National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is upon us, dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals and couples all over the globe struggling with infertility. It's a time to promote understanding, spread hope, and discuss the roles that surrogacy and other assisted reproductive technologies play in helping many to achieve their dreams of parenthood.

What is National Infertility Awareness Week?

Spearheaded by...

Becoming a surrogate is a profound journey not only for the surrogate herself but also for her family. It offers a unique opportunity to teach valuable life lessons to your own children. Today, we delve into how the experience of surrogacy can have a remarkably positive impact on a surrogate's children, shaping their values and understanding of compassion and altruism.

Fostering Empathy and Compassion

Surrogacy is a powerful example of empathy in action. Children who see their mother helping another...

Embrace New Beginnings: Why Spring Is The Perfect Time to Start Your Surrogacy Journey

Warmer weather, new blooms, and longer days are not only signs that spring is under way, but also serve as powerful symbols of new beginnings. In this spirit of renewal and boundless opportunity, we at Surrogacy Mentor believe there is no more fitting a time than now to consider beginning your journey as a surrogate.

TAKE THE SURROGACY QUIZ...

In a world that's rapidly embracing diverse paths to parenthood, surrogacy stands out as a viable option for many aspiring parents. Once shrouded in mystery and misconceptions, surrogacy is now stepping into the limelight, thanks in no small part to the openness of celebrities who have chosen this path.

By sharing their personal journeys, these public figures are not just inviting us into their lives; they're also playing a pivotal role in normalizing surrogacy, demystifying its processes, and showcasing...

Wondering if You’re Ready to Become a Surrogate / Gestational Carrier?

It’s a question we hear a lot. There seems to be a million different agencies out there, and they all seem to have different qualifications. You may qualify at one but not the other. It can all be pretty overwhelming!

Our team at Surrogacy Mentor are experts in surrogacy and we are here to help. We will list some of the basic qualification criteria to help you determine...

In the heart of every hopeful parent, surrogate, and ally in the surrogacy community, there's a shared understanding: the journey to creating families through surrogacy is one filled with love, perseverance, and profound connection.

At Surrogacy Mentor, we believe that surrogacy isn't just a topic to be highlighted during a specific month, for marketing purposes, or observed on particular days. Instead, we champion the notion that every month is Surrogacy Awareness Month. Here's why this perspective is vital to our mission and how it...

The Latest Ruling from Alabama Supreme Court: A Turning Point for IVF and Surrogacy?

In a landmark decision that is sending ripples through the world of reproductive technology, the Alabama Supreme Court has recently made a ruling that could have far-reaching implications for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments (and by extension, surrogacy) within the state - and beyond. As advocates and mentors in the surrogacy community, it's crucial we unpack this ruling, understand its...

A Surrogacy Dictionary: Unraveling the Lingo of IVF and Surrogacy

Welcome to Surrogacy Mentor, your compass in the world of gestational surrogacy. Embarking on this path is like navigating a new world, along with terminology that can seem daunting at first. But fear not! We've compiled a comprehensive surrogacy dictionary to demystify the acronyms, phrases, and lingo commonly encountered. Whether you're an intended parent, a surrogate, or just curious about the process, this guide is for you.

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What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

A Guide to Becoming a Gestational Carrier with Surrogacy Mentor

Embarking on a gestational surrogacy journey is a profound way to help a family grow. However, navigating through the sea of information—and misinformation—about gestational surrogacy can be daunting. It's challenging to discern fact from opinion, leading to confusion and frustration. If you find yourself overwhelmed by varying surrogacy agency criteria and compensation details, you're not alone.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge...

Embracing Change: The Personal Journey of a Surrogate

The decision to become a surrogate is not just a medical or financial commitment but a deeply personal one. It's a path that intertwines with various aspects of your life, from family dynamics to professional responsibilities. At SurrogacyMentor, we understand the importance of considering how this significant decision can impact your personal life. This post explores the various ways becoming a surrogate might affect your relationships and daily routines.

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Embracing the Emotional Journey in Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is a journey that extends beyond the physical aspects of pregnancy. It's an emotional odyssey that involves deep feelings, unique relationships, and the potential for life-changing experiences. At Surrogacy Mentor, we believe in nurturing not just the physical well-being of our surrogates but also their emotional health. This post delves into the emotional considerations of surrogacy, offering insight into attachment,...

A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aspects for Gestational Surrogates

At Surrogacy Mentor, we recognize that a gestational surrogate's decision to carry a child for someone else is an act of immense generosity. Along with the emotional and physical journey, it's important to understand the financial aspects, including compensation and expenses. This guide aims to provide clear insights into how compensation works, what expenses are covered, and the financial implications for the surrogate and parents.

