Turning Dreams of Family into Reality 

No. Growing Generations only works with gestational surrogates—this means the embryo will be created with a donor’s egg or the intended mother’s egg.

We aim to move things along as quickly and safely as possible. Most Surrogates finish their surrogacy in 18 months (from initial application to delivery), but we encourage you to prepare yourself for up to two years. Check out this Rough Timeline for Surrogates.

Once we receive your application to become a surrogate mother, you will be invited to schedule a consult with one of our admissions specialists, who will go over the entire process with you and answer all your surrogacy questions. For a more in-depth look, see here: Surrogate Screening Process Part 1.

Most likely. We do require that all surrogates complete medical screening at the IVF clinic their intended parents have chosen. All costs associated with the trip are covered by Growing Generations. In addition to your surrogacy screening, you will likely need to travel for each embryo transfer. You can find the details on the second half of our surrogate screening process here: Surrogate Mother Screening Process Part 2.

Typically, surrogates will give birth at a hospital local to them.

Yes. Most intended parents rely on their surrogates to choose the in-network OB-GYN she is most comfortable with. However, intended parents have the right to seek a second opinion. If intended parents have a specific OB-GYN in mind, we’ll discuss that with you

Women entering surrogacy are typically placed on a regimen of hormone therapies to aid in preparing the uterus for the embryo transfer and aid in maintaining the pregnancy. Here is more information on the medication: Medical Protocol for Surrogates.

Once your body and the embryos are ready, it is time for your embryo transfer. It is similar to a pap smear, but a catheter is inserted vaginally through the cervix and into the uterus where the embryos are to be placed. Most surrogates will take a period of bed rest lasting between 24 and 72 hours. You’ll stay at a hotel for the night, then can return to your normal life. In about two weeks, if everything goes well, you’ll have a positive pregnancy test. During the course of the next 10 to 12 weeks, you will be weaned from the hormones, and at the end of the first trimester, you will be released back to your own obstetrician for normal treatment.

In most cases, there is nothing that the surrogate did, didn’t do, or could have done differently to lead to a different result. Sometimes things just don’t work. In most cases, the exact cause for a failed transfer will remain unclear. However, the success rates of second transfers are generally much higher than those of first-time transfers. Your doctor will work with you and your intended parent(s) to make the changes that are most likely to result in a positive pregnancy on your next cycle. Sometimes, in extreme cases, it may be suggested to try changing one or several variables after several failed transfers. These variables can include introducing the use of a donor egg, choosing to use a different egg donor, introduction (or change of) a sperm donor, or a new surrogate. Take some time to review here, How to React to a Failed Transfer.

Depending on where they are located, some intended parents will try to be there for the transfer, but others may be involved virtually. With the advancement of technology, your intended parents can be present without being physically there. If there is any reason for them not being there, you will know either at the matching process or before the actual transfer date. Don’t worry, you are in good hands and can bring a support person with you! 

This is something we encourage surrogates and their intended parents to discuss during the matching process. For most intended parents, being in the delivery room for the arrival of their baby is a moment they truly don’t want to miss. We also want to make sure our surrogates are comfortable and have the support they need during the delivery. For a typical vaginal birth, it is common to have both the surrogate’s partner or support person and the intended parents in the room. However, if a C-section is required, most hospitals will only allow one person in the room during delivery. It’s a good idea to plan in the beginning for who would accompany you in the event of a C-section. 

We find most hospitals are great with surrogacy births. In preparation for the birth, we will encourage you and your intended parents to attend a hospital tour either in person or virtually to familiarize yourselves with the facility. We’ll also give your intended parents access to our birth plan creation tool through their online account. This will allow them, with input from you, to create a birth plan to make sure the hospital staff knows there is an upcoming surrogate birth. Virtually all intended parents want to be present at the birth and do their absolute best to be there; however, we all know that babies have a mind of their own and sometimes arrive earlier than expected, so be prepared for anything.