Delivering a surrogacy birth at home is generally not feasible, prioritizing safety due to potential complications.

• The surrogate’s time off for medical appointments is managed through a combination of personal leave and compensation structured in the gestational carrier agreement.

• Surrogates must attend multiple appointments including medical screening, embryo transfer, monitoring, and OB visits throughout the pregnancy 

• Clear legal review of lost wage clauses is critical to avoid surprises during the surrogacy journey 

Hi everyone. Ashley Old, Case Manager with Bright Futures Families, here with your Ask a Surrogate expert question. This week's question As a surrogate, how am I paid and how often? Great question. As a surrogate, once pregnancy is confirmed, you're typically paid in monthly installments. You will also receive additional payments for specific milestones and expenses along the way. Thanks for the great question.

• The main point is that clients can work with Brightff.com families even if they already know their gestational carrier or intended parents.

• Jenn explained the Indy Match program allows independent matches while still providing full agency support from screening through birth.

• • The agency handles all medical screening for the carrier just like in the full-service program.

  • Support continues from the moment of matching until after the baby’s birth.

  • Monthly agency fees start only after medical records are approved by the clinic.

  • This approach reduces financial risk for intended parents if records are not approved.

What surrogates should know about travel after delivery.

A breakdown of commonly overlooked costs in the surrogacy journey.

An overview of postpartum counseling and emotional support for surrogates.

A thoughtful conversation about post-birth emotions, boundaries, and healing for surrogates.

A clear explanation of why injections are part of the IVF process for gestational surrogates.

Just like any pregnancy, restrictions are to be expected. What restrictions can surrogates expect that differ from their own pregnancies? Callie has the answer.

In this Ask a Surrogacy Expert video, Bright Futures Families team member Janelle shares whether potential gestational carriers can apply to become a surrogate through our surrogacy agency if they are currently breastfeeding their own children.

The journey of growing a family through surrogacy is complex, emotional, and full of moving pieces. Each story is unique, shaped by countless variables that bring both challenges and rewards. What is consistent, however, is that surrogacy is a group effort — truly, it takes a village.

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.

Curious how often you’ll be traveling as a surrogate? Here’s what you can expect — and what usually stays local.

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.

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.