The surrogacy journey is full of wonderful milestones, from pregnancy confirmation to seeing the intended parents hold their precious baby for the first time.
There is a lot to prepare for along the way. And while your focus will understandably be on the happy moments before birth, it’s important to know what to expect in the unique period after birth.
To help, we’ve created a simple guide that sheds light on what happens after birth as a surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS).
Attend a support group
At SPS, we takes great pride in the exceptional support we provide to surrogates and intended parents (IPs). And that support doesn’t end after you give birth.
Alternatively, you will attend a support group from the time you start your SPS contract until after you are delivered. After the birth, surrogates share birth stories and end their journeys alongside women they shared every step of the way.
This communal space provides not only emotional support, but also an opportunity to celebrate this incredibly unique and powerful journey together.
Continue to enjoy the SPS Wellness Program
We strive to make each surrogate’s journey as healthy and rewarding as possible. And our SPS Wellness Package helps ensure our surrogates are supported both during their journey and postpartum.
The package includes:
- Monthly video calls during pregnancy until 12 weeks after delivery
- Customized, evidence-based programs for pelvic floor and full body mobility and strength that are safe during pregnancy
- Birth preparation education
- Education on how to safely return to activity after giving birth
- …etc!
The program is managed by Dr. Jessica Chellsen, PT, DPT, CSCS. Jessica is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and she specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation and works with pregnant and postpartum women of all fitness levels.
In monthly video calls, Jessica answers surrogates’ questions about pregnancy and body changes, offers guidance on any adjustments they can make to manage pain, discusses exercise safety during pregnancy and postpartum, and help with childbirth preparation and postpartum recovery.
Receive compensation and reimbursement if you pump
Pump selection is a collaborative decision made between the surrogate and her IPs.
Pumping offers many benefits for surrogates. This aids recovery after childbirth, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and more.
If you choose to pump, you will receive a weekly payment and be paid for supplies and shipping. And if IPs don’t want to breastfeed, but you want to pump, SPS can help find another couple who wants to breastfeed.
Navigate your relationship with IPs
The relationship between surrogate and IPs after birth looks different for everyone.
In most cases, communication will not be as frequent as during surrogacy, because the IPs are now navigating life with a new baby, and the surrogate is back to her routine.
The most important thing is to share your wishes and preferences at the very beginning of your journey. That said, people’s preferences can change throughout the journey, and postpartum communication is entirely dependent on both surrogates and postpartum IP.
Surrogacy is an incredibly unique experience, and when you understand every step of the process—including what happens in surrogate mother after birth—you can navigate each step with confidence.
Best of luck on this wonderful journey!
Learn More About Surrogacy at Surrogacy Services
Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate more than 30 years of helping make dreams come true! Founded in 1990, Surrogacy Services (SPS) is a full service surrogacy agency which offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We are passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both parties and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.
Do you want to be a surrogate? Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.
