Building a family through surrogacy can be a very exciting but very emotional process at the same time. We had the opportunity to go over some questions with one of our intended parents to understand their surrogacy journey and to learn more from their perspective.

When you found out Autumn was going to be your gestational carrier, how did you feel?

We were elated, but hesitant at first, we thought, and still do that she is too good to be true. Autumn is our second surrogate, our first one was not comfortable carrying through COVID times and we were hesitant at first, scared she would come to the same conclusion. However, once we got to know Autumn, we quickly discovered she was meant for us, we were elated. She has been wonderful in these uncertain times, and we couldn’t imagine being on this journey with anyone else but her.

What has been the best part of the journey so far?

January 31, 2021, when Autumn and I did our first (two) pregnancy tests, followed by February 3rd, 2021 when we had our first confirmation with my husband of a heartbeat. That day is also significant because it’s the birthday of the person who saved my life when I went into cardiac arrest at the age of 8. The best part of the journey is knowing that the baby will be here in October or late September.

You’ve become friends with Autumn through this process. What would you say are her best characteristics? 

Autumn is selfless, often pointing out that she is the “oven” and it’s not her baby. She goes out of her way to make sure I know I’m the mom and respects the decisions we make for the baby. She has a big heart and is very respectful.

Tell us a little about the first doctor’s appointment you and your husband were able to attend. 

It was emotional and so special, as we had only been able to attend the prior appointments via Zoom, while with the IVF clinic. When we transferred to the OBGYN, the doctor had learned we had not been to an appointment yet and scheduled an ultrasound just so we could see our baby on the ultrasound for the first time during the appointment.

What does Autumn and her willingness to become your gestational carrier mean to you? 

There are no words, only a flood of emotions and gratitude. Due to my medical history (heart transplant at age 8, followed by lifetime antirejection medicines), I am not able to safely carry a baby without risk to my life and compromising the health of the baby who would be subject to the harsh medications I take to prevent organ rejection,

How has your relationship with Autumn developed through this process? 

We talk every week, sometimes more than once a week, and we’re always updating each other on the size of the baby, and the dos and don’ts for that week that come with a weekly email reminder… like the week we were as big as a Zesty Zucchini. We also talk about other things, her kids, their sports, and how excited we both are in this process.  Autumn is welcome in our lives for as long as she wants, it’s her choice. Something I wasn’t sure I wanted when we first began our journey 5 years ago.

From an Intended Parent viewpoint, what would you like other potential gestational surrogates to know? 

What you are providing is a selfless gift. You could be the person that changes the world for that family. Your willingness to help someone build their family is a testament to your big heart. What you are providing for them will change their world. 

Heart of Surrogacy, LLC can help you explore your options and get the answers you need. To make an appointment, call (813) 331-5601

Heart of Surrogacy, LLC

More than 60 million women in the United States are living with a heart condition.

In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women,  claiming the lives of one out of every five. Heart disease can be especially dangerous during pregnancy, and patients with a heart condition may want to explore surrogacy as a family formation option.  

Heart of Surrogacy, LLC can help you explore your options and get the answers you need to make an informed decision. To make an appointment, call (813) 331-5601

Resources:

Protecting heart health during pregnancy

Heart of Surrogacy, LLC

Being a surrogate mother is a fulfilling yet often emotional journey that profoundly impacts the entire family. It requires a great deal of love, sacrifice, and support from all involved, including your children. While understanding what surrogacy entails may vary drastically depending on the ages and comprehension levels of your children, it is important to involve them in the process. Talking to your kids about being a surrogate mother is crucial when embarking on this journey together. 

We understand that talking to your children about surrogacy can be challenging. However, there are several things to keep in mind that will encourage honest and open conversations surrounding your surrogate pregnancy. 

Start Early

It is best to start talking to your children about your surrogacy journey as early as possible. This will give them time to understand what is happening and ask questions. You can begin by explaining the basics of surrogacy and answering any questions they may have. Then, as the process progresses, you can give them more details and involve them in the journey. 

Age Appropriate Language

Children of different ages will understand and respond to the surrogacy process differently. When talking to your children, be sure to use language that is appropriate for their age and level of understanding. Younger children may need simple, straightforward explanations, while older children may be ready for more complex details. 

For example, when talking to a younger child, you may say, “Sometimes a family can’t grow a baby on their own, and they need the help of another Mommy. I am helping another family grow their baby. Then when the baby is strong enough to come out, I will give them back to their parents.”

Encourage Questions

Children may have a lot of questions about surrogacy, and it is important to encourage them to ask. Answering their questions and addressing any concerns they may have can help them feel more comfortable and involved in the process. If they are too young to ask questions, you can start by asking them if they have any questions or concerns.

