Our egg donors are full of heart and provide a gift that is essential in the surrogacy process. What you provide is something so necessary that none of this could happen without you. Here are 5 reasons to consider becoming an egg donor with Growing Generations.

1. YOU GET TO GIVE LIFE.

Plain and simple, you get to create a life and change the lives of those you help. In many cases, without your gift, this option would not be available to them.

2. IT HONORS A MEMORY.

Time and time again we hear from our donors that the choice to donate eggs was arrived at after watching a close friend or family member struggle with infertility. Often the complications come after cancer treatments leave the woman with slim or no chance of producing usable eggs of her own. Choosing to donate your eggs to a couple in need, for whatever reason, could serve as a living memorial to someone you’ve known who has struggled with infertility of their own.

3. THE FINANCIAL COMPENSATION OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU.

The money you will receive as compensation can open a multitude of doors for you. Consider paying off existing debt, creating a nest egg of savings, or even traveling—all of these are options you can consider. Many of our donors are young women who are still pursuing their education. If this is you, consider the ease of managing your studies without the hassle of also having to maintain a part time job. Egg donor compensation could make this a possibility for you.

4. YOU'RE NOT USING THEM.

Perhaps you’re not ready to start or add to your existing family right now. Maybe you know that those are options that will never appeal to you. As a result, every month you ovulate an egg that is not fertilized and is shed. Couples working with our surrogacy program have all the desire in the world to create or expand their family. What those couples don’t have are viable eggs. By donating the eggs you currently don’t need or desire to have fertilized you are ensuring that those eggs are turned into babies for couples who will love them endlessly.

5. IT'S QUICK.

From legal paperwork to your egg retrieval, once your profile is chosen by an intended parent(s) we will only require about 3 months of your time. You’ll see a few doctors, take a few medications, undergo a brief procedure, and return to your normal daily life. Your obligation is quick. Your impact is forever.

If you're ready to give the gift of life and take the next step to becoming an egg donor, complete your application to get started. We're here to walk you through the process and make your experience smooth and fulfilling.

Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for many people, including single people who want to grow their families. Though this prospect can seem daunting as a single parent without a partner, you will be far from alone. Understanding the process and being prepared for single parent surrogacy will make this experience smoother and more rewarding. The first step is to learn more about what you can expect as you navigate this life-changing journey.

Surrogacy Process for the Single Parent

As a single parent, you will go through the same surrogacy process as any other couple would at Growing Generations. This includes:

• Consultation: Your journey to parenthood starts with a consultation with one of our team members. During this meeting, you will learn more about our surrogacy program and process while we get to know you, your expectations, and your needs.

• Admissions: Once you are ready to start, the necessary paperwork is signed and administrative processes completed, securing your permission to start the surrogacy journey.

• Surrogate Match: You will go through the same surrogate match couples go through during their surrogacy process. Once you are matched with a surrogate, we will facilitate a match meeting via video conference.

• Preparing for the Pregnancy: We will prepare your selected surrogate for additional testing and embryo transfer.

• Preparing for the Birth and Beyond: When the pregnancy enters its second trimester, we will prepare you for the delivery of your child—including what to expect when traveling with your newborn back to your home.

The most important piece of this equation is your willingness and commitment to being a parent. Remember: You are not alone on this journey. The Growing Generations team will be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the process, and answering any and all questions you may have.

Challenges of Single Parent Surrogacy

Though similar in process, there are some unique challenges when taking on surrogacy as a single parent. You are faced with selecting an egg donor, shouldering the costs of surrogacy alone, and needing the support of family and friends more.

Selecting an egg donor

As a single parent, you must secure an egg donor to move forward with surrogacy. This creates an additional step to your surrogacy process, impacting both time and cost. As a surrogacy and egg donation agency, we can assist you with this process and help you find an egg donor match based on our database.

Shouldering the cost of surrogacy alone

The responsibility for paying for the cost of surrogacy falls solely on you as a single parent. Knowing and understanding surrogacy costs and creating a budget at the beginning of the process can help reduce stress. We have a team of finance experts who will work with you to find the best option for your budget.

Needing the support of family and friends

The support of family and friends on your surrogacy journey is essential as a single parent. It is their support of your choice to grow your family through surrogacy that will make this a more positive journey. Surrogacy can be an emotional roller coaster, from the initial decision to pursue it to the ups and downs of the pregnancy itself. Family and friends provide emotional stability and a lending hand when needed.

TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR YOUR SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY

Before embarking on your surrogacy journey as a single parent, it is important to ask yourself some critical questions to ensure you are fully prepared for the road ahead.

• Am I financially prepared?

• Do I have a support system?

• How will I manage my time?

• Am I ready for the emotional journey?

• What are my long-term plans?

Take the time to make these considerations before committing to this wonderful, life-changing journey to parenthood.

