You’ve spent the last nine months preparing your body to deliver the ultimate gift — a child for another family. After spending countless hours dedicating yourself to doctors visits, pregnancy-care research and visits with the baby’s parents, you find yourself inching increasingly closer to your due date.
But how do you prepare yourself for your hospital stay as a surrogate? You know the day of delivery is soon, but perhaps you’re not sure how to ready yourself for labor.
What You Should Know Before Visiting the Hospital
Before you go into labor, the details surrounding your delivery should be carefully laid out by your doctor and the child’s intended parents. A surrogate mother’s delivery preferences should be discussed beforehand to ensure her desires align with that of the family she matches with.
With these details in agreement, you can breathe a sigh of relief! Important factors such as which hospital you’ll stay at for childbirth, who will be in the delivery room and what steps you’ll follow immediately after birth will already be established.
If there’s anything missing in your surrogacy contract you think should be more thoroughly discussed regarding your day of labor, be sure to voice these issues before your intended day of delivery.
A Rundown of a Surrogate Mother’s Delivery Day
What does the typical routine look like for a surrogate on her delivery day? For starters, you’ll want to ensure you have the proper transportation plans in place beforehand. Once you arrive at the hospital, you’ll be redirected to your delivery room.
Oftentimes, the intended parent or parents will wait with you in the delivery room. Check with your hospital’s policies beforehand to ensure who can stay by your side during your hospital stay. If your doctor doesn’t allow any guests in the room, the intended parents can stand by and enter the room after you give birth.
Following the birth, the parents may cut your umbilical cord. Since many parents want to immediately bond with their child, they are likely to spend time with the baby in the recovery unit in the hours following the baby’s birth.
Fortunately for you, you’ll be able to enjoy some much-needed rest! Most surrogates spend anywhere from one to three days in recovery and are likely to be discharged on a different date than the newborn and its family.
What Happens Next?
After you give birth, you should feel proud! You’ve given a priceless gift to another family who inarguably feels grateful for your surrogacy. Remember to get the proper level of rest and follow-up care from your physician to assist you in your recovery.
If you have any other questions or inquiries concerning a surrogate mother’s delivery experience, be sure to reach out to our team today! We will provide you with the assurance you need to embark on this new life journey with the confidence you deserve. Contact us to get started or to connect with more resources.