Emphasize Love

Throughout the surrogacy journey, it is important to emphasize the love that your family has for each other and the baby you are carrying. Explain to your children that this baby will be a special part of another family and that you are carrying it with love and care.

Be Honest

Children are perceptive and will sense if something is not right. Be honest about the surrogacy process and any challenges that may come with it. Explain that there may be some challenges along the way and that you may need some extra support. By being honest, you can help your children feel more prepared for the changes that come with surrogacy.

Make it a Positive Experience

Surrogacy can be an exciting and fulfilling journey, and it is important to make it a positive experience for your children. Encourage them to be involved in the process, for example, by helping you prepare for the baby’s arrival or by choosing a special gift for the baby. Making the journey a positive experience for your children can help them feel more connected to the surrogacy process and the baby you are carrying.

Be Patient

Children may need time to process the changes that come with surrogacy. Be patient with them and continue to have open and honest conversations as they adjust to the new reality.

Utilize Resources 

Many resources are available to help parents talk to their children about surrogacy. Children’s books are a great tool and a fun way to talk about and normalize the surrogacy journey. A list of top surrogacy children’s books can be found here.

Being a surrogate is a unique and life-changing journey that affects the entire family. Effectively talking to your children about your surrogacy journey is essential in involving them in the process and preparing them for the changes that come with it. The more involved and prepared they are, the smoother the journey and transition will be for everyone. 

At Heart of Surrogacy, LLC we are not only dedicated to our surrogate mothers and intended parents but also to their families. For more information, resources, and support, contact Heart of Surrogacy, LLC by phone at 813-280-6500 or visit our webpage. We are here for you every step of the way.

With online platforms growing, finding a gestational surrogate has never been easier. The internet has allowed intended parents to choose between group forums, like Facebook groups or surrogacy agencies, to start their families.

But which path is right for you?

Is one option safer than the other?

If you’ve been asking, “Where Should I Find My Gestational Carrier?” Heart of Surrogacy has answers. We explain the options and possible risks you might encounter when finding a gestational carrier through different online methods.

Four Main Places to Find a Surrogate

Whether in the research phase or sold on surrogacy, you should know there are different ways to find a surrogate. The four main ways to find a surrogate are:

1. Hiring through a surrogacy agency
2. Paying a freelance surrogate recruiter
3. Seeking an independent surrogate (e.g., matching groups, Facebook, etc.)
4. Asking your network of family and friends

The easiest way to find a surrogate or gestational carrier is through a surrogacy agency. There are many agencies to choose from online, all ranging in price. A somewhat less expensive option is paying a freelance surrogate recruiter. A freelance surrogate recruiter is not part of an agency, though they usually have agency experience.

You can also search for a surrogate independently through social media platforms like Facebook. Independent surrogacy will have a longer wait than other methods. Lastly, reaching out to family and friends and requesting their advice on where to find a good surrogate is yet another option. Your network will likely point you to one of the other three options.

Facebook Groups versus Surrogacy Agency

Surrogacy through online Facebook groups is becoming increasingly popular because of their eye-catching costs. But are Facebook groups safe, or is it still best to shop for surrogates through a reputable agency?

At first, finding a surrogate independently through a Facebook group may appear less expensive or more immediate; however, the opposite may be true. It’s easy to let excitement and determination blind you to the red flags that come with finding solutions on your own.

Some of the issues that may arise from shopping independently through Facebook groups for surrogates are:

• Risk of fraud and misrepresentation
• Ineligible prospective surrogates
• Longer wait times
• Problems with coordination and communication

Searching for a surrogate through Facebook groups has a higher chance of fraud and misrepresentation versus going through a well-known surrogate agency. It’s too simple for people to pose as something or someone they are not. But through a surrogacy agency, there is a safety net to protect intended parents from scams.

Surrogacy Agency Safeguards to Protect You

All surrogates must go through a process before they can become a surrogate. They must be physiologically and medically approved by a professional, and many possible surrogate mothers found on Facebook have yet to be screened. This extends the time frame an intended parent must wait before starting their surrogate journey.

With that said, if you can be patient and are okay with a more hands-on approach to communicating, finding a surrogate through Facebook groups is still an option. Extra steps will have to happen to ensure you are not part of a scam.

Going through a surrogacy agency may be the better option if you’d rather be cautious and reduce or remove the worry of fraud.

A surrogacy agency tends to be more costly, but all services are included and have a legal safety net. Many feel they are paying for the value of security and ease. Surrogacy agencies also have a faster turnaround because their surrogates have already undergone a screening process and background check. Since agencies involve more than one employee, they often have more resources, making the process for intended parents much more effortless.

Finding a Gestational Surrogate, that’s Right for You

Although there are a few ways to find a gestational carrier for surrogacy, some ways are better than others. Less expensive options may not be as safe as going through an agency specializing in surrogacy. At Heart of Surrogacy, LLC, we want to inform you of your options and support you on your path to becoming a parent. Contact Heart of Surrogacy by phone at 813-280-6500 or through email at [email protected]. 

