EXPECT THE BEST WE ARE A PREMIUM-SERVICE SURROGACY AND EGG DONATION AGENCY. Our client experience is tailored to meet individual needs and preferences, accommodating the highest expectations and the most exacting details on the journey to parenthood. With every family we serve, we continue to build on nearly three decades of superior standards in quality, care and safety. GROWING YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE MEANS EXPECTING THE BEST. We have developed a highly personalized process that considers preferences, expectations and personalities when pairing intended parents and surrogates. We are one of the first agencies to serve gay and single men. We are early leaders in elevating donor profiles through videos, giving intended parents a true-to-life glimpse into potential matches. GENERATIONS IN THE MAKING WITH OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTION, OUR APPROACH IS FOUNDED ON A DEDICATION TO INNOVATION AND INDIVIDUALITY. AT EVERY LEVEL, WE PROVIDE THE HIGHEST CALIBER OF SERVICE TO MAKE OUR CLIENTS' VISION A REALITY, HOWEVER THEY MAY LOOK Dealing with fertility challenges or barriers to family-building as LGBTQ+ parents pursuing coupled or single parenthood, growing a family through surrogacy, egg donation or both, even helping men with HIV+ status become biological fathers. Whatever your journey, what matters to us is how supported you feel in the making – YOUR FAMILY, YOUR LEGACY, YOUR FUTURE Each year thousands of women apply to become surrogates. After an extensive application and review process, a small percentage go on to become surrogates with us. OVER 98% OF OUR CLIENTS CHOOSE TO WORK WITH THE FIRST GROWING GENERATIONS SURROGATE THEY MATCH WITH. In the rare case that a surrogate does not pass the medical screening, our Surrogate Match Guarantee will cover up to $5,000 of the surrogate’s screening expenses, plus we’ll provide another surrogate match free of any additional agency fees. This guarantees that intended parents can feel confident in finding the best match possible with us.

INDUCTION TYPES PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM If a labor induction is decided to be in the best interest of the surrogate, there are a few different options that you may consider. It’s also worth noting that some doctors or hospitals will have their own rules on inductions, some not allowing them prior to thirty-nine weeks for any non-emergency situation. While most doctors will have a preferred method, understanding the different types of inductions can help you feel a bit more prepared to make a decision if a choice is offered. MEDICAL METHODS Pitocin Administration Perhaps the most common induction method is to administer a drug called oxytocin. This drug, more commonly referenced by the brand name Pitocin, is administered through IV and acts as a synthetic version of the hormone a woman’s body produces on its own during the onset of spontaneous labor. The amount of the drug can be adjusted until the optimum level is found to jump start contractions and force labor to begin. Membrane Rupture Also referred to as “breaking the water”, this method is generally only performed on women who are already several centimeters dilated. The practitioner will use a plastic hook to rupture the amniotic sack and spill the fluid. This process is done in the labor and delivery unit, as most doctors require a birth within twenty four hours of membrane rupture to lower the risk of infection. If the rupture alone does not jump start labor, the doctor may begin administering Pitocin as well. Foley Catheter In this method the doctor will use a small catheter to insert an uninflated balloon into the cervix. The doctor will then slowly begin to fill the balloon with water over the course of the next several hours. This will put weight and pressure on the top of the cervix, usually forcing it to slowly ripen and open. At this point, the body will begin to produce labor hormones on its own. As the cervix continues to ripen and open, the balloon will fall out, signaling that labor has begun. This method can be generally be completed without the use of synthetic hormones. Membrane Sweep Many doctors will choose to do a membrane sweep in the days leading up to or just past the assigned due date. This process, also called “stripping” the membranes, is completed in the doctor’s office during a normal visit. During the regular cervical check, the doctor will run their finger around the opening of the cervix, separating the amniotic sack from the bottom of the uterus. While not guaranteed to result in labor, the process can cause the body to release prostaglandins and jump start labor within a matter of days. Natural Methods Some surrogates and intended parents choose to try to stimulate labor through more natural home methods before choosing a medical intervention method. Common practices include nipple stimulation, consumption of castor oil, or sexual intercourse. None of these methods have been found to be scientifically effective. Risks Induction of labor is generally a safe practice. In most cases, a doctor will only proceed with an induction if they believe that the risks of remaining pregnant outweigh the risks associated with an induction. Even so, you should always ask your doctor about potential risks before moving forward with any induction process. Who Shouldn’t Induce Understand that there are instances in which no induction should be attempted due to increased risks. A diagnosis of placenta previa, a baby in breech or transverse position, multiples, and presence of genital herpes are occasions in which an induction is not recommended. Your doctor will know your individual medical needs and will be able to make the best recommendation on induction and safe methods.