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Embarking on a Journey with Clarity: The Legalities of Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational Surrogacy is not just a journey of the heart, but also one that navigates complex legal territories. At Surrogacy Mentor, we understand the importance of clarity and security in this process. This post delves into the legal implications and the crucial role of contracts in Gestational Surrogacy, ensuring all parties are protected and fully informed.

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Exploring Surrogacy Paths: Traditional Versus Gestational

At Surrogacy Mentor, we understand the surrogacy journey is one filled with hope and heartfelt decisions. It's crucial for those embarking on this path to comprehend the different types of surrogacy. While there are two primary forms - Traditional and Gestational - our focus is on Gestational Surrogacy. Let's explore these types to understand why we specialize in Gestational Surrogacy.

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Hormone Patches and Pills: Essential Components in IVF for Surrogates

Embarking on the journey of surrogacy is a remarkable and selfless act. A critical part of this journey involves hormone patches and pills, integral in preparing your body for IVF and the subsequent stages of surrogacy. These medications are used to synchronize your menstrual cycle with the intended embryo transfer, ensuring that your body is optimally ready to receive and nurture the embryo.

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Understanding IVF Injection Medications in Surrogacy Journeys

On the extraordinary journey of surrogacy, understanding the role of IVF injection medications is crucial. As someone stepping into this significant role, it's important to be informed about these medications, as they are pivotal in preparing your body for the upcoming stages of embryo transfer and pregnancy.

The Role of IVF Medications in Surrogacy

During a surrogacy journey, you, as the surrogate,...

Navigating IVF Medication Calendars in Your Surrogacy Journey

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a profound and rewarding experience. An essential aspect of this journey is understanding and managing the IVF medication calendar, a crucial tool in ensuring the success of the process.

The Importance of an IVF Medication Calendar

An IVF medication calendar is more than just a schedule; it's a tailored roadmap designed to synchronize your body's cycle with the upcoming embryo transfer. This calendar is meticulously crafted by...

The journey to parenthood is unique and deeply personal, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood that is filled with hope and possibilities. At Surrogacy Mentor, we celebrate and support the diverse paths to building families. In fact, one of our founders is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community herself and she was a gestational carrier for another LGBTQ+ couple! Needless to say, our passion and commitment to the community is deeply personal.

This...

Nourishing the Journey: Nutrition and Health Tips for Surrogates

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a profound commitment, not only emotionally but also physically. At Surrogacy Mentor, we understand the importance of maintaining optimal health during this unique journey. In this blog, we focus on essential nutrition and fitness guidelines to support the well-being of surrogates during their surrogacy journey.

TAKE THE SURROGACY QUIZ...

The Digital Thread in Surrogacy: How Technology is Shaping Modern Journeys

In the ever-evolving landscape of gestational surrogacy, technology plays a pivotal role. From groundbreaking medical advancements to digital communication tools, these innovations are reshaping the way surrogacy journeys unfold. At Surrogacy Mentor, we're excited to delve into how technology is enhancing and simplifying the surrogacy experience for everyone involved.

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Surrogacy is not just a physical journey; it's an emotional one too. At SurrogacyMentor.com, we understand that both surrogates and intended parents navigate a spectrum of emotions throughout this process. This post focuses on the mental health aspects of surrogacy, offering insights into coping strategies, emotional support resources, and the psychological impact of this unique journey.

Understanding the Emotional Landscape

The surrogacy journey is filled with highs and lows....

As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts often turn to the spirit of giving and sharing joy with others. It's a time for reflecting on the gifts we can offer - not just material ones, but those that deeply impact lives. At SurrogacyMentor.com, we believe one of the most profound ways to embrace this spirit is through the journey of surrogacy.

The Gift of Surrogacy

Surrogacy is more than a process; it's a journey of heart, courage, and compassion. It's about offering a piece of yourself to bring happiness to...

If you’re considering becoming a gestational surrogate, you're looking at one of the most profound contributions you could make to another person’s life. It’s an adventure that's as rewarding emotionally as it should be financially.

Let's dive into what fair compensation looks like for surrogates and how this plays into the broader surrogacy landscape.

Understanding Surrogacy Compensation

Becoming a surrogate isn’t just a noble act of kindness; it's a commitment that involves your time, body, and emotions. This is why at...

When it comes to the intricate journey of surrogacy, there are a myriad of factors that both intended parents and surrogate applicants consider. From emotional readiness to health requirements, every element holds weight.

However, there’s one often-underestimated factor that stands out as a strong predictor of a successful match: a surrogate applicant’s responsiveness and follow-through during the application and screening process.

Take the Surrogacy Quiz...

Navigating the complex world of surrogacy can be overwhelming, but for those considering the rewarding journey of becoming a gestational surrogate, timing is everything! Open Enrollment for health insurance is around the corner, and it’s an important part of every surrogate's journey. Let's dive into why you don't want to miss the boat on Open Enrollment.

