The surrogacy journey is filled with wonderful milestones, from confirming pregnancy to seeing the intended parents holding their baby for the first time.

There is so much to prepare for along the way. And while your focus will understandably be on the joyous moments leading up to the birth, it’s important to know what to expect in the unique post-birth phase. 

To help, we’ve put together a simple guide that sheds light on what happens after birth as a surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS). 

Give yourself time to adjust

The birth of the baby marks the end of your surrogacy journey, but the transition doesn’t happen overnight. In addition to recovering physically from pregnancy and birth, you’ll also be adjusting to life after a process that has been an important part of your life for many months.

It’s normal to need time to settle into this new phase. Take things one day at a time, lean on your support system, and give yourself the same care and compassion you’ve shown throughout your journey. Every surrogate’s postpartum experience is different, and there is no right or wrong way to feel as you move forward.

Attend a support group 

Recovery isn’t just physical. Having support during the postpartum period can also make a meaningful difference. At SPS, support doesn’t end after you give birth.

As a surrogate, you’ll attend a support group from the time you start your contract with SPS until several weeks after you deliver. After delivery, surrogates share birth stories and conclude their journeys alongside the women they have shared every step with.

This communal space provides not only emotional support, but also a chance to celebrate this incredibly unique and powerful journey together. (Click here to learn more about SPS’s mental health support.)

Prioritize your recovery

As your body heals after delivery, it’s important to make your recovery a priority. Be sure to attend your follow-up medical appointments, get plenty of rest, and ease back into your normal activities at a pace that feels right for you.

At SPS, support continues after birth through our Wellness Package, which includes monthly video calls through 12 weeks postpartum, customized pelvic floor and full-body mobility and strength programs, birth preparation education, and guidance for returning to activity safely after birth. Led by Dr. Jessica Chellsen, PT, DPT, CSCS, the program provides ongoing support throughout recovery. (Learn more about the SPS Wellness Package here.)

Receive compensation and reimbursement if you are pumping 

The choice to pump is a collaborative decision made between a surrogate and her IPs. 

Pumping offers many benefits for surrogates. It helps with recovery post-birth, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and more. 

If you choose to pump, you’ll receive weekly compensation and you’ll be reimbursed for supplies and shipping. And if the IPs don’t want the milk, but you would like to pump, SPS can help find another couple that would like the milk. 

Navigate your relationship with the IPs

The relationship between the surrogate and IPs post-birth looks different for everyone. 

In most cases, communication won’t be as frequent as it was during surrogacy, as the IPs are now navigating life with a new baby and the surrogate has returned to her routine. 

Here at SPS, we always encourage surrogates to reach out to the IPs after the birth. Oftentimes, surrogates are hesitant to bother the parents as they’re busy with their new baby—and IPs don’t want to bother the surrogate as she is recovering and resuming her normal life. But as we always tell surrogates, don’t be afraid to contact the IPs!

What’s most important is sharing your desires and preferences at the very beginning of your journey. That said, people’s wishes can change over the course of the journey, and post-birth communication is completely up to both surrogates and IPs after delivery. 

Surrogacy is an incredibly unique experience, and when you understand every step of the process—including what happens to the surrogate mother after birth—you can navigate each step with confidence.

Best of luck on this wonderful journey!

Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services 

Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate over 30 years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy agency that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.   

Do you want to become a surrogate? Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.