Key Takeaways:
- Make a detailed birth plan that covers medical choices and who’s in the room
- The delivery process is similar to regular births, but with extra legal steps
- It’s normal to feel emotional during and after the birth
- Postpartum recovery needs attention – rest and check in with your doctor
- Good surrogacy agencies in Los Angeles provide support through the whole birth experience
If you’re a gestational surrogate getting ready for delivery, you probably have lots of questions. What will the birth process be like? How involved will the intended parents be? What happens right after the baby comes?
At Southern California Surrogacy, we’ve helped hundreds of women through their surrogacy journey, and we know the delivery experience can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here’s our simple guide to help you prepare.
Creating Your Surrogacy Birth Plan
Every surrogate pregnancy should have a comprehensive birth plan. This isn’t just about medical stuff – it’s about making sure everyone’s on the same page.
Your birth plan for surrogacy should cover:
- Who will be in the delivery room
- What pain relief options you’re open to (like nitrous oxide or epidurals)
- How much contact you’ll have with the baby hours after birth
- What role the intended mother or parents will play during labor
Remember, this is your birthing experience too. While the legal parents will make final medical decisions, your comfort level matters. Our team helps mediate these conversations so everyone feels good about the plan.
What to Expect During Labor
When the delivery day arrives, here’s what typically happens:
You’ll go to the hospital just like any other pregnant woman. The medical staff will monitor your blood pressure and the baby’s heartbeat. The intended parents may arrive at the same time or meet you there – this depends on your agreement.
During active labor, you can:
- Walk around if it helps
- Use whatever pain relief methods you chose in your plan
- Have your own support person with you (in addition to the intended parents)
The hospital experience for surrogates is mostly the same as regular births but with some extra-legal steps. The legal parents might need to sign paperwork right away, depending on your state’s surrogacy laws.
The Emotional Side of Delivery
Let’s be honest – even when everything goes perfectly, the birth experience can bring up unexpected feelings. Some surrogates feel:
- Pride, seeing the intended parents meet their baby
- Relief that the pregnancy is over
- Surprise at how emotional they feel saying goodbye
This is all normal. That’s why we recommend emotional preparation for delivery throughout your pregnancy. Talking with other surrogate mothers who’ve been through it can really help.
After the Birth: What Happens Next
The post-birth period looks different for every surrogate. Here’s what to expect:
Right after delivery, the bundle of joy will go with the intended parents. You might choose to hold the baby or not – this is your personal choice.
In the postpartum recovery period:
- You’ll stay at the hospital for the standard 1-2 days
- The healthcare team will check your recovery
- You might feel some pregnancy hormones shifting
Don’t be surprised if you feel emotional in the days after birth. Even when you’re happy for the family you helped create, your body is going through big changes.
Taking Care of Yourself Post-Delivery
Postpartum care for surrogates is just as important as regular postpartum care. Here are our top tips:
- Rest as much as possible – your body just did something amazing
- Keep up with your doctor visits to monitor healing
- Stay connected with your support system
- Consider talking with a counselor if you’re having tough emotions
Some surrogates like to do something special after delivery, like a symbolic gesture to mark the end of their surrogacy pregnancy. This could be anything from a special meal to writing a letter to the baby.
Why Choose Southern California Surrogacy
We don’t just match you with your intended parents and handle the legal contracts. We prepare you for every part of the surrogacy process, especially the birthing experience.
Our team helps with:
- Creating a surrogacy birth plan that works for everyone
- Explaining all the medical interventions that might come up
- Connecting you with great hospital staff who understand surrogacy
- Supporting you through the post-delivery emotional adjustment
Whether this is your first surrogate birth or you’ve been through it before, we’re here to make sure you have all the information and support you need.
Your Birth, Your Experience
At the end of the day, this is your surrogacy delivery story. While the baby goes home with their family, you get to take home the pride of knowing you changed lives.
If you’re considering becoming a gestational surrogate or are already pregnant and have questions about the birth experience, we’re here to help. Our door is always open, and no question is too small.
Because when it comes to bringing families together through Los Angeles surrogacy, every detail matters – especially making sure you feel prepared and supported every step of the way. Ready to learn more? Visit our website or give us a call today.
