Surrogacy is a selfless commitment where a woman chooses to carry and deliver a child for an aspiring parent or couple who cannot conceive on their own. Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing decision that offers numerous benefits throughout the journey. Here are the top 5 reasons to be a surrogate:
The Gift of Life
Surrogacy, whether traditional or gestational, is an incredible way to make dreams come true for individuals and couples who are unable to conceive on their own. By becoming a surrogate, you provide the cherished gift of parenthood to those who have longed for a child.
Becoming a gestational surrogate requires a truly special and compassionate person. For individuals struggling with infertility, those with medical conditions that make pregnancy high-risk, or LGBTQ+ couples, surrogacy fulfills their dream of completing their family. The joy and gratitude expressed by the intended parents are among the top reasons for surrogacy, making this a genuinely rewarding experience that will be cherished forever. The happiness of this journey is reflected daily in the new life it brings.
Forming Connections
Although each surrogate’s experience is different, it is common to form a meaningful connection with the intended parents of the child.
With such a long journey, it’s evident that both the surrogate and the intended parents spend a great amount of time together. Effective communication between both parties is crucial throughout the different stages of pregnancy to ensure everyone remains informed and aligned on the progress. This process often fosters strong bonds that bring both sides closer together.
As a surrogate mother, you not only have the chance to connect with the wonderful, intended parents and family but most surrogate mothers also have the opportunity to meet with other generous women in the surrogacy community. Through this network, you’ll meet different compassionate women at various stages of the surrogacy journey, providing invaluable advice and support. This community serves as a source of strength and motivation as you navigate this amazing experience together. You can also learn from the experiences of past surrogates who have already completed the entire surrogacy process and are happy to share their insights.
These interactions allow you to better understand this incredible commitment and everything it brings while building lifelong friendships within the surrogacy community. Forming these connections is one of the key reasons to be a surrogate, as it enriches the journey and provides lasting emotional rewards.
Health Benefits
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that brings various benefits along the way. Aside from the emotional reward, many surrogates don’t know that pregnancy can also offer significant health benefits. These benefits include:
Gain healthy habits – Being healthy is one of the primary requirements for a surrogate mother. However, many surrogates develop healthier habits throughout the course of their pregnancy such as eliminating alcohol and caffeine, eating nutritious whole foods, and getting a proper amount of sleep. These habits tend to stick around even after the birth of the child and can result in an improved lifestyle for the surrogate mother.
Reduce risk of cancer – Studies have shown that pregnancy allows the female body to take some time off from the process women undergo during their cycles. The cells of the ovaries will pause from dividing every month, reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. Pregnancy also allows for fewer hormonal bursts, reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Improved heart health – Research has shown that the risk of heart disease reduces significantly after pregnancy and having multiple pregnancies may even lower the risk of having a stroke.
Increase life expectancy – It’s often said that having more babies can make you live longer. Researchers have found that during pregnancy, cells are transferred from the fetus to the mother through the placenta. This process, known as microchimerism, allows fetal cells to remain in the mother’s body for the rest of her life, potentially increasing her life expectancy.
Financial Compensation
In exchange for this significant commitment, surrogates receive a generous base compensation with additional benefits. Your base compensation can range from $30,000-$70,000 depending on your experience, location, and whether or not you have insurance. In addition, surrogates also receive a monthly allowance covering any pregnancy-related costs. This can include maternity clothes, travel costs, meals, housekeeping, or health supplies.
Becoming a surrogate may require you to miss work for doctor appointments or other pregnancy-related commitments. For this reason, compensation for those lost wages will also be provided.
Secure Journey
Surrogates receive the highest level of medical support and services, including free regular check-ups. The intended parents pay for all medical expenses throughout the entire pregnancy.
As a surrogate, you will receive various non-monetary benefits such as medical coverage, social work support, legal counsel, life insurance, and more. These benefits are in addition to your base compensation and are designed to ensure your protection and a smooth journey. These benefits are among the key reasons to be a surrogate, as they ensure a secure and well-supported experience.
Conclusion
Becoming a surrogate is a decision that transforms lives – both for the surrogate and the intended parents. This journey is filled with numerous mental and physical benefits that can enhance your quality of life. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, these top five reasons to be a surrogate highlight the profound impact that comes with this extraordinary act of generosity and compassion.