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u’re ready to build your family. Of course, you have occasional doubts and nervous fears, but deep in your heart you know that it’s time to take the first steps towards having a child of your own. The trouble is, you’re not sure where to start, especially since your chosen mode of family-building involves gestational surrogacy.
Fortunately, there’s a proven process in place for people just like you. Whether you’re married, single, or in a relationship, the steps to gestational surrogacy follow a similar pattern for everyone.
Step One: Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re choosing gestational surrogacy for medical reasons, you have probably already had a conversation— or several— with your doctor about your reproductive choice. However, if you haven’t discussed the matter with your doctor yet, now is the time to bring it up. You may be nervous about broaching the subject, but try to relax. Your doctor is there to help you achieve a healthy, whole life; and he or she can direct you to a fertility counselor for some additional information.
Before you move forward with gestational surrogacy, make sure that you have exhausted the options for a natural pregnancy and birth. Your doctor or a specialist may be able to suggest techniques, medication, or procedures to facilitate getting pregnant. In some cases, you may not want the emotional drain, financial cost, and time sacrifice that these methods require. If you’re sure that you want to skip fertility treatments and move forward with gestational surrogacy, be honest about your decision with your doctor.
Step Two: Meet with a Fertility Counselor
If you and your partner have struggled with infertility, you both have some emotional burdens and scars from the ordeal. It’s helpful to speak with a fertility counselor, someone who can help you identify your emotions and verbalize any fears that you have. Your partner may be reluctant to come with you for one reason or another, but try to convince him or her to join you. It’s important for both of you to be open, honest, and equally committed to the gestational surrogacy process.
Every big decision involves some pros and cons. That’s why speaking with a fertility counselor is recommended for LGBT couples as well as heterosexual couples. Your counselor can help you think through your options and weigh the positives against the negatives. Ultimately, the decision belongs to you.
At any point during the process, you can do some research and hire an attorney who specializes in reproductive law, including gestational surrogacy. You’ll need help from an experienced lawyer as you navigate the next part of the process. Just remember— at the end of it all, you’ll be holding that sweet, adorable baby that you are already longing to meet.
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About Nicole K. White
As a mother via gestational surrogacy, Nicole is passionate about helping her clients experience the joy and fulfillment of starting or growing a family of their own through third party reproduction. Her knowledge and experience as an attorney and as an intended parent mean she knows firsthand what you will go through and what you will need – understanding, ongoing support, guidance and a smooth process.
