The surrogacy journey is filled with wonderful milestones, from confirming pregnancy to seeing the intended parents holding their precious baby for the first time.

There is so much to prepare for along the way. And while your focus will understandably be on the joyous moments leading up to the birth, it’s important to know what to expect in the unique post-birth phase. 

To help, we’ve put together a simple guide that sheds light on what happens after birth as a surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS). 

Attend a support group 

At SPS, we take great pride in the exceptional support we provide surrogates and intended parents (IPs). And that support doesn’t end after you give birth.  

As a surrogate, you’ll attend a support group from the time you start your contract with SPS until after you deliver. After delivery, surrogates share birth stories and conclude their journeys alongside the women they have shared every step with.

This communal space provides not only emotional support, but also a chance to celebrate this incredibly unique and powerful journey together. 

Continue enjoying the SPS Wellness Program

We strive to make every surrogate’s journey as healthy and rewarding as possible. And our SPS Wellness Package helps ensure our surrogates are supported both during their journey and postpartum.  

The package includes:

  • Monthly video calls during pregnancy through 12 weeks postpartum 
  • Customized and evidenced-based programs for pelvic floor and full body mobility and strength that are safe during pregnancy 
  • Birth preparation education
  • Education on how to safely return to activity postpartum
  • …and more!

The program is run by Dr. Jessica Chellsen, PT, DPT, CSCS. Jessica is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and she specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation and working with pregnant and postpartum women of all fitness levels. 

During the monthly video calls, Jessica answers questions surrogates may have about pregnancy and body changes, offers guidance on any adjustments they can make to address pain, discusses safety with exercise during pregnancy and postpartum, and assists with birth preparation and healing postpartum. 

Receive compensation and reimbursement if you are pumping 

The choice to pump is a collaborative decision made between a surrogate and her IPs. 

Pumping offers many benefits for surrogates. It helps with recovery post-birth, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and more. 

If you choose to pump, you’ll receive weekly compensation and you’ll be reimbursed for supplies and shipping. And if the IPs don’t want the milk, but you would like to pump, SPS can help find another couple that would like the milk. 

Navigate your relationship with the IPs

The relationship between the surrogate and IPs post-birth looks different for everyone. 

In most cases, the communication won’t be as frequent as it was during the surrogacy, as the IPs are now navigating life with a new baby, and the surrogate has returned to her routine. 

What’s most important is sharing your desires and preferences at the very beginning of your journey. That said, people’s wishes can change over the course of the journey, and post-birth communication is completely up to both surrogates and IPs after delivery. 

Surrogacy is an incredibly unique experience, and when you understand every step of the process—including what happens to the surrogate mother after birth—you can navigate each step with confidence.

Best of luck on this wonderful journey!

Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services 

Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate over 30 years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy agency that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.   

Do you want to become a surrogate? Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.