If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate in California, it may seem like an overwhelming process, but if you’re here reading this, you’re halfway there. One of the biggest factors in becoming a surrogate is having the heart and the willingness to do something huge for another person. This kind of selflessness is rare in this day and age, and it’s one of the reasons why intended parents are so excited when they get to meet someone like you. Before you get to that point, though, there are a few things that will make the process much easier and enjoyable for you.

Review the Criteria for Becoming a Surrogate

Any reputable agency will require candidates meet certain criteria. This is to ensure that the gestational surrogate and the baby are healthy. At SPS, we look for:

  • Women who have had at least one “easy” pregnancy and delivery, with at least one child still living at home
  • Someone who is between 21 and 40
  • Non-smokers
  • Those with solid finances and transportation

Work with an Agency

If you meet the criteria, there are still a few more steps to take before becoming a surrogate. It’s really important to work with a reputable agency, because a good agency will look out for you during the process. At SPS, Cristie Montgomery will come to your home to meet with you before you begin anything. She talks to you about the process, gives you information, and makes sure that you have a lifestyle conducive to a healthy pregnancy. The whole team at SPS then rallies around you and makes sure you meet with the right doctors to make sure you’re physically and emotionally prepared for the journey ahead.

Choose Parents Carefully

There are a lot of parents who want to bring children into the world and are unable to do it on their own. By becoming a surrogate, you are filling a vital role in their lives. However, you’re also part of a team and that team must be in agreement of many things before the process begins. At SPS, we carefully match up teams to ensure they have shared values, which makes planning and decision-making much easier. Some of the teams we match up form lifelong bonds, and stay friends long after the baby is delivered. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find the right match on your own, and some agencies don’t focus on bringing the right people together, which can cause friction throughout the process. Always be sure to choose the parents you work with very carefully. Even though we make excellent matches at SPS, we always give our gestational surrogates and the intended parents the final say, as well as time to think it over before making such a monumental decision.

Ultimately,  the secret to becoming a surrogate (and loving the experience) is to find a reputable agency to work with and let them guide you through the process. If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate and you meet the guidelines outlined here, we’d be honored to help you meet your ideal match and be a part of your journey. Contact us today.