UK Government Shares Top Tips for Intended Parents and Surrogate Relationships
The United Kingdom’s Department of Health and Social Care recently published guidance on the surrogacy process for their residents in England and Wales. Included in this guidance is a list of tips for those thinking or about to begin surrogacy that is helpful to intended parents (IPs) and surrogates the world over!
Top tips from surrogates and IPs
Empathy: Think through how each other may be feeling at different points in the surrogacy journey and try and understand that their reactions may be different to your own. Consider why this may be the case and be respectful of their feelings.
Understanding: Try and understand that others who are not familiar with surrogacy may need time to understand what you are going through and how you feel about it.
Communication: Talk openly and honestly with each other throughout the pregnancy and birth, sharing your feelings with each other.
Tell your doctor: IPs should let their primary care physician know that they’re expecting. It’s helpful for local medical staff to know the new-born is due as he or she will be transferring into their care.
Join a support group: During pregnancy, IPs could consider joining a local support group, like the National Childbirth Trust which can help to prepare you for birth and beyond (even though you’re going through surrogacy), and to build a local support network, for example through attendance of antenatal classes.
Let work know: IPs should let their employer know that they are going through surrogacy and make arrangement for parental leave and time off to attend ante-natal appointments where necessary.
Budget: Ensure you have budgeted for all possible costs. Surrogacy is not a cheap or easy process. You need to be mindful of the costs before, during, and after the birth.
Plan: From the start have a plan for how much you want your surrogate/IPs to be a part of your family’s life before, during and after birth, and discuss with all parties.
The United Kingdom’s Department of Health and Social Care recently published guidance on the surrogacy process for their residents in England and Wales. Included in this guidance is a list of tips for those thinking or about to begin surrogacy that is helpful to intended parents (IPs) and surrogates the world over!