The journey of surrogacy is a unique and deeply personal one. As the world evolves, so do the choices available to surrogates, including the option of home birth. In this post, we’ll talk about the surrogacy process, the rising trend of home births, and your birthing choices during your surrogacy journey.
Understanding Surrogacy and Its Requirements
In essence, surrogacy is where a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for someone else. Every surrogacy experience is unique, but they all share a common goal: helping others experience the joy of parenthood. This selfless act requires a deep commitment and understanding of the responsibilities involved.
Becoming a surrogate involves meeting specific criteria to ensure the health and safety of both the surrogate and the baby. Here are some general requirements for surrogates:
- Age: Be at least 21 years old and typically younger than 40.
- Health: Have a healthy BMI, as determined by a doctor.
- Pregnancy History: Have carried at least one pregnancy successfully to term.
- Lifestyle: Be a non-smoker and in excellent overall health.
- Location: Reside in a surrogate-friendly state.
- Mental and Emotional Health: Undergo psychological screening to ensure emotional readiness for the surrogacy journey.
- Legal: Understand and agree to legal contracts and terms related to surrogacy.
While some of the requirements may seem strict, it’s essential to understand that they are designed to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties involved. The requirements help to ensure that a surrogate is at low risk for complications, making home birth often a safe and viable choice for many surrogates.
The Rise of Home Births and Their Advantages
A planned home birth means the birthing process takes place at home rather than in a hospital or birthing center. The majority of home births are attended by midwives or other birthing professionals who ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Home births have been gaining popularity in recent years, offering a more personalized and intimate birthing experience. For many, the idea of giving birth in a familiar environment, surrounded by loved ones, is deeply appealing. This shift towards home births is not just a trend but a conscious choice made by expectant mothers, surrogates, and families who weigh the pros and cons of both home and hospital births.
Advantages of Home Birth:
- Familiar Environment: One of the most significant advantages is the comfort and familiarity of one’s own home. This can help reduce anxiety and stress, allowing for a more relaxed birthing process.
- More Control: Home births offer more control over the birthing experience. From choosing labor positions to deciding on the ambiance (like lighting or music), the birthing person has a say in almost every aspect.
- Fewer Medical Interventions: Home births often result in fewer medical interventions, allowing for a more natural birthing process.
- Personalized Care: With home births, the care is more individualized, ensuring that the birthing person’s needs and preferences are prioritized.
- Cost-Effective: In many cases, home births can be more cost-effective than hospital births, especially if insurance doesn’t cover all hospital birth expenses.
- Cultural and Religious Considerations: For some, home births align better with cultural or religious beliefs and practices.
Although there are advantages to choosing a home birth, it’s essential to understand that this option might not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions or complications might necessitate a hospital birth. It’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals, understand the risks, and ensure that everyone involved is adequately prepared for the birthing process.
Is Home Birth Safe for Surrogates?
The safety of the baby and the surrogate is always the highest priority for everyone involved in the surrogacy process. Intended parents, naturally, may have reservations about the idea of a home birth. After all, they’ve embarked on this journey with hopes, dreams, and a lot of emotions, and they want to ensure the best possible start for their child.
However, when approached with the right information and preparation, home births can be a safe and deeply rewarding experience for both surrogates and intended parents. When attended by qualified professionals, planned home births have been shown to be safe for those, like surrogates, who are at low risk of complications. It’s essential to understand that every birth, whether at home or in a hospital, carries its own set of risks and benefits. The key is to be well-informed, prepared, and supported.
For intended parents, a home birth offers a unique opportunity. It allows them to be deeply involved in the birthing process, witnessing the miraculous moment of their child’s birth in an intimate setting. This experience can be profoundly bonding, allowing intended parents to be as close to the birthing process as possible, and once the baby is born, intended parents can have immediate skin-to-skin contact, promoting early bonding.
The familiar and comfortable environment of a home birth can provide a serene and calm atmosphere, which can be beneficial for both the surrogate and the baby. The surrogate can move freely, choose her comfort positions, and have as many support people as she chooses.
A home birth can offer a unique and beautiful experience. With the right support and preparation, it can be a safe and memorable moment for surrogates and intended parents alike. Being open to various birthing preferences can also expedite the matching process for intended parents, bringing them closer to their dream of starting or expanding their family.
Supporting a Surrogate’s Choice
Susan Taylor, Surrogate Program Manager, is a two-time surrogate. Being a home birth midwife herself, Susan understands the benefits of home birth and stood firm in her decision to give birth at home for her second surrogacy journey. Her connection with the intended parents was profound, emphasizing the deep bonds formed through surrogacy.
Inspired by surrogates like Susan, Fairfax Surrogacy believes in supporting a surrogate’s choice. Recognizing the importance of bodily autonomy, we ensure surrogates have the freedom to choose their birthing options. While this might mean a longer wait time to match with intended parents, Fairfax Surrogacy remains steadfast in our belief that the right match, one that respects and supports the surrogate’s choices, is worth the wait.
Embark on a Remarkable Journey
Whether you’re considering becoming a surrogate or an intended parent dreaming of expanding your family, Fairfax Surrogacy is here to guide and support you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your surrogacy journey today!
