If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about starting a surrogacy journey. You may feel hopeful, a little nervous, or both. I understand. After guiding families through this process for over seventeen years, I know how confusing timelines, clinics, and contracts can feel at the beginning. I want to walk you through the journey as clearly and honestly as possible. From the first steps to birth and beyond, this article will give you a realistic sense of what to expect and help you feel prepared every step of the way.
Step 1: Saying “Hello” & Getting Started
The first step is simple: fill out a short form. We just need to know where you are in your process; whether you’re researching, have selected a fertility clinic, or already have embryos ready. This helps us provide the information you need without overwhelming you. Next, we’ll schedule a video call or meet in person if you’re local. Think of it as a conversation to get to know each other. First, we learn about you: your hopes, expectations, timeline, and what matters most in a potential match. Then, we share how we work, what you can expect from us, and how we support families through every stage. We’ll also review the logistics: how we pre-screen surrogates, coordinate with clinics, manage legal contracts, plan embryo transfers, handle finances through our fixed-fee package or hybrid coordination program, and refer you to other professionals if needed. By the end of this first step, you’ll have clarity about what comes next. If you’re ready, we formalize our partnership with a retainer agreement.
Step 2: Finding the Right Match
Matching is about people, not profiles. It’s about finding a surrogate whose communication style, goals, and expectations align with yours. At Fairfax Surrogacy, we aim to make this process as smooth and efficient as possible, so your time, emotional energy, and financial investment are protected. If you’re using our fixed-fee full agency program, we handle the match for you. If you’ve elected our hybrid coordination program, we’ll pre-screen your chosen surrogate to ensure she meets our thorough standards. Every candidate completes background checks, psychological assessments, lab tests, and medical record reviews. When you meet a surrogate, you can move forward with confidence, knowing she has successfully completed this process and is ready for a match, not just meeting minimum requirements. This reduces uncertainty and lets you focus on building a meaningful relationship from the very beginning. Once a match is confirmed, we coordinate her in-person medical screening with your fertility clinic to ensure she is cleared for the next steps. Getting this right from the start helps the rest of the journey feel smoother, safer, and more rewarding.
Step 3: Legal & Financial Prep
Contracts and finances can feel overwhelming, but they exist to protect everyone. We provide your attorney with the agreed-upon compensation package and details for either our fixed-fee or hybrid program, answer questions, and follow up to keep the process running smoothly. Our fixed-fee model covers major costs and eliminates the stress of awkward money conversations. From the beginning, you have clarity and peace of mind, so you can focus on building a solid relationship with your surrogate.
Step 4: Medical Process & Pregnancy
We handle communication with your fertility clinic, plan your cycle, schedule monitoring appointments, and coordinate travel for your surrogate so you don’t have to worry. After the embryo transfer, the journey takes on a deeper emotional dimension. You’ll want to support your surrogate, stay informed, and feel connected without overstepping. We coordinate appointments, share updates, and answer questions along the way. Surrogacy is deeply human. With the right guidance, you can focus on the joy of the experience, not just the logistics.
Step 5: Birth & Life After Delivery
As the due date approaches, we create a detailed birth plan, so everyone knows what to expect. On delivery day, we handle legal coordination, documentation, bills, and check-ins so you can focus on meeting your baby. If you want us there, we can coordinate for a team member to provide in-person support when possible. After the birth, we don’t disappear. We check in, celebrate milestones, and provide support whenever you need it. Surrogacy doesn’t end at birth—it’s the beginning of your family’s story. It’s intensely personal, full of highs, unexpected challenges, and moments no checklist can capture. Having a trusted team helps you navigate the unknowns, keep relationships strong, and focus on what matters most: welcoming your baby.
With guidance, stress becomes confidence, chaos turns into clarity, and worry transforms into joy. This blog gives you an overview, but there’s much more to know about how a surrogacy agency supports intended parents. Our free downloadable guide explains what a surrogacy agency actually does, shares real stories, and shows how agency support can make the process safer, smoother, and more connected.
Download it today to learn more about how we can help throughout your surrogacy journey:
“Your Guide: What a Surrogacy Agency Really Does”
Written by Perla Piekutowski, Fairfax Surrogacy Program Director
📧 info@fairfaxsurrogacy.com | 📞 (301) 202-1357 | 🌐 www.fairfaxsurrogacy.com