The Opportunity of Open Enrollment

For those unfamiliar with the term, Open Enrollment is the specific period each year during which all USA individuals can purchase or modify their health insurance policies....

As the school year kicks off and your little ones head back to the classroom, you might find yourself with a bit more time on your hands. While the peace and quiet are undoubtedly refreshing, have you considered using this newfound freedom to embark on a life-changing journey? We're talking about becoming a surrogate.

At SurrogacyMentor.com, we believe that the start of the school year is the perfect time for moms like you to explore the rewarding path of surrogacy. Here's why:

Reclaim Your Time

With the kids back in school, your schedule suddenly...

In the realm of assisted reproduction, trust emerges as the cornerstone upon which successful gestational surrogacy journeys are built. In this blog post, we delve into the top three reasons why trust stands as the most pivotal factor in gestational surrogacy, fostering harmonious relationships and fulfilling dreams.

1. Establishing a Solid Foundation

Gestational surrogacy is a deeply personal and intimate experience that involves numerous stakeholders, including intended parents and gestational carriers. The establishment of trust between these parties forms...

The relationship between the surrogate and the intended parents is incredibly unique, so it's only natural that many people involved in this process want to stay in touch after the baby is born. However, the post-birth relationship between the surrogate and intended parents can be a sensitive subject, and it requires careful consideration and open communication.

In this post, we will explore what this relationship can look like, how to navigate boundaries, and how to maintain a mutually respectful friendship...

Surrogacy is a beautiful journey that brings joy to families around the world. However, becoming a surrogate is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires a deep commitment, both physically and emotionally, and not all who apply are accepted. In fact, only about 5% of women who apply to become surrogates pass the entire screening process.

Why is the acceptance rate so low? The answer lies in the stringent screening process, designed to...

Parenthood is a deeply personal journey, and for some individuals or couples, the path to building a family may involve surrogacy. When discussing surrogacy, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and understanding.

Unfortunately, many people are quick to ask Intended Parents pursuing surrogacy the question, "Why don't you just adopt?" While this question may be well-intentioned, it can be hurtful and overlooks the complexities of surrogacy. In this article, we will explore why it is not appropriate to ask Intended Parents this question and will shed light on the...

If you are considering the empowering and rewarding journey of becoming a gestational carrier, first and foremost, let us just say - Thank You. Your decision to help someone realize their dream of parenthood is nothing short of amazing. As you embark on this path, one of the most crucial steps is finding a surrogacy agency that aligns with your values and needs. Here’s a helpful guide on what to look for in a reputable surrogacy agency:

1. Experienced and Knowledgeable Staff

As the saying goes, "Experience is the best teacher". It’s important to find...

*Be sure to listen to our #NormalizeSurrogacy Podcast episode about surrogates and loss here*

There are countless joys and triumphs within the journey of surrogacy, but there are also challenges and hardships that may arise. One of the most profound and difficult experiences can be a pregnancy loss.

Though no one ever wishes for this outcome, it's vital for surrogacy professionals, agencies, and intended parents to understand how best to...

Have you ever considered becoming a gestational surrogate? It's an incredibly selfless act of love that can change your life in many ways. Here are some of the awesome ways that being a surrogate can change your life for the better:

A Sense of Fulfillment

Helping someone start or grow their family is an amazing feeling. It's a truly fulfilling experience that can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment that's unique to the surrogacy experience.

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When starting a surrogacy journey, it is natural to have concerns about things like boundaries and communication during your journey. And yes, when first researching surrogacy, many women do worry about things like getting too attached to the baby. Here are a few tips to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Healthy Communication

Open and healthy communication with the intended parents can help you feel more comfortable and...

So, you are ready to find out what this surrogacy thing is all about, but you are wondering to yourself, "Do I qualify to be a surrogate?". In this blog post, we'll discuss the steps involved in applying and the screening criteria for being a surrogate with Surrogacy Mentor.

Step 1: Understand the Requirements: How to Qualify for Surrogacy

Before you can begin the process of becoming a gestational surrogate, it's important to understand the requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the surrogacy agency you work with, but most agencies have a few...

As the surrogacy industry continues to grow, the demand for surrogate advocates who have a wealth of knowledge and experience has also increased. Women who are considering becoming a surrogate need a reliable and trustworthy guide who can help them navigate through the process. This is where the experts at Surrogacy Mentor come in.

Here are three reasons why experience - not just as former surrogates, but as seasoned business owners and respected surrogacy industry experts -...

Surrogacy is a journey that not only impacts the surrogate, but also her partner. It's important to have the support of your partner as you embark on this path. If you're a woman considering becoming a gestational surrogate and are struggling to help your partner understand why you would want to do this, here are a few points that may help.

