OUR PROCESS
OUR PROCESS
Step 1: Beginning Your Journey To Parenthood
1. Complimentary Consultation
Your first step in becoming a parent will be a complimentary consultation with one of our client coordinators (in person, over the phone or through a video call). During the meeting we will discuss in detail our program options, what is your preference for surrogates, how our matching process works and any other questions or concerns you may have.
2.Retainer Agreement
Your next step, if you choose to proceed with us, is to sign our gestational surrogacy program retainer agreement, which would have been reviewed by you during your initial consultation.
3.Your Coordinator Team Goes Into Action
Once the retainer agreement is signed, you will be guided through every step of the process by your program coordination team, which will be your primary means of contact throughout your journey. We will help you for any procedures, events and instrumental needs including coordinating with the IVF clinic and surrogates for all appointments (medical screening, transfer, monitoring appointments, etc.)
Step 2: Getting to Know Your Surrogate
1. Finding A Match
At this stage of your journey your parent program coordinator will help find your perfect match by presenting you with surrogates that meet the specific criteria that each parent is seeking. Once a parent lets us know that they are interested we will share their profile with the surrogate(s) and set up convenient times to video chat as a group.
2.Video Chat
During the video chat all parties have the opportunity to get to know one another and discuss their wants for the journey. After the call has ended we will give each party the opportunity to decide if they would like to proceed with the match. After your matched with a surrogate all records from her previous pregnancies and deliveries, along with all other information your clinic requires is sent over for evaluation.
Step 3: Medical & Psychological Evaluation
1. Medical Evaluation
When the nurse receives your official match sheet they will give the surrogate a call to schedule her medical screening. Most clinics will require this appointment be scheduled between a specific set of days that align with your surrogates cycle. Due to your surrogates cycle playing such a key role in this appointment most clinics will want the surrogate to call back on day one of her period before they will confirm an appointment day. On the day of medical screening your surrogate will be tested for anything that could prohibit her from being able to carry a pregnancy successfully. These tests usually include a full panel of blood work, a saline sonohysterogram, and a one on one meeting with the staff to discuss her pregnancy and delivery history and address any questions the surrogate may have about the upcoming transfer. The specifics of what happens at a screening will vary slightly from clinic to clinic.
2.Psychological Evaluation
During the same time-frame of the medical screening your surrogate will also undergo her psychological screening with licensed Therapist. The psychological evaluation requires the prospective surrogate to speak with an agency therapist. During the interview, the therapist will ask a series of questions about the surrogate and how she plans on pursuing certain aspects of her surrogacy journey.
Step 1: Beginning Your Journey To Parenthood
1. Complimentary Consultation
Your first step in becoming a parent will be a complimentary consultation with one of our client coordinators (in person, over the phone or through a video call). During the meeting we will discuss in detail our program options, what is your preference for surrogates, how our matching process works and any other questions or concerns you may have.
2.Retainer Agreement
Your next step, if you choose to proceed with us, is to sign our gestational surrogacy program retainer agreement, which would have been reviewed by you during your initial consultation.
3.Your Coordinator Team Goes Into Action
Once the retainer agreement is signed, you will be guided through every step of the process by your program coordination team, which will be your primary means of contact throughout your journey. We will help you for any procedures, events and instrumental needs including coordinating with the IVF clinic and surrogates for all appointments (medical screening, transfer, monitoring appointments, etc.)
Step 2: Getting to Know Your Surrogate
1. Finding A Match
At this stage of your journey your parent program coordinator will help find your perfect match by presenting you with surrogates that meet the specific criteria that each parent is seeking. Once a parent lets us know that they are interested we will share their profile with the surrogate(s) and set up convenient times to video chat as a group.
2.Video Chat
During the video chat all parties have the opportunity to get to know one another and discuss their wants for the journey. After the call has ended we will give each party the opportunity to decide if they would like to proceed with the match. After your matched with a surrogate all records from her previous pregnancies and deliveries, along with all other information your clinic requires is sent over for evaluation.
Step 3: Medical & Psychological Evaluation
1. Medical Evaluation
When the nurse receives your official match sheet they will give the surrogate a call to schedule her medical screening. Most clinics will require this appointment be scheduled between a specific set of days that align with your surrogates cycle. Due to your surrogates cycle playing such a key role in this appointment most clinics will want the surrogate to call back on day one of her period before they will confirm an appointment day. On the day of medical screening your surrogate will be tested for anything that could prohibit her from being able to carry a pregnancy successfully. These tests usually include a full panel of blood work, a saline sonohysterogram, and a one on one meeting with the staff to discuss her pregnancy and delivery history and address any questions the surrogate may have about the upcoming transfer. The specifics of what happens at a screening will vary slightly from clinic to clinic.
2.Psychological Evaluation
During the same time-frame of the medical screening your surrogate will also undergo her psychological screening with licensed Therapist. The psychological evaluation requires the prospective surrogate to speak with an agency therapist. During the interview, the therapist will ask a series of questions about the surrogate and how she plans on pursuing certain aspects of her surrogacy journey.
Step 4: Guiding you Through the Legal Process
After the medical screening has been completed and your clinic has approved the results, our client coordination team will assist in getting the escrow account and legal contracts drawn up by recommending reputable attorneys who are specialized in surrogacy laws. It takes approximately 1-2 weeks for your attorney to prepare the contracts and send them to your surrogate and her attorneys. If everyone agrees, a final draft will be issued so that both parties can have the contract notarized and reviewed by the attorneys. Once you and your surrogate have both signed the contract your second payment is due.
During later part of your surrogate’s pregnancy, the same lawyers will help you obtain your pre-birth order, which will name you as the legal parents on your baby’s birth certificate. At 15 weeks of your surrogate’s pregnancy, the attorneys from both sides will start to prepare the pre-birth order. We will also send a copy of the prebirth order to the hospital before delivery so that the social workers are aware of who will be the parents, how to address for any medical questions related to the baby and whose names should be on the birth certificate. The official copy of the pre-birth order, which arrives 2 weeks before the due date, will still need to be presented upon the child’s actual birth.
Guidance Through Your Journey
Throughout the entire process your parent coordinator team will be there to answer any questions and address any legal issues, so you can enjoy your journey to parenthood.
Step 5: Transfer to Delivery
1.Transfer
Upon receiving the legal clearance letter from your attorney, your IVF clinic will start to schedule the transfer. Your surrogate will start the fertility medications prescribed by your IVF physician from one month before transfer until 9-12 weeks in pregnancy. As most transfers take place in the morning, your surrogate will stay the night before in a hotel close to the clinic to ensure that she checks in at the scheduled time. Most clinics will also require bed rest for 2 nights after transfer at the hotel as well.
2.Pregnancy
Once your surrogate is released by the IVF physician, typically between 9-12 weeks’ pregnancy, she may see an OB for the remainder of her pregnancy. At 15 weeks into pregnancy, the third installment is due. Throughout the pregnancy, your client coordination team will be there to answer any questions you may have and guide you through any issues that need be addressed. We will ensure that you enjoy all the sweet and beautiful milestones your baby is undergoing in this phase of your surrogacy journey.
