogacy vs. adoption can lead you to your ultimate choice between the two. Learn more about the major points that can help people decide which one to pursue.

Genetics

A gestational surrogate will not share any genetics with your child. The embryo used will either use your egg/sperm or a donor’s. This would mean the child could be biologically yours depending on the egg and sperm you use.

A birth mother will share genetics with the child, which can cause emotional implications as you go through the process. This can make the birth mother feel more attached to the child, possibly having trouble letting go.

Genetics can often play a determining factor in choosing between adoption vs surrogacy. For intended parents who feel strongly about having a genetic link to their child, surrogacy is sometimes the better option. However, if genetics are not something you feel you need to share with your child, adoption can be a great option.

Cost

The cost of surrogacy vs. adoption can be a big determining factor. Adoption can cost intended parents anywhere from $20,000-$50,000 on average. This can be a more affordable option in comparison to surrogacy. Surrogacy can cost an average of $150,000. This includes surrogate pay, agency fees, legal fees and more. Surrogacy is definitely far more expensive than adoption.

Finances can definitely be a deciding factor between surrogacy vs. adoption, but it’s important that you feel confident in your finances. Raising a child has plenty of costs involved in the process, so being aware of how much you may spend to have a child is imperative. Asking an agency to be upfront about their costs of surrogacy can help you financially prepare.

Matching

The matching process for adoption vs. surrogacy is slightly different. The matching process for adoption generally relies heavily on the birth mother and her decision. During the surrogacy process, you will create a profile when you put together your surrogacy plan. This will be advertised to prospective surrogates and your surrogacy specialist will help you connect with your perfect match. We strive to match intended parents and surrogates in 30 to 90 days.

For adoption, the birth mother will choose the parents. You will put together a profile and video to give a little insight into your family and lifestyle so a birth mother can get to know you. Your adoption specialist will help advertise your profile and video to reach a potential birth mother.

Legal Process

The legal process tends to vary between surrogacy vs. adoption. In surrogacy, legal contracts are signed before the medical process can begin. In adoption, the birth parents must give written consent and their rights must be legally terminated after the baby is born. A birth mother also has the option to change her mind at any time until she legally executes her consent. Because the birth mother has the option to change her mind during the pregnancy and after giving birth, it can be an emotionally difficult road to take.

Benefits of Surrogacy vs. Adoption

The benefit of surrogacy vs. adoption is that you will end up with a child, growing the family you’ve always wanted. The choice to grow your family and how you grow your family is ultimately up to you. With surrogacy, you have the opportunity to have a child who is genetically related to you.

You can also be part of the entire pregnancy and be more in control of the situation. With adoption, you get to create a family for a child who needs one. You can create a relationship with the birth mother where everyone is comfortable and create an environment where your child is able to thrive.

No matter which option you choose to create your family, we can help you. Our surrogacy specialists are ready to assist you with the process. Our sister company American Adoptions can also help you get started in your adoption journey. Don’t wait to create the family you’ve always wanted. Contact us today.

What You Should Know About Surrogacy Agency Reviews

Surrogacy agency reviews can tell you a lot about an agency. We can tell you what you need to know about finding quality reviews to help make your decision.

Today we rely on reviews for everything. We look at reviews of movies before we go see them, we check out reviews of restaurants to decide where to eat, and we even look up reviews of shampoo before we buy it. So why wouldn’t you look up the surrogacy agency ratings before you commit to one?

If you want more information about what to look for in surrogacy agency reviews, fill out our online form.

Navigating surrogacy agency reviews on the other hand can sometimes be tricky. There’s so much more relying on choosing the correct agency to begin your surrogacy process. This can help determine what you experience. So we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the reviews.

Reviews vs Testimonials

Clients who had a positive experience are sometimes asked by the agency to offer a testimonial that can be used on the company’s website. These will likely go into more detail and even include a video so you can feel connected to the real people who have been in your shoes. Testimonials are a good way to understand the surrogacy process and learn how the agency works with intended parents and surrogates.

Reviews of surrogacy agencies on the other hand are less of a production and may or may not be included on the website. But just like any business, positive reviews are always requested from clients. You can find reviews through Google and other ranking websites. However, it’s important to make sure you are using a reputable third party resource that is not dictated by sponsorships.

Negative Reviews

Negative reviews are more common than positive reviews. Statistically, people are more likely to leave a review if they had a negative experience. While positive reviews are important, negative surrogacy reviews can be just as important to read through. When you read negative reviews and notice patterns of the same situation happening to people over and over again, that might be a sign not to work with that agency.

Fake Reviews

Unfortunately fake reviews can muddle the information as you look through reviews. A fake review will usually have very generic language and information. They will use terms like “good” and “bad.” A fake review might also include incorrect grammar and spelling or the flow of sentences won’t quite make sense. Usually fake surrogacy reviews will be reported and hopefully removed, but they can still slip through the cracks so it’s important to be aware of them.

Find the Right Fit for You

Not every surrogacy agency is the same. Whether it’s the services, people or location, not every agency will be the right fit for everyone. You do not have to go with the first surrogacy agency you find through your research of surrogacy reviews. Take the time to ask questions and interview the people you would be working with. There may be pros and cons to each agency and you will have to weigh which one will ultimately be the best fit for you. Surrogacy is a big commitment and you should feel confident in your decision.

Do Your Research

Ultimately, the best thing you can do for yourself is to do your research before making the commitment to a surrogacy agency. Understanding the surrogacy process and what is expected from you can help you to better understand what is important to you when choosing a surrogacy agency. Once you understand the surrogacy process you will be able to better navigate the negative surrogacy agency reviews to determine if the review is about the process or the agency.

If you’re ready to begin your surrogacy process, contact us today.