LABOR & DELIVERY TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM The labor and delivery process is the most emotional, nerve wracking, exciting, overwhelming and, more than anything, confusing day of your journey as an intended parent . After all, your entire life is about to change forever! Here’s a look at a few of the labor and deliver terms and abbreviations that you may hear flying around during the hours that lead up to the birth of your child. SHOW Also referred to as the “bloody show” is when the softened cervix begins to open, thus rupturing tiny blood vessels and leading to blood tinged mucus. This is also known as the mucus plug. This is usually indicative on the onset of early labor. DILATION A term used to measure the opening of the cervix. Through the process of labor the cervix will go from 1cm (the size of a Cheerio) to 10cm (The size of a sliced bagel). EFFACEMENT A term used to measure the softness of the cervix. Usually measured in percentage from 10-100% effaced. EPIDURAL A popular form of pain management used in childbirth. A form of regional anesthesia, an epidural is administered through a small tube inserted into the back. The goal is to decrease sensation in the lower half of the body by blocking nerve impulses. More than 50% of laboring women will request this form of pain management. STATION This refers to how far into the birth canal your baby’s head is located. The scale ranges from a -5 to a +5. Generally speaking, a -5 station is a baby that is not engaged at all, and a +5 station very engaged and preparing for delivery. MECONIUM The fetal waste that accumulates in a baby’s intestine during gestation. It is expelled during or shortly after birth and is greenish in color. If it is present at the time of birth members from the NICU may be called in for observation. NICU Short for neonatal intensive care unit. This is a hospital inside of the hospital for babies born either very premature or with serious health conditions. You can learn more about what to expect if your baby needs to stay in the NICU in our related blog post . BREECH The term given to the position of the baby when the buttocks or the feet are positioned to exit the vagina before the head. EPISIOTOMY The procedure of cutting the thin skin (the perineum) between the vagina and the anus. The doctor may perform this procedure in the final stages of labor in order to enlarge the vaginal opening in preparation for delivery. This can help prevent excessive tearing. Learn more about Growing Generations and building your family with surrogacy on our Surrogacy Program page. If you're ready to get started, complete your intended parent application .

D&C VS NATURAL MISCARRIAGE PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM From time to time, a transferred embryo will implant but fail to lead to a viable pregnancy. Generally, only 10-20% of pregnancies confirmed by either blood test or ultrasound are statistically likely to end in miscarriage. This is likely a very emotional time for both you and your intended parents , but you will need to make the decision on how you will clear your uterus of the placenta and tissue formed during early pregnancy. In most cases of an early miscarriage or blighted ovum, you will be presented with a few options. The most common options include either a natural miscarriage or a medical dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure. Weighing the benefits of a D&C vs a natural miscarriage is important. Here’s a look at how they differ. NATURAL MISCARRIAGE Choosing a natural miscarriage will allow your body to dispel the tissue on its own and without medical intervention. This process will begin naturally, usually within a week of stopping your medications. A natural miscarriage is completed at home and generally includes period-like cramping, some of which may be severe, and bleeding. Once you pass the tissue, you will see a doctor to monitor your hormone levels as they naturally lower to a non-pregnancy level. The doctor will also monitor your bleeding levels to ensure that your body dispelled all of the internal tissue appropriately. In the instance that this does not happen or you experience excessive bleeding, you may need to undergo a D&C procedure to complete the clearing of the uterus. Many women choose this natural method as a way to have closure of the end of an intended pregnancy. D&C PROCEDURE FOR MISCARRIAGE Occasionally, depending on how many weeks into the pregnancy you were when the fetus stopped growing, you will not have the option of a natural miscarriage. If you choose to have a D&C procedure or it is medically recommended, you will generally be scheduled very quickly after stopping your medications. The procedure is done by a medical professional either in their office, or in some cases, in the outpatient surgery center of your local hospital. While the procedure is medically coded as minor surgery, it is very common and routine for most OB-GYNs. Patients are usually put under general anesthesia so that they will comfortably sleep through the procedure. PROCEDURE DETAILS The procedure consists of your doctor using a device to dilate your cervical opening, and then using a sharp instrument, such as a scalpel, or suction to clean out the tissue inside your uterus. The entire process takes under a half-hour, and you will be discharged roughly 2 hours following the procedure. RECOVERY Typical recovery can include light cramping and bleeding, and you’ll generally follow up with your doctor 2 weeks after the procedure. Learn what to expect with your first menstrual cycle after a D&C procedure in our related blog post . RISKS You should note that this procedure does carry potential risks , including scarring of the uterus that may make future pregnancies more difficult. Even so, many women elect to complete a D&C to provide quicker closure and swifter recovery. You will be compensated if you choose to have this invasive procedure. Choosing the best method for you involves many variables. While this is a personal choice, your case specialist, medical nurse, and physician are always ready and willing to help you sort through the decision-making process. Feel free to contact Growing Generations .

9 REASONS TO BECOME A SURROGATE PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM The reasons a woman chooses to become a surrogate can be endless. Chances are, if you’re considering making this life changing choice, you’ve already compiled a list of reasons and benefits. Even so, here are nine more benefits to consider; one for each month you’ll be carrying a child. 1. Giving Life. Surrogates are given the chance to give a gift that no one else can. Intended parents turn to surrogacy because they need help conceiving a child. You’ll be chosen to help that couple become a family. You’re the one person who can turn an only child into a brother or a sister. It’s a selfless gift unlike any other, and the sense of accomplishment is a benefit all its own. 2. Financial. Yes, you get paid. While our surrogates agree that financial compensation is not the only reason they choose to become a surrogate, it is indeed a benefit worthy of consideration. Many women use the compensation to put a down payment on a new house, buy a new car, send themselves back to school, or pay off college loans. Others use the funds as the nest egg that allows them to open their own business or even stop working in order to stay at home with their own children. 3. One More Time. Our surrogates tell us they love being pregnant. If you’re like them, you had uncomplicated pregnancies and loved every minute. Even so, your own family might be complete. Becoming a surrogate gives you the benefit of being pregnant one more time. 4. Be a Role Model. Choosing to be a surrogate makes you a stand out figure, not only in your home but also in your community. Earning the respect of your own children and of your peers is indeed a benefit. 5. Global Perspective. Becoming a surrogate will open eyes, both your own and those of people around you. Choosing to walk this road will give you the benefit of perspective. The ability to see life from walks of life very different to your own can be humbling and empowering at the same time. 6. Self Confidence. On delivery day, in the 12th hour, when you hurt and when you just want to go to sleep, something amazing happens. You give birth to a child with no relation to you. You make a family. You change the world. In this moment, your self-confidence soars to heights you never knew possible. You swell with pride and receive a benefit you cannot comprehend until you’ve lived it. 7. A Different Kind of Family. Many intended parents seek to have an emotional bond with their surrogate. Quite a few surrogates report having long lasting bonds with the families they help create. Think of it as an extended family that you get to choose. 8. Health Care. During our surrogate application process and beyond, you receive access to valuable healthcare screenings at no cost to you. In addition, all of your pregnancy care will be covered either through a surrogacy-specific plan or by your own current health care plan. 9. Community. Becoming a Growing Generations surrogate gives you a VIP pass to join the ranks of many other like-minded women. You’ll be given the opportunity to connect with other past and present surrogates through your journey. It starts as a support group, and quickly turns into a group of sisters you’ve never met. Whatever reasons you have that have brought you to consider becoming a surrogate, know that you’re already an extraordinary woman. We look forward to having you complete our online initial application and speaking with you about the many tangible and intangible benefits of choosing to become a surrogate.

PRIVACY POLICY Last Updated: August 2023 ​ North Star Fertility Partners, LLC (“we”, “us” and “our”) values your privacy. This Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) applies to all websites, mobile applications, social media pages, and other technologies we own and/or operate, including in connection with our third-party partners (collectively, the “Sites”) and to the services we provide (the “Services”). The purpose of this Privacy Policy is to provide you with information concerning how we collect, use, maintain, and share your personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws. All personal information is collected by or on behalf of the controller: North Star Fertility Partners, LLC 175 Federal Street, Suite 725 Boston, MA 02110 You can find a printable version of this Privacy Policy by clicking here .[1] ​ Information We Collect and Process ​ We may collect one or more of the following categories of personal information about our visitors to our Sites and individuals who use or may use our Services in the future. We collect this personal information when these individuals (i) visit or interact with our Sites; (ii) request additional information about our Services, including through our chat features, forms and applications on the Sites; (iii) register for our Services or contact us; (iv) visit one of our facilities; or (v) otherwise interact with us. ​ [1]Note to North Star: Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), this Privacy Policy will need to be available in PDF format for printing purposes. Please update with a link to the PDF here. Category of Personal Information Collected Category of Personal Information Collected Types of Personal Information Category of Personal Information Collected Source of Personal Information Category of Personal Information Collected Business Purpose for Collection of Personal Information Identifiers Name, Alias, Postal Address, Unique Personal Identifiers, Online Identifiers, IP Address, Email Address, Account Name, SSN, Driver’s License Number, Passport Number, Signature, Physical Characteristics or Description, Telephone Number, Education, Employment, Employment History, Bank Account Number, Credit Card Number, Debit Card Number, Financial Information, Medical Information, Medical History, Family Medical History, Mental Health History, Family Mental Health, Criminal and Civil Background Checks, Employment and Education Verification. Health Insurance Information. Directly from the users of our Services members of their household over 18 or potential users, Cookies. 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Identification, Providing Services, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Category of Personal Information Collected Types of Personal Information Source of Personal Information Business Purpose for Collection of Personal Information Other Automatically Collected Information: When you visit our Sites, our servers automatically collect limited information about your computer when you visit our Sites, including via third party pixels and “cookies”. A “cookie” is a small text file that is recorded either temporarily or persistently on your hard drive that a website can use in order to recognize visitors and collect certain information to facilitate their ongoing access to and use of the website. This information may include the type of browser software you use, the operating system you are running, the IP address assigned to your computer or Internet connection, and the IP address of the website, if any, that referred you to our Sites. We use this information to understand how visitors navigate through our Sites, to enhance your experience while using our Sites, and to make the materials we post as valuable to visitors as possible. ​ Legal Bases for Processing: To the extent we rely on our legitimate interests as a legal basis for processing of your personal information, we have considered the balance between our own interests (among other things, the lawful and efficient operation of our Services) and your interests and we believe that (a) you would reasonably expect us to carry out the kind of processing referenced above and (b) such processing will not cause you any harm and/or will not seriously impact your rights and freedoms with regard to data privacy. You have the right to withdraw any consent given to us for the processing of your personal information. At times, we may also collect your personal information where we have your consent to do so or as otherwise necessary for the performance of a contract to which you are a party, and in order to take steps (at your request) to enter into such contract. We may also collect your personal information as necessary for us to comply with our legal obligations, including to protect your vital interests or those of another. ​ Use of Personal Information ​ We process your personal information as necessary for us: To provide our Services; To fulfill our legitimate interests, including to manage our business operations and optimize our media spend and service experience; To take steps to prevent, detect or investigate crime, fraud, misconduct or any unlawful action or omission; To comply with policies and procedures under applicable regulations, guidelines or notices as well as our own policies and procedures; To inform you of our Services and relevant news; and For other purposes with notice to you and with your consent where necessary. ​ Disclosures of Personal Information ​ We do not sell your personal information. However, in order for us to provide our Services, we may share your personal information with the following categories of recipients: Service Providers, including those who work to enhance our Sites or Services, support our practice management software systems or other customer service-related Services, conduct due diligence, and protect the security of our systems and networks; Other Business Partners, including to provide our Services to you or to host events; Your medical providers, including those clinics and doctors who are involved in your care; Legal/Regulatory Authorities, including to respond to a subpoena or court order, judicial process, or regulatory inquiry; to defend against fraud, lawsuits, claims or other liabilities; and to prevent physical harm or financial loss in connection with any suspected or actual illegal activity. ​ Cross-Border Transfers ​ We may transfer your personal information to a jurisdiction other than the one from which we have collected your personal information, including to countries that may not have the same level of protections as the country where you are located. By using our Services and our Sites, you agree to the transfer of your personal information to other jurisdictions. ​ Retention of Personal Information ​ We will only retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, regulatory, accounting, or reporting requirements, unless otherwise permitted or required by law. ​ Security of Personal Information ​ The security of all personal information provided to us is important and we take reasonable steps designed to protect your personal information. We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information that we receive against accidental, unlawful, or unauthorized destruction, loss, alteration, access, disclosure or use. If you have created an account with us, you are responsible for keeping confidential any usernames and passwords you use to access our Services. Do not to share this password with anyone else and not to use this password for other services or products. If you have reason to believe that your personal information is no longer secure, please immediately contact us as set forth below in the “Contact Us” section. ​ Your Choices & Rights ​ Depending upon where you reside, certain choices and rights may be available to you under applicable data protection laws. If you have questions about what rights may apply to you, please contact us. ​ For California Residents: ​ Do Not Track: Our websites and apps are not designed to respond to "do not track" requests from browsers. ​ “Shine the Light” and “Eraser” Laws: Residents of the State of California may request a list of all third parties to which we have disclosed certain information during the preceding year for those third parties’ direct marketing purposes. ​ California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)/California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA): The CCPA, as amended by the CPRA, provides California residents and/or their authorized agents with specific rights regarding the collection and storage of their personal information. ​ Your Right to Know: California residents have the right to request that we disclose the following information to you about our collection and use of your personal information over the past twelve (12) months. We may ask you to provide certain information to identify yourself so that we may compare it with our records in order to verify your request. Upon verification, we will disclose to you: ​ The categories of personal information we have collected about you. The categories of sources for the personal information we have collected about you. The specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you. Our business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling your personal information. The categories of third parties to whom we have sold or shared your personal information, if any, and the categories of personal information that we have shared with each third-party recipient. ​ Your Right to Opt-Out of Sale or Sharing of Personal Information: Under the CCPA, as amended by the CPRA, California residents have the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information and/or the sharing of personal information with third parties for the purposes of cross-contextual behavioral advertising or profiling by submitting a request. Please note that we do not sell personal information, including the personal information of any individuals under the age of 16, nor do we share any personal information for the purposes of cross-contextual behavioral advertising. Your Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Personal Information: California residents have the right to request that we limit our use of any sensitive personal information to those uses, which are necessary to perform the Services or for other business purposes under the CCPA, as amended by the CPRA. ​ Your Right to Delete: California residents have the right to request that we delete any of the personal information collected from you and retained by us, subject to certain exceptions. We may ask you to provide certain information to identify yourself so that we may compare it with our records in order to verify your request. Once your request is verified and we have determined that we are required to delete the requested personal information in accordance with the CCPA, as amended by the CPRA, we will delete, and direct our third-party service provides to delete, your personal information from their records. Your request to delete personal information that we have collected may be denied if we conclude it is necessary for us to retain such personal information under one or more of the exceptions listed in the CCPA, as amended by the CPRA. Your Right to Correct: Under the CCPA, as amended by the CPRA, California residents have the right to request that we correct any inaccurate personal information we maintain about you, taking into account the nature of the personal information and the purposes for which we are processing such personal information. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to correct such inaccurate personal information about you. ​ Non-Discrimination: You will not receive any discriminatory treatment by us for the exercise of your privacy rights conferred by the CCPA, as amended by the CPRA. ​ For Individuals Located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom (UK) or Switzerland: ​ You have a number of rights under applicable data protection laws in relation to your personal information. Under certain circumstances, you have the right to: ​ Have access to your personal information by submitting a request to us; Have your personal information deleted; Have your personal information corrected if it if wrong; Have the processing of your personal information restricted; Object to further processing of your personal information, including to object to marketing from us; Make a data portability request; Withdraw any consent you have provided to us; Restrict any automatic processing of your personal information; and Complain to the appropriate Supervisory Authority. ​ Verifying Your Request: Only you, or a person that you authorize to act on your behalf, may make a request related to your personal information. In the case of access and deletion, your request must be verifiable before we can fulfill such request. Verifying your request will require you to provide sufficient information for us to reasonably verify that you are the person about whom we collected personal information or a person authorized to act on your behalf. We will only use the personal information that you have provided in a verifiable request in order to verify your request. We cannot respond to your request or provide you with personal information if we cannot verify your identity or authority. Please note that we may charge a reasonable fee or refuse to act on a request if such request is excessive, repetitive or manifestly unfounded. ​ Third-Party Links ​ We may provide links to other sites or resources provided by third parties. These links are provided for your convenience only. We have no control over the contents of those sites or resources, and accept no responsibility for them or for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of them. If you decide to access any of the third-party links on the Sites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms and conditions of those sites. ​ Children ​ We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 through our Sites. If you are under 13, please do not give us any personal information. We encourage parents and legal guardians to monitor their children’s internet usage and to help enforce our Privacy Policy by instructing their children never to provide us personal information. If you have reason to believe that a child under the age of 13 has provided personal information to us, please contact us, and we will endeavor to delete that personal information from our databases. ​ Changes to this Privacy Policy ​ This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date stated at the top of this Privacy Policy. We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time. By accessing and using the Sites after we notify you of such changes to this Privacy Policy, you are deemed to have accepted such changes. Please refer back to this Privacy Policy on a regular basis. ​ Contact Us ​ If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at 1-888-987-7577 or info@nsfertility.com ​ If you are located in the United Kingdom or European Economic Area (“EEA”) and believe we have not adequately resolved any issues, you may contact the Supervisory Authority concerned.

SKIN TO SKIN CONTACT AFTER BIRTH PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM There have been multiple studies in recent years highlighting the importance of immediate and continued skin-to-skin contact in newborns. Skin-to-Skin contact is your first opportunity to embrace your new child, and doctors say these first cuddles are as enjoyable as they are beneficial. Doctors note both physical and emotional benefits from the contact. Skin to skin contact is defined as placing a naked baby, not one wrapped in a blanket, to your bared chest. Most researchers recommend that this be done as soon as possibly following delivery. Many hospitals will now even clean the newborn and cut the cord while skin-to-skin contact is happening. Physically, the contact often allows the newborn to transition from fetal phase to newborn with less observed stress. The contact can equalize their temperature more quickly and with less effort as well as help the newborn manage respiratory transitions and glucose stability. Also, if you and your surrogte comfortable allowing her some skin-to-skin time, research shows that the newborn will be able to colonize the same bacteria as the surrogate. If a newborn is placed into an incubator, colonization will still occur, but it will differ from the bacteria present in the surrogate. Bacteria colonization is one of the key elements shown to reduce instances of allergic diseases forming. There are noted emotional benefits to skin-to-skin interaction as well. Often these newborns display less violent crying, suggesting that they are under less stress and anxiety during their first moments of life. As the days and weeks move forward, your newborn will learn to mirror your steady breathing during skin-to-skin contact, promoting calm and content behavior. Additionally, prolonged skin-to-skin interaction has been shown to lead to babies and toddlers with less separation anxiety and better self-regulation over time. Having a surrogate birth does not need to complicate your desires to engage in immediate and prolonged skin-to-skin contact following birth. However, it does mean you need to be more deliberate with your planning. If you plan to do skin to skin, make sure you wear clothing that enables ease of contact. Plan to wear (or pack) button up shirts, and intended mothers can also bring additional blankets or sweaters to provide any desired modesty. It is a good idea to share your plan with your nurse well in advance of the birth so that they can make plans and arrangements to encourage skin-to-skin interaction during the first moments of life. Things like not automatically swaddling the newborn after initial weighing & measuring and doing initial cleaning and cord cutting on the surrogate’s chest may be contrary to the hospital’s typical routine, but should not be considered impossible. Research notes the most benefits come from as much skin to skin contact as possible for the first hour, and then eventually the first 24 hours, as possible. Unless medical restrictions cause you to need to be separated, this is a great time to begin bonding with and cuddling your newborn.

COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY DURING SURROGACY: TOXEMIA VS. PREECLAMPSIA VS. HELLP SYNDROME PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Toxemia, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, & HELLP syndrome are all very serious diagnoses that can happen to a woman in pregnancy. In general, these conditions are all varying degrees of the same problem, centered around high blood pressure in pregnancy. While we hope that you’ll never be faced with any of these complications of pregnancy during your surrogacy journey , it is helpful to understand the differences of toxemia vs. preeclampsia and similar complications. TOXEMIA Toxemia is a condition that can occur both during and after pregnancy. In the most general of terms, toxemia means pregnancy-induced hypertension or high blood pressure. Occurring in roughly 7% of pregnant women, this condition can vary in severity. The condition can begin as early as when the placenta begins to form, affecting people who are pregnant for the first time more frequently than those who have previously experienced pregnancy. Symptoms include protein in the urine and bloating in the face, hands, or feet. With proper detection and an increase in rest, this condition can generally be controlled with little risk to the carrier or fetus. However, if left untreated, it can develop into pre-eclampsia. PRE-ECLAMPSIA This is a condition that exists only during pregnancy and is generally linked to gestational hypertension, protein in the urine, and increased swelling. The only cure is delivery of the fetus. The severity of the condition can be wide ranging. Treatment will vary based on the gestational age of the fetus and severity of the pre-eclampsia. In some cases, all that may be needed is bed rest and an increase in fluid intake. In other cases, an immediate delivery may be required. If not treated, pre-eclampsia can lead to eclampsia, renal failure, or death to the carrier. Risks to the fetus included diminished oxygen and food supply from the placenta, often resulting in low birth weight. While this condition can happen to any pregnant woman, it tends to affect women who are under 20, over 40, have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or who are carrying multiples more frequently. This condition is expected to appear in roughly 5% to 8% of all pregnancies. ECLAMPSIA Eclampsia has many of the same markers as pre-eclampsia and is generally recognized as the same disorder. However, eclampsia is the more serious of the two conditions. While many of the risks to the person who is pregnant and baby remain the same, eclampsia also carries the risk of seizures. When someone is diagnosed with eclampsia, it is best to deliver all babies as soon as possible, regardless of gestational age. Generally the baby will be delivered via Cesarean section once the surrogate’s medical condition has been stabilized. HELLP SYNDROME HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening condition believed by many to be a complication of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. It can pop up before and after childbirth. The condition gets its name from the common indications of its presentation: Hemolysis (red blood cell destruction) Elevated liver enzymes Low platelet count While some patients are already being monitored for an eclamptic condition, many others will not appear to be in distress, exhibiting only minor symptoms including increased heartburn, headache, and nausea/vomiting. HELLP Syndrome is more rare than pre-eclampsia, estimated to occur in less than 1% of pregnancies. However, according to the American Pregnancy Association , 4% to 12% of women with pre-eclampsia will go on to develop HELLP. Because this syndrome is rare and often mimics pre-eclampsia, it is often misdiagnosed. Blood tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes bed rest , blood pressure medication, magnesium medication to prevent seizures, and potential blood transfusions. Following a diagnosis of HELLP Syndrome, a swift delivery is often recommended. Growing Generations is a premier surrogacy agency providing attentive, concierge-level services to intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, contact us online or complete our surrogate application .

SURROGATE PAY & COMPENSATION THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME At Growing Generations, we choose our surrogates from among the top 2% of applicants. We know that our surrogates are among the best out there, and that’s why we’re so proud of being one of the highest paying surrogacy agencies around. We value the incredible generosity of our surrogates and want to make sure they feel valued. HOW ARE SURROGATES PAID? During your entire surrogacy journey at Growing Generations, you will have the support of our finance team. At the beginning of your surrogacy admissions process, you will receive a personalized surrogacy benefit package and financial handbook. The handbook outlines all the payments and benefits you can expect to receive during your surrogate journey and how to request them. Your surrogacy pay and compensation will be in the form of direct deposits or mailed checks. 1/3 You will be entitled to reimbursement for a variety of things during your surrogacy journey. Most of your reimbursements will come from your travel experiences which includes travel for medical screening, embryo transfer, or follow-up procedures. You will be entitled to reimbursements such as a daily food allowance and childcare expenses. These expenses have a maximum 2/3 As your surrogacy journey progresses, you will be eligible for reimbursement for additional expenses: insurance co-pays, prescription drugs, and extensive mileage on your car to drive to required medical appointments that are more than 200 miles round-trip from your home. 3/3 BECOME A SURROGATE WHEN DO SURROGATES GET PAID? Surrogacy payments are typically made at milestones during the surrogacy journey, such as completing the surrogate screening process or beginning medications for the first time. The reimbursement process and covered expenses will be outlined in your surrogacy financial handbook. Other payments are received on a regular monthly schedule during your surrogate pregnancy, which our finance team will provide you with once heartbeat(s) have been confirmed. You’ll know exactly when and how much to expect. HOW MUCH DO SURROGATES MAKE Growing Generations surrogates are some of the highest-paid surrogates in the industry. Our surrogate pregnancy compensation package offers up to $68,000 for first time surrogates, with additional benefits of up to $35,000. Because a surrogate’s pay varies and they are easier to manage, we use a flat rate pay model. Surrogacy pay with Growing Generations looks like this: $68,000 $62,000 First time surrogate compensation for working surrogates. First time surrogate compensation for stay-at-home surrogates. BECOME A SURROGATE UP TO $1,500 SCREENING INCENTIVE UP TO $1,500 MEDICAL START INCENTIVE UP TO $1,500 CONTRACT SIGNING INCENTIVE $68,000 First time surrogate compensation for working surrogates. $62,000 First time surrogate compensation for stay-at-home surrogates. Experienced surrogates and some surrogates residing in Southern California are compensated an additional $5,000-$35,000. Through our flat rate pay model, $4,500 of your compensation is paid out prior to pregnancy and includes: DOES SURROGACY PAY FOR SERVICES LIKE CHILDCARE, HOUSEKEEPING, AND BED REST? ​Certain services, like housekeeping and childcare, have rates that vary by state. When you receive more base pay vs. an itemized amount per service, the hourly rate at which you can spend on these services is determined by you. In the event you are placed on doctor ordered restrictions, you will be eligible to receive additional childcare and housekeeping reimbursements. Hire the service providers you trust at whatever rate works for you. Need a pet sitter? Would you rather fly grandma in to watch the kids than hire an overnight babysitter or to help if you’re placed on bed rest? Traditional line-item packages rarely cover care for your pets or untraditional childcare arrangements while you travel. We trust you. That’s why you’re a Growing Generations surrogate, and that’s why we give you more freedom and more base pay. It allows you to make the choices that are best for your family. HOW MUCH DOES SURROGACY PAY FOR MATERNITY CLOTHES? On average, most agencies pay $500-$1,000 for maternity clothing. At Growing Generations, we understand that different bellies grow at different rates and many surrogates already have some maternity clothes. We believe you are responsible enough to manage your own budget. As such, your maternity clothes will be funded out of your monthly compensation. This allows you to buy what you need when you need it. HOW MUCH DO SURROGATES GET PAID FOR MONTHLY EXPENSES? Most agencies pay an average of $200 a month for allowance, but we pay you more up front. This allows you to manage the small, miscellaneous fees that come with surrogacy. HOW MUCH DOES BEING A SURROGATE PAY IN THE EVENT OF COMPLICATIONS? Surrogacy is no riskier than any other pregnancy, and while we do our best to ensure your safety, complications cannot always be avoided. We don’t believe women bold enough to help others create a family should only be compensated in the event of an actual complication. DOES SURROGACY PAY FOR SERVICES LIKE CHILDCARE, HOUSEKEEPING, AND BED REST? ​Certain services, like housekeeping and childcare, have rates that vary by state. When you receive more base pay vs. an itemized amount per service, the hourly rate at which you can spend on these services is determined by you. In the event you are placed on doctor ordered restrictions, you will be eligible to receive additional childcare and housekeeping reimbursements. Hire the service providers you trust at whatever rate works for you. Need a pet sitter? Would you rather fly grandma in to watch the kids than hire an overnight babysitter or to help if you’re placed on bed rest? Traditional line-item packages rarely cover care for your pets or untraditional childcare arrangements while you travel. We trust you. That’s why you’re a Growing Generations surrogate, and that’s why we give you more freedom and more base pay. It allows you to make the choices that are best for your family. HOW MUCH DOES SURROGACY PAY FOR MATERNITY CLOTHES? Most agencies pay an average of $200 a month for allowance, but we pay you more up front. This allows you to manage the small, miscellaneous fees that come with surrogacy. On average, most agencies pay $500-$1,000 for maternity clothing. At Growing Generations, we understand that different bellies grow at different rates and many surrogates already have some maternity clothes. We believe you are responsible enough to manage your own budget. As such, your maternity clothes will be funded out of your monthly compensation. This allows you to buy what you need when you need it. HOW MUCH DOES SURROGACY PAY FOR MATERNITY CLOTHES? Surrogacy is no riskier than any other pregnancy, and while we do our best to ensure your safety, complications cannot always be avoided. We don’t believe women bold enough to help others create a family should only be compensated in the event of an actual complication. Complication fees are built into your base compensation. For example, only 15% of our surrogates experience an “invasive procedure”, such as a D&C or amniocentesis, during their journey. Instead of paying a surrogate $500 for one of these invasive procedures, we pay every surrogate more because she is willing to take the risk that comes along with any pregnancy. In the unlikely event of a more serious complication, additional insurance benefits are provided to ensure our surrogates receive the care and support they deserve. We know that most women do not become a surrogate for money. Most successful surrogacy candidates are more interested in helping create a familyEven so, paid surrogacy allows women the opportunity to do things they otherwise may find challenging such as starting their own business, buying a car, putting a down payment on a new home, paying off debt, or the ability to stay home with their young children. Whatever your motivations are for evaluating surrogacy and Growing Generations, we’re glad you’re here and look forward to speaking with you. HOW MUCH DOES SURROGACY PAY FOR MATERNITY CLOTHES? BECOME A SURROGATE

WHAT INTENDED PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AMNIOCENTESIS PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM One thing we will ask you to consider in the early stages of your surrogacy with Growing Generations is your opinion on an amniocentesis procedure. This is just one of many new vocabulary words you’re likely learning, and you may feel unsure about what it is or how you should feel about it. WHAT IS AMNIOCENTESIS? An amniocentesis, or “amnio” for short, is an invasive diagnostic test that allows doctors to screen for potential genetic disorders, neuro-tube defects, and chromosomal abnormalities. The test most commonly screens for Down syndrome, spina bifida, and Trisomy 18 or 21, and it can also identify paternity before birth. Conditions such as sickle-cell disease, Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and nearly 100 others also can be detected. SHOULD MY SURROGATE HAVE THE TEST? WHAT IS IT LIKE? The test is typically ordered after a poor result from non-invasive testing. Non-invasive tests generally consist of either a neuro translucency (NT) scan or a triple test and are generally conducted between 11-13 weeks of gestation. If doctors recommend it, an amniocentesis is typically completed between the 11-20 week of pregnancy. An amniocentesis test takes roughly 45 minutes to complete, and it is often done in a doctor’s office. Using an ultrasound, the doctor guides a long needle into a woman’s abdomen passing through her uterine wall and into the gestational sac. Ultrasound monitoring keeps the needle from touching the developing baby. Once the needle is in place, the doctor extracts a small amount of fluid containing cells shed by the fetus. Those cells are examined in a laboratory to check for any potential disorders. Results can be received within a matter of days to a few weeks. An amniocentesis usually does not cause the gestational carrier much pain or discomfort. She may only feel a piercing pain when the needle breaks the skin or again when it penetrates the uterus. Following the procedure, she may experience irritation at the puncture site. Later, there may be a leaking of fluid or mild cramping. The most extreme potential side effect is a miscarriage which happens less than 0.01% of the time. RESULTS & IMPLICATIONS Some intended parents elect to have this procedure completed to gain a better understanding of the health of their developing baby. In some cases, intended parents may elect to terminate a pregnancy if the child has severe chromosomal abnormalities or other conditions that would make a live birth or full-term pregnancy unlikely. In other cases, intended parents may know that the outcome would not cause them to terminate, but they complete the test to have time to prepare and get additional support for a child with special needs. Due to the weight of these decisions, we ask our intended parents and surrogates to thoughtfully consider and discuss what it would mean to have an amniocentesis well before entering into pregnancy. We ask you to think about how you will respond to the results of an amniocentesis. These are issues that you’ll discuss in the matching and legal phases of your surrogacy. We understand that these are not small things to consider and that you may have questions. If you need to talk with Dr. Kim Bergman or another member of the Fertility Counseling Services (FCS) team about this, just let your case specialist know.

EGG DONORS & TOBACCO USE PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM 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.

WHAT IS A RHOGAM SHOT? PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM During surrogate pregnancy, some women are advised to receive an Rh-immune globulin injection. This medication, more commonly known as Rhogam, is often given to women who carry a “negative” blood type. All people have two elements to their blood type. There is first the actual type, represented by a letter (A, B, AB, or O), and then a positive or a negative designation. This designation refers to the presence or absence of Rhesus in the blood. Rhesus is an antigen that rests on the surface of red blood cells and occurs in most people. An Rh+ designation denotes that your blood carries this antigen. For women whose blood type is Rh-, issues can arise in pregnancy if there is any chance that the fetus you are carrying may inherit an Rh+ status. In the case of surrogacy, if either the egg donor or sperm contributor is Rh+, there will be a chance of the baby inheriting this antigen. It may be entirely possible that, through the use of an egg donor, the child will have a blood type that differs from you or the intended parents. This presents a problem if the Rh- carrier’s blood were to mix with the Rh+ fetus’ blood. In that situation, the Rh- carrier would begin to develop antibodies to the Rh+ blood. These antibodies could cause problems in the current pregnancy, and would be very likely to attack and kill the red blood cells of a future Rh+ fetus. For this reason, many surrogates may be asked to accept the Rhogam injection. The injection is very common and considered standard care. It is administered in office by your OBGYN typically in during the twenty-eighth week of pregnancy. A second booster shot is often given immediately following the birth. In some cases, specifically if you experience bleeding early in your pregnancy, the Rhogam injection may be given earlier in the pregnancy. You should note that previous administration of a Rhogam injection does not safeguard you for a future pregnancy. In that way, even if you’ve had the injection several times before, you’ll still need to be immunized again for each new pregnancy.