Amid the COVID-19 virus we have received a lot of questions surrounding how it impacts Surrogacy. Whether you are considering being a surrogate to help another family grow, or you are intended parents exploring surrogacy to complete your family we hope these frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 can assist you in your journey.
Can I apply to become a surrogate during this time?
YES! If you are interested in becoming a surrogate to help bless a family, you can still apply during this time. Surrogacy is not a quick process and cant be rushed. From application to birth, a typical timeline can be anywhere from 12-18 months. If you were to apply today, get all the paperwork in and be put on the matching list, it would take on average 1-3 months to be matched.
Fill out your application today, finish all your paperwork and medical records releases, and become PREQUALIFIED. When everything normalizes you will be fully prepared to move forward and ready to be matched. SurrogateFirst offers a 72 Hour Bonus of $500 to those that complete the full application process within 72 hours!
Should I meet with SurrogateFirst during the Covid19 outbreak?
YES! Meeting with SurrogateFirst, whether as a surrogate or intended parent, is the first step towards your journey and not a commitment to the agency. Its a great way to learn about the process (intended parents, surrogate), benefits and have all of your questions answered at no cost and not feel rushed to make decisions.
Our free virtual consultations are just as great as our in-person meetings. You will share your story that brought you to surrogacy, what you would like your experience to be, and your expectations. Plus, you are able to meet our entire team at once.
A typical journey can average 12-20 months (assuming clinics are fully functioning for medical screenings and transfers). The matching process can take 1-3 months and transfer will typically occur 4-6 months after matching with your surrogate. We do not believe COVID19 will significantly impact the journeys for those applying to be matched today. If there are further delays with clinics you may decide to match with your surrogate or delay your transfer by a few months. However, if the situation changes faster than anticipated you are on track to continue your journey and transfer much sooner. If you decide to match with your surrogate during this time its a great opportunity for you to get to know her and develop a wonderful relationship during this time.
How can Covid-19 possibly affect my pregnancy or breastfeeding journey?
Note: ALL our answers originate from CDC guidance on COVID19.
What is the risk to pregnant women of getting COVID-19? Is it easier for pregnant women to become ill with the disease? If they become infected, will they be more sick than other people?
The CDC do not currently know if pregnant women have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public nor whether they are more likely to have serious illness as a result. Pregnant women experience changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections. With viruses from the same family as COVID-19, and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza, women have had a higher risk of developing severe illness. It is always important for pregnant women to protect themselves from illnesses.
How can pregnant women protect themselves from getting COVID-19?
Pregnant women should do the same things as the general public to avoid infection. You can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking these actions:
- Cover your cough (using your elbow is a good technique)
- Avoid people who are sick
- Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Is there risk of transmission of COVID-19 through breast milk?
Much is unknown about how COVID-19 is spread. Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza (flu) and other respiratory pathogens spread. In limited studies on women with COVID-19 and another coronavirus infection, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), the virus has not been detected in breast milk; however we do not know whether mothers with COVID-19 can transmit the virus via breast milk.
Outside of the immediate postpartum setting, CDC recommends that a mother with the flu continue breastfeeding or feeding expressed breast milk to her infant while taking precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant.
Is Surrogacy a way to provide for my family during & after the Coronavirus outbreak?
Becoming a surrogate is a life changing commitment – a commitment both mentally, emotionally and physically. Therefore, the large majority of surrogates #1 reason they chose surrogacy is to bless the intended family. However, it is reasonable and expected to be fairly compensated, which can help your family grow their savings, pay off debt or continue to work home. In this unique situation with mandatory stay at home measures we are forced to seek alternatives. We hope surrogacy is an option that would benefit your family.
Helping someone grow their family is such a blessing to you and the family. The greatest reward you receive from this isnt the compensation. The moment you are able to watch a parent/parents see their child take their first breath or that first embrace is worth everything. Its hard to put into words how life changing your surrogacy journey will be for all involved.
You will need to meet the requirements to become a surrogate.
Some of these requirements include:
- Must have delivered a child of your own and is currently parenting at least one child.
- Must have had a complication free pregnancy and birth.
- Must be between 21-40 years of age.
- Must be financially stable
- Must lead a stable lifestyle.
- Must have a BMI of 32 or less (depends on the clinic)
You must also provide all medical records of your pregnancies and births, undergo a psychological screening and medical evaluation.
In these uncertain times we are here to help you continue to navigate your journey to becoming parents or as a surrogate. At SurrogateFirst, you will have a team dedicated to serving you who is accessible 24/7 to guide you through every step of your journey.
Surrogates: Apply Now
Intended Parents: Get Started
Have a Question: Ask a Surrogate
