Tag: surrogate information

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid In Aurora, Illinois?

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Surrogacy  Query: How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid Today?

How much do surrogates get paid in Aurora, Illinois s a query that runs through a woman’s mind when she considers becoming a surrogate mother. Before we respond to this question—”How much do surrogates get paid?”—let’s evaluate the guidelines for becoming a surrogate mom. These criteria are crucial and should be considered before you even ask, “How much do surrogates get paid?” As a soon-to-be surrogate mama, your safety and security throughout the entire surrogacy experience are your main concerns. When you have decided, with your whole heart and mind, that you want to become a surrogate mother, the earnings are something to take into account.

The financial benefit, along with the ability to support couples, are what compel many women to become surrogate mothers. It might not be a simple decision, but with positive thoughts, the results and benefits are worth it.

A distinct prerequisite for becoming a surrogate mama is that you’ve had at least one successful pregnancy without any issues. This is essential because, even before pondering “How much do surrogates get paid?” you must consider your well-being throughout the entire surrogacy. The simple fact is that you must have had at least one successful pregnancy and you must have at least one child whom you are taking care of now.

The most crucial aspect when thinking about becoming a surrogate is your mindset. You must be mentally and physically sound enough to comply with the responsibilities of surrogate motherhood.

Before we get back to your inquiry—”How much do surrogates get paid?”—let’s examine another qualification for becoming a surrogate mama. To lessen the risks involved in pregnancy, a surrogate mother should be between 21 and 38 years of age.

When you’ve decided with your whole mind and heart that you want to become a surrogate mother, you must think about the compensation. How much do surrogates get paid? This is a query that runs through many potential surrogate mothers’ thoughts. Becoming a surrogate mama offers many rewards, one of which is the earnings. Generally speaking, surrogates earn up to $35,000 throughout their entire surrogacy journey.

Commercial Surrogacy

Commercial Surrogacy Guide in Aurora, Illinois

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Defined: Commercial Surrogacy

What is commercial surrogacy in Aurora, Illinois? It is a procedure in which a couple compensates another woman for carrying and delivering a child. At birth, the child is given to the intended parents, either confidentially or through legal adoption. Couples with fertility issues, same-sex couples, and single folks who want to be parents are the most common individuals who seek surrogate mothers. Celebrities like Robert De Niro, Kelsey Grammer, and Sarah Jessica Parker have utilized surrogacy as recently as 2009.

There is no doubt that surrogacy has emerged as the best solution for single parents or intended parents who are incapable of carrying their own children. The term “commercial surrogacy” has caused quite a stir and become a hot topic for political, social, and even religious debate.

Types of Commercial Surrogacy

There are two types of surrogacy practiced today: traditional and gestational surrogacy. With traditional surrogacy, the mother is related to the child she is carrying, a fact that has become a debatable issue and source of controversy. Consequently, an ideal form of surrogacy is gestational surrogacy because the surrogate mother is in no way related to the baby she is supporting. She simply carries and delivers the child for the intended parents.

In some countries, such as India, commercial surrogacy has been abused and transformed into human trafficking. The implementation of rules regarding surrogacy was not widely practiced. Consequently, surrogacy was used by people as a money-making scheme. However, for other surrogate mothers, this is not the case. Many surrogate mothers are genuine about helping intended parents. The good thing about commercial surrogacy in the U.S. today is that there are strict laws protecting the welfare of surrogates and intended parents.

Changing the Definition of Motherhood

The process of surrogacy has changed the way we understand the essence of motherhood. In an attempt to distance themselves from the “actual” or appointing mothers, surrogate mothers are technically defined as women who give birth to the children of others.

Still, it is worth noting that these women go through not just the physical changes associated with pregnancy, but also the emotional and psychological ones. Surrogate mothers understand the need of intended parents to have a child of their own, and thus accept the fact that they will endure these changes for the sake of someone else. Compassion and kindness are key characteristics that surrogate mothers have and that enable them to participate in this generous and life-changing experience.

