Personal Development Guide for Surrogate Mothers

As a surrogate mother, personal development can be confusing to initiate given the complexity of the human psyche. This article is developed to guide you in the right path and give you easy to implement tips that will boost your personal development goals as a surrogate.

For starters, surround yourself with positive people. They are sure to bring a lot of positive energy that will definitely stabilize any negative energy you get from people who aren’t as encouraging of your self-improvement aspirations.

Take advantage of breaks. Whenever you find yourself in a rut, take a breather. It will help you see things in a better light and get your brain working again. Taking regular breaks is good because it gives you the chance to recharge your mind, so when you resume work, you’ll be able to get a whole lot more done.

Keep a journal with you so whenever thoughts hit, you can jot them down.  As a surrogate mother, this is precisely a good idea as this will allow you to keep track of changes or moods that you might want to take note of. Bring some paper with you when you go out. Write down your idea in detail, and then utilize it at a later time when you can expand on the issue.

Exercising is another useful tip. Not only will it keep your body fit but will make you feel good about yourself. This is beneficial for surrogate mothers who is must always feel happy and positive.

Last but not the least, do a self check. Ask yourself questions that will help you reassess the way you approach life and how you can do better. Look over your own past experiences. Which events had the most impact on the way you live your life? What transformations have occurred thanks to these events? Thinking deeply about these issues as a surrogate mom can bring awareness and appreciation that are critical to your personal well being.

Tips for Gestational Carriers

As a gestational carrier, nutrition is key to ensuring a healthy surrogate and baby.

Eating the right kinds of food in the right portion helps in achieving overall nutrition. The ideal split would be 15-20% for protein, 30% for fats, and 50-55% for carbs. This ensures that your body and the baby are both getting everything needed for proper growth and development. Any diets that have high amounts or extremely low amounts of the nutrients deprive your body of what it needs.

Don’t forget to eat fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are easy to digest. An example is Avocado, which is full of taste and nutrition. Nuts are great snack choices. Almonds are a great example of healthy nuts. It’s a good source of fiber and helps satisfy your appetite in between meals. Nuts in general, are healthy as long as eaten in moderation.

Storing frozen vegetables is another great idea as a gestational carrier. Freezing vegetables prevents them from spoiling faster and having a good supply guarantees you constant possession of  quick, convenient and most of all, healthy food options. These create a terrific enhancement to any type of food and works great as a side dish, dessert and even as the main entrée.

Altering your diet may be challenging at first, but is most certainly worth every bite. Nutritious food will give your body as well as the baby, all it requires to develop properly. Keep these tips in mind as you change towards a healthier eating habit.

Top Tips for A Surrogate Mom

There is so much information you must learn during the whole process of surrogacy. Every part of your life is affected by the decision that you make as a surrogate mother. It is only normal to feel overwhelmed by all of the information and the tips below will help you have a happier and healthier surrogate journey.

Listen to your body. Some surrogates will find that they need more sleep when they are a gestational carrier, and others will find that some foods no longer agree with them. Don’t force your body to do something that it clearly does not want to do. Being able to listen to what you need will help you as a surrogate mother to feel better and less stressed.

Try exercise classes that are designed for surrogate mothers. Staying active is very important during the whole surrogacy experience, but it is also important that you exercise safely. Going to a class that is specifically created for surrogates means that you will gain all the benefits of the exercise without doing any damage to the growing baby.

As a surrogate mother, when riding in a vehicle that has air bags, make sure that the seat is pushed back as far as possible away from the dashboard. Air bags can be dangerous to an unborn child even to children who sit up front. The best solution is to check first before boarding a vehicle and simply just sit further away from it.

Sleeping on the left side of your body is a good idea in your third trimester as a surrogate mother. This position gives your baby the best supply of blood possible, and increases the circulation to your uterus and kidneys much easier as compared to lying on your right side. Back sleeping is probably the least favorable position with regards to adequate blood flow.

As a surrogate mother, you must try your best to be stress-free. Learn relaxation techniques and make sure to practice them at least once a day. Having some time to relax with breathing and calming exercises will help you feel good about yourself.

