Preparing for Your Newborn During Surrogacy

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Preparing for the birth of a baby is an extremely exciting time in a parent’s life. When your child is to be born with the help of a surrogate, the process is a bit more complex, so it’s wise to learn what to be well prepared ahead of time. In addition to finding the right surrogacy candidate to carry your son or daughter to term, you want to make sure you’re creating a space in your home and life for your newborn.

Find the Right Candidate

You can find the right surrogacy candidate by going through a reputable agency, such as Growing Generations. These professionals will screen each potential surrogate with:

  • Blood tests to rule out contagious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
  • Physical examinations including gynecological exams.
  • Obstetrical history to learn about past childbirth experiences.
  • Psychological evaluations to learn about motivations, feelings, and emotional stability.
  • Personality profiles such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2.

The Treatment Process

Once you and a surrogate have been matched, you will start the treatment process, which will include multiple steps, such as:

  • Synchronized menstrual cycles of surrogate and intended mother or egg donor.
  • Fertility drugs will be given to intended mother or egg donor.
  • Hormones will be given to surrogate to prepare uterus for embryo implantation.
  • Eggs from intended mother or egg donor will be fertilized with sperm from intended father or sperm donor.
  • Embryo implantation will take place.
  • Pregnancy will be confirmed by day 17 to 19.
  • Heartbeat(s) will be heard by day 31 to 33.
  • Continued care including ultrasounds, blood work, and maternity checkups will take place throughout the pregnancy.

The Nursery

During the nine months leading up to your child’s birth, it’s important to get your child’s room ready so he or she has a place to come home to. Some steps to turning an ordinary room into a soothing nursery include:

  • Paint the walls a fresh, calming color.
  • Install light-blocking shades or curtains to create a peaceful environment during naptimes.
  • Put a dimmer switch on light fixtures so you can alter the ambiance with a flick of a switch.

Furnishings

You will also need to assemble the furniture that is essential to raising a baby. If you are having twins, you’ll need two of some of these items:

  • Crib
  • Dresser
  • Bassinette
  • Changing table
  • Nightstand
  • Lamps
  • Stroller

In addition to these furnishings, you’ll want to assemble sheets, blankets, outfits, diapers, and wipes.

When you’re expecting a baby through surrogacy, you need to get ready, and not just medically and legally. You need to assemble the ingredients to turn your house into the home of your newborn son or daughter.

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