Are you considering a repeat surrogacy journey? You’re not alone! Many women travel the path of surrogacy multiple times, for a variety of reasons. Just like your first surrogate pregnancy, you’ll want to consider multiple factors and make a decision that is best for you and your family. If a repeat surrogacy feels like it might be the right choice for you, we are here to support and help arm you with the knowledge you need to embark on the next chapter of your continuing journey.
Am I crazy to want to do a repeat surrogacy journey?
Not at all! Many women want to become a surrogate again. While some agencies might vary on their qualifications regarding repeat surrogacies, it is very common for gestational carriers to pursue multiple surrogacies. This makes a lot of sense, especially when you think about it from the perspective of your first surrogacy journey. The selflessness and dedication required of a surrogate are uniquely ingrained traits that surrogates may feel a continued calling to realize, and our surrogates often describe their experience as life changing and deeply fulfilling. Many of our surrogates point to these feelings as some of the driving forces for their journey, which aligns with their desire to want to repeat the experience.
Will my family support my decision to become a repeat surrogate?
Our repeat surrogates often speak directly to the overwhelming support of their families when it comes to their decision to do a repeat journey. That’s mirrored when we talk to their partners and families. They frequently tell us how proud they are of the strong women they support through multiple journeys. That said, every family has a different set of circumstances to consider, and it is your responsibility to have an open and honest conversation with your family about your decision. Having a strong support system, including your family and your tribe, is a crucial part of a successful surrogacy. Reflecting on and discussing how your lifestyle may have changed since your most recent surrogacy can be a good starting point, including things like how your own child(ren) have changed, lifestyle shifts like a new career or caring for a loved one, and changes to your health. Each of these are things you may want to talk about with your family as you determine the best path for you.
One thing we can say for certain is that you will have a deeply rooted support system with your team at ConceiveAbilities and your surrogate sisters. Our team is here to support you every step of the way from your application to the birth of your surro-baby. You’ll also have the support, experiences, advice, and everything else that comes with an amazing group of women who have their own diverse experiences with surrogacy. Wherever you are in your journey, you will never be alone.
Why do surrogates decide to do a repeat surrogacy?
Sibling Journey
Intended parents often want a “sibling” journey, and therefore another surrogacy, to bring another healthy baby into their family. Sometimes intended parents know that this is their goal from the git-go; other times, they realize later that they want another child to love. Since our Matching Matters process has a 97% first time match rate, it’s no surprise that our surrogates and intended parents frequently develop strong friendships. Our repeat surrogates are frequently overjoyed at the opportunity to continue to build the family they helped to start.
Help Build Another Family
Many of our repeat surrogates choose to do another journey even if it is not a sibling journey. Surrogates have an admirable sense of selflessness that lends itself to simply wanting to help more intended parents turn their dream of a family into a reality.
Compensation
Repeat surrogates earn higher compensation than first time surrogates. At ConceiveAbilities, the compensation for first time surrogates starts at $72,000, while our repeat surrogates will earn higher compensation. This depends on variables like your location, among other considerations. We will work with you to determine how your individual circumstances will impact your compensation.
Will I qualify again?
Whether you are a repeat or a first time surrogate, you will still need to meet our basic qualifications to become a surrogate. There is also a limit on your total number of deliveries. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) sets the guideline of no more than five previous vaginal deliveries, but it’s important to talk with your doctor and us about your previous pregnancies since situations can vary and impact this guideline.
How long do I need to wait before reapplying?
Typically, a fertility clinic will require that you wait three months after a vaginal delivery or six months after a C-section before applying to become a surrogate again. Different agencies may vary on their requirements for reapplying, and depending on their qualifications you may need to wait longer. Any reputable agency will always work closely with you and your doctor to make sure you are positioned for a successful, healthy surrogacy, even if it means waiting longer to begin your next journey.
Does ConceiveAbilities accept women who have worked with other agencies?
Absolutely. We love working with repeat surrogates, whether they started their first journey here at ConceiveAbilities or meet us further along in their path. Repeat surrogates are a truly special group of women. Their past journeys help them know what to expect, and their experience gives them the unique ability to help their intended parents feel even more secure in the process. We’re also grateful that our repeat surrogates love working with us! Surrogates who have worked with other agencies before often tell us how much they appreciate our level of support and community-building. They appreciate the security and confidence we provide with things like a dedicated Match Manager, licensed mental health professionals, a legal team well-versed in fertility law, and a tribe in the Surrogate Sisterhood to share the journey with. Your success is our success, and our experience and proven track record provides our surrogates peace of mind in knowing they are supported through every step of their journey.
Whether you’re considering a second or a fourth surrogacy journey, you are among an elite group of women who are considering a repeat surrogacy. Our surrogates have genuinely positive experiences throughout their journeys, regardless of their reason. It’s important to honestly consider the decision you are making; if you and your family decide that your surrogacy journey is meant to continue, know that you will be supported every step of the way with ConceiveAbilities.