Facebook, Instagram, TikTok — Social media is a big part of our daily lives. We use it to share news, pictures, random thoughts, and whatever else comes to mind. It’s a great way to keep the world updated on your life or keep in touch with family and friends.
So, what about sharing your surrogacy journey on social media?
If you are going through the process of becoming a gestational surrogate, being open about your experience on social media can inspire other women to consider surrogacy. Surrogacy is a wonderful experience, so of course, you want the world to know about it!
There are a few things to keep in mind before going all-out on social media, so we’ve put together some Dos and Don’ts for how to share your surrogacy journey with the world.
Be calm
The first thing to remember is that you are not alone in this journey. Your Intended Parents are the reason this happens – and they may have their own vision about what they want to share with the world.
It is important to discuss with your IPs what you can and cannot post on social media and that you respect their privacy. This topic should be part of the conversation even before your pregnancy begins.
On the other hand, you may be the one who wants to keep things private. It’s a good idea to mention this in your contract so everyone is on the same page.
Just remember that anything shared online stays online forever!
Express with care – and creativity
Alternatively, there is nothing more exciting than finding out you are pregnant. Really exciting! So, how do you announce it?
Before we get into that, make sure you and your Intended Parents have told everything there is to know in person before shouting it out online. Surrogacy is not your typical pregnancy journey, and friends and family should know the whole story first.
If your IPs have given you the green light to share your news, get creative! Some classic announcements include posting your sonogram or a photo of your bump-to-be with a letterboard of your due date. The internet is full of ideas on how to make it truly special!
Use the opportunity to teach others
As you may have learned, not everyone understands what surrogacy is all about. But you are in the perfect position to explain it to them.
Social media can help you reach people you might not meet in everyday life. Take the opportunity to tell them why you decided to become a surrogate and what it means to you.
Explain that you are helping another person or couple become a mother or father and that the child you are carrying is a longed-for dream.
Remind them that you too need their support and encouragement throughout your journey and that any negative opinions are not helpful.
Be prepared to answer questions
Social media is all about interacting with an audience, and a topic like surrogacy is sure to generate dozens of questions and comments. Answering questions can be a lot of fun when they come from people who really want to know how surrogacy works and are willing to support your decisions.
However, few understand third-party reproduction, and you should be prepared to receive the odd negative comment. In these cases, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re doing this to fulfill someone’s dream, and no amount of negative opinion can change that. Let go, and surround yourself with people do understand how incredible this journey is.
Be smart about taking your photos
Baby bump photos are all part of the pregnancy journey! But it’s a little different when you’re carrying a bump, so be sure to discuss with your IPs if they’re comfortable with you sharing your maternity pics.
That said, your surrogacy photos are still an important and wonderful way to mark this special journey. Your IPs want to capture the incredible role you played in their child’s life. So, make your photos count!
Whether you hire a professional or take the photos yourself, it’s important to make sure you present yourself in a positive light. You can be creative, but keep it tasty. Your IPs may want their child to see these photos one day.
The pros and cons of sharing publicly
There are many positives to sharing your surrogacy journey online. For starters, this is something to celebrate – and more people need to know about it! You will educate your followers about something they may not be familiar with, dispel many myths about surrogacy, and possibly even change the minds of those with negative opinions. Most importantly, you will record your experience for your own memories.
But there may be weaknesses too. It can be scary to share something so personal, and any negative feedback can be confusing and hurtful. Also remember that some people may see your pregnancy photos and not understand that you won’t be taking the baby home with you – which can make for some awkward conversations.
Final thoughts
How and why you share your surrogacy journey is up to you and your IPs. What matters is that you know why you became a surrogate and that you are proud of the incredible gift you are giving.
Want to know more about what it’s like to be a surrogate? Most of our team have personal experience as surrogates or IPs, and they love to chat! Get in touch now.
