What is the Surrogate Mother Process?
The choice to become a surrogate mother is an exciting one. And because It is also a very big decision, it is important to go into the surrogate mother process with a good understanding of everything it entails. With Extraordinary Conceptions by your side, learning about the process of becoming a surrogate mother will help make a complicated-sounding procedure more straightforward to understand.
Here at Extraordinary Conceptions, we have been guiding women like you through their surrogate journey for nearly two decades. We have a dedicated team member located in Canada because we know how important it is to have knowledge and experience that is specific to surrogates and intended parents going through the Canadian surrogacy process. We have helped hundreds of folks navigate the surrogacy process in Canada, and we are ready to support you on your own surrogacy journey.
To help get you started, we have created an overview of the typical surrogacy process in Canada. If you have any questions or need clarification on anything related to a surrogacy journey, please get in touch with our team. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will have all the answers you need.
How Does the Surrogate Process Work?
The surrogate mother process is a fairly involved one and includes close monitoring, testing, medication, and legal representation. There is also an extensive checklist of requirements for becoming a surrogate mother in Canada. These rules and procedures have been put into place to protect all of the involved parties: you, your intended parents, and the coming baby.
We have broken the surrogate mother process down into nine steps. Once you have ensured that you are an eligible surrogate mother per our Canadian guidelines, you can begin with your part of the journey.
If you have any questions before applying, we invite you to contact the Extraordinary Conceptions team. Otherwise, we will speak to you after you’ve completed your application!
The Surrogate Mother Process, Step by Step
At Extraordinary Conceptions, our surrogate mothers go through the nine following steps:
Step 1:
Surrogacy Application
The very first step in your surrogacy journey is filing an application to work with Extraordinary Conceptions. This can be done remotely and on your own time. In fact, you could even begin your application today. It’s recommended to be as detailed as possible in your answers. We will also ask you to send us 6 to 10 photographs of yourself via email as a part of your application. These pictures will be included on your virtual surrogate profile so that intended parents can see you.
Once you submit your application, you will shortly hear from one of our Surrogacy Admissions team members. An initial conversation will serve as a “pre-qualifier” to become a surrogate. At this time, you’ll also arrange an official phone interview as well as have an opportunity to get answers to some of your questions. You’ll quickly learn that our Surrogacy Admissions team are experts as many have been surrogate mothers themselves.
Step 2:
Your Admissions Interview
Your phone interview will last between thirty and sixty minutes. The majority of the time will be spent reviewing your profile and talking through the overall surrogate mother process in detail. If you’ve come up with or have any questions or concerns, they can also be addressed during this call.
Following your phone call, you’ll receive a post-interview packet from our team. Once you review and complete this packet, you can return it to us. You will be one step closer to bringing the gift of a baby to intended parents!
Step 3:
The Matching Process
After your successful admissions interview, you will be assigned a dedicated Surrogacy Coordinator. During this time, your profile will also go live on our secure database, allowing intended parents to view your information. Your coordinator will also show your profile to families that might be a good match. When an intended parent shows interest in your profile, they’ll let us know. Your coordinator will then arrange for you all to meet. If that goes well, you can officially “match” and begin the surrogate screening process.
Step 4:
The Screening Process
The screening process is very important for both your safety and the family you’ve matched with and has two main elements: physical and psychological testing. The former is done at an IVF clinic chosen by your intended parents. Typically, it involves a full physical, blood work, and any other examinations deemed necessary by your IVF doctor. The psychological screening process is done by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Step 5:
The Legal Process
Once you have been medically cleared, you will begin the legal portion of the process: it’s time to draft and sign your surrogacy agreement. This process lasts between 2 to 3 weeks and will require both you and your intended parents to work with attorneys.
Typically, the intended parents write the first draft of the surrogacy agreement with their lawyer before passing it over to you and your attorney. When both parties feel satisfied with the terms, you can all sign it.
Step 6:
Medications & Monitoring
Surrogates are expected to take medication and undergo monitoring before the embryo transfer takes place. After your surrogacy agreement has been signed, you’ll be given a calendar by your IVF clinic and will begin taking medication.
Generally, medications begin about three weeks before your scheduled transfer date. It’s important that you follow the rules and protocol exactly as your doctor orders. Specific details about your medication will depend on your doctor. Depending on your IVF clinic and own circumstances, your meds might be taken orally, as an injection, or as a suppository.
In some cases, you will be expected to come into your IVF or a local clinic for monitoring, like blood tests and lining checks to ensure that the meds are working properly.
Step 7:
The Embryo Transfer
The time has come for your embryo transfer! This procedure, which is fairly quick and painless, is performed by an IVF doctor. A small catheter is used to insert embryos into your uterus with the intent of establishing a pregnancy. In some cases, your intended parents will be at the transfer.
If you do not live locally to your IVF clinic, all of your travel and accommodation costs are covered. We also ask that you bring a companion with you to your embryo transfer— their costs are covered too!
Following your transfer, you will proceed according to doctors’ orders.
Step 8:
Post Transfer & Pregnancy
Around two weeks after your embryo transfer, you’ll take a beta blood test to determine hCG levels and if you are indeed pregnant! If pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll schedule your first ultrasound for about 4-5 weeks after your transfer. This appointment at the IVF clinic will be to listen for foetal heartbeat. Your IVF doctor will continue to monitor you for a certain period of time—that will depend on your circumstances—before you move on to an OB/GYN in your local area.
Step 9:
The Delivery
When the time comes, you will deliver the surrogate baby according to the birth plan you’ve arranged with your intended family. In most cases, the family will be there at the birth with you!
In the years to follow, most surrogates remain very close to the families they helped to build. It can lead to beautiful lifelong friendships.
Why Choose Extraordinary Conceptions for Your Surrogate Mother Procedure?
At Extraordinary Conceptions, we have been helping families come together and bring new life into the world since 2005. We are thrilled to be able to offer even more families the chance to make their dreams come true through the helping hands of surrogacy in Canada.
We know how important and emotional this journey is for every party involved, and we are here to support you through this unique time. Our team has personal experience and a true passion for family-building through assisted birth, and we are honoured to share this time with you.
If you have any questions about the surrogate mother procedure, get in touch with our team. You are also invited to begin your application today!
We’re Honored to be Part of Your Journey!
We’ve had many women who enjoy being surrogates so much that they’ve had multiple successful journeys. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our surrogacy program or the process involved. We look forward to hearing from you!
