If you're an Intended Parent entering the final months of your surrogacy pregnancy, first off, congratulations! You're so close to welcoming the newest addition of your family to the world and we couldn't be happier for you.
As you get closer to your surrogate's due date, there are a number of things you'll need to do to prepare for the arrival of your new baby and the end of your journey. Here's what to expect as you prepare for delivery.
20 WEEKS TIL DELIVERY DAY
- Gather Attorney & Retainer Information: When you reach the 20-week mark, your surrogacy agency will reach out with detailed instructions, including the name of the attorney in the state where your baby is being born. (If you're working with Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists, this will likely be Kim, Vicki's assistant.) The attorney will then send your agency a retainer which, if you prefer, can be paid from your escrow.
- Make Final At-Home Preparations: You've been working on creating a baby-friendly environment for your new arrival at home, but have you covered it all? We put together a complete guide for new parents as they get ready to bring home the new addition to their family. (Even if you're not a new parent, it doesn't hurt to double-check!): The New Parent's Checklist: Get Ready to Bring Home Baby
- Get in Touch with Your Delivering Hospital: We always recommend scheduling a tour of the hospital your surrogate will deliver in. Typically, hospital tours can be scheduled between 20 to 30 weeks prior to your due date, but sooner is always better. You can usually schedule a tour on the hospital website or by contacting the hospital directly. Additionally, you'll want to inquire about the newborn care billing process with the hospital social worker.
- Call Your Insurance Company: Domestic clients should contact their insurance provider to explore your coverage options. Your provider will walk you through everything you need to know about adding your child as a dependent and/or adjusting your policy. For international parents, contact your surrogacy agency to learn more about your options.
10 DAYS TIL DELIVERY DAY
- Touch Base with Your Attorney: Make sure you connect with the attorney who did the birth order to ensure all of the outstanding items are where they need to be. Every state is different, so it's important to ensure you have an understanding of all required paperwork, activity, and correspondence?and that they're all completed and accounted for.
- Arrive for Delivery Day: It's completely up to the Intended Parents when and if they want to arrive for the birth of their baby. Most parents plan to be in the state where their baby is being born at least 7 to 10 days prior to the due date. (Keep in mind that due dates do change?especially if you're expecting twins?so be ready to anticipate potential changes.) You can always ask the treating physician or your surrogate if you have questions about due dates.
- Prepare for the Big Day: As you get ready to welcome your new addition to the world, it's important to understand what to expect on Delivery Day. Luckily for you, we put together a guide for you:
5 Ways to Ensure You're Prepared for Birth (as an IP)
Now that your surrogate is well into her third trimester, it's time for you to make the final push to get everything in order before you bring your child home. These five tips will help you ensure you're prepared for the birth of your baby.
What IPs Should Expect in the Delivery Room
Know what the processes will be for delivery, post-birth, breastfeeding, cutting the cord, etc. It's important to walk through every step of the process to avoid confusion, especially considering how high-energy the day of will be.
Bringing Home Baby: What to Expect the First Week
The moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived! As blissful as the experience of bringing home your new baby is, it will be an adjustment. Here's what you can expect in the first week.
4 Great Gift Ideas to Consider Giving Your Surrogate
A happy, healthy baby is the ultimate gift for IPs, but it's just as important to recognize your surrogate as you end your journey together. Here are a few ideas to show your surrogate how grateful you are for all that she does.
Whether you're at the beginning of your third trimester or nearing the very end of your surrogate pregnancy, you can never be too prepared for Delivery Day. Regardless, Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists is with you every step of the way up to (and beyond) the very end of your journey. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have as you prepare for one of the most unforgettable moments of your life.