Would you like to become a surrogate? Are you thinking of preparing for a surrogate pregnancy? You should know you can increase your chances of successful embryo implantation, pregnancy, and live birth just by following a pro-fertility diet. We can get you started by sharing the best foods to eat for fertility health.

Surrogacy has become an increasingly popular family formation option, from celebrities who adorn the news to the average American household.

However, there is nothing average about the costs of surrogacy, which can range upwards of $150,000 depending on medical costs, surrogate compensation, legal and agency fees. Most often insurance does not cover surrogate-related medical expenses, although there are more and more companies providing surrogacy benefits including Starbucks, Viacom, and Bank of America.

One possible sign of relief is a new federal bill called Equal Access to Reproductive Care Act, which will allow taxpayers to deduct assisted reproductive care, including surrogacy, as a medical expense on their tax return without having to demonstrate medical or physical infertility.

To read more about the bill, click here: https://schiff.house.gov/imo/media/doc/equal_access_to_reproductive_care_act.pdf 

A surrogate is a woman who has agreed to carry a child for an individual or couple, known as the intended parents. It can offer many advantages over other family-building methods.

The most common agreement is gestational surrogacy, where the intended parents are biologically related to the baby. Intended parents can either ask someone they know to serve as a surrogate or work with an agency.

For those thinking of surrogacy to conceive a child, this blog shares some unique advantages.

Serving as a surrogate to help someone else grow their family is a selfless act of love. You know the joy of being a parent, and you are helping another family experience it. While it may have been a simple decision for you, your children may not be so quick to understand.

Here are six tips to help explain your choice to be a surrogate

Surrogacy laws are established and enforced in every state in the US. Florida is one of many surrogacy-friendly states when you’re hoping to become a surrogate or an intended parent and looking for options. Regardless, you’ll still need to get experienced advice via surrogacy agencies to understand the complex laws and legally complete the process. To have your questions about surrogacy law in Florida answered, you can contact a surrogacy attorney. The following is a list of common questions Heart of Surrogacy hears from potential clients.

Is Surrogacy Legal in Florida?

Pregnant women and couples in Florida can choose surrogacy legally and safely. Florida carefully regulates surrogacy processes to ensure it remains an ethical way to grow a family. Learn about services offered by some of the best surrogacy agencies in Florida online, including legal help. Or reach out to our attorney directly with questions.

Does Florida Allow Traditional Surrogacy?

It is possible to participate in a traditional surrogacy in Florida, but some legal and ethical risks are involved. Traditional surrogacy laws are governed by Fla. Stat. §63.213. Regulations are similar to Florida’s adoption laws and are referred to as “preplanned adoption agreements” to clarify that the biological mother (surrogate) is temporarily the legal parent of the child she carries. Parental rights transfer to the intended parents after the birth. The surrogate may choose to revoke consent during the pregnancy and up to 48 hours after the baby is born. If the traditional surrogacy agreement is terminated or the adoption agreement is not approved in court, the surrogate becomes the legal parent.

Gestational surrogacy in Florida is more common than traditional surrogacy. It has less legal and emotional risk and does not involve a preplanned adoption agreement. Governed by Fla. Stat. Chapter §742, it is a more straightforward option for surrogates and intended parents. 

Is Commercial Surrogacy Legal in Florida?

Compensated or commercial surrogacy is legal in Florida, but intended parents are not paying the surrogate for a baby. Compensation goes towards the gestational carrier’s medical processes and risks, her time, lost wages, travel expenses, and more. Payment is detailed within your surrogacy contract at the start of the process.

Is Same-Sex Surrogacy Legal in Florida?

Same-sex marriage became legal in 2015 and opened up opportunities for adoption and surrogacy for these couples to grow their families. The surrogacy process for same-sex couples is nearly the same as opposite-sex couples, but they will need either a sperm or egg donor to complete the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. 

What’s a Florida Surrogacy Contract?

A Florida surrogacy contract is a legal agreement between the intended parents and a surrogate (including her spouse concerning parental rights). The surrogacy contract is developed by a specialized attorney after being matched and before the medical processes begin. They define the legal parental rights of the intended parents, surrogate compensation, social roles, contact during the process, and more. The contract has minimum requirements, including: 

• The agreement is considered the only source of consent regarding medical processes surrounding the pregnancy 
• It will follow reasonable medical evaluation, treatment, and instructions 
• The contract will relinquish parental legal rights to the child after they are born 
• It will outline the legal rights and parental responsibilities after the birth when neither intended parent is genetically related to the child 
• It requires intended parents to accept parental rights regardless of the baby’s health condition

How Do Intended Parents Become the Legal Parents in FL?

