HOW TO BECOME A SURROGATE MOTHER
Help make a family’s dream come true.
Here at Guidance, we help families build their futures through gestational surrogacy. Become a surrogate mother to help someone achieve their dreams of parenthood.
START THE
quick
Links
the process
requirements
compensation
real stories
surrogacy faq
What is surrogacy?
In gestational surrogacy, the resulting child is not related to the surrogate mother. A gestational surrogate is often referred to as a Gestational Carrier (GC). Guidance only coordinates gestational surrogacy journies, not “traditional” surrogacy where the surrogate’s egg is used.
In order to achieve a successful surrogacy pregnancy, the natural conception process is recreated in the surrogate’s body utilizing artificial hormones and other medications. The Embryo Transfer (ET) is the process by which embryos are placed inside the uterine cavity. The surrogate is closely monitored and carries the baby to term on behalf of the intended parents. At the time of birth, the parents are named on the birth certificate and have full parental rights to their child. This is an incredibly rewarding and heartfelt experience for the surrogate’s family and the intended parents.
Who do surrogates help?
Individuals struggling with infertility, those who are no longer in their conceiving years, single parents (referred to as Single Parent By Choice), same-sex couples, and anyone who is unable to safely carry a pregnancy to term.
START THE
FIND A
To me, being a surrogate is to open not only your heart but your body to an individual or couple. Together, with the IP, you do something truly amazing.
NATALIE (SURROGATE)
Why choose Guidance to help you in your journey to become a surrogate?
01
WE UNDERSTAND BETTER THAN ANYONE
Guidance is a proud Women-Owned and Operated surrogacy agency. It is our mission to advocate for your positive and healthy surrogate pregnancy. We have been through every step and coordinated cycles nationwide.
We are a team of dreamers and professionals who love what they do and how our experiences have shaped our lives and the people we help. We want you to join our sisterhood like community and help intended parents with their family planning.
02
WE REALLY CARE ABOUT YOU
Build relationships, family and find loving accomplishment. We pour our heart and a healthy dose of late nights into your journey. We believe it needs to be unforgettable. We’ve got your back through it all.
We are here to be a teammate for you on your journey to be a surrogate – listening to every detail of your story, goals, and needs; cheering for you on transfer day and beyond, and equipping you with the resources, confidence, and education for a successful rewarding experience.
03
WE HERE FOR YOU LIKE NOBODY ELSE
Not only are we here to support your happiness and wellness, but we also provide you with a personal finance expert to help you with your financial goals that may be obtained from your surrogacy pay and earnings.
If you have an interest in mindfulness, we have an expert ready to guide you with relaxation and mental freedom practices for a peaceful calming surrogate journey.
Our resources and support go above and beyond any other surrogacy agency.
I have been with the agency for three surrogacy journeys now and have had to ask every crazy question one can think of under the blue sky. They have always been very knowledgeable and professional when answering and very patient when explaining things.
START THE
I think the most valuable thing about them as a company is that they make you feel like you are truly supported. When you speak with anyone from Guidance they are always warm and inviting and always so patient. It is not like working with a company but like you are a part of a family.
MIA (SURROGATE)
What does the surrogacy process look like?
JOINING THE SURROGATE MOTHER PROGRAM
1-2 weeks
Online Inquiry and Education
Phone Consult
Online Application
Video Meeting
PRESCREENING
1-2 months (depends on records)
OB Clearance Letter
Medical Record Collection and Review
Partner Education
Background Check
Insurance Review
MATCHING
varies per surrogate
PSYCHOLOGICAL & MEDICAL SCREENING
2-3 months
LEGAL AGREEMENT
2-3 weeks
MEDICAL
3-6 weeks
Medication
Monitoring Appointments
Transfer
PREGNANCY & DELIVERY
8-9 months
What is required to become a surrogate?
AGE
21-39 years old
HEALTH
BMI <32
Non-smoker and non-smoker household
Given birth to at least one child
Able to provide a letter of clearance from OB. Uncomplicated pregnancies.
No history of chronic medical or mental illness
LIFESTYLE
No criminal history
Stable lifestyle and finances
Agree to psychological and medical testing (and partners, if applicable)
Agree to a home visit
How much money do surrogates make?
Payments to gestational carriers vary based on many variables including location, a family’s budget, pregnancy type (singleton or twins), insurance, and experience.
On average the base fee compensation is from $32,000- $60,000 plus additional benefits.
With each potential surrogate journey, we will discuss what you can expect for surrogate mother pay and whether the match is a good fit for you.
What is it like to be a surrogate?
Being a surrogate to me means being able to give someone one of the greatest gifts that you can give in this life.
When you meet the intended parents you know that they have not had the easiest time trying to become parents, and it is you that can help them. It makes you feel very special being able to help someone in need.
When you see them with their child in their arms after the baby is born and as they fall in love with their child; it is the best feeling to know that after everything they been through they are finally a parent and you had a part in making that possible. It makes you feel so good and warm inside.
MIA (SURROGATE)
surrogate
Resources
wellness
&
stress management
Are you ready to become a surrogate mother?
Help a family make their dream come true and apply to become a surrogate mother today.
START THE
Frequently Asked Questions
how much does a gestational surrogate make?
Surrogates receive a generous benefits package. Please contact us to learn more.
what’s the average timeline?
An average surrogate journey takes about 3 months from the time of matching to the transfer procedure. Timing is dependent on the clinic’s scheduling, availability, and protocol.
which clinics do you work with?
We have worked with over 150 clinics in the U.S. and Canada. We can coordinate a surrogate journey with any facility that accepts third-party donors.
How do contracts work?
After a surrogate is medically cleared by the IVF doctor the legal contract will be drafted by the IPs’ attorney and sent to the surrogate’s attorney for review. We organize communication with all legal parties. Contracts must be signed before a surrogate can be issued a medication calendar to begin medications.
DO I NEED TO COME TO YOUR AGENCY OFFICE?
Intended Parents and surrogates do not need to physically visit our offices. All cycle coordination can be successfully organized remotely.
How does travel work?
When a surrogate is out of state she will have to make two trips to the IPs’ clinic. Once for a one-day medical screening visit. Then again for 3-4 days for the transfer procedure. On the second trip, the surrogate brings a companion for comfort and safety following the procedure.
who pays for the expenses?
All of your travel expenses and medical costs are facilitated by the agency and paid by the Intended Parents.
how does local monitoring work?
Local monitoring includes the bloodwork and ultrasounds required during a journey when a surrogate is not within driving distance to the IPs’ clinic. We facilitate the doctor’s orders to be carried out by a local IVF clinic near the surrogate. The results are sent to the IPs’ doctor the same day for interpretation and evaluation. Most appointments have to be early morning in order for results to be evaluated the same day. Surrogates should be prepared to have weekly appointments for 6-10 weeks.
how does pretesting work?
Surrogates are required to have their pregnancy and delivery medical records on file with the agency, a medical clearance letter from their OBGYN, and have a healthy physical and mental health history prior to matching.
are there mental health prerequisites?
Surrogates must have a healthy personal and family mental health history. Surrogates have to pass a psychological evaluation and cannot be on mental health medications. Surrogates may have to have in-person group counseling with the IPs. Pscyholocagl testing may be required of a surrogate’s spouse or partner.
how does screening work?
On your screening day be prepared to provide samples for a complete medical workup as well as a saline sonogram. This includes testing for STIs, drugs, immunity, and hormones to name just a few. There are frequent blood draws and pelvic ultrasounds in the process as a whole.