Remember to abide by the wishes of the mother to be. She together with the intended father, are well aware of what is best for you and the baby. While you cannot control genetic problems or issues you can control what you put into your body. Follow your doctor’s advice and when in doubt about something be sure to ask both the doctor and the intended parents for guidance.

Surrogate Compensation

Surrogate Compensation 

When one decides to become a surrogate, the compensation is the least of her priorities. Although this may not be the leading concern for the surrogate, she is still worthy of the right payment for all her hard work.

Surrogate Compensation: Costs for Support Service

Surrogacy expenses vary coming from clinic to clinic. Fees for application for desired moms and dads typically work upwards of around $500 (five hundred U.S. Dollars), while legal costs commonly get to $15,000. Take note that these costs do not go straight to the surrogate mother, but go in the direction of guaranteeing that she and also the desired moms and dads are secured financially.

Surrogate Compensation: Surrogate Charge

A surrogate’s work is identical to taking an all time job, thus intended moms and dads commonly compensate the surrogate with a cash fee money expense, which is predisposed in the contract before the surrogate becomes pregnant.

A first time surrogate can earn roughly about $25,000 to $35,000, while a surrogate who has gone through this process in the past can expect a higher amount.

Surrogate Compensation and Various Other Costs

As mentioned previously, the medical expenses of the surrogate mother are already covered by the intended parents. This includes, but is not limited to, visits to the ob gyn as well as other clinical treatment important for surrogate’s overall wellness. A surrogate need not worry as her overall well-being is covered. To better illustrate this point, a good example would be if a surrogate mother is kicked out from her home. Financing will be provided through the intended couple to protect her lifestyle.

Understanding Surrogacy in Wisconsin

One of the many factors to consider in opting for Surrogacy Services is the pay that the surrogate is entitled to. Whether it is a traditional or gestational procedure, you as the future parent must be well informed of your financial obligation to the woman acting as the surrogate mother.

The distinguishing factor between these two procedures is the resulting genetic link or lack thereof between the surrogate and the child. Traditional Surrogacy involves artificial insemination or IVF wherein the surrogate’s eggs are combined with the semen of the donor, thus resulting to a genetic connection and can be a high risk. Meanwhile, Gestational Surrogacy involves the surrogate being only a carrier for the intended parents’ fertilized egg, resulting to no genetic connection.

Knowing Surrogacy Services and Legalities

Being aware of the basic laws and procedures regarding Surrogacy in the US is not enough since its legality is still an ongoing discussion. In addition to having surrogacy legal in some states, it is actually the regulations bordering the process that complexes the matter.

The Key Aspects and Guidelines of Surrogacy Agreements

Coming up with a rock solid contract or agreement will require the aid of a professional legal representative. It is required for you to provide all the necessary information that will guide whoever you will hire to represent you and your surrogate, which is this case, should be different.

Below is a quick list of the items to consider in reaching an agreement with the woman carrying a surrogate pregnancy.

1. Name of the intended parent as well as the woman acting as the surrogate.
2. Must be of legal age
3. Count of attempts or efforts.
4. The method of obtaining pregnancy, like “no sexual intercourse.
5. Agreement to not attempt to discontinue the pregnancy.
6. A declaration that the mother is unable to conceive or keep a pregnancy.
7. Statements of extensive clinical and mental state of the woman who carries the intended parents’ baby as agreed.
8. Medical insurance for all parties, including the embryo.
9. Modern technology procedures, including the positioning of fertilized egg(s).
10. Identification and observation of the surrogate’s activities or vices and taken medication.
11. Agreement on regular prenatal health care and treatment.
12. Restriction on activities of the surrogate that might be regarded as hazardous to the pregnancy and delivery of the baby.
13. Parental rights of surrogate.
14. The presence of the parents during the course of childbirth.
15. Agreement on custody after birth.
16. Financial conditions before, during and after pregnancy.
17. Confidentiality agreement.

This list is extremely helpful and will equip you with what you actually need to know at the very least. However, it is advisable to not overlook other factors that may come into play in this process.