In gestational surrogacy, Florida recommends pre-birth orders, but they are not legally required. The intended parents and their attorney file a petition in court regarding parental status during the second trimester. It makes it easier for the intended parents to attend the birth and add their names to the birth certificate later on. The pre-birth order is a step toward establishing legal parental rights in advance. Surrogacy legislation Fla. Stat. §742.16 requires another petition to be filed in court within three days after the child’s birth to secure legal parental rights for the intended parents.

With traditional surrogacy, the child is not genetically related to either intended parent and may be genetically related to the surrogate, instead. This creates a need for an additional adoption process after the child is born. The surrogate’s legal parental rights are terminated, and the intended parents assume those rights. 

You’ll want to search for the best surrogacy agencies online to get options for growing a family via surrogacy or becoming a surrogate and get legal advice. At Heart of Adoptions, you can contact a professional or email our attorney to learn more about Florida surrogacy and adoption laws that could influence your journey as an intended parent or surrogate. 

If you have been exploring surrogacy, adjustments have been made to many procedures to ensure better health and safety since the onset of Covid. Surrogates and intended parents can feel comfortable at our surrogacy agency using telehealth, virtual meetings, and social distancing measures. The following information explains the current policies in place.

Meetings Between Surrogates and Intended Parents During Covid

When scheduling a meeting through our agency, we coordinate phone calls and virtual appointments to discuss the details. We can find and match families with surrogate mothers using a surrogacy specialist to compare profiles on a list. A match is made based on everyone’s expectations and preferences. Then we coordinate interviews between surrogate mothers and intended parents in a phone call or virtual meeting.

After a successful interview, a surrogacy lawyer documents an agreement and safely conducts virtual meetings or socially distanced signature collection. Set the expectations you are comfortable with for contact and travel limitations when creating the surrogacy agreement, including:

• phone calls
• virtual meetings
• email 
• social media

Surrogate Medical Appointments During Covid

Surrogate medical screening appointments can take place at a local clinic or the intended parent’s fertility clinic. Most medical procedures require pre-screening to determine risks of exposure, and surrogates may need to wait in their car until the appointment time. They are tested for Covid, and a positive result will postpone the cycle for embryo transfer until the surrogate tests negative.

During [medical procedures], fertility clinics have restricted the presence of excess people, but intended parents may be allowed in or have access through video conferencing.

During delivery, the surrogate can have a support person in the room. Depending on the hospital chosen, intended parents may not be allowed to witness the birth but may be able to stay with the baby in the hospital after delivery. Ask your hospital or clinic about their protocols in advance to alleviate stress and avoid disappointment.

Egg Donation During Covid

Some fertility clinics currently recommend using frozen donor eggs or sperm shipments instead of having donors travel to complete the procedure. We help intended parents who prefer to pursue this option. 

We screen donors for exposure and symptoms consistent with Covid before any procedures, and we check the prevalence of the virus in the donor’s location. If a donor tests positive, the retrieval cycle is canceled. Intended parents can request local donors to meet with the latest guidelines limiting travel between states. 

Surrogate Pregnancy During Covid

Surrogate pregnancy during this pandemic adds some difficulties. However, many workplaces have increased their work-from-home opportunities, and surrogates can limit exposure using pickup and delivery services for groceries and other essentials to control their environment.

Pregnant women are not at an increased risk for the virus, although becoming ill may make it necessary to stay in an ICU or use a respirator. They may experience preterm delivery or require a cesarean section, but babies have a low virus incidence.

Surrogacy and Travel During Covid

International travel restrictions have begun to relax, but have impacted those already involved in a surrogate relationship. When the baby is born, plans to equip parents with documentation supporting a travel exemption will help you navigate the process.

Domestic flights aren’t restricted, but limiting travel during the surrogacy process to minimize health risks is still recommended. Intended parents and surrogates are encouraged to schedule regular virtual contact using video meetings or calls.

Financial Concerns for Surrogacy During Covid

Most intended parents carefully plan their surrogacy journey, including the financing to help pay for the process. If you have lost a job during the pandemic or feel less financially secure, it’s probably not a good time to move forward. Adding financial stress with the natural anxiety of starting a family can turn a joyful time into a critical challenge. If you decide to move forward, we will discuss financing options, programs, and grants.

Surrogates and the COVID-19 Vaccine

The decision to get a vaccine for Covid-19 is a discussion between surrogates and the intended parents, and the surrogate should discuss it with her doctor.

Surrogacy is an involved and emotional process. Current surrogacy agreements may be complicated by shifting rules and regulations that require re-evaluation. We educate you about the changes and reassure you that all safety protocols are followed. Reach out to speak with our professionals to find out how to prepare to become a surrogate or intended parents.