In Conclusion

Some people have a negative attitude toward commercial surrogacy. Nevertheless, many intended parents turn to this procedure for the simple fact that it allows them to have their own baby to hold and love. The longing of intended parents to have their own child is innate in human beings. We live to care for others; in return, we have surrogate mothers who give to those who cannot bear their own children.

Finding A Surrogate

Finding A Surrogate In Aurora, Illinois

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Finding A Surrogate

Intended parents who cannot have their own children maintain other options. Among the most-recommended alternatives to adoption is finding a surrogate in Aurora, Illinois. When a couple or intended parents would like to have their own genetically related baby, but can’t do so in a natural way, surrogate mothers become widely sought after for their assistance.

There are two kinds of surrogates. The first kind is the traditional surrogate. This is the less preferred of the two, considering that the surrogate is the child’s biological mother, having been artificially inseminated with the father’s sperm. The second kind, a gestational surrogate, is much more preferred because the surrogate mother is in no way genetically connected to the intended parents’ child.

The Agency’s Role

Depending on the state, there are many agencies that offer surrogate services. Going through an agency is more practical than looking for a surrogate yourself, as the latter will take more of your time.

Most agencies have a matching process that allows you to find a surrogate who meets your requirements. Through an agency, the amount of time you invest in acquiring a surrogate is reduced by half because agencies have profiles of surrogate mothers readily available.

Most couples or intended parents already have a suitable surrogate mother in mind. What the agency does is, essentially, all the groundwork, from finding a surrogate to delivering the child. These surrogate agencies are well equipped with knowledge of the process and should give you a checklist of things you can do to ensure a smooth surrogacy experience.

In Conclusion

The process of locating a surrogate may be challenging at first, but it’ll be worth it in the end. Ultimately, the best method for finding a surrogate is to select the agency that can provide assistance to you as the intended parents while simultaneously looking after the welfare of the surrogate mother. Through an agency, you will acquire all the information you need to feel more at ease than you would had you found a surrogate on your own.

gestational surrogate

Nutrition 101 For Gestational Surrogate Mothers

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Nutrition 101 For Gestational Surrogate Mothers in Illinois

To achieve optimum nutrition as a gestational surrogate mother in Illinois, know which types of food are packed with the most nutrition for you and your baby. This article will give you practical advice about what you can do to ensure proper nutrition for you and the baby you are carrying.

To begin, focus on a diet plan that contains the right kinds of food to eat throughout the day. Make sure to include breakfast. This often-neglected meal is, in fact, the most important meal of the day, as it refuels your body after having gone without food the entire night. You should also learn effective ways to balance your diet to enjoy the best in nutrition. When planning meals and snacks, observe a certain ratio regarding the nutrients you consume. What you take in should be about half carbs, then one-quarter protein and one-quarter fat. Keep in mind that as a surrogate mother, you are not just eating for yourself, but also for the baby you are carrying.

As a gestational surrogate mom, eat small meals frequently. Five or six smaller portions spaced throughout the course of a day will render better food digestion and keep weight down. Managing your weight as a gestational surrogate mom can help prevent hypertension, diabetes, and other diseases. Frequent eating also lowers your appetite, lessening the urge to overeat.

Another great tip is to monitor your water intake. About eight glasses per day is recommended, but you can have more if you feel like it. Water is great for keeping you hydrated and making you feel full without the guilt of bad cholesterol.

Eat foods loaded with Vitamin B6, such as asparagus, wheat germ, and chicken breast. This vitamin is known to fight depression, as it boosts serotonin levels. Including B6 in your diet is sure to lift your spirits and keep you feeling great.

As a surrogate, you must integrate fiber into your diet regimen. Fiber helps maintain your weight because it keeps you full while regulating your cholesterol levels. Health ailments that fiber helps with include diabetes, cardiac concerns, and, reportedly, a few forms of cancer.

Giving in to your food cravings is only natural, but to ensure that you are eating healthy, make healthy food switches. An example of this is to go for baked goods rather than sugary treats. Another is to eat steamed or boiled foods rather than fried, oily ones. The food will still taste great, and will keep your tummy full.

As a gestational surrogate, realize that correct nutrition is the key to how good you feel, as what you put into your body affects your well-being. Consider the advice in this article and use it to improve your nutrition.

