10 Ways To Prepare To Become A Surrogate in CO
The decision to want to pursue becoming a surrogate in CO is not an easy choice. Surrogacy is a commitment that takes a lot of time, sacrifice, and preparation. It’s not an easy road, but one with the greeted finish line. Looking at all of what surrogacy involves can feel like staring at a mountain that you’re not equipped to climb. Although it seems arduous, once you really get going, you’ll find you’re more prepared than you thought. Once you see the view from the summit, it’ll all be worth it.
If you’re considering surrogacy in Colorado, contact Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado. You shouldn’t have to try to navigate surrogacy alone or with an agency that disappears from your life after IVF is complete. We’re here for you from the beginning and every step of the way, including after delivery. You’re deciding to provide an amazing service to a family in need and deserve to be taken care of and advocated for. Surrogate mothers go through a lot, and it’s crucial to have someone to go to with questions, concerns, or just a shoulder to cry on.
If you think you’d make a good surrogate but are unsure exactly where to start in becoming a surrogate, this is a good place to start.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a surrogate, please call or text us at 303-670-4673 (HOPE) or visit us at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado.
- Be Prepared to be Open and HonestThere’s little room for privacy and secrecy in surrogacy. There are several series of background and medical checks that check every single corner of your background. In most cases, a lot of this information will be shared with the intended family. This is also why it’s essential to be open and honest from the beginning. Openness on both the surrogates and intended parents makes the entire process much smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
- Contact a Surrogate AgencyIf you are considering surrogacy and think you’re ready to take that first step, contact a Colorado surrogacy agency like Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado. We’ll make sure you understand how surrogacy works if you qualify and the next steps. Even if you’re not entirely sure if surrogacy is for you, we’re here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
- Verify That You Qualify to be a SurrogateWe’ve mentioned qualifying a few times, so what does that mean? Think of surrogacy as an elite club; not just anyone can join. If you want to be a surrogate in Colorado, you will be subject to several regulations. Age, weight, BMI, background, etc., are all factors in being accepted as a surrogate. If you’ve never had a child before, suffer from certain health conditions, or are outside of the age requirement, you won’t be allowed to serve as a surrogate. It seems harsh, but these regulations are in the best interest of the surrogate, the intended parents, and the baby.
- Be Sure you 100% Understand the Surrogacy ProcessDoing your research is a crucial step in deciding to choose surrogacy. Read articles, talk to experienced surrogates, and ask as many questions as you want. You can never have too much information. Understand how and why you qualify, the importance of all the screenings and background checks, the emotional and physical toll, and most importantly, your impact on an intended family’s life.
- Figure out How Surrogacy Fits into Your LifeAs we’ve said, surrogacy is not a short-term endeavor. The entire process from application to birth can be over a year, including some travel if needed. On top of regular time commitments of pregnancy, you will have to visit the intended family’s chosen IVF clinic twice and your own doctor as well. Be sure you’re ready to move some things around and make room for surrogacy in your life for at least the next two years.
- Prepare Physically for SurrogacyIt’s important to be as healthy as possible during pregnancy for both you and the baby. Before starting your surrogacy journey, be aware of bad eating, exercise, or lifestyle habits.
- Prepare Mentally for SurrogacySurrogacy is not an easy journey, regardless of going through a pregnancy before. It will be mentally harder on some than others. Any time pregnancy hormones are mixed in, everything gets harder. Prepare for counseling if needed throughout the process and especially after birth. It won’t be an easy one, but it will be an amazing journey.
- Create a Support System
Having a support system during something like surrogacy is so important. Of course, your surrogate agency will always be here for you, but you need others too. You need someone to babysit when you have appointments or accompany you and support you during delivery and after. Finding support in surrogate communities can also benefit you immensely. Find local or online groups of current or previous surrogates to share stories, worries, and ask questions. There’s something special about support from someone who’s been in your shoes. - Plan for the Logistics of Surrogacy
You can be as mentally and physically prepared as possible, but there’s still a lot to plan for. Consider the distance between yourself and the intended parents. Will you need to fly in for the IVF appointments? How long will you need to be there, and where will you stay? Will you be in contact with the intended family frequently, even after the delivery? Do you have a birth plan? Your surrogate agency can help you answer all of these questions and plan as detailed as needed. There are many moving parts and pieces to surrogacy, and there will be something you’ll forget until the last second. Be as prepared as possible and feel confident you’re ready. - Talk to Your Partner and Child about the Surrogacy
Surrogacy isn’t exactly something you can hide from those you live with and are close to. Before you even submit an application, talk with your partner about surrogacy and what it means to your relationship. Make sure your partner is willing to support you in any way you may need. Also, have a chat with your current children or child about the surrogacy plan. Explain to them that you’ll be carrying a baby for another family because they aren’t able to do it themselves. Tell them how important what your doing is and how you’re making a family very happy with your gift.
