This month, we’re speaking to the founder and Surrogacy Program Director of Surrogate Solutions, Gayle Garrett. Gayle is not only experienced in bringing surrogates together with couples and individuals hoping to build a family of their own, she is also the mother of two and has served as a surrogate herself.
Gayle is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Today we are talking with Gayle about what a woman must ask herself before becoming a surrogate. Here’s what she had to say:
What do I hope to achieve with this surrogacy?
Most women considering becoming a surrogate have had successful pregnancies of their own and are eager to give back to those who are unable to achieve pregnancy on their own. Before making this decision, a potential gestational surrogate should take some time for reflection. She should also speak to friends and family to get the perspective of those she trusts most and to line up the support she needs if she decides to embark on a surrogacy journey.
Do I enjoy being pregnant?
It sounds pretty obvious, but gestational surrogacy is a big commitment, both emotionally and physically. If you are a woman who does not like being pregnant, it’s going to be a lot harder. Also, keep in mind that every pregnancy is different. Your surrogate pregnancy could be different from your previous pregnancies.
Can I commit the time required?
Chances are, a potential surrogate has had no difficulty becoming pregnant during her own pregnancies, so she may have no idea of what is involved in the process, Gayle noted. There are many doctors’ appointments involved, tests to be conducted and medications to be taken. Women whose previous pregnancies have been uneventful may be surprised at what’s involved.
If you are currently employed, you may need to schedule time off to accommodate all this. So, check your bank of personal days and your company’s policy regarding time off. You may also need to make arrangements for care for your children, particularly if there will be overnight travel involved.
The time between when you first get in touch with us until you deliver the baby can be 18 months or longer, particularly if it takes more than one attempt to achieve pregnancy. That includes the time it takes to go through the initial screening process, matching you with the right intended parents and achieving pregnancy.
Do you have a strong support system?
If you are a regular reader of to our blog, you’ve probably seen this topic come up more than once, but that’s because it’s so important. Whether you need your spouse to pick up the slack when you are fatigued or nauseous, or your community or extended family is not shy about expressing their opinions. It will be a lot easier if their response is positive.
The most important thing to remember is to choose a surrogate agency that feels like the right fit. They should be experienced, and willing to answer ANY question for you (really, there’s no such thing as a foolish question when it comes to surrogacy) and they should make you feel comfortable and confident.
For more detailed information, see our previous articles:
Or please, feel free to give us a call. The staff at Surrogate Solutions is passionate about bringing gestational surrogates and intended parents together to help them achieve the dream of creating a family.
Don’t hesitate to ask all the questions you need to make yourself comfortable with the process and the agency. If you are looking for additional information on becoming a gestational surrogate, contact us at Surrogate Solutions today!
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