Your Top 5 Surrogacy Questions Answered

Your Top 5 Surrogacy Questions Answered

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Surrogacy can be a challenging process to comprehend. There are many aspects to this process that need to be understood. As intended parents, you need to know as much information as possible to ensure a hassle free surrogacy. If you happen to be new to surrogacy, here are the top questions and answers:

Top Question 1: What are the types of women that become surrogates?
Generally, surrogate mothers would have to be between 18 to 38 years old. This is one of the most important requirements surrogacy agencies and intended parents look for in a surrogate mother. Another important characteristic is that the surrogate mother should have at least conceived one child to ensure that the surrogate mother can carry pregnancy to term. Finally, the surrogate mother’s top goal should be helping others rather than the monetary compensation involved with surrogacy. In most cases, surrogacy agencies conduct a screening process on surrogate mothers to assure intended parents that they are getting a well-suited surrogate mother. Surrogacy agencies check medical records, financial history and criminal records of surrogate mothers.

Top Question 2: What do Intended Parents look for in a surrogate?
Intended parents normally base their decision on several factors like location of the surrogate mother, level of responsibility, intelligence, health and ability to carry a healthy pregnancy. These are some of the main characteristics that intended parents look for in a surrogate mother. Then there are those intended parents that are very meticulous when choosing a surrogate mother. These intended parents need a surrogate who is in agreement with the level of communication they prefer and someone who agrees to their type and style of relationship during and after the surrogacy. They prefer a surrogate who is not only physically and mentally in line with their expectations but also emotionally.

Top Question 3: Is the surrogate mother properly screened?
It depends. If the referral is coming from an IVF clinic then maybe not, as they generally do not perform the same amount of screening as surrogacy agencies will. If the referral for a surrogate mother comes from a reliable surrogacy agency then the surrogate has passed several mental, emotional and physical screening processes. Surrogacy agencies check medical records from previous pregnancies and conduct psychological and emotional tests on the surrogate mother. If the surrogate is married, her husband will also undergo psychological and medical screening

Top Question 4: Will the Intended Parents and surrogate meet?
It depends on the preference of the intended parents. There are intended parents that prefer not to get emotionally involved with their surrogate. The majority of intended parents however, prefer the “open surrogacy” policy, which means that the intended parents would meet and get to know the surrogate. Meeting the surrogate reassures intended parents that the surrogate’s primary motivation is not the money she earns but rather her desire to help. If the surrogate and the intended parents meet, they can get to know each other and get a better idea if the arrangement will work out.

Top Question 5: As Intended Parents, what are the chances of a successful surrogacy?
In medical terms, a “successful” surrogacy simply means that intended parents end up with a biological child. Since surrogacy involves a complex process like In Vitro Fertilization, the success rate will greatly depend on several factors like the health of the intended parents’ sperm and eggs, ability of the surrogate mother to carry a child to term and health of the surrogate. With these factors taken into consideration, the overall success rate of surrogacy in the US ranges from 70 to 80 percent. Your fertility doctor can give you the rate of success on your surrogacy.

Getting a better understanding of surrogacy before you begin your journey will definitely help you have a successful surrogacy, and understanding these top 5 questions on surrogacy will help you decide on the right thing to do before you start on this very important process. Surrogacy agencies can stand by your side and make the journey a lot easier because they can give you a better idea of what to expect and guide you throughout the whole process.

Your Next Step

To find the surrogate mother that’s right for you and your family, simply fill out our easy free online application and a Illinois Surrogate Agency caseworker will contact you to discuss your application, answer any questions you might have, and outline the next steps. And in the meantime, you can also download our free reports to get even more information on surrogacy and the surrogate experience.

Should Pregnant Surrogates Eat Organic Foods?

Should Pregnant Surrogates Eat Organic Foods?

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The goal shared by all intended parents and surrogate mothers is to produce a healthy baby. To ensure that the baby develops properly, it’s very important for the surrogate to eat healthily while she is pregnant. More and more, intended parents are going a step further by asking their surrogates to eat only organic foods. While some surrogates are reluctant to do this, others are entirely willing – after all, it may improve their own health.

