Learn About Surrogacy: Tips, News & Real Experiences
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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.
Can you be a surrogate for a relative?
Learn how surrogacy within families can be a beautiful gift—when handled with care, communication, and clear boundaries.
I’m Pregnant as a Gestational Carrier. What Can I Take for a Cold?
Find out what’s safe to take for a cold during a surrogate pregnancy and why checking with your care team is always the first step.
When the baby is born, does the surrogate breastfeed at all, or is the baby bottle fed after birth?
In this Ask a Surrogacy Expert video, Jenn explains what typically happens after birth in a surrogacy journey—whether surrogates breastfeed, pump milk, or if babies are bottle-fed right away.
How to Appeal to Surrogates Based on Our Profile
Your profile is an excellent tool to get your journey started and attract a gestational carrier who will want to schedule a match meeting with you and hopefully lead to your perfect match.
What do intended parents usually look for in a surrogate?
In this Ask a Surrogacy Expert video, Bright Futures Families team member Janelle discusses what intended parents typically look for in a surrogate—from communication and reliability to shared values and compassion—and how these connections help create strong, successful matches.
Why can’t I be on Medicaid and be a gestational carrier?
Jenn explains why gestational carriers can’t be on Medicaid or other government assistance programs. Learn what every surrogate and intended parent should know about insurance for a surrogacy journey before getting started.
Tips and Tricks for IVF Medication
Is the fear of IVF shots keeping you from your surrogacy journey? Read on to learn some tips and tricks learned from past experiences to help minimize those fears and make medication process more manageable.
Can I apply to be a gestational carrier if I am currently breastfeeding my child?
While you can apply to become a gestational carrier if you're still breastfeeding your own child, you'll need to be completely finished weaning before starting your surrogacy journey.
What if the intended parents die during our surrogacy journey? Am I responsible for the baby?
Legal documents will ensure that gestational carriers are not responsible for the intended parent's baby in the event of their death during their surrogacy journey.
Escrow Basics: Who Should Hold the Money During a Surrogacy Journey?
Entrusting a third-party escrow manager with managing the funds in an escrow account provides a structured and secure approach to handling the financial aspects of surrogacy.