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What travel restrictions are typically in the legal contract for a surrogacy journey, and why?
Travel rules are a standard part of a gestational carrier contract. These limits help keep the GC and baby safe, and they help avoid legal complications around where parentage orders can be filed. Here’s what to expect — and why these guidelines are in place.
Do I have to be in a relationship, or can I be single when acting as a surrogate?
Thinking about becoming a surrogate but not currently in a relationship? Here’s what agencies and clinics look for — and how strong support is the key, no matter your relationship status.
Preparing Your Body for Embryo Transfer
Preparing your body for an embryo transfer is one of the most important steps on your surrogacy or IVF journey. From healthy habits and hormone support to rest and relaxation, small choices can make a big difference. Explore our top tips for giving your body the best chance at a smooth and successful transfer.
Will I have to travel a lot as a gestational carrier?
Curious how often you’ll be traveling as a surrogate? Here’s what you can expect — and what usually stays local.
How Changes in Reproductive Care Affects the Need for Surrogates
From new treatments that expand who can become parents to shifting laws and social acceptance, the role of gestational carriers has never been more vital.
Where should the pre-birth order (PBO) be done?
Confused about PBO filing? Here’s how your legal team determines the right state to establish parentage before delivery, and when during the journey it is done.
Do both attorneys need to be in the state the gestational carrier resides? What if I have an attorney I am working with that is not licensed in that state?
Unsure if both attorneys must be local? Here’s how legal representation works when lawyers are licensed in different states — and why GC-state knowledge matters.
What could slow down the process from the IP side?
Delays happen during the surrogacy process — and that’s okay. Here’s what might pause progress from the intended parents’ side and how to navigate the process smoothly.
Surrogacy for LGBTQ+ Parents: Your Beautiful Path to Parenthood
Surrogacy has become a beautiful, celebrated option for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who are ready to bring a little one (or more!) into their lives. Whether you’re single, partnered, married, or creating your own unique family structure, your desire to become a parent is real, valid, and completely within reach.
What could slow down the process from the GC side?
Delays can happen — but understanding what may slow things down helps everyone stay prepared. Here’s what can pause progress from the GC side and how it’s managed.
Can we save money by sharing an attorney between the gestational carrier (GC) and the intended parents (IPs)?
Can you share an attorney in surrogacy to cut costs? In this Ask a Surrogacy Expert video, we break down why each party needs their own legal advocate — and how it benefits the entire journey.
What to Expect with OB Care as a Gestational Carrier
Becoming a gestational carrier is an incredible gift - one that comes with unique medical care tailored to support both you and the baby you’re carrying. While much of the pregnancy experience is similar to carrying your own child, there are a few differences in the type of care and attention you’ll receive.
What can intended parents do with their leftover frozen embryos?
Not sure what to do with leftover frozen embryos? You’re not alone. In this Ask a Surrogacy Expert video, we explain your options and help you navigate this important decision with confidence and care.
What's the strangest dietary restriction you've known IPs to ask of the GC? Did she do it?
In this Ask a Surrogacy Expert video, Bright Futures Families team member Janelle shares some of the strangest dietary restrictions intended parents have requested that their surrogate follow.
Dealing with Grief in Surrogacy
Pregnancy loss is already a tender, often a silenced subject. In surrogacy, it carries unique layers of complexity that many don’t anticipate—and even fewer openly discuss.
After a match is made, how long does the legal process take? (And much more info about the legal process!)
In this Ask a Surrogacy Expert video, Jenn explains how long legal contracts typically take during a surrogacy journey, when changes can be made, and the agency’s role in those conversations.
Do I have to pump breastmilk for my intended parents?
Learn how surrogates and intended parents decide on breast milk arrangements, what’s typically expected, and the options available for feeding the baby after birth.
Surrogacy Podcasts and Where to Listen
We did some research for you and found the best podcasts talking all things fertility and surrogacy. Hint: We saved the best one of all for last!
Why do some intended parents/reproductive endocrinologists have gestational carriers go off all caffeine during the pregnancy?
Amanda explains why some IPs or medical professionals may require their surrogate to avoid caffeine during a surrogacy pregnancy.
Preparing for a Surrogacy Match Meeting: Tips to Calm Your Nerves
If you're feeling anxious about your match meeting for your surrogacy journey, you're not alone. The good news is that there are several ways to calm your nerves and approach the meeting with potential intended parents or a surrogate with confidence. Here are some tips to help you feel more prepared and at ease as you get ready for this important moment.