As with any significant decision, though, there are pros and cons to be considered.

The downsides include that organic foods can be much more expensive than the same type of non-organically-produced foods. This is due to their higher cost of production. A surrogate may be more willing to eat organic foods if the intended parents offered to pay for the organic foods she eats.

A related issue to that is the fact that organic foods can also be harder to obtain; not every grocery store or supermarket has such a wide selection of organics. They’re a specialty item, after all, and surrogates with fewer options for food-shopping (in rural areas or small towns, for instance) may have trouble shopping for organic foods.

And of course, not every food is available organically. There’s a real possibility that a surrogate eating only organically may have to miss out on some of her favorite foods for the duration of her pregnancy.

There are convenience issues, too. Organics, due to their lack of preservatives, can spoil more easily – shorter shelf-lives, which require more regular shopping.

But there are a lot of good reasons that intended parents ask their surrogates to eat organic foods. Insecticides and additives are potentially harmful if they are passed though to the baby during pregnancy. Organic foods lack insecticides and additives – those things won’t be carried through into the baby.

Health concerns have, from time to time, been raised over genetically modified crops, or meat from animals that have been fed those crops. Organic food, by definition, is not genetically modified, which removes those concerns.

Research has shown, additionally, that organic foods contain more healthy vitamins and minerals, possibly due to the lack of preservatives involved.

And as a side-benefit, if you’re concerned about how animals are treated, organic food is a much better idea. Organic farming requires that animals be fed a natural diet, and are kept (unlike mass-produced ‘factory farm’ meat) in much more humane free-range conditions.

So while organic food can be inconvenient at times and more expensive, it also does provide a much healthier choice for the surrogate and the baby. It’s a big decision that should be weighed seriously from both sides, but there are solid reasons behind why a lot of intended parents do want their surrogate mothers to eat organically during their pregnancy.

Your Next Steps

To apply to be a surrogate mother with the Illinois Surrogate Agency, simply fill out our easy online form, and one of our friendly, knowledgeable caseworkers will be in touch with you to discuss your application, talk about the next steps in the process, and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, you can also check out our free reports for more information on surrogacy and the surrogate experience.

Intended Parents 101

Intended Parents 101: Common Questions Answered

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Understandably, intended parents tend to have a lot of questions. Here are three (and their answers!) to get you started:

Why do I need a legal surrogacy agreement?
A legal surrogacy agreement – your surrogacy contract, that is, drafted by a specialized surrogacy attorney – attempts to cover all the “what ifs” in the process, addressing every issue that may arise.

For example, what if the surrogate changes her mind and wants to keep the baby? What if the intended parents split up while the surrogate is pregnant? What if the surrogate is pregnant with multiple fetuses? A well-drafted surrogacy agreement will answer all these questions (and many more), and be clear as to each party’s intent. The agreement should not only cover the important details of the arrangement but also establish each party’s legal rights and address their responsibilities too.

Can I use a ready-made contract I found on the Internet, or create my own?
This is very heavily not-recommended. A surrogacy agreement or contract is more complicated than you may think. The costs you anticipate saving by preparing the agreement yourself do not begin to outweigh the risks or legal consequences for a poorly drafted agreement.

Most of the agreements found on the Internet are too general in nature. Not only do they lack case law as they pertain to your specific surrogacy journey, they almost never provide enough protection for all involved parties or detail the specifics of your surrogacy arrangement.

The best and most practical way to get a well drafted surrogacy contract would be to enlist the help of a reliable surrogate agency that has years of experience and can provide a solid reliable reproductive lawyer.

What is required to ensure I am my child’s legal parent?
So, you have an agreement drafted by a legal professional, you’ve had the transfer, your surrogate is pregnant and you’re a few months away from realizing your dreams! Now what? Besides the decorating, shopping, baby shower and all-around giddiness you feel every day knowing your baby is on the way, you must again return to the legal issues and obtain a judgment of parentage which declares the Intended parent(s) the parent(s) and gives them all legal rights and adjudges that the surrogate and her husband (if any) have no legal rights.

