Navigating The Relationship Between Intended Parents, Surrogates, and Everyone Else

If you are going to become a parent through surrogacy, you will have to navigate your relationship with your Surrogate, your caseworker, and all of the doctors involved in your case. It is difficult to navigate everything and there are times when you may feel like you are overwhelmed. That’s normal!
The path to parenthood isn’t easy, no matter who you are or what path you take. 

Everything Starts With Communication

We will stress the importance of communication as often as we can. Good communication is key to any kind of relationship, but it is even more important during the surrogacy process. You need to be communicative with your caseworker above all else. You need to tell them what you need when you need it, and whatever you are feeling. If you are worried? Explain that to your caseworker. If you are feeling defeated at some point? Explain that as well. Of course, it is important with your Surrogate as well. While we encourage Surrogates and Intended Parents to talk to each other directly, we can help you clear up communication.

A little bit of communication can go a long way.

Everyone Needs To Know The System

We work as hard as we can to educate everyone about where they need to be, what they need to do, and how they need to do it. There is some leniency in certain situations and certain steps, but we’ve developed all the materials our Surrogates and Intended Parents get. 

At EDSI, we have gone through this process for over 1,500 babies. We’ve gotten it down to a science, but we also know that there needs to be room for the personal as well. 

It Means Working With The Best People

One thing we have noticed is that if you work with doctors and specialists that are willing to be communicative and talk to multiple parties, then you have a better experience. We work with doctors that are used to working with Surrogates and Intended Parents. This helps us to keep everything aligned and in order. 

It’s Not Always Going To Be Easy

Let’s be honest: this isn’t a situation that is always going to be the easiest. There are going to be times when you feel like you need more communication or times when you feel like you are getting too much communication.

It’s all about going back to communication and understanding what you need. We walk you through the entire process before you even sign a contract with us because we want you to feel comfortable with everything.

Ready To Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Contact Us Today

Finding the right fit can be quite difficult, and as this is a big decision to make, taking all the time you need to make those decisions is imperative. We are here for you whenever you make that choice. We are happy to give you more information now or schedule your consultation.

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding experience that will change your life forever. If you are ready to get started on the surrogacy process, make sure to contact us today.

 

The Best Pregnancy Apps For Intended Parents

Thanks to technology, parenthood has changed a lot. There are many things that are easier because of technology and a lot of things that are harder because of it. You are going to have to think through many things that you never thought about before when it comes to your use of social media and other forms of technology.

One thing we do suggest, however, is that you download some pregnancy apps. This may seem strange because you aren’t physically pregnant, but it can help you feel like the important part of the puzzle that you are.

Here are some of our favorites:

What to Expect

You’ve probably heard about the “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” book before, and this app has all of that same information and then some other information. The app is focused primarily on pregnancy, helping to give you insight into the milestones a pregnant woman will experience and, perhaps even more importantly for you, what your baby will be doing through. 

The app goes beyond pregnancy too, helping to give advice about babies and toddlers. You will be able to download this as soon as your Surrogate gets pregnant and keep it for the first few years of your child’s life.

Baby Center

A great app that doesn’t have as much name recognition is the Baby Center app. You may have been on the website if you already have children, or you may have heard about it from your friends. This is the perfect resource for Intended Parents and for Surrogates because it allows for personalized tracking of your baby. There is also a good community of people, including people who are working with Surrogates to achieve parenthood.

Their app has some of the most detailed, up-to-date information and you can get countdowns that help you keep track of exactly where your baby is. It also offers daily information and bite-size tidbits that won’t overwhelm you.

WebMD Pregnancy

WebMD is a resource for many people, and sometimes it isn’t the best tool. Too many of us have used it to self-diagnose illnesses, but there are some other ways to use it too. WebMD has a pregnancy app that will help Intended Parents who maybe haven’t been near someone who has been pregnant before. It has all of the same information that you’ll find on other apps, but it also has a ton of great questions that you can ask your doctor to gain insight into your journey.

You can also see some insightful photos of what your baby’s development will look like, get some great checklists to help you prepare for the birth, and a thriving community.

ProDaddy

This app is the perfect option for Intended Fathers. The ProDaddy app gives you the kind of insights and information that you need without talking down to you or assuming that you just know specific things. There is some great information here, but it is presented from a slightly different angle. It will help you to pick out baby gear, learn how to feed and diaper baby, and give you some daily tips to make the transition to fatherhood easier.

Ready To Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Contact Us Today

Finding the right fit can be quite difficult, and as this is a big decision to make, taking all the time you need to make those decisions is imperative. We are here for you whenever you make that choice. We are happy to give you more information now or schedule your consultation.

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding experience that will change your life forever. If you are ready to get started on the surrogacy process, make sure to contact us today.

 

 

Does it Matter Where Your Surrogate Is From?

If you are looking into using surrogacy to become a parent, you may have noticed that there aren’t any Surrogates from where you are or in your area. The problem is that every state has different requirements for Surrogates and it is just easier to become Surrogates in certain places – that’s why you’ll see surrogacy agencies working with the same people.

Whether you are looking to become a parent within the next year or you are just gaining some foundational information, you should know that location does theoretically matter when it comes to surrogacy, but it isn’t something that should stop you. Currently, EDSI has offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York City, and Arizona, but we work with Intended Parents and Surrogates from all over the world.

Your Surrogate Can Be From Anywhere

Most people like to be located near their Surrogate in case anything happens. However, as long as you are willing to travel for the birth of your child, then you won’t have to worry about the distance. We rarely recommend that Surrogates be the ones doing the traveling because of the risks posed to traveling during pregnancy.

In the past, Intended Parents wanted to be close to their Surrogate because they wanted to be present during appointments. If the last year has shown us anything though, it is that you can do a lot over Zoom, Skype, or Google. 

What State Dictates Surrogacy Laws?

In the end, it matters where the Surrogate gives birth. That will dictate the rules and regulations that we need to follow. Surrogates can be from one state and as long as they are willing to travel to a nearby state to give birth. This isn’t ideal, but it’s possible.

Know that surrogacy laws are ever-evolving, but they are mostly changing to be more lenient when it comes to surrogacy, so you won’t have to worry. If anything does happen, EDSI will work with you to ensure that everything turns out well in the end.

Does EDSI Need To Have An Office Near You?

While we do have a few different offices throughout the country, you don’t even need to be near us to start the surrogacy process. We’ve refined our process and found that almost everything can be handled via phone or internet. You will still get support from our world-class staff and insights and information from our surrogacy experts, you can just sit on your couch while you do it.

If you’d like to learn more about how we will support you, you can always schedule a free phone consultation with us today. You will meet with our Managing Director and hear how we will make this experience one that is special for you.

Ready To Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Contact Us Today

Finding the right fit can be quite difficult, and as this is a big decision to make, taking all the time you need to make those decisions is imperative. We are here for you whenever you make that choice. We are happy to give you more information now or schedule your consultation.

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding experience that will change your life forever. If you are ready to get started on the surrogacy process, make sure to contact us today.

Surrogacy For Same Sex Couples: What To Expect

If you are a same sex couple thinking about using surrogacy to build your family, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns about just what it means and what you can expect. This is a scary journey for so many parents and it isn’t something that you should take lightly. This is a big step and you should do research to find the best surrogacy agency that will support your needs.

We know that the surrogacy process is one that is confusing and overwhelming for many same-sex couples, which is why our qualified, dedicated, and caring staff is here for you. Whether you want to be a Surrogate, an Egg Donor, or you want to build your family, our staff will be there for every step of the way. To date, we have had over 1,000 healthy babies delivered and are known as the “Best Value and Preferred Agency for Hands-on Personalized Service” in the Third Party Assisted Reproduction Industry.

Starting The Same-Sex Surrogacy Process

Starting the surrogacy process is intimidating – it is a big step in your life. We understand that you need to do a lot of research to find the best surrogacy agency. We will be the first to admit that every surrogacy agency has a different “vibe” to it and that not every agency is for all people. This is especially true for same-sex couples. Surrogacy has come a long way, but not every agency is as open and accepting as we’d like. 

Another thing to consider is that surrogacy laws vary by state, so it is imperative to look into those laws or reach out to a surrogacy agency that understands them. EDSI has been at the forefront of pushing for greater protection for not only same-sex IPs, but for the Surrogates and children as well. 

We always want to provide our IPs and Surrogates with the highest levels of care as we move together through this process. