What if I want more kids after I'm a surrogate?
Wanting to have more children after being a surrogate is a personal decision, and while we’d like to say everyone can continue to carry their own pregnancies after being a surrogate, we want potential surrogates to consider all the possibilities before they begin their surrogacy journey. Because every pregnancy comes with risks and uncertainty, we encourage people to apply after they know their family is complete - just in case something happens that would prevent them from carrying another pregnancy of their own.
Here are some considerations and steps to keep in mind if you decide to have more children after being a surrogate:
Recovery and Health: Before planning to conceive again, it's essential to ensure that your body has fully recovered from the surrogacy journey. Consult with your healthcare provider to evaluate your overall health and discuss any specific considerations for your situation. [This is also true if you are considering multiple surrogacy journeys!] If you encounter challenges with conception, consider seeking a fertility evaluation to identify any potential issues and explore appropriate treatments or interventions if necessary.
Timing: The timing of when you can start trying to conceive will depend on various factors, including any medical or emotional recovery needed after the surrogacy. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance on the appropriate timing. Again, we prefer that potential surrogates have already completed their families and don’t plan to have any subsequent pregnancies of their own.
Communication with Your Partner: Discuss your desire to have more children with your partner. Consider how this decision aligns with your family planning goals and make sure you're both on the same page. It’s important to include them in the decision to have more children and the decision to become a surrogate. If they want more children, it would be best to revisit the idea of a surrogacy journey after you and your partner are finished having children of your own.
Remember that the decision to have more children is a significant and personal one. It's essential to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being, communicate openly with your partner, and plan for the future accordingly. Whether you choose to have more children or not, the experience of being a surrogate can be an incredibly meaningful part of your life's journey. We just want to do our best to ensure that the surrogacy journey does not negatively impact your family.