SURROGATE REQUIREMENTS: 4 THINGS THAT CAN DELAY YOUR SURROGACY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Making the choice to become a surrogate can take a lot of time and thought. We know that by the time you make that choice you’re probably ready to move forward quickly. You should note that there are several surrogate requirements that can cause us to have to press pause on your journey. Here are a few of the most common circumstances. BREASTFEEDING AND SURROGACY We encourage you to take your time nursing your child, and enjoy those very special moments. However, potential surrogates are not able to progress through screening while currently breastfeeding. We will be here for you when you’re done breastfeeding. MEDICATIONS AND SCREENING From time to time, certain medications can cause a delay in your screening . Most commonly we see women who are on implanted birth control methods having to delay their screening process. In some cases we need to wait for a set amount of time once you’re off the medications before we can proceed. SURROGATE HAS PENDING COURT PROCEEDINGS In some instances, we are unable to move forward with screening a potential surrogate due to open court proceedings. We will need all proceedings to be closed and final before moving forward. This is to ensure that you are in a stable legal position before you begin to carry a child for someone else. Surrogacy can have legal implications of its own. FRESH TATTOOS It’s OK to have tattoos and be a surrogate. but fresh ink can cause a delay in your journey. If you’ve had a tattoo within the past 3 months, we’ll need you to wait until that ink is at least 90 days old before we can move forward. This is for your health , as well as the health of the child you’ll be carrying. Occasionally there are other circumstances that may cause a delay in your journey as well. It is important to us that you are in a stable place in all areas of your life before we get started. Following these guidelines will allow you to have the best overall experience. If you're considering becoming a surrogate, we're happy to guide you through this process. Contact us online or complete an application to get started.

EGG DONATION PROGRAM STARTING YOUR FAMILY WITH AN EGG DONOR When finding and selecting an egg donor, you don’t want just anyone, you want the right one. Growing Generation is here to make your search and choice easier. We’ll guide you every step of the way to help you find the right egg donor match and tell you what to expect at every phase of this exciting journey. THE 5 STAGES OF YOUR JOUNEY 1. CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT Your search account provides exclusive access to a database of egg donors. You can view and save donor profiles as well as receive new donor notifications. We make it easy to search for specific qualities like hair color, eye color, height, location, and ethnic background. You can search on your own or work with one of our experienced matching specialists to customize your search. 2. REVIEW EGG DONOR PROFILE Each egg donor profile consists of the donor’s education, health and reproductive history, and family and genetic history. Learn more about each donor’s personality through photos, personal essay questions, and short videos 5. CONFIRM YOUR MATCH After you confirm your egg donor selection, our team will send the donor’s records to your IVF clinic for your physician’s review and approval. We’ll also reach out to the donor to confirm her upcoming availability for the donation. If your doctor approves and you’re ready to proceed, we’ll send you an agreement and an estimate of the costs. Once your signed agreement and funds are received, we’ll confirm your donor match and begin the donation process which includes your donor’s medical and psychological screenings, legal contract, and IVF cycle. 4. CHOOSE AN EGG DONOR When you find the perfect egg donor, simply click the “Reserve this Donor” button on their profile, and your donor will be placed on hold. Our team will be notified of your choice and will contact you to discuss your selection. Egg donors are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. 3. CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS As you search for an egg donor, we’re here to help. Our team can assist with how to best adjust the filters in your search. We can also let you know about egg donors that match your preferences who are coming out of cycle or about to be added to the database. When you have a question, simply contact us at findmydonor@growinggenerations.com. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIND AN EGG DONOR Finding the right egg donor is not something that is a personal experience for every family. Among the 1,000+ parents we’ve matched, every family’s journey has been different. Once you select a profile from the database, our team will contact the egg donor to confirm her availability and send your IVF physician her records. At the same time, we’ll begin the steps to confirm your match, including creating a customized cost estimate and retainer agreement for you to review and pay within five business days of receipt. EGG DONATION PROGRAM ONCE YOUR AGREEMENT WITH YOUR EGG DONOR IS FINAL, THE EGG RETRIEVAL CAN HAPPEN WITHIN TWO TO FIVE MONTHS. FIND A DONOR EGG DONOR SELECTION PROCESS Growing Generations makes the process of selecting your egg donor seamless. Your first step will be to sign up for a free account to begin browsing our egg donor profiles online. Once you’ve found an egg donor, leave it to Growing Generations to make sure schedules align and match your timeline to continue with the egg donation cycle. When choosing an egg donor, we recommend you consider: LOCATION While most donors can travel to your clinic, selecting an egg donor who resides closer to your IVF clinic can be economically beneficial. MEDICAL HISTORY Understanding an egg donor’s health history will provide you with insight into the future health of your child. If you select a donor who has previously donated her eggs, her medical records will be sent to your IVF physician for their review and approval. PERSONAL While some intended parents look for egg donors with specific characteristics or physical appearances, others want to feel a connection to the donor. That connection could be shared hobbies or interests. Perhaps the donor has personality traits like yours, or the donor bears a family resemblance. The connection is different for everyone.

ATTY. ELISEO AREBALOS ANSWERS LEGAL QUESTIONS ON SURROGACY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Atty. Eliseo Arebalos, Chief Legal Analyst and the Chief Operating Officer of International Reproductive Law Group, answers some of the most asked legal questions in surrogacy. He also works as a member of the Policy Advisory Committee of Family Equality Council, driving legislative change in the state and federal level on various family-building related topics which includes surrogacy and egg donation. During this conversation, our legal expert answers the following questions. WHAT LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN VETTING A SURROGACY AGENCY? The agency’s depth and experience are factors to consider, as is where the agency is located. Some states require the agency to be licensed in their home state. If that is the case, you may want to ask if the agency is licensed with the appropriate state government agency, compliant with the relevant state’s laws, and whether any complaints were filed. Additionally, you may want to ask whether the other professionals involved in your surrogacy journey (e.g., IVF clinic and law firm) are independent third parties. CAN A SURROGATE DECIDE TO KEEP A BABY? The answer is generally no; however, it’s important for your legal counsel to confirm the surrogate you will potentially be paired with is a legally viable match given the particulars of your journey. Your counsel should also be able to call out any legal risks or oddities. WHAT IS A SURROGATE CONTRACT? The surrogate contract seeks to memorialize the terms previously agreed to between you and the surrogate. Some of these terms will include the number of embryos to be transferred, vaccine requirements, reduction/abortion decisions, compensation, the law of the state that will govern the surrogate contract, etc. WHAT LAWS SHOULD ONE WATCH OUT FOR WHEN PLANNING FOR SURROGACY? There are a number of factors to consider – marital status, whether you are a same-sex couple or a heterosexual couple, citizenships that you may hold that you would like to pass on to your child, where the IVF physician is located, the state (and county in some cases) where the surrogate is located, and genetic connections. This is an individualized process, and the legal component is just as individualized. WHAT ARE SOME LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE STARTING A FAMILY THROUGH SURROGACY? Surrogacy statutes and case law generally address traditional family structures (i.e., a man and woman using their own genetics). The suggested approach is that you consult with your legal counsel at the beginning of your surrogacy journey so that you understand how the particulars of your case may impact the states that are viable for you from a legal perspective. HOW DO I PROTECT MY PARENTAL RIGHTS AND HAVE MY NAME PLACED ON THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE? The suggested approach is that you consult with your legal counsel regarding a potential surrogate match so that you understand how the particulars of your case may