Legality Issues Post-Birth Adoption

Several states allow the intended parents’ name to be on the baby’s childbirth certification. In other states, the surrogate’s name is the one written on the birth certificate, which may be changed later when the order for the intended parent comes and gets listed.

Some states permit pre-birth sequence under specific conditions. What is truly important is to understand the laws of each state with regard to surrogacy.

How To Select A Gestational Surrogate in Wisconsin

For most couples, starting a family is as easy as 1-2-3; but, for some, they may opt to choose a gestational surrogate or a surrogate carrier. So how does a couple select a gestational surrogate?

A gestational surrogate is defined as a woman bearing the child for another couple or single parent who wishes to have a child; but can not bear to go through the process of a normal pregnancy. However, choosing a gestational surrogate has a course that usually has to be followed. Still, it is always a good idea to consult with your own preferred doctor.

Choosing the Right Agency for You

A couple or single parent usually has an ideal surrogate carrier in mind. Before this, the first step would have to be choosing the right agency for you. There are many agencies that offer this service so always choose the one that you feel most comfortable with. Always remember that this will be the agency that you will have to work alongside with for the next 12 to 24 months. Do your research; make sure that the agency is well established. Read feedbacks from other couples or single parents who have already used the reason and the service why these couples or single parents chose them in the first place? It is always best to trust your gut instincts.

Selecting A Gestational Surrogate

After choosing the agency to work with, finding the right candidate for the gestational surrogate is the next step. The ideal candidate should have had at least one successful pregnancy, with no background on miscarriages, abortions, bleeding or any other medical issues that may be a risk factor. It is always best to consult with your OB/Gyne or reproductive endocrinologist regarding the medical history of the GS that you plan to work with. A thorough medical examination must be performed on the GS so that any complications may be prevented. This will include, but not limited to: a physical examination, laboratory examinations, ultrasounds, a comprehensive medical history check, psychological examinations, and screening for any threatening diseases.

The Ideal Gestational Surrogate

The gestational surrogate should ideally be drug and disease-free during the pre-natal and post-natal stages, and between the ages of 21 to 40 years old. If you or your partner chooses to go through in vitro fertilization, make sure to choose your preferred Reproductive Endocrinologist.
In Conclusion

The process of finding the right gestational surrogate may take some time. Remember that using the service of a GS is not for everyone; there will be a lot of emotions that will run through your mind.

A gestational surrogate is defined as a woman bearing the child for another couple or single parent who wishes to have a child; but can not bear to go through the process of a normal pregnancy. Choosing a gestational surrogate has a course that usually has to be followed. After choosing the agency to work with, finding the right candidate for the gestational surrogate is the next step. The gestational surrogate should ideally be drug and disease-free during the pre-natal and post-natal stages, and between the ages of 21 to 40 years old. The process of finding the right gestational surrogate may take some time.

Ideal Organic Food Diet for Surrogate Mothers in Wisconsin

During pregnancy, surrogate mothers in Wisconsin are eating for two. Eating a well-balanced diet not only provides your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to stay healthy, but provides the unborn baby with the nutrients he or she needs to grow and develop. Surrogate mothers need increased amounts of vitamins and minerals to support the health and growth of the unborn baby. Vitamin supplements are also recommended.

There are foods you should limit or avoid during pregnancy, especially foods that have been treated with pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals, but organic foods are foods that are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Meat and dairy products must not be produced using antibiotics, growth hormones, or feed composed of animal products in order to be considered organic.

Organic food is very expensive — often twice the price of the same, non-organic product. If you have a limited budget, eat only organic fruits and vegetables. The health benefits of organic meat, poultry, eggs, and milk are not clear. You can even cut corners by purchasing only certain organic fruits and vegetables that have not been exposed to large amounts of pesticide or herbicide. Traditionally, grapes, peaches, strawberries, winter squash, green beans, apples, spinach and tomatoes have high levels of pesticide. You can consume non-organic foods that have inedible peels, such as oranges, or have outer layers that can be removed, such as lettuce.

