Welcoming a baby through surrogacy is a moment full of emotion, logistics, and love. While most people focus on the pregnancy, the birth and immediate postpartum period are just as crucial and often filled with questions. This guide walks both surrogates and intended parents through what to expect during the surrogacy birth and beyond.
Surrogacy Birth Plan
A well-crafted surrogacy birth plan helps set expectations and reduce stress for everyone involved. It provides clear answers to key questions like: Who will be allowed in the delivery room? What happens if the intended parents arrive late? Can photos or videos be taken, and by whom? Who handles the immediate paperwork?
The birth plan ensures that everyone, surrogates, intended parents, and medical staff, is on the same page. It also outlines steps for unexpected situations like an emergency delivery or changes in delivery method.
To dive deeper into the pregnancy journey, you can read our full Surrogate Pregnancy Process.
Surrogacy Birth Process: What Happens on the Big Day?
When labor begins, the surrogate or her support person typically notifies the agency or case manager, who then alerts the intended parents. They are encouraged to head to the hospital as soon as possible. The birth plan guides who will be allowed in the delivery room, how updates are communicated, and what to expect emotionally and logistically. Medical staff support the surrogate throughout labor while agency representatives ensure everyone is informed and that the process aligns with the legal and emotional framework discussed in advance.
Where Are the Intended Parents During the Birth?
Intended parents are often present at the hospital during the surrogate’s labor and delivery, depending on hospital policy and the surrogate’s preferences. Some choose to be in the room during delivery, while others wait just outside. If the birth happens earlier than expected or the intended parents are traveling from out of state, they may join virtually until they arrive in person. The goal is to involve them as closely as possible so they can experience the birth of their child in real time.
Do Surrogates Hold the Baby After the Birth?
Whether or not a surrogate holds the baby is a decision made based on personal comfort and mutual agreement. Some surrogates choose to briefly hold the baby to say goodbye, especially if there was a strong emotional bond during the pregnancy. Others may prefer not to. Both decisions are equally valid, and having this conversation ahead of time ensures everyone is emotionally prepared for that moment.
Skin-to-Skin Contact with Intended Parents
Skin-to-skin contact is a deeply important bonding moment and is usually arranged in advance. In most cases, the baby is placed directly on the intended parent’s chest shortly after delivery. This contact helps regulate the baby’s heartbeat, temperature, and breathing, and it begins the emotional connection between parent and child. Hospitals are generally supportive of this practice, especially in surrogacy births where every second of connection counts.
Surrogacy Birth Certificate
Even though the surrogate gives birth, the intended parents are the legal parents of the child. The birth certificate reflects this, once the proper legal steps are taken. In some states, a pre-birth order ensures that the intended parents are listed on the birth certificate from the start. In others, a post-birth court order is required to transfer parentage before the certificate is issued. These steps are handled by legal teams or the agency to make sure everything is in place for hospital discharge and beyond.
To learn more about the journey, visit our Surrogacy Process Guide.
Surrogate Support Postpartum
Support for the surrogate doesn’t end once the baby is born. The postpartum period is an essential part of the journey, with physical recovery, emotional well-being, and follow-up care all requiring attention. Intended parents and agencies play a key role in ensuring the surrogate is cared for during this time.
Postpartum Expenses
Surrogates are typically reimbursed for postpartum-related costs. These may include follow-up doctor visits, prescribed medications, mental health support, and other medically necessary expenses during recovery. The specifics of what’s covered are outlined in the surrogacy contract, ensuring the surrogate is not left to shoulder these costs alone.
Postpartum Recovery
Recovery time can vary depending on the birth experience. Vaginal deliveries may require only a few weeks of physical recovery, while C-sections often involve a longer healing period. Emotional recovery is just as important. Many surrogates experience a complex mix of emotions after delivery, even if they feel fulfilled by the journey. That’s why rest, emotional check-ins, and having a strong support system in place are essential.
Surrogate Wellness Programs
At SurrogateFirst, postpartum care goes beyond the basics. We offer dedicated wellness programs designed to support our surrogates through every stage of their recovery. These include wellness check-ins, mental health support, and community resources that reinforce our commitment to caring for the women who make parenthood possible.
You can learn more about our Surrogate Wellness Programs here.
Milk, Feeding, and Breast Milk Shipping
Do Surrogates Breastfeed?
It’s not common, but some surrogates choose to pump milk for the baby. This decision should be made ahead of time and mutually agreed upon by both the surrogate and intended parents.
Induced Lactation for Intended Parents
Intended mothers who wish to breastfeed can work with a healthcare provider to begin induced lactation. This process allows them to produce breast milk even if they didn’t carry the baby. It typically requires a combination of hormone treatments and consistent pumping.
Shipping Breast Milk
When a surrogate pumps milk for the baby, it’s often shipped to the intended parents. The process involves careful packing with dry ice to keep the milk safe and fresh during transit.
To explore this topic in more detail, check out our Guide to Shipping Breast Milk.
Why SurrogateFirst?
At SurrogateFirst, we’re more than a matching agency—we’re your support system.
- Compassionate, personalized matching
- 24/7 access to dedicated case managers
- Legal and medical coordination
- Transparent pricing
- Emotional support for surrogates and for intended parents alike