impact the states that are viable for you from a legal perspective. WHAT LAWS PROTECT FAMILIES BUILT ON SURROGACY? Approximately twenty states have statutes governing surrogacy arrangements, including determination of parentage. Twenty-six states have case law holding that surrogacy contracts are enforceable (i.e., determining parentage is based on the discretion of the court where the surrogate delivers). DOES THE SURROGACY AGENCY PROVIDE LEGAL RESOURCES OR CAN INTENDED PARENTS CHOOSE THEIR OWN LEGAL SERVICES? WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING YOUR OWN LEGAL SERVICE FOR SURROGACY? It is more common for legal resources to be provided by a third party. It is quite common for agencies to suggest intended parents work with a particular law firm, as that firm is familiar with the surrogacy agency’s program. That said, intended parents are free to choose their own legal service provider. Should intended parents choose another legal service provider, that legal service provider should be well-versed in this area of law. HOW ARE FUTURE CONTACTS WITH EGG DONORS OR SURROGATES NEGOTIATED? From a donor perspective, the contract will generally specify what, if any, future contact will be had. The contact may continue to be via a third-party intermediary, such as Donor Sibling Registry, or it may be direct contact. From a surrogate perspective, the contract will generally contemplate that you and the surrogate will have direct contact until such time as one side or the other decides otherwise. In any event, the surrogate will generally not be allowed to have direct contact with the child without your consent. WHAT ARE SOME LEGAL LOOPHOLES INTENDED PARENTS, ESPECIALLY SAME SEX PARENTS, HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR? Your marital status could be impactful, as could be where you reside, where the embryo transfer will take place, if there is potential to move to another state, and the genetic connections (if any) exist. The surrogacy journey will be customized to the specifics of your case. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all all approach in surrogacy. This is your journey, and it will be customized to meet all your needs. ARE THERE QUESTIONS YOU GET ASKED THAT WE HAVE NOT DISCUSSED? The most frequent question is whether a surrogate wants to keep the baby, and the answer is no; surrogates have their own families and lives. Surrogates want to assist you in creating your family, not to add to their own. Your surrogacy journey will be based on trust and the more you trust the process, surrogate, and the agency, the easier your journey will be.

INTENDED PARENTS: WHAT TO PACK FOR DELIVERY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Packing your bag for the hospital can be just as stressful for intended parents as it can be for surrogates. In many cases, this is the intended parent’s first trip to the hospital for childbirth. It is important to feel comfortable and prepared on your big day, but packing your hospital bag can leave you feeling a bit perplexed over what items are most important to take. It may make things easier if you break your packing down into two subgroups: labor & delivery, and recovery. Labor & Delivery: Paperwork: While it is generally the surrogate’s responsibility to bring all of her medical and legal paperwork with her to the hospital, she may be incredibly distracted during labor and forget to grab it. For this reason, it is often a good idea to have copies of your birth plan, parentage order, and surrogacy agreement (contract) packed in your bag. While most hospitals will not ask to see these documents, knowing that you have them at your fingertips can provide you a great deal of peace. Entertainment: This part of the process can be very quick, or incredibly slow. It is impossible to predict how much time you will spend waiting for delivery. For this reason, you may want to pack items that will help you pass the time. Many intended parents pack a book, a laptop for movie viewing or work, a small craft project, or crossword puzzle. Also, if your surrogate is OK with being photographed or filmed, make sure to pack a camera as well. Snacks: Because the labor & delivery timeframe is so uncertain, it might be a good idea to pack snacks in your bag so that you don’t have to step away. However, if you’re in the laboring room with your surrogate, do consider asking her permission before enjoying a snack. Laboring women can be extremely sensitive to smells, and they are not permitted to eat during the labor process. Asking permission is a courtesy that will be very appreciated. Attire: Skin-to-skin contact is becoming a more regularly encouraged practice in the moments to hours following delivery of your child. Science shows that it can help the