Question 1

What's the difference between a consultant and an agency?

Accepted Answer

The key difference between working with a consultant and an agency is the level of personal interaction. With a consultant, you have a direct relationship with one dedicated person—in my case, me. This approach ensures that you receive the same level of support and guidance you'd get from an agency, but with a more personalized touch.
From my own experience, I’ve found that working with a consultant is far more personal and responsive than dealing with a large agency. On my first journey, I used an agency and faced challenges with communication. However, my second journey with a surrogacy consultant was a much more positive experience. I appreciated the individualized attention and found it easier to work closely with just one person who truly understood my needs.
You might wonder why my fee is lower compared to some agencies, which can charge upwards of $40k. Many of these agencies include additional services like in-house attorneys or medical screenings, which contribute to their higher costs. In contrast, I provide you with access to a range of reputable clinics, mental health providers, and attorneys, allowing you to select the options that best fit your budget and preferences. I keep my fee low by working from home, avoiding the overhead costs associated with a large office and staff. This setup enables me to offer competitive rates while delivering personalized, direct support. Plus, there are no set business hours—you're welcome to reach out via email, text, or call me whenever you need assistance.

Question 2

I matched independently.... now what!?

Accepted Answer

Navigating a potential match can be both exciting and overwhelming. I’m here to help you every step of the way!

When you have a potential match but aren’t sure where to start, what to ask, or just need some guidance, I offer comprehensive support to make the process easier. If you would like a breakdown of my fee to assist with a match- see the question below this.

Key Considerations for Your Match:
1. Clinic Requirements:
    • Does the GC meet all the IP’s clinic requirements? This is the most critical question before moving forward.

1. Matching Preferences:
    • Single vs. Double Embryo Transfer: Most clinics now recommend Single Embryo Transfer (SET) due to its lower risk of complications compared to Double Embryo Transfer (DET), which increases the chances of multiples.
    • COVID-19 Vaccination: IPs should verify if their clinic requires the GC to have the COVID-19 vaccine. GCs who prefer not to receive the vaccine may still find clinics that do not mandate it, though this may affect the timing of the match.
    • Termination Policies: Ensure clarity on termination terms:
       • No Term: GC will not terminate regardless of the baby’s condition.
       • Term for Serious Conditions: GC will consider termination only for serious medical conditions incompatible with life.
       • Term for Any Condition: GC will consider termination for both serious and genetic conditions.

• The above policies are non-negotiable and must be agreed upon by both parties.

1. Additional Factors to Discuss:
    • Distance: Consider how far the GC is from the IPs and the clinic. Ensure the GC can manage travel and time away from home for medical appointments and transfer procedures.
    • Insurance: Verify if the GC’s insurance covers surrogacy. If not, the IPs may need to purchase surrogate-friendly insurance, which typically costs $450-$650 per month. The IPs would also cover any deductibles or co-pays related to the pregnancy.
    • Compensation: Typical surrogacy compensation ranges from $40k to $50k, depending on experience and insurance coverage. The GC’s compensation package includes base pay plus additional fees for medical start, transfer, lost wages, and more.
    • Relationship Expectations: Discuss the desired level of communication and involvement during the pregnancy. Determine if the IPs want to attend appointments and how often updates will be shared. Also, clarify post-birth communication preferences.
    • Family Support: Ensure both parties have adequate support from their families and partners. This support can be crucial throughout the journey.
    • Delivery Logistics: Review the GC’s previous labor experiences and the type of delivery planned. Consider the hospital’s NICU level and proximity to ensure it meets your needs. Discuss options for home births or birth centers and the nearest hospital for emergencies.

It’s essential to address these preferences and requirements before moving forward to ensure a successful match. If you have any other concerns or questions, feel free to reach out for support!

Question 3

I have a match but need help! How much is your fee?

Accepted Answer

Our Match Assistance Package provides comprehensive support for Intended Parents (IPs) and Gestational Carriers (GCs) who have found a potential match but need guidance on how to proceed. This package is designed to ensure a smooth and well-informed process every step of the way.
$9,500.

Here’s a breakdown of how the process works and how the fees are structured:
1. Initial Consultation
    • Before any payment is collected, I will first connect with the GC for a brief chat to confirm she meets all basic surrogacy qualifications. This preliminary discussion ensures that we don't proceed with the $500 non-refundable deposit if the GC does not meet essential criteria.

1. Detailed Consultation
    • Once we confirm the GC's qualifications, we will schedule a consult where I’ll introduce myself, explain the process, and discuss matching preferences. If you decide to move forward, I will then request the $500 non-refundable deposit to officially begin our services.