Typically, this judgment is obtained pre-birth. There are some situations where your attorney may suggest that one parent needs to “adopt” the child. When you meet with your attorney, they will advise you on which manner you must proceed. Legally, this is your final step.

Once the judgment is obtained, your attorney will forward a certified copy to the hospital your surrogate will be delivering at and it is always best to keep an additional copy in your hospital bag and then just wait for the glorious day of your child’s birth.

Your Next Step

To find the surrogate mother that’s right for you and your family, simply fill out our easy free online application and a Surrogate Connection Partners caseworker will contact you with you to discuss your application, answer any questions you might have, and outline the next steps. And in the meantime, you can also download our free reports to get even more information on surrogacy and the surrogate experience.

Important Things You Need to Know After IVF

Important Things You Need to Know After IVF

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After an embryo transfer, a lot of tension and anxiety can happen. For first-time surrogates and intended parents, questions begin to linger in their minds – “Should I be on bed rest for the first two or three days?”, “What foods should I eat?”, “How active can I be during the two-week wait, and “Will our surrogate get pregnant?”

These questions are all important to comprehend, and advice can vary from doctor to doctor. The really important thing to remember is that there’s no guarantee of pregnancy through IVF – there are a lot of factors involved in the process.

Some common suggestions recommended by doctors are:

1. No heavy lifting for the first 48 hours after IVF transfer.

2. No strenuous physical activities like running or aerobics.

3. No alcohol, drugs or smoking.

4. No intercourse until a fetal heartbeat is determined.

5. Bed rest for the first two days after the IVF transfer.

It’s very important to remember that these instructions do differ between doctors.

As intended parents, if you want to be more sure that these instructions are followed, it might be helpful to assist – or have someone assist – your surrogate during the first two days after the IVF transfer. Run the errands that the surrogate needs done, prepare meals for her and her family, help with laundry and so forth.
The surrogate is likely to really appreciate your help while she’s on bed-rest, while you yourself would have peace of mind that the surrogate is following her doctor’s instructions.

In most cases, the transfer’s success is known after ten days. On the tenth day after the transfer, the surrogate goes back to the IVF clinic to see if the embryo has implanted into the uterus.

On Day 12 after the embryo transfer, the fertility clinic checks to see if the HcG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) level has doubled – if it has, then the embryo is properly growing.

The In Vitro Fertilization procedure is not 100% successful; not every embryo transfer will result in a pregnancy. In the event that it doesn’t, it’s important not to make any rash decisions until the intended parents have had an opportunity to discuss the outcome with the doctor.

The doctor may have some insight about why the transfer was a failure – poor embryo quality, poor uterine lining or genetic problems are all possibilities.
Surrogacy is never a certain process, and the better you understand it, the better you’ll be able to plan your next steps. Proper medical advice will help the intended parents understand the best way to move forward.

There are a lot of important aspects of surrogacy that need to be properly understood. Knowing them will help intended parents better comprehend the process of surrogacy.

The issue of bed rest after an IVF transfer is still under debate; so far, nothing has been proven. Remember, it’s at the discretion of your doctor to give all the necessary instructions to your surrogate – first and foremost, pay attention to your doctor’s advice.

Your Next Step

To find the surrogate mother that’s right for you and your family, simply fill out our easy free online application and a Illinois Surrogate Agency caseworker will contact you with you to discuss your application, answer any questions you might have, and outline the next steps. And in the meantime, you can also download our free reports to get even more information on surrogacy and the surrogate experience.

6 Tips on Choosing the Best Surrogate Pregnancy Pillow

6 Tips on Choosing the Best Surrogate Pregnancy Pillow

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Because it’s so essential to be comfortable during your surrogate pregnancy, a pregnancy pillow is an important prenatal accessory.

Healthcare professionals recommend that women sleep on their left side with knees bent slightly, but many surrogate mothers find this sleep position uncomfortable. While a head pillow can support certain parts of the body, one specifically designed to support the whole body can be more comfortable during your surrogate pregnancy.

Here are six helpful tips on choosing the best pregnancy pillow:

1. Pinpoint the areas that are most stressful to you. Every surrogate mother’s pregnancy is different, with different aches and discomforts. Pregnancy pillows are specifically designed to alleviate all different types of stress, from hip pressure to back support. Figure out exactly what stresses are most bothersome and find the pillow designed for your needs.

