10 Ways to Prepare for Surrogacy as Intended Parents in Oklahoma
For many individuals or couples seeking to grow their families, surrogacy may be the best option. Choosing surrogacy is not a decision to make lightly. It requires a woman to selflessly commit to growing a life inside of her knowing it won’t be hers. It also requires a serious time and financial commitment from the intended parents. However, it’s ultimately extremely rewarding. Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma can help you get started in getting the most out of your OK surrogacy experience by providing you with this list of ways to prepare for surrogacy as intended parents in Oklahoma.
- Research and Read about Oklahoma Surrogacy
There are so many resources available to you online for you to learn all there is to know about the surrogacy process. Whether you want to better understand the surrogate’s perspective during the surrogacy process, or you need an introduction to the legal facets of gestational surrogacy in your state, online research is always a good place to start. Doing your research early on can also help you determine whether surrogacy is the best pregnancy option for you and your family as opposed to adoption.
- Talk to Other Intended Parents
Research isn’t just limited to searching the internet. One of the best resources you can utilize throughout your surrogacy journey is other intended parents. They are a great source of information because they have been through the process and might be able to provide insight that you didn’t even know you needed. They can also be a source of guidance and emotional support if they faced similar challenges you might encounter.
- Discuss Your Surrogacy Plans with Family and Friends
Before you finalize your decision to pursue surrogacy, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma encourages you to first discuss your decision with your family. If you are partnered, both you and your partner must be on the same page before we can move forward with the gestational surrogacy process. It’s also important to communicate with your other relatives and loved ones about your decision in case they have any helpful advice to offer. Communicating with them early on can also establish a support system for you to rely on if you face any challenges along the way.
- Explore Altruistic Surrogacy to Avoid Surrogate Compensation
As rewarding as surrogacy is for intended parents, it is also very expensive. One contributing factor to the high cost of surrogacy is surrogate compensation, which can be tens of thousands of dollars. If you try to make your surrogacy experience more affordable, you should explore altruistic surrogacy. In an altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate is typically a friend or relative of the intended parents, and she agrees to commit to the surrogacy process without receiving compensation. In addition to saving money, this can also deepen your relationship with the woman who becomes your surrogate.
- Come Up with a Financial Plan for Your Oklahoma Surrogacy Process
The better prepared you are to take on the costs of surrogacy, the less stressful the surrogacy process will be. As intended parents, you are responsible for covering your and your surrogate’s medical costs. You will also have to pay for any additional legal and professional fees. If you aren’t pursuing altruistic surrogacy, you will also have to compensate your surrogate for her commitment. While this may seem overwhelming, you can still manage these costs by preparing a budget and seeking out resources to make the process more affordable. For example, you can take out a loan through a financial institution or obtain a surrogacy grant. You can also rely on crowdsourcing or have a garage sale to help raise funds.
- Reach Out to Former or Current Gestational Surrogates
In addition to speaking with other intended parents, it’s also a good idea to reach out to any current or former gestational surrogates so you can learn more about their side of the process. This can help you anticipate what the experience will be like for your surrogate so you can be better prepared to give her the support she needs.
- Know Your Legal Rights as Intended Parents in Oklahoma
Before you begin the surrogacy process, it’s crucial that you understand your rights as intended parents. You will want to seek out an attorney who is committed to protecting your best interests from beginning to end of the surrogacy process. Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma has a wonderful legal team with whom you can consult to learn more about your rights and to answer any questions you may have. We can also help you find an attorney who is the right fit for you.
- Mentally Prepare for the Ups and Downs that Come with Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy can take a long time to complete. In some cases, it can even take up to a couple of years. There are several steps between applying for surrogacy and welcoming your baby into the world, and each step can take months, depending on whether there are delays. It’s also important to keep in mind that the first IVF attempt doesn’t always work. While this can be disappointing, you will be better equipped to navigate through such challenges the more mentally prepared you are. Part of this preparation entails having a strong support network in place to help you get through any rough patches.
- Get to Know the Surrogate Mother
Once you have matched with a potential surrogate, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma encourages you to get to know her better. You are on this journey as a team, and you will get more out of the experience when you are able to bond with the woman who will give birth to your child. You can rely on each other for emotional support once you develop a trusting relationship with each other. This also sets the foundation for a beautiful relationship to last a lifetime.
- Get in Touch with Your Local Surrogacy Agency
Your surrogacy agency has a plethora of resources and supports to offer you at every stage in your surrogacy journey as intended parents. At Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma, we will work closely with you to find high-quality legal counsel, financial resources, and the right person to carry your child. We also provide emotional support services that are available to you whenever you need them. We will make sure you are prepared throughout every step of the surrogacy process so that you can look back fondly on your experience.
How Will You Prepare for Your Surrogacy Journey as Intended Parents in Oklahoma?
While it’s completely normal for your surrogacy process to not go 100 percent according to plan, there is still so much value in preparing for it as much as you can. By being proactive and seeking out a surrogacy agency that values you and your surrogacy goals, you will have more to gain from your surrogacy journey. That’s why you should reach out to our surrogate website today as you prepare for the next big stage in your life as parents!
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and a leader in the community. We assist both intended parents and gestational carriers (surrogates). Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized experience to all involved in the surrogacy process.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email
Meet the Author: Mary DeStefano is an Ohio native currently living in northern Virginia and works in the litigation consulting industry, where she has experience in antitrust, product liability, and mass torts matters. She holds a B.A. in Economics (‘15) and an M.A. in Applied Economics (‘16) from the University of Cincinnati.
Mary finds great meaning in wielding the written word to develop impactful narratives and to help people stay informed. In her spare time, Mary can be found beachcombing and going on other adventures with her dog along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. She also has an affinity for antiquing and loves a good 80’s movie marathon.