Do You Feel Prepared to Become a Surrogate in CO?
Surrogacy isn’t for everyone. Aside from strict regulations to qualify as a surrogate, you have to be ready for the road ahead. As adults, we know that no matter how much you prepare for something, nothing is going to be perfect. Surrogacy isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparing as best as you can and being ready to roll with the punches. With a solid support system and Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado on your side, your surrogacy journey is sure to be as smooth as possible. Surrogates can be hard to come by, and there are so many families out there hoping for a surrogate to help them complete their desire to be parents.
If you are interested in learning more about your gestational surrogacy options, contact Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.
Meet the Author: Michelle Brugioni is a practiced, well-versed college-educated writer and avid coffee drinker. She has ten years of experience as a freelance writer and has written for an alarmingly wide range of clients and publications. She has written on topics like life science, biopharmaceutical company acquisitions, dealing with anxiety, and creative drinking games.
As a fearless writer and masterful researcher, each time Michelle is approached with the question, “Can you write this?” she responds confidently with, “When do you need it?”
Stephanie joined the Adoption Choices family in 2014 as the Child Placement Supervisor. Her love for adoption began in first grade when she made friends with twins adopted from Vietnam. Her heart grew strong over the years for adopted children and ultimately led her to graduate school where she continued her focus to her dream of working in the adoption field. Stephanie earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver in 2001. Over the past 15 years, Stephanie has worked as a pregnancy counselor and as an adoptive parent counselor for foster care, international adoption and domestic adoption, writing hundreds of home studies for families, and helping build their forever families. Stephanie is married and has three boys ages 12, 9, and 5. Together with her family she enjoys riding bike, playing games, watching her three sons compete in their various sporting and musical activities and go on vacations.
Christy Ikeler, is our Executive Director and Birth Parent Director. Christy has been with Adoption Choices Team for 18 years, since opening the doors in 2002! Christy has a true passion for what she does and her true love is working with and helping each birth parent. Whether she is up all night on the phone talking with them, taking them to doctors appointments, out for their favorite treat, providing counseling or at the hospital during labor and delivery, Christy is very involved every step of the way. She has a contagious laugh and a spunky personality that our birth moms all can bond with and relate to. As an adoptive parent herself, adoption holds a very special place in her heart and she can relate on every level with both birth parents and adoptive parents. In her free time Christy loves spending time with her daughter, gardening, baking and taking vacations with her family. Christy is an excellent leader for our team at Adoption Choices and is truly one of a kind!! As Executive Director, Christy spends time with the staff, birth parents and adoptive families in order to ensure that the agency is running smoothly. She has placed a huge emphasis on community outreach and programs for birth parents. Christy loves the opportunity to lead the agency into a brighter future.
Ms. Mackenzie has built a successful counseling career over the past 20 years, supporting mothers and families, people of all ages and genders, students, community professionals and fellow clinicians. Liv values a diverse professional focus, including the entrepreneurial life of a sole proprietor, the evaluative process of certifying foster/adoptive homes, the insightful and mindful one-on-one one work with enthusiastic clients, and serving as an advocate for underserved populations. Liv is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a BA in Pre-Law and Economics from American University, an MA in Counseling from Adams University and a certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University. Away from work you will find Liv spending time in nature, biking to the farmer’s market and adventuring with her family.
Catherine A. Madsen, joined the Adoption Choices family as legal counsel in 2013. Catherine is responsible for providing legal guidance to the Agency, training and updating staff on developments in adoption law and legislation, and program development. Catherine
Virginia Frank is an adoption attorney accredited since 1991 with the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Ms. Frank is a leader in the field of private adoption and has completed over 4,000 adoptions in her career. Ms. Frank has a law degree from Oklahoma City University and a BA in both Political Science and Communications from the University of Oklahoma.
Cassidie has been with Adoption Choices since 2015, she has her bachelors in Interdisciplinary Affairs with concentrations in both Sociology and Business Management. Cassidie has additional training in Victim Advocacy, foster care and has been working in women’s services for over 10 years. Cassidie has always had a heart for adoption and it was her career dream to work in adoption. She started off doing volunteer work for advocacy programs, adoption organizations and worked in High Risk Maternal Fetal Medicine through the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Cassidie is also blessed to have personally experienced an adoption of her own in 2012, completing her family of five! Cassidie loves what she does as a case worker from initial phone calls, meetings, doctor appointments, interaction with the adoptive families to delivery and counseling. Cassidie has a passion for those in need and strives to help make a difference in the lives of the people she meets. She is a firm believer in being kind, compassionate and open minded in all situations. “Unless you’ve walked in their shoes, there’s no place for judgment. A kind word or compliment can go a long way!” The bittersweet moments in adoption reminds Cassidie each and every time, why she loves what she does!