Supplement your diet with vitamins. Vitamins and minerals help you maintain good health. As a surrogate mother in *state*, your food is not only providing your body with nutrients, but also that of the unborn child. Usually a well-balanced diet provides all the vitamins and minerals you need, but surrogate mothers in Wisconsin often take a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid and other vital nutrients needed during pregnancy. When choosing a vitamin or vitamins, make sure it contains folic acid, iron, and Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Folic acid helps prevent nervous system disorders in the unborn child and protects mothers from cancer and stroke. Surrogate mothers in Wisconsin should ingest 600 mg of folic acid every day.

Eating a diet that consists of organic fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and dairy products and lean protein sources such as beans, legumes, poultry, low-fat red meat, and fish low in mercury will give your body the widest array of vitamins and minerals. A well-balanced diet also provides your body with fiber, which is necessary for intestinal health, and calcium and vitamin D, which promote bone strength for you and your baby. If you can afford it, you can switch your diet to organic foods to ensure better health and development for you and your baby.

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Surrogate Cost Insurance Questions & Answers

Surrogate Cost: The 3 Biggest Surrogacy Insurance Questions Answered

Surrogacy is a wonderful journey that leads to the creation of families, but there are a lot of details to be worked out, and the process can be confusing. One of the biggest sources of confusion is the overall surrogate cost. The biggest factor that affects the financial aspect is the surrogacy insurance coverage. Because the surrogate insurance has such a big impact on the financial cost, it is important to understand as much as possible about how the coverage works. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about surrogacy insurance:

Question 1: What is the advantage of being covered for surrogacy over someone who has no surrogacy insurance coverage?

The intended parents face a great deal of expenses regarding the surrogacy process. They have to pay for fertility medications, the surrogate’s stipend, agency fees and legal expenses. If a surrogate already has insurance coverage for surrogacy, the intended parents would not have to purchase a separate policy for her. Because they do not have to buy an insurance policy for that surrogate, using that surrogate is more affordable for the intended parents than using a surrogate without the surrogacy insurance coverage. Because of this, the intended parents may be more inclined to choose a surrogate who already has surrogacy insurance coverage over one with no insurance coverage so that they can save money on the surrogate cost.

Question 2: Another surrogate uses the same insurance company that I do and she got paid on her claims. Since I am using the same insurance company, will my surrogacy claims get paid, too?

No, not necessarily. Insurance policies and rules change and vary from state to state, time to time, and employer to employer. It is not a good idea to assume that because you are using the same company that you have the same policy. Surrogate agencies are experienced in researching insurance benefits for surrogacy. Ask your surrogate agency for assistance with investigating your insurance benefits.

Question 4: I qualify for Medicaid. Will Medicaid cover my surrogacy?

No, not necessarily. Another common mistake surrogates make is that they make the assumption that Medicaid always covers pregnancy. Pregnancy care and surrogacy are not considered as the same thing by the insurance company. Your surrogate agency will be able to contact medicaid for you and verify your coverage for surrogacy. In all likelihood you will not be covered for surrogacy under medicaid.

These are some of the most common insurance questions frequently asked by surrogate mothers. By understanding these questions, you will get a better idea of how your insurance works and how much they will cover, if any, of the surrogate cost. As a general rule to remember, it is not wise to assume that your insurance will just cover your claims. It is better to have your surrogate agency handle surrogacy insurance concerns, because they are experts in this field. Having a surrogate agency assist you and the intended parents will help the surrogacy journey be less complicated and more stress free.

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How to Tell Your Family You Are a Surrogate

How to Tell Your Family You Are a Surrogate

When you want to become a surrogate mother, it is not an easy task. Along with the numerous responsibilities before, during, and after the surrogacy journey, you will be left with the dilemma of letting your family, children and friends know of your decision to become a surrogate mother for others. Getting all the moral support you can from your family, children, and friends is very important for your surrogacy journey. The moral support your family can give you will help you cope with all the emotions you might feel during pregnancy.

