“Helping a couple start their
family was one of the most rewarding
experiences of my life…”

- Surrogate Leah H

Have you ever dreamed of giving an incredible gift—one that brings joy, hope, and the miracle of family to a coupe in need? If so, becoming a surrogate mother might just be your calling. It’s a journey filled with purpose, love, and profound rewards. If you’re wondering whether you’re ready to take this life-changing step, here are 10 signs that you’re prepared to help a couple build the family they’ve always longed for.

1. Your Heart’s in the Right Place

Let’s start with the big question: Why do you want to be a surrogate? While surrogates are generously compensated for their time and effort (and rightfully so!), compensation should not be your primary motivation. The best surrogates tend to be fueled by something deeper, such as empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Maybe you’ve watched a loved one struggle with infertility, or perhaps you’re inspired to help a same-sex couple hold their baby for the first time. Whatever your “why”, great surrogates are made up of women who believe that everyone deserves the chance to start a family.

2. You Have a Rock Solid Support System

Surrogacy is a deeply rewarding journey, one that weaves moments of joy with occasional challenges. It’s not a path you travel alone—and you shouldn’t have to. Having a steadfast support system is essential, a foundation that keeps you steady through every step of this profound experience.
 
Whether it’s a partner fully committed to your side, family ready to step in with childcare, or a trusted friend who listens and lifts you up through every emotion, these loved ones are your anchor. They’re the ones who’ll celebrate the milestones and hold space for the harder days, offering both practical help and heartfelt encouragement.
 
But your support doesn’t stop there. At our agency, we’re more than just a team—we’re your partners in this journey. From the moment you begin, we’re here to guide you with care and expertise, ensuring you never feel alone. Our dedicated staff will be by your side, answering questions, coordinating with clinics and hospitals, and providing a steady hand through every phase—whether it’s navigating medical appointments or processing the emotions that come with carrying a child for someone else.
 
Still, there’s something irreplaceable about your personal crew—the ones who know you best—walking with you every step of the way.
 

3. You Love Being Pregnant

One of the most common things we hear from our surrogates is how much they loved being pregnant, which is one of the most important requirements for becoming a surrogate mother. We want to ensure that this experience is something that you look back on with love and fondness in the future. That is why it’s so important that you enjoyed your previous pregnancies and that you completed them without any major difficulties.

Women who loved being pregnant are often excited to be able to experience this again without the need to add to their own family, and many talk about surrogacy being a great gift to them, as well as their intended parents.

4. You Are Comfortable With the Idea of Carrying a Child For Someone Else

Surrogacy involves carrying and giving birth to a child who is not genetically-related to you.  As such, you need to be comfortable with the idea that you are carrying a child that you will not parent.

Many of our surrogates view surrogacy as “baby-sitting” for the intended parents for 9 months. All of our surrogates say that one of the greatest joys of their life is seeing the faces of the intended parents when they get to meet their baby for the first time.

After you and the baby are discharged from the hospital, most surrogates and intended parents maintain some type of relationship, often sharing photos and family updates.

5. You Know Your Stuff 

Surrogacy is a beautiful yet intricate journey. It’s one that unfolds with layers of complexity and profound rewards. To step into it with confidence, it’s essential to be well-informed about every facet of the process, from the medical details to the emotional nuances. Asking lots of questions is not just encouraged; it’s a vital part of preparing for what lies ahead.
 
At our agency, we’re here to walk alongside you, offering clarity and support every step of the way. We’re eager to educate you about the surrogacy process, what it entails, what you can expect, and how it all comes together. No question is too small, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel fully equipped.
 
Wherever you are in your understanding of surrogacy at this moment, what matters most is your willingness to dive in and learn. Embracing a full picture of the journey ahead, from the screening and matching process to the legal details outlined in your contract, all the way to the deeply personal and emotional experiences you can expect, knowledge will set the stage for a smoother, more fulfilling experience
 
When you know what’s ahead, you can move forward with purpose, creating a meaningful experience for both yourself and the intended parents who will forever cherish your gift. With our guidance and your curiosity, you’ll be ready for every moment of this extraordinary road.
 

6. You are comfortable sharing your personal and medical information

The screening process is thorough because it matters. You’ll share your medical history, past pregnancies, and personal details—health, finances, and more. You’ll sit with our team, release records, and let us see who you are. It’s a big step, but we guide you with care and respect. This openness ensures a match with intended parents who trust and connect with you, just as you’ll come to know them.

7. You’re Prepared for the Challenges

Surrogacy is a breathtaking act of generosity—but it’s not always easy. Physically, there’s a pregnancy to navigate. Emotionally, there are highs (like ultrasound days!) and potential bumps (like unexpected delays). You’re resilient, though—ready to handle whatever comes with grace. A seasoned agency can smooth out the ride, but your strength and prep keep it joyful for everyone involved.

8. You are financially stable 

Financial stability is a must. Surrogacy compensation is a wonderful bonus for your time and effort, but it shouldn’t be your lifeline. We need you to be secure—free to focus on the joy of the journey, not worrying about bills. This ensures your heart stays in it for the right reasons, making the experience truly rewarding.

9. You meet the basic agency requirements

It’s important to make sure that you meet all of the agency requirements for becoming a surrogate prior to starting this journey. You can find more details about surrogate qualifications on our website, but the basics are that you must:

  • Be between the ages of 21 and 39
  • Be in good physical health
  • Have had at least one prior pregnancy (and raised that child)
  • Have had no major pregnancy complications
  • Be a non-smoker
  • Have a BMI (body mass index) less than 35
  • Be financially stable
  • Be from a surrogate friendly state (unfortunately, we currently cannot work with surrogates from Louisiana, Nebraska, Indiana or Arizona)

 

10. You are organized and reliable. 

Being a successful surrogate requires a special kind of strength, organization and reliability that will anchor every part of this wonderful journey. A truly exceptional surrogate is someone who steps into this process with full commitment, ready to dedicate over a year of her life to bringing a family’s dream to fruition. It’s a role defined by responsibility, from adhering carefully to the terms of your “Gestational Carrier Contract” to managing a schedule filled with doctor appointments, medications, injections, and nutritional needs.

While these commitments will have an impact on parts of your normal daily routine,  if you are organized and reliable, you will find they are manageable, especially with all those in your corner there to lend a hand.

 

Ready to Get Started?

Your journey as a surrogate can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. If you’re motivated by a desire to help others, love being pregnant, and have the support and stability to commit to this beautiful process, we invite you to apply today. Let’s make dreams come true together!

Apply Now to start your journey with The Center for Surrogacy & Egg Donation, where your generosity can transform lives.

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