GETTING STARTED

Choosing to grow your family through surrogacy as a single parent is a significant decision, with both challenges and rewards. By understanding the process, planning carefully, and surrounding yourself with the right support, you can navigate the journey successfully and welcome your new child with joy and confidence. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to realizing your dream of parenthood—and the first step begins with completing your application.

Whether you’re an intended parent or considering becoming a surrogate, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction when exploring the surrogacy journey. At Growing Generations, we want you to feel confident about your choice to pursue surrogacy. Below, we unveil the facts about surrogacy by debunking 6 of the most common surrogacy myths we encounter.

Myth #1: Women only become surrogates for the money.

One of the biggest reasons surrogates do what they do is because they believe in helping others grow a family. By becoming a surrogate, you can help someone achieve their goal of becoming a parent despite the difficulties and challenges they face. Becoming a surrogate is not an easy journey and even though surrogates are compensated for their time and effort, money is not the primary motivating factor for becoming one.

Myth #2: A surrogate shares genetic material (DNA) with the baby.

By definition, a surrogate is someone who agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person or couple, giving birth to a baby who has no genetic connection to her. Intended parents create an embryo—either with their own genetic material or that of selected donors—which is implanted into the surrogate through the IVF process. This embryo is not genetically linked to the surrogate in any way.

Myth #3: Surrogates can change their minds and keep the baby.

No, surrogates can NOT change their minds and keep the baby. Before the delivery of the baby, legal contracts about parentage are signed by both the surrogate and the intended parents. When working with a surrogacy agency, the legal counsel ensures that both parties agree on all the details of the surrogacy process. They will call out any legal risks or oddities before the surrogacy journey is undertaken.

In addition, possible surrogates undergo a rigorous screening process to assess their emotional well-being, including tendencies toward attachment. These screenings ensure that our surrogates are emotionally and mentally prepared for their surrogacy journey.

Myth #4: Any woman can become a surrogate.

Before becoming a surrogate, certain requirements need to be met. Surrogates must be between the ages of 21 and 38 years old and have at least one uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. There are additional health requirements, lifestyle requirements, and financial requirements as well, including body mass index (BMI) restrictions.

After meeting all these requirements, potential surrogates go through a meticulous screening process that includes an in-depth online application, telephone consultation, wellness testing and evaluations, medical examinations, blood screening, a criminal background check, a personal finance review, and a check of insurance options.

Because of the nature of the surrogacy journey, these requirements are in place for the safety and well-being of both the prospective surrogate and the baby they will be carrying.

Myth #5: Intended parents control all aspects of the pregnancy.

Contrary to the myth, the surrogacy journey is built on mutual agreement, trust and understanding between intended parents and surrogates. While intended parents have preferences and expectations regarding the pregnancy, they do not have unilateral control over every decision. Surrogates maintain autonomy over their bodies and health. Their well-being and that of the baby is a priority throughout the process.

Intended parents and surrogates work together to establish clear boundaries and expectations. This collaborative approach ensures both parties feel respected and supported as they navigate through their shared surrogacy journey.

Myth #6: Intended parents don’t bond with their baby.

The bond between a parent and their child transcends biological ties. The essence of parenthood lies in love, care, and nurturing. Intended parents embarking on their surrogacy journey are deeply committed to becoming parents and are emotionally invested in the well-being of their future child.

Intended parents have many opportunities to actively participate in every step of their surrogacy journey—from selecting a surrogate to attending prenatal appointments and finally, being present at the birth. These experiences foster a deep sense of connection and anticipation as they eagerly await the arrival of their baby.

A Clearer Path Forward

Surrogacy is often misunderstood due to common myths and misconceptions. Debunking these myths can foster a greater understanding and support for intended parents and surrogates alike. Having an open mind, a clear view of the facts, and a willingness to explore the surrogacy process can help you make the most of the richly rewarding journey in front of you.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate or pursuing a path to parenthood, you can contact us by completing this form. Call us at (323) 965-7500 or email us at family@growinggenerations.com for more information.

It is not uncommon for potential and first-time surrogates to ask, "Will I get attached to the baby during pregnancy?" Though it is an understandable concern for surrogates—and sometimes, intended parents as well—the truth is that such an attachment is quite rare. 

As a surrogate, you embark on this surrogacy journey to help others build their path to parenthood. For you, it is a deeply compassionate and empathic act, motivated by helping others build and grow their families. We share other reasons you are unlikely to form an attachment to the baby you carry below.

YOU ARE NOT GENETICALLY RELATED TO THE BABY

One of the key factors differentiating surrogate pregnancy from traditional pregnancy is that surrogates understand that the baby is not genetically related to them. Because you, as a surrogate, undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), the process ensures that the baby is genetically linked to the intended parents (or donors) and not you. This awareness—as well as undergoing the process—helps you maintain a healthy emotional distance, and reinforces your commitment to helping another family achieve their goal of parenthood.

YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR OWN FAMILY

You and many other surrogates choose this path precisely because you feel you have completed your own family. You feel a deep sense of fulfillment in helping others experience the joys of parenthood. Your decision to become a surrogate is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on someone else’s life rather than a longing to expand your own family.

YOU CAN MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PARENTS & BABY

Many surrogates and intended parents maintain their connection even after the baby is delivered. Surrogates and parents will have discussed the level of communication and relationship after the baby’s birth, and you may have the opportunity to see the baby again either in person or through photos and updates shared by the intended parents. The ongoing relationship reinforces the collaborative and supportive nature of the surrogacy journey, providing you with a sense of fulfillment and closure.

YOU ARE SCREENED TO ENSURE YOU'RE EMOTIONALLY READY

Before embarking on the surrogacy journey, you undergo a thorough screening process to ensure you are prepared for the experience, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Surrogacy agencies work with medical professionals to evaluate your psychological well-being and assess your ability and capacity to maintain appropriate boundaries throughout the pregnancy and beyond. These screenings help identify any potential attachment challenges and ensure that you  are equipped to navigate the emotional complexities of surrogacy with compassion and professionalism. 

While concerns about your emotional attachment to the baby are natural, the reality is that as a surrogate, you are able to maintain a healthy emotional distance from the baby. You are motivated to help others on their journey to parenthood. You approach your surrogacy journey with a sense of purpose and altruism. By debunking the myth of attachment, there is a better understanding and appreciation for the selflessness and compassion of surrogates who play a vital role in building and growing families.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a surrogate, you can fill out an application or contact us online for questions or more information.

Human pregnancies are counted in weeks, with 40 weeks being considered full term. Many people don’t realize that when using IVF, you don’t begin counting those 40 weeks on the day you transfer the embryo into your uterus. Gestation is determined by the age of the egg as opposed to the time spent carrying it. In this way, you are transferring an embryo into your uterus that already has an age assigned to it. 

In a traditional pregnancy, gestational age begins accumulating on the last day of your menstrual period. By the time conception occurs, the gestational age is already somewhere around two weeks. Therefore, gestational age in IVF, and by virtue in surrogacy, begins accumulating well before transfer.  

HOW OLD IS AN EMBRYO WHEN IMPLANTED WITH IVF?

The nature of IVF allows for more specific date stamping. In these instances, the exact date of ovulation, fertilization, and conception are known. This adds up to a clearer picture of gestational age. Here are 2 examples:

• Transferring a 3-day embryo will leave you 2 weeks and 3 days pregnant as you leave the office. 

• A 5-day embryo is equivalent to a gestational age of 2 weeks and 5 days. 

At the close of the 2-week wait between transfer and beta pregnancy test, you could be up to 5 weeks pregnant, depending on the age of your embryo at transfer. (You can learn more about an embryo's development before and after transfer in our related blog post.)

WHEN IS MY DUE DATE WITH IVF?

Due dates for surrogates are determined based on the individual circumstances of the baby and mother. As you may have guessed, calculating your due date requires a slightly different approach when you've conceived via IVF compared to a spontaneous pregnancy. With IVF, the estimated date of your baby's arrival will be based on your embryo transfer date.

CALCULATING YOUR GESTATIONAL DUE DATE

Calculating gestational age and due date in IVF can be confusing. A number of terrific online calculators are available to help you get an accurate age and due date. More reliably, your case specialist or nurse should also be able to help you nail down a specific date and gestational age. 

DETERMINING IVF GESTATIONAL AGE & DUE DATE

An exact gestational age and estimated due date will be determined at the first ultrasound based on the size of the gestational sac and the fetus inside. Multiple pregnancies are more common in IVF. These pregnancies are often delivered before 40 weeks gestation.

Contact Growing Generations for more information.

Becoming an egg donor means donating your DNA in order to help create a family for someone else. This huge responsibility motivates us to ensure that our egg donors are genetically sound as well as physically healthy. This means our potential egg donors need to be tobacco free. Research has shown time and time again that using tobacco products can have an adverse effect on fertility. Specifically, studies have shown that female smokers will produce fewer follicles, fewer usable eggs, and fewer eggs capable of fertilization when stimulated for IVF treatments. There is also a link between miscarriage and tobacco users that could be the result of poor egg quality. That research, compounded with the negative effects of tobacco on the overall health of the user, serve as the basis for our tobacco free requirement. 

As part of our responsibility to our intended parents, we require our egg donors to pass a tobacco screening during their application process. Apart from helping to make you healthier, the absence of tobacco and other additives found in cigarettes will make your eggs a better quality as well. Within six months of stopping smoking your lungs will begin to repair themselves and your body will be free of nicotine and other harmful additives found in cigarettes. If you are a current smoker and wish to donate your eggs with us, we encourage you to look into stopping smoking. Once you have been tobacco free for a minimum of six months, we invite you to apply with us and move through the screening process. Do note that a failed tobacco screening will disqualify you from moving forward. 

If you are interested in becoming a donor with Growing Generations apply today.