Thinking about becoming a surrogate? You probably have questions. A lot of women come to us wondering if they have what it takes, or if this journey is even right for them.
Let me say this: if you’re a healthy woman between 21 and 28, have had a child of your own, and feel a calling to help someone else grow their family, you’re already on the right path. But there’s more to it than physical readiness.
You’re not just carrying a baby. You’re carrying someone’s dream.
At Creative Love, we’ve been guiding women like you for over 15 years through this life-changing experience. It’s deeply personal, incredibly rewarding, and sometimes, yes, challenging.
So let’s break down what really matters before you step into surrogacy.
1. Know Your Why
This isn’t a side gig.
This is a year of your life, your body, your emotions, your time.
Women who become successful surrogates know exactly why they’re doing it. Compassion. Gratitude. Purpose.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to help a couple who can’t conceive on their own?
- Do I find fulfillment in giving?
- Am I emotionally ready to separate from the baby after birth?
When your “why” is grounded in love and empathy, the entire journey becomes richer.
One of the most important aspects of the surrogacy process is understanding your motivations for choosing this path. The reasons to become a surrogate mother can be as unique as the individual. For many, it’s an act of love and kindness, a gift to someone who may not be able to conceive a child on their own.
Having a clear understanding of your motivations is crucial because the surrogacy journey, while deeply rewarding, can also come with its own set of challenges. Emotional ups and downs are part of the process, and it’s your underlying motivations that will see you through these times. If your motivations are grounded in compassion, empathy, and the genuine desire to help, you are more likely to have a positive and fulfilling surrogacy experience.
2. Do You Have These 7 Key Surrogate Personality Traits?
Not everyone is cut out for surrogacy. Learn more about the personality traits surrogates should possess. Here are the traits that matter:
- Altruism You’re doing this for someone else. That means tests, hormones, pregnancy symptoms, labor… all for another family.
- Patience This process takes time. From screening and matching, to embryo transfer, pregnancy, and delivery.
- Honesty You’ll be trusted with someone’s future child. Intended parents count on you to communicate, follow medical plans, and be transparent.
- Nurturing Instincts Even though the baby isn’t yours, you’ll still care for it like it is. That means eating right, staying active, managing stress.
- Self-Esteem A lot of attention goes to the baby and the parents. You need to stay grounded and know your worth throughout.
- Openness You’ll be sharing your medical history, life story, and current habits with an agency and intended parents. This journey thrives on transparency.
- Communication You’ll be updating the parents, attending appointments, and navigating emotional ups and downs. Being open and expressive makes the journey smoother for everyone.
If you check those boxes, you’re already ahead of the game. Read more on the critical traits of a surrogate mother.
3. Do You Have Support?
You need more than medical clearance.
You need people in your life who get it, who back you up emotionally and physically. A partner. Your family. A best friend.
We’ll be with you every step of the way at Creative Love, but your circle matters too.
Just like any significant life decision, the surrogacy journey requires a strong support system. At Creative Love, we commit to being a part of that support system. However, your personal network of loved ones will play an equally essential role.
Your support network should ideally consist of people close to you – a partner, if you have one, family, and friends. It’s important to have people who will be there for you during your surrogacy journey. Open discussions about your decision to become a surrogate will help ensure that your loved ones understand, accept, and support your choice.
Talk to your people. Share your plans. Make sure you’re not walking this path alone.
4. Know the Legal and Medical Side
Not every state handles surrogacy the same way.
Florida happens to be one of the most surrogate-friendly states. If you’re here, you’re in a good place.
But you still need to understand:
- What does the legal contract look like?
- Who covers medical expenses?
- What happens if complications arise?
We connect you with surrogacy-savvy lawyers who protect your rights and make sure everything stays above board.
Surrogacy laws can vary greatly from state to state, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area. As a Florida-based surrogacy agency, Creative Love operates within a state where surrogacy is legal and regulated. Florida is considered one of the more surrogacy-friendly states in the US, with laws that protect both the surrogate mother and the intended parents.
Knowing the laws and regulations surrounding surrogacy in your own state can help you navigate the process more smoothly and ensure your rights and interests are protected. We advise potential surrogates to consult with a legal professional to get a clear understanding of the local laws.
Want more detail on the Florida surrogacy process?
5. Make Sure You Qualify
There are clear surrogate mother requirements we follow to protect your health and the baby’s. Before setting out on your surrogacy journey, it’s crucial to review and understand the surrogacy requirements. These requirements range from age restrictions, prior birth history, citizenship requirements, and more. These standards are designed to ensure that the surrogate mother is well-positioned to carry a pregnancy safely and successfully.
Some quick criteria:
- Age 21 to 28
- Have given birth to at least one healthy child
- Non-smoker
- Physically and emotionally healthy
- No major complications in previous pregnancies
We lay it all out clearly on our surrogate requirements page.
6. Get Real About Your Health
Pregnancy takes energy.
Being pregnant for someone else means you need to feel good.
The surrogacy journey places demands on both the emotional and physical health of the surrogate. It involves carrying a pregnancy for someone else, which requires a significant commitment, resilience, and strength. Hence, it’s essential to ensure that you are in good health, both emotionally and physically, before starting this journey.
The process can be emotionally taxing, and having strong emotional resilience will be beneficial. Physically, your body will be undergoing changes similar to a typical pregnancy, so being in good health is vital for both you and the baby.
We’re talking:
- Healthy BMI
- Clean medical history
- No unmanaged mental health concerns
- Ability to handle the physical toll of pregnancy
It also helps to follow smart nutrition tips for surrogates.
We’ll work with your doctors to get your full health profile reviewed and approved before matching.
7. This Isn’t Just Physical
There’s a lot of heart work in surrogacy. You might bond with the intended parents. You might cry at birth. You might feel proud, empowered, and exhausted all at once. That’s normal. We’ve seen it all and we support you through every step of it. Need to know what to expect after embryo transfer? We cover it right here.
Be sure to check out the 17 Key Considerations for Surrogacy and Mental Health.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Becoming a surrogate means showing up for a family who can’t do this without you.
You’ll change their lives forever.
If you’re ready to learn more, we’re here to walk with you from hello to happy tears in the delivery room.
Get your questions answered by the team at Creative Love — the East Coast’s most trusted surrogacy and egg donation agency
The decision to become a surrogate is profound, requiring careful thought, research, and introspection. Understanding the process, your motivations, the legal implications, the requirements, and the impacts on your emotional and physical health are all crucial considerations before embarking on this journey.
We understand that such a life-altering decision may come with questions and concerns. At Creative Love Egg Donor & Surrogacy Agency, we’re here to provide answers, guidance, and support. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate but have unanswered questions or would like to learn more, we welcome you to reach out to us.
Becoming a surrogate is more than a decision, it’s a commitment – a commitment to bring joy and completeness to a family. If this journey aligns with your aspirations, and if you’re ready to bring hope to someone’s world, then you’re ready to consider the remarkable journey of surrogacy. We, at Creative Love, will be here with you every step of the way.
Wendy Arker entered the field of infertility with a huge heart and passion to guild others on their quest to grow their own family after her personal journey with infertility and turning to egg donation and sperm donation to create her own family. Being a single-mother-by-choice, Wendy understands firsthand the unique way families are built. Whether you’re a married couple, single, or LBGTQ, Creative Love is committed to assisting you.