It is important to remember that any pregnancy usually affects those people who are near and dear to you. Your immediate family should be the first ones to find out about your decision to become a surrogate mother. Your husband, parents, and children should be well educated on the surrogacy process. The best time to tell your immediate family about your decision to become a surrogate mother is when you have firmly decided on being a surrogate. Letting your immediate family know the reasons why you decided on being a surrogate will greatly help them understand your purpose and goals. Being truthful with them will help them understand and accept your decision.

Letting your children understand your situation as a surrogate will take a bit of time and patience. Remember that the reaction of your children will depend mainly on what you have told them. Explaining this sort of thing to your children will always call for sensitivity, and most importantly, the truth. You should also consider introducing the concepts and ideas of surrogacy to your children over a period of time, rather than all at once. For example, as you arrange a meeting with the intended parents, you can take the opportunity to bring up these ideas with your children. You can begin talking about families and what makes a family between television shows or after social gatherings with other children so that they can get the importance of family.

For your friends and other relatives, it is highly advisable to not let them know about your situation as a surrogate immediately. The best approach would be to let the pregnancy come up naturally in conversation. The more natural, confident, and happy you are about it, the more accepting they will be to you being a surrogate. If you are nervous and scared of their reaction, they may question your decision. Just remember that they won’t all accept or agree with your decision to become a surrogate mother and this should not affect you.

You should not fool yourself into believing that your pregnancy will not affect the people who are closest to you. It is vital for your family to be well prepared and supportive, and this is a very important aspect for your pregnancy to be a success. They need to fully understand that the baby is not going to be a member of your family. If you have children, you need to make them realize that they are not getting another brother or sister. They need to understand that you are merely providing a service for some couple who were not able to have a baby on their own. Surrogacy can be a very educational and socially expanding experience, not only for yourself and your family, but also your community.

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Should Pregnant Surrogates Eat Organic Foods?

Should Pregnant Surrogates Eat Organic Foods?

The goal shared by all intended parents and surrogate mothers is to produce a healthy baby. To ensure that the baby develops properly, it’s very important for the surrogate to eat healthily while she is pregnant. More and more, intended parents are going a step further by asking their surrogates to eat only organic foods. While some surrogates are reluctant to do this, others are entirely willing – after all, it may improve their own health.

As with any significant decision, though, there are pros and cons to be considered.

The downsides include that organic foods can be much more expensive than the same type of non-organically-produced foods. This is due to their higher cost of production. A surrogate may be more willing to eat organic foods if the intended parents offered to pay for the organic foods she eats.

A related issue to that is the fact that organic foods can also be harder to obtain; not every grocery store or supermarket has such a wide selection of organics. They’re a specialty item, after all, and surrogates with fewer options for food-shopping (in rural areas or small towns, for instance) may have trouble shopping for organic foods.

And of course, not every food is available organically. There’s a real possibility that a surrogate eating only organically may have to miss out on some of her favorite foods for the duration of her pregnancy.

There are convenience issues, too. Organics, due to their lack of preservatives, can spoil more easily – shorter shelf-lives, which require more regular shopping.

But there are a lot of good reasons that intended parents ask their surrogates to eat organic foods. Insecticides and additives are potentially harmful if they are passed though to the baby during pregnancy. Organic foods lack insecticides and additives – those things won’t be carried through into the baby.

Health concerns have, from time to time, been raised over genetically modified crops, or meat from animals that have been fed those crops. Organic food, by definition, is not genetically modified, which removes those concerns.

Research has shown, additionally, that organic foods contain more healthy vitamins and minerals, possibly due to the lack of preservatives involved.

And as a side-benefit, if you’re concerned about how animals are treated, organic food is a much better idea. Organic farming requires that animals be fed a natural diet, and are kept (unlike mass-produced ‘factory farm’ meat) in much more humane free-range conditions.

So while organic food can be inconvenient at times and more expensive, it also does provide a much healthier choice for the surrogate and the baby. It’s a big decision that should be weighed seriously from both sides, but there are solid reasons behind why a lot of intended parents do want their surrogate mothers to eat organically during their pregnancy.

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