Life After Surrogacy: Transitioning to a New Chapter
This final stage of a surrogacy journey is an incredible experience, as it signifies the end of a selfless contribution to a family's story. For surrogates and intended parents alike, there’s an adjustment period, as both parties face new experiences and emotions. In this post, we’ll explore what surrogates and intended parents can expect during this transitional period, as well as tips for adapting to its many changes.
Life After Surrogacy for Surrogates
After delivery, a surrogate often faces physical and emotional challenges. Learning what to expect can help you prepare yourself and your family for this transitional period.
Physical Transition for Surrogates
After the birth of a baby, it’s essential for surrogates to focus on self-care and healing. Be sure to follow post-pregnancy self-care measures, your doctor’s orders for aftercare, and attend all medical follow-ups after birth.
Finding Closure
Emotional closure involves many factors, including taking time to reflect and acknowledge the physical and emotional investment you made during the surrogacy process. Closing this chapter of a surrogate’s journey could include participating in various activities or rituals, such as meditating or creating a photo album of memories.
If there are unresolved emotions, consider reaching out for professional help, such as seeing a therapist or counselor. Getting the support you need during this transitional time is absolutely crucial; in fact, at West Coast Surrogacy, we provide our surrogates with mental health support for months after the baby’s birth for this very reason. For surrogates who are experiencing postpartum depression, it’s essential to seek out help as soon as possible. Many surrogates also choose to join support groups comprised of former surrogates. Sharing with others who have had similar experiences can be immensely helpful for emotional processing.
Life After Surrogacy for Intended Parents
The birth of a surrogate baby is a time of great joy for the intended parents, but it often involves quite an adjustment as they welcome the new family member into their lives. While having a newborn is incredible, it’s also very challenging. Suddenly, there’s this tiny innocent child that is entirely dependent on you for its every need, which is very powerful, but also a significant responsibility. There are diapers to be changed, sleeping schedules to maintain, crying to soothe, doctor appointments to attend, and just about a million other things to navigate as new parents try to integrate into this new chapter of their lives. All of this can be even more emotionally challenging for those who have had a child through surrogacy.
Now more than ever is it crucial for intended parents to give themselves grace. Nobody knows how to be a perfect parent and it’s a learning process for everyone, whether you’ve given birth yourself or had a child through surrogacy. For intended parents who are having an especially hard time adjusting to their new dynamics, it’s strongly recommended to seek support from family, friends, support groups, or mental health professionals.
The Surrogate-Intended Parent Relationship After Surrogacy
What happens after a surrogate gives birth depends on several factors, such as the surrogacy contractual agreement and the arrangements between the intended parents and surrogates. Perhaps one of the most essential boundaries pertains to ongoing contact and communication after birth. Contact could include occasional visits, get-togethers for birthdays and special events, or whatever is mutually agreed upon. Whatever the case may be, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries regarding the surrogacy-intended parent relationship before the child’s birth.
If the intended parents and surrogates both agree to maintain contact after the baby’s birth, take time to maintain open communication. Sharing experiences and conversing about the emotional aspects of the journey can benefit all parties after the surrogacy journey has come to an end.
Explore All Aspects of the Surrogacy Journey
After the birth of the baby, the surrogacy journey evolves into a new chapter. It’s essential to embrace this transition and allow yourself to move at your own pace as you navigate these changes. If you’re interested in learning more about all aspects of surrogacy and our surrogacy program, including post-birth mental health support for surrogates, contact West Coast surrogacy today.