2. Know the different types of pregnancy pillows. Maternity body pillows are available in a variety of options: full body memory foam pillows that adjust to the contours of your body; smaller pillows made to soothe and prevent specific problems like back, hip and upper shoulder pain; simple wedges that slide under your growing belly; and bean-shaped pillows that wrap around your mid-section.

3. Research the best type of maternity pillow. Ask friends and relatives; it’s best to ask someone who has been recently pregnant and use their comments as a guide on your choice of maternity pillows. There are also websites and magazines with reviews on specific products. Remember that personal reviews are the most honest opinion and a great guide for helping you narrow down your search.

4. Try and test your choices. A maternity pillow may feel differently when held snug against your body than it feels when you push it in with your hand. Most home and maternity stores allow you to touch, caress and even try their products. This will be one of the most important purchases you’ll make during your pregnancy, so it is best to take your time, try a few different options and decide which one is right for you.

5. Try a new sleeping position. If you’re used to sleeping on your back or front, then you’ll probably have a difficult time adjusting to the lump forming on your stomach, but you can get used to it. You can start by trying to fall asleep on your side in the early weeks and months of your pregnancy to give yourself a leg up in the adjustment phase. You should also start to use your maternity pillow before you feel like you need it, as your body will need some time to get used to this new product.

6. Don’t be cheap when comfort is concerned. Body pillows can be relatively expensive, especially when you get to the types that provide pinpoint relief to very specific problem areas. Remember that a durable pillow can be used again and many maternity pillows can be used post-pregnancy for nursing and cradling your new baby.

Your Next Steps

To apply to be a surrogate mother with the Illinois Surrogate Agency, simply fill out our easy online form, and one of our friendly, knowledgeable caseworkers will be in touch with you to discuss your application, talk about the next steps in the process, and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, you can also check out our free reports for more information on surrogacy and the surrogate experience.

Common Mistakes in Buying Maternity Clothes

Common Mistakes in Buying Maternity Clothes

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When it comes to shopping for maternity clothes during your surrogate pregnancy, you need to consider comfort, practicality and affordability – after all, you don’t want to spend a fortune on something you’ll only wear for a few months.

Even if you’re only planning to buy a few items, you should be aware of the common mistakes many surrogate mothers make when buying maternity clothes. Here are a few of them:

Mistake One: Not Considering the Fabric.

When pregnant, your overall body shape and size will change; that’s what makes it so important to choose the right type of fabric for your clothes. Consider breathability, stretchniess, durability and softness – look for natural fabrics like cotton, modal and bamboo. Avoid clothing made from synthetic materials such as polyester; they retain heat, which can be uncomfortable when pregnant.

Also avoid clothes listed as wrinkle-free or permanent press; studies show that these materials are treated with chemicals like formaldehyde, which can be dangerous to pregnant women and their growing babies.

Mistake Two: Focusing on Price.

Maternity clothing can be expensive, but they’re an area where you definitely get what you pay for. Some pregnant women don’t consider this a problem – after all, they’ll only be wearing the clothes for at most nine months, right?

Unfortunately, most cheap maternity clothing doesn’t even last that long. They begin to tear and unravel after the first or second wash, and certainly won’t carry you through the entire pregnancy.

One way to save money is to only buy a few essential items, but make sure those items are good. Also consider second-hand items at resale shops, rummage sales or on eBay; while they may have been worn before, they’re still likely to have a lot of life for their low price.

Mistake Three: Not Planning Ahead

Most pregnant women don’t plan ahead – they don’t consider that during pregnancy, their body shape and size will gradually change. Buying everything in a single spree is usually a bad idea – think ahead and invest in quality pieces that’ll work for the duration of your pregnancy.

Your Next Steps

To apply to be a surrogate mother with the Illinois Surrogate Agency, simply fill out our easy online form, and one of our friendly, knowledgeable caseworkers will be in touch with you to discuss your application, talk about the next steps in the process, and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, you can also check out our free reports for more information on surrogacy and the surrogate experience.