child regulate both temperature and breathing patterns while also allowing you some immediate bonding. For this reason, we encourage you to wear, or pack, a front-buttoning shirt and perhaps a blanket for modesty. This allows you to expose your chest for those first cuddles as quickly as possible. Recovery: Most hospitals require at least a 24-hour stay for your child following the birth. Do note that, because this is a surrogacy arrangement, your surrogate may be discharged before or after your child. This is completely normal and is no cause for concern. Comfort Items: Growing Generations will work with your delivering hospital as closely as possible to try and secure separate recovery rooms for your surrogate and yourself. This not only allows you the ability to bond with the baby more closely, it allows her peace and quiet so she can rest. However, in the event that the hospital is crowded or this is not possible, you should plan on bringing items with you that could make you more comfortable with sharing a recovery room with your surrogate. Slippers, pillows, socks, and comfortable clothing will help. Toiletries: In most cases, you will need to stay at least one additional night in the hospital. For this reason, it is important to pack your overnight toiletries. Items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens solution, and glasses will help make your stay a comfortable one. Camera: Finally, don’t forget to pack your camera! You’ve waited a long time for this moment, and it’s one you’re going to want to remember! Enjoy your first few days with your new baby and don’t forget to take a lot of pictures!

ARE YOU BORN WITH ALL YOUR EGGS? PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM If you're considering becoming an egg donor , you may be wondering about the number of eggs needed for donation. Are you born with all your eggs, or does your body make more eggs over your lifetime? HOW MANY EGGS ARE IN YOUR OVARIES? Conventional science has taught us for years that women are born with all of the ovary eggs they will ever have. The theory has been that a woman is born with one to two million immature eggs at birth, and will slowly begin losing them over the course of her lifetime. Many of those eggs will be lost before puberty sets in through a natural process called ovarian follicle atresia, leaving a woman with around 300,000 eggs at the time of puberty. Of those eggs left at puberty, it is estimated that a woman may lose as many as a thousand eggs per month over her fertile years. Of the roughly 400 follicles that will reach ovulation over the course of a woman’s fertility, a woman can expect 20 follicles to mature each month with just one egg being released. DOES THE QUALITY OF EGGS IN YOUR OVARIES DECREASE OVER TIME? Science goes on to tell us that only the best quality eggs will be released and that, over time, the overall quality of these eggs begins to diminish as menopause approaches. This is commonly believed to be the reason women of an advanced maternal age may have difficulty achieving pregnancy with their own eggs. DO OVARIES PRODUCE EGGS AS YOU AGE? New studies are beginning to suggest that a woman may, in fact, be able to produce new eggs in her lifetime. The theory is based around the existence of stem cells found within the ovaries. This theory stems from a finding back in 2004, when researchers encountered germ cells called oogonial stem cells in the ovaries of female mice. In 2012, a study conducted by scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Edinburgh and published in PLOS Genetics found the same stem cells inside of a human female’s ovaries. These cells are capable of dividing and generating new oocytes which then become new eggs. Advanced medical tools allow scientists to see how many times a cell has divided over its lifetime, and if conventional science stands true, all human eggs would have the same number of divisions, as all eggs should be present at birth. However, scientists have found that some of these cells have many more divisions which suggests that new eggs were forming over a woman’s lifetime. While the research is still in its infancy and has only been conducted on mice at this point, it suggests that fertility and egg development may continue long after birth. Whether or not your body produces more eggs, only 10 to 20 eggs are donated during egg retrieval . Donors usually have ample eggs to donate and use for their own family building. Learn more about what to expect during your egg donation journey on our Egg Donation Process page. GET STARTED If you're considering becoming an egg donor, but you haven't taken that next step, we're here to help. To learn more about becoming an egg donor with Growing Generations contact us online or apply today .

PREPARING FOR EMBRYO TRANSFER: CAN AN EMBRYO FALL OUT AFTER TRANSFER? PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Embryos are tiny, delicate things. Preparing for the embryo transfer process is often treated with great caution. These two things, when considered together, often cause surrogates to be quite concerned about how to best protect the embryo they’ve just been entrusted with carrying. Many surrogates, and occasionally their intended parents, may raise questions: How secure is the embryo once placed in the uterus? Is it possible for the embryo to “fall out” after it has been transferred? IF I'M ON BED REST AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER, DOES THAT MEAN THE EMBRYO CAN FALL OUT? The overwhelming fear is that walking, jumping, or even urinating could cause the embryo to simply slip out of the uterus. Doctors often prescribe bed rest following the transfer to allow the embryo time to “get settled” and implant, so it makes sense that undue movement could cause the embryo to become dislodged and slip out, right? Rest assured that this is highly unlikely. The idea has merit, in theory, but it is not plausible in reality. The uterus is a muscular organ. This means that it stays contracted and tight in its natural state. While the area inside of the uterus is called a “cavity,” it is not a literal empty space. The transferred embryo does not have open space in which to move freely or roll around. WHY EMBRYOS DON'T FALL OUT Your body is prepared well for the embryo transfer with IVF medications. Nearly all IVF doctors will require your uterine lining to be thick enough for the walls to touch in the middle before proceeding with a transfer. This creates an environment in which the thick, sticky endometrial lining leaves no empty space. When the embryo is placed between the uterine walls and the muscle contracts, it will create a secure place for the embryo to bury itself deep within that thick lining and begin to grow. Visualize placing a poppy seed in the crease of your elbow and then folding your arm shut tightly by using your muscle. Now wiggle that arm as hard as you can. No matter how hard you try, that poppy seed will not fly out. An implanted embryo inside of a flexed uterus is much the same. No reasonable external physical activity—be it jumping, rolling over in bed, walking, or running—can cause a healthy receptive embryo to become dislodged once it has implanted into the endometrial lining. The bed rest period is meant to help you relax and encourage the embryo to implant and bury itself within the endometrial lining. While you should always follow doctor’s orders regarding bed rest, do not be afraid to get out of bed to use the restroom or stretch your legs. If you have questions about what activities are approved, both during bed rest and once you’re cleared to return to daily life, do not be afraid to ask your nurse or doctor. Please contact Growing Generations for more information about being a surrogate in our program.

VIP & CELEBRITY SURROGACY: WHAT SURROGATES SHOULD KNOW PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM When a surrogate learns she is being considered to carry for a VIP client, she generally has a lot of questions. More often than not, she also may have a few assumptions about these potential intended parents. Considering VIP or celebrity surrogacy can be exciting and challenging, and we're here to provide helpful information about what to expect. WHO ARE VIP INTENDED PARENTS? Perhaps the most common first thought is, “Is it someone famous?” While it can be true that you are about to be asked to carry for a celebrity, it could also be the case that the profile you’re about to receive is that of an everyday person. Not all VIP profiles are of celebrities, and not all famous intended parents will wind up as VIP clients. The one thing that all VIP cases have in common is that they are all a bit outside of the box. Every VIP is different and has different requirements. HOW TO BE A SURROGATE FOR A VIP OR CELEBRITY Be open to additional privacy concerns. In general, a VIP client will be one with needs that fall beyond standard protocol. These clients are often leaders in their fields. While you may not recognize their faces, others in their industries would. To protect their privacy, they’re often seeking additional confidentiality requirements in their surrogacy agreement. Desired constraints of VIP clients can range from very strict to nonexistent. Some VIP clients will request that no photos be taken and that no names or identifying information be shared with anyone (sometimes including your own family members). Be prepared for a different birth experience. Many clients from Asia, specifically China, will seek out a VIP relationship and journey. In these situations they may ask a Client Service Coordinator to attend the birth in order to translate between the intended parents and the surrogate. Expect less personal information. Finally, if you choose to consider a VIP client, know that you may not receive a traditional profile of the couple . These clients are not required to fill out our typical intake profile. In place of the traditional questionnaire with photos, you may receive a simple letter from the IPs instead. This letter is like a profile, containing a few photos of the intended parents and introducing you to their lives in their own words. Be prepared for additional, specific surrogate requirements . Many VIP clients seek a surrogate with a clean pregnancy history, a low BMI, healthy lifestyle, and a clean personal, legal, and medical background. Often these clients are looking for women who have college degrees, are established in their fields, or are active in their communities. Carrying for a VIP couple can be challenging, but it can also be exciting. If you have additional questions about what it means to carry for a VIP client, do not hesitate to reach out to your Admissions Specialist at any time. If you or someone you know is considering becoming a surrogate, use our online application to get started.

WHEN YOUR SURROGATE BABY IS IN THE NICU: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM When your surrogacy journey ends with an extended hospital stay it can feel overwhelming and emotionally draining. This may be a challenging way to enter into your parenthood journey, but parenthood is rarely a smooth experience. We have faith that you can navigate this first hurdle. Here’s a look at what to expect if your surrogate-born baby must stay in the NICU, and how we can help you during this time. WHAT YOU'RE FEELING You may be feeling a whirlwind of emotions, including fear or anxiety if your new child needs time in the NICU. You could be feeling stress about the financial implications of extended hospital care for your child or your surrogate or feeling confused about what is expected of you and who to talk to when it comes to managing expenses. All of this is likely happening in a city you're not familiar with while your normal life goes on back home. It’s a lot to manage at once--we understand. Whatever you’re feeling is normal, and your mental health specialist is available to talk with you about your emotions and how to manage them if you’d like. WHAT'S EXPECTED OF YOU If your surrogate needs to be hospitalized for an extended period of time, be it before or after the delivery, you will be responsible for any additional medical expenses that occur as the result of the pregnancy or birth. Additionally, you will be responsible for additional lost wages, child care, and housekeeping expenses that may arise as a result of an extended hospital stay. If your surrogate is going to express breast milk for your use, you will be responsible for the costs of a breast pump, nursing supplies, and compensation for your surrogate. These expenses are outlined in your contract with your surrogate. HOW TO BALANCE IT ALL You’re likely going to spend a fair amount of time in a city that you aren’t familiar with. The best thing to do is look into long-term housing options. We recommend looking into furnished apartments with a kitchen. Not only are they far more affordable than hotels, they’ll also give you a “home base” and sense of comfort in the days or weeks to come. If you know that you’ll need to be in your surrogate’s hometown for an extended period following the birth, it can be advantageous to look into this sort of lodging in advance of the delivery. This is prudent especially in the instance of multiples. Next up, it is in your best interest to identify your hospital social worker and establish a good rapport with this person. Growing Generations will not be with you at the hospital, and the hospital social worker is your best link for on-site support and guidance. It is likely that you will meet this person during your 20-week hospital tour. Finally, consider allowing your surrogate time with your new child. Quite often, surrogates feel as though they’ve failed in their mission to carry a child for you if the child needs to spend time in the NICU. She may also be jarred from a premature end to her surrogate journey. Allowing your surrogate time with the child that she carried for you is a kindness that will help with her emotional and physical recovery. Growing Generations is here to support you as you welcome your baby into your family, however that occurs. If you're considering surrogacy agencies for your own journey, please reach out to us online or call us at 323.965.7500. Our team is known for our white-glove attention to detail and compassionate, knowledgeable support for intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors.