The question of being a surrogate mother more than once is one that is inquired about by both first-time surrogate candidates, as well as those who are looking to repeat their surrogacy journey. And although there isn’t a universal standard or limit to this, there are several reasons that factor into a surrogate mother deciding to experience surrogacy once again, and bring the ultimate joy to eager, intended parents.
If undergoing a new cycle as a gestational mother feels like it might be the right choice for you, we are here to support and help you with any knowledge you need to continue your new chapter of surrogacy.
Should you apply to be a surrogate?
Before deciding to become a surrogate – whether for the first time or a repeat – it’s important to get familiar with the process, or have a thorough refresher if you’ve done this before. Since surrogacy is often more than a year-long commitment, many things could have changed since your last round, and being aware of any new qualification protocols or requirements is paramount. Plus, you could be going with a new agency, as well as helping a new family, so prior to re-applying make sure you’ve done your research. Applying to be a surrogate is the first step in this beautiful journey, but knowing everything that’s involved is key. If you’re ready to start, make sure to find a reputable surrogacy agency that aligns with your expectations and beliefs, and speak to one of their caseworkers so that they may walk you through their specific system of operations.
Are there requirements to be a surrogate?
In order to even be considered to be a surrogate, you must meet the qualifications needed to ensure the safety and success of the process – both for you as the surrogate mother, for the baby that you will be potentially carrying, as well as for the intended parents’ peace of mind. Being a gestational carrier requires a significant sacrifice of time, energy and commitment, so making sure you’re ready for the process – physically, mentally, and emotionally – is absolutely crucial. It makes sense that there is a set threshold of qualifications that is required in order to even be considered, since for many, surrogacy is the last chance of becoming parents. It is a vital role, and one that calls for thorough vetting of all candidates. The basic requirements to become a surrogate entail the following:
- Being at least 21 years old and no older than than 40, with some agencies having a cutoff age of 37 or 38
- Maintaining a healthy BMI as determined by your doctor, with the target range being between 19-32, but most favorably, under 30.
- Not smoking, doing drugs, or abusing alcohol under any circumstances
- Having carried at least one successful pregnancy to term (36 gestational weeks, or more) and not experiencing any major pregnancy complications.
- Preferably not having had more than 2 c-sections
- Not being on antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication for 12 months or preferably longer
- Not getting new tattoos or piercings within 12 months of starting the process
- Being a U.S. Citizen or legal resident
- Preferably living in a surrogacy-friendly state
- Living in a risk-free and supportive family environment
- Not having major medical ailments, such as diabetes, Hepatitis, or HIV.
If you meet the requirements listed, chances are that you’ll be able to move forward with the surrogacy process. You will have to undergo a series of medical and psychological screenings as well, plus a thorough review of your medical records; as beautiful as pregnancy is, it can be an emotionally and physically trying process, so making sure you’re a candidate that is ready to take on such a monumental task, is paramount.
There are also many factors that can disqualify you from being a surrogate, so make sure to do your due diligence and research thoroughly before applying. Although it seems daunting to have so many restrictions, ultimately the requirements for being a surrogate are set in place to protect all parties involved – but they’re especially there to protect you, the gestational carrier, as well as the precious baby you will be carrying.
Can I be a surrogate more than once?
Despite the many conditions that need to be met before starting the surrogate process, having been a surrogate in the past is not grounds for disqualification, and in fact, is a huge plus for many agencies and intended parents. Think about all of the positives that surround you having the prior experience of carrying a gestational pregnancy to term: you know what to expect and what is expected of you, you’ve been matched and connected with intended parents before and understand how to navigate that relationship and the ebbs and flows that come with it.
You also understand the importance of your role as a surrogate and are better mentally and physically prepared than someone who is going in for the first time, and you value both the experience that you’re undergoing, and the incredible gift that you’re granting to the intended parents who will be cheering you on every step of the way. Yes, deciding to be a gestational carrier is a tremendous undertaking but it is also one of the most rewarding journeys one can undergo, and many surrogate mothers have such a blessed experience that they want to repeat the process. Being a previous surrogate is also an incredibly valuable characteristic that many intended parents actually look for, and are often willing to pay extra to secure the help of a repeat surrogate.
As far as how many times one can repeat the journey? The exact number varies by agency; however, the number for how many pregnancies total a surrogate can experience is usually either 5 or 6 maximum. Meaning, if you as a surrogate mother have 2 children of your own, then you’re able to be a gestational carrier 3 or 4 more times, depending on your health and medical history. Of course, everything will also rely on you meeting all of the aforementioned requirements, but this at least gives you a general idea of how many times you can be a surrogate mother.
How long after having a baby can you be a surrogate?
Although every woman has her own specific postpartum healing journey, it is important to take a break before starting up another pregnancy both for the sake of your body, as well as for the baby you will be carrying. Especially when dealing with surrogacy the stakes are very high, and everyone involved – from you, the agency, and the intended parents – will most benefit when your body has a chance to heal, revitalize, and rebound, with ample time to spare.
For that reason, most professionals recommend waiting at least 12 months (to even a year and a half!) after birth, before trying again. As the surrogate mother, your healthcare provider has the final say on anything that has to do with your personal healthcare decisions; however, waiting a full year between delivering ensures you’ve had plenty of time to recover from pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. The good news is, you can apply to be a surrogate before your year mark. Since the application, screening, and matching processes can take a few weeks to months, by the time you and the intended parents are ready for the embryo transfer, your body should be fully ready to undergo another pregnancy.
Why do surrogates decide to do a repeat surrogacy?
There are a multitude of reasons why many women decide to be surrogates once more, but the common thread between so many of our repeat surrogate mothers is this ingrained trait of selflessness and dedication, that is realized by committing to greater acts of service. Surrogacy is the ultimate sacrifice of body and mind in order to bring a new life to fruition. And many surrogate mothers recall the experience as being life changing and deeply fulfilling, making the decision to want to repeat the experience so much more compelling.
Another reason could be that many intended parents will eventually want another baby after the successful arrival of their first, and since our matching process usually results in both parents and surrogate mothers forming lifelong bonds, it’s no surprise that both parties would like to reunite in order to complete a “sibling journey” and bring another precious life to earth. An added bonus? Experienced surrogate mothers get a higher compensation than first time gestational carriers, so along with the gratification of knowing that you’re serving a higher purpose of altruism, you will also have the security of a generous compensation to reward you for your devotion and commitment.
Can I be a surrogate for the same family, multiple times?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, if the match between both the intended parents and the surrogate mother is supportive and harmonious (which, with our stellar matching process is almost always the case), then proceeding with multiple pregnancies with the same parties involved, is absolutely preferred. Many of our surrogates are thrilled to embark on a new journey as a gestational carrier, especially when it’s for a family that they’ve already connected and bonded with.
And as long as you still meet the requirements needed to be a surrogate, and pass the medical and psychological screenings like before, you can skip the matching process – since you will be helping the family you’ve already had the pleasure of working with before. Being a part of a “sibling journey” is so uniquely special; as a surrogate mother you will have a monumental part in helping build up an entire family, and helping them complete their dreams – it’s an incredible feat!
How do I become a surrogate mother?
The first step to becoming a surrogate is to apply! If you’ve read this far and want to commit to giving the gift of life, then filling out an application is the first step. Once it’s been established that you meet the criteria and your medical records have been reviewed, then you go on to pass the following: a background check, a drug test, a home visit, and a psychological examination.
After our surrogate coordinators interview you and match you with the intended parents, you’ll complete a medical screening at a fertility clinic, and then be connected to an attorney who will help you review, complete, and sign the surrogacy contract. This is where your surrogacy journey really begins! You’ll start pre-testing and taking medications to prepare your body for the embryo transfer, and when it’s time, the embryo will be implanted in your uterus.
After that, all parties involved await the results of a positive pregnancy test, and since surrogacy is one of the most successful fertility treatments out there, a favorable result is usually a time to have a mini-celebration! Once you clear 8-10 weeks of pregnancy, your care will be transferred to an OB/GYN to finish out your pregnancy. And after your delivery is complete and the baby is united with the happy parents, you will have finished your beautiful journey as a surrogate mother!
Why choose Surrogacy by Faith to be a surrogate?
Although there are many agencies out there to choose from, at Surrogacy by Faith we have an incredible detail that unites us in the surrogacy journey. Did you know that many of the surrogates that work with us have been gestational carriers multiple times?
Or the fact that all of our caseworkers have been surrogates themselves? Our staff will be happy to personally walk you through the process, and even share their own testimonials! Alisha is one of our superstar surrogates who “completed 3 journeys with Surrogacy By Faith and is forever changed by those experiences.” Alisha chose Surrogacy by Faith because we aligned with her values, and didn’t discount the valid beliefs she holds towards the sanctity of life and her views on termination. And although we are a surrogate agency that accepts all applicants from all backgrounds, we pride ourselves on doing God’s work by bringing miracle babies into this world.
We have a mantra when it comes to our gestational carriers, and it’s “our surrogates should be treated like gold!” If you’re ready to take the next step and work with an agency that prides itself on lived experience and being an advocate for our surrogates, then choose Surrogacy by Faith. Whether you’re considering becoming a surrogate, or if you’re an intended parent ready to start the process, fill out either a surrogate initial inquiry or an intended parent or parents initial inquiry to establish contact.
We can’t wait to connect and bring another blessed life into this world – together, we make miracles happen!