1. Facilitating the Match
    • I will arrange a Zoom meeting with both the IPs and the GC. This casual meeting is an opportunity to review match points, answer questions, and have an open discussion. After the meeting, I will check with both parties individually to see if they wish to proceed. If both agree, I will present the fee sheet detailing compensation, allowances, and other costs. I will mediate negotiations to ensure everyone reaches a mutual agreement. If an agreement isn't reached, the match will not proceed. If an agreement is made, I will create an official match sheet for both the clinic and your attorney.

1. Medical and Legal Steps
    • Once officially matched, I will assist the GC in submitting her medical records to the IPs’ clinic for review. If the clinic approves the GC, we proceed with the following steps:
       • First Payment: $3,000 – Collected upon clinic approval.
       • Psychological Evaluation – Coordination of the psych evaluation for both IPs and GC (and her partner if applicable).
       • Medical Clearance – Arranging for the GC’s medical clearance at the IPs’ clinic or a local clinic if applicable. Upon medical clearance, I will collect the second payment of $3,000.
       • Legal Assistance – Assisting both parties in finding specialized reproductive law attorneys. After signing the legal agreement, the final payment of $3,000 will be collected.

Ongoing Support
 • I am dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible by acting as a central point of contact for all involved parties. This role helps reduce the stress and workload for IPs, as I manage communications with the clinic, psych evaluation physician, and attorneys.
Personal Touch
 • I bring a unique perspective as a two-time experienced surrogate currently on my third journey. I genuinely enjoy connecting with surrogates, sharing insights, and addressing questions about medications, medical clearance, transfers, and more. Working with me means you receive personalized attention—feel free to reach out via Facebook, email, text, or phone anytime.

Question 4

Can you help us find a surrogate?

Accepted Answer

For a much more hands on service and those looking to find their perfect match, we offer matching services. From start to finish you'll be escorted through the program from consultation to the birth of your baby via gestational surrogacy.

Getting started with a consultation to understand the program, this allows you to fully grasp all the details, finances and information related to a surrogacy journey. No matter where you are located, we always work with gestational carrier's in surrogate friendly states and will match based on criteria that is laid out by specifics of location, experience, insurance, COVID vaccination status, embryo transfer preferences and termination and selective reduction views.

While surrogacy can be overwhelming and daunting at times, we handle every case with compassion and courtesy to ensure a seamless and less stressful process (easier said than done, we realize). We aim to give back some hope that may have been previously taken from you.

Once a consultation has been completed, you'll get started with the clearance steps and intake phase to create a matching profile and discuss the criteria YOU are looking for in a gestational carrier. We believe all parties involved should be on the same page well in advance to ensure safety and open, honest communication throughout the journey.

As the process progresses, our team will continue to facilitate the steps to set up the matching phase, legal processes, assist with clinical coordination and advising and consulting throughout.

We hope for successful transfers for all intended parents and gestational carriers and are here for the good, bad and ugly throughout this process.

We understand nerves are high and the wait is brutal, but the end result of that precious miracle baby will all be worth it! We hope to be a small part of your journey and thank you for trusting us and allowing us to watch your family grow!

**Please inquire about the fee for matching services. **

Question 5

What is the process and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

For Intended Parents, the matching process typically takes about 12-18 months. Gestational Carriers (GCs), on the other hand, can often find a match in less than a month, depending on their preferences.

Once a match is made, the process from match to transfer generally takes around 6-7 months. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Record Review:
    • The GC will need to obtain their pregnancy and delivery records from their OB and hospital for all previous pregnancies. The IP's clinic will review these records, which can take 2-6 weeks.

1. Psychological Evaluation:
    • After the records are approved, the next step is the psychological evaluation. IPs should check with their clinic for specific requirements and recommendations for a counselor. Typically, the evaluation includes:
       • An appointment with the GC and their partner (if applicable).
       • An appointment for the IPs.
       • A joint appointment with both the IPs and GC.

• Some counselors may only require two appointments. This process usually takes 2-4 weeks.

1. Medical Clearance:
    • Following the psychological evaluation, the GC will begin medical clearance with the IP’s clinic. This typically involves an ultrasound and blood work, which must be timed according to the GC’s cycle. Scheduling may take a few weeks.
    • Some clinics may require the GC to visit in person for these tests, while others may allow local testing. IPs should confirm with their clinic whether the GC needs to travel for these procedures. Medical clearance generally takes 4-8 weeks, with additional time if further tests are needed.

1. Legal Agreement:
    • The final step is the legal process. Both the IPs and GC will need separate attorneys. The IP’s attorney will draft the contract, review it with the IPs, and then send it to the GC’s attorney. The GC’s attorney will review the contract with the GC and their partner (if applicable) and negotiate any changes. This process usually takes 4-8 weeks.
    • To find an attorney specializing in Reproductive Health, visit Adoption ART, click on "Find an Attorney," and search by state.

Once all parties have signed the legal agreement, the clinic will schedule the transfer date, typically within a week of receiving the signed contract.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance with any of these steps!

Question 6

What can we expect during a match meeting?

Accepted Answer

I like to keep match meetings relaxed and informal!
After we start with introductions, we’ll review all the key details, such as clinic requirements and matching preferences. This is a great opportunity for everyone to ask questions and get a better sense of the match. I encourage a casual atmosphere where we can chat openly and address any concerns.
Following the call,  I give both the IPs and the GC some time to consider whether they want to move forward. If either party feels it’s not a good fit, I’ll inform the other side. If everyone is enthusiastic about continuing, we’ll then discuss the fee sheet. I will review the fee sheet with each party individually. When both the IPs and the GC are satisfied with the terms, the match will be officially confirmed. If an agreement on the fee sheet cannot be reached, we won’t proceed with the match.

Question 7

What is the psychological evaluation like?

Accepted Answer

Mental Health Evaluation for Surrogacy
Purpose:

To ensure that both the Intended Parents (IPs) and the Gestational Carrier (GC) are mentally and emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey.

Steps in the Evaluation Process:
1. Initial Assessment:
    • Who: Typically involves the GC and her partner (if applicable), and the IPs.
    • What: A detailed discussion to assess overall mental health, coping strategies, and readiness for the surrogacy process.

1. Individual Sessions:
    • GC’s Session: Approx 2 hours long
       • Focus: Explores the GC’s motivations, expectations, and psychological readiness.
       • Questions: About past experiences, mental health history, and support systems.

• IPs’ Session: 1-2 hours long
    • Focus: Assesses the IPs’ expectations, coping strategies, and readiness to work with a GC.
    • Questions: About their emotional preparedness, support systems, and any concerns they might have.

1. Joint Session :
    • Who: The IPs and GC together.
    • Purpose: To discuss the dynamics of their relationship, communication styles, and expectations from each other.
    • Focus: Ensures everyone is on the same page and can work together effectively.

Duration:
 • Total Time: Typically 2-3 weeks.
 • Sessions: 3 sessions
 • 
Key Considerations:
 • Counselor’s Role:
    • Evaluates mental health readiness.
    • Provides support and guidance.
    • Ensures compatibility and understanding between the IPs and GC.

Outcome:
 • Approval: If the evaluation is successful, it clears the way for proceeding with medical clearance.
 • Concerns: If any issues are identified, further support or counseling may be recommended before moving forward.

Question 8

What is done during the medical screening?

Accepted Answer

The initial screening typically includes:
 • Consultation and physical examination at the fertility clinic
 • Surrogate Pre-Screening Panel
 • HIV test
 • Complete blood count and blood group analysis
 • Cervical cultures
 • Chemistry panel
 • Hepatitis panel
 • Rapid plasma reagent (syphilis)
 • Saline infusion sonogram

Here’s a breakdown of the medical screening process:

Physical Examination You will first undergo a comprehensive physical exam to confirm that you are in good health and capable of carrying a pregnancy to term without complications. This exam also assesses whether you can handle hormone treatments for IVF. The exam includes evaluations of your heart, lungs, abdomen, and pelvis. Additionally, an ultrasonographer or physician will examine your uterus and ovaries via a sonohysterogram.

Blood and Urine Tests You’ll need to provide blood samples for various tests to screen for infections and other health indicators. The pre-screening panel includes testing for:
 • Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
 • HIV 4th Generation
 • Syphilis TPA
 • Chlamydia
 • Gonorrhea
 • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
 • Free T4
 • Rubella Titer
 • Varicella Titer
 • Blood Type
 • Antibody Screen
 • Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy
 • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
 • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
 • Additional tests as recommended by your physician, such as for chickenpox or German measles
Your blood type and Rh status will be checked for compatibility with the sperm donor or Intended Father to prevent Rh immunization and other complications. Hormone tests will also be conducted to determine the appropriate dosage of fertility medications.
If you have a partner, they will undergo similar blood tests and a drug screening.

Cervical Cultures A Pap smear will be performed to check for abnormal cells that could indicate potential issues. You’ll also have a cervical swab to test for STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, and HTLV-1. Some clinics may also test for ureaplasma/mycoplasma, which are linked to certain infections and pregnancy complications.

Pelvic Ultrasound A transvaginal ultrasound will be done to ensure your uterus is healthy and capable of sustaining a pregnancy. This test also checks for abnormalities such as cysts, fibroids, or endometriosis. Following this, a saline infusion sonography will be performed, where the uterine cavity is filled with saline to better visualize the uterine lining for issues like fibroids, polyps, or scar tissue. Any identified problems will need to be addressed, as they might affect your eligibility for surrogacy.

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