First, it's important to emphasize that the decision to become a gestational surrogate is entirely voluntary and when working with advocates such as those at Surrogacy Mentor, you are receiving trusted guidance each step of the way. It's also...

Surrogacy is a beautiful journey that brings hope and happiness to intended parents. It’s also a complex process that requires the involvement of various professionals.

One of the most critical aspects of any surrogacy journey is the financial management of the process. This is where an independent escrow manager comes into the picture.

An independent escrow manager is a third-party professional who acts as a neutral intermediary between intended parents and the surrogate. They hold and manage the funds related to the surrogacy agreement, ensuring that payments are made...

A strong support network of family and friends is important during a surrogacy journey. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of a support system for surrogates before, during, and after their surrogacy journey.

Before the Journey

Surrogacy is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and preparation. Surrogates need to have a strong support system in place before embarking on this journey....

Compensation is one of the most misunderstood topics in surrogacy. Surrogacy can be a complex and emotionally charged one, and it is essential to ensure that the gestational carrier is adequately compensated for the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of carrying a child for someone else. Compensation packages for gestational surrogates can vary widely depending on several factors. In this blog post, we will explore the different components of a typical compensation...

As you have likely already heard, research is an important first step in the surrogacy process. It is our goal to help every woman considering being a surrogate to be fully informed and educated before making such a big decision. Here is a list of 5 things you should know about surrogacy:

1. Surrogacy is a complex process: Women who are considering surrogacy should understand that it is a complex process that involves legal, medical, financial and emotional considerations. The process can be...

Surrogacy industry veterans partner to provide support, education and mentorship to aspiring surrogates, while helping surrogacy agencies find qualified surrogate candidates.

MESA, AZ - March 1, 2023: Surrogacy Mentor (surrogacymentor.com), an innovative surrogacy education, mentorship and recruiting firm founded by industry...

When you’re considering becoming a surrogate, the importance of the screening process can’t be overstated. It’s essential that potential surrogates are aware of what is involved in the process and why it is so important to follow through with each step. In this blog post, we will discuss why thorough screening - performed by qualified professionals - is necessary before starting a surrogacy journey.

Surrogate Qualifications

Before going down the route of becoming a surrogate, it’s important to make sure that you meet the qualifications. This includes health criteria such as...

There are many decisions to be made when embarking on a surrogacy journey. One of the most important decisions is whether to pursue an independent or agency surrogacy journey. An independent journey is one where the surrogate and intended parents work together directly, without the assistance of a surrogacy agency. An agency journey is one where the surrogate and intended parents rely on the guidance and support of a surrogacy agency.

This decision should not be taken lightly and requires thoughtful consideration as there are benefits and drawbacks to both options. Let’s take a look...

Surrogacy is amazing and beautiful, but it can also be a stressful and emotional time for surrogates and intended parents. It’s important to recognize the importance of caring for your mental health during this process.

As a surrogate, you are taking on a major responsibility in helping someone’s dream of parenthood come true. The physical and emotional demands of being a surrogate can take its toll if not managed...

5 Awesome Reasons to Become a Surrogate

As experienced surrogates ourselves, we know that becoming a surrogate is an incredibly rewarding experience. As a surrogate, you have the opportunity to help others who are unable to have children on their own. Here are five reasons why becoming a surrogate might be right for you:

Reason #1: Giving the Gift of Family

One of the biggest reasons why women choose to become a surrogate is because they want to make someone’s dream of family come true. As a surrogate, you will give others the...

Being a surrogate is an incredibly rewarding experience. You are helping create a family and fulfilling the dreams of intended parents. During the process, building a connection with your intended parents is just as important as the medical aspects of your surrogacy journey. Here we share 3 tips on how to build a meaningful relationship with your intended parents.

Tip #1: Set Clear Expectations

Surrogates and intended parents should set clear expectations from the very beginning of their relationship. Outlining expectations helps all parties understand...

You won't believe some of the wild things surrogates are asked!

An overview of the IVF, embryo creation and embryo transfer process for surrogacy.

In Gestational Surrogacy, an embryo is transferred into the surrogate by way of the IVF process. We have previously discussed that the embryo has no genetic tie to the surrogate, and in this post we'd like to shed light on how exactly that embryo is created and becomes a pregnancy.

In a recently released episode of the...

An overview of the medical, legal, psychological and practical qualifications to become a gestational surrogate.

Choosing to become a surrogate is one of the most powerful choices a woman can make.

Helpful tips and resources for explaining surrogacy to children of all ages.

Click here to read why surrogacy is so personal to our Founder, Carey Flamer-Powell.

Click here to read why our Intake Coordinator, Marielle, has completed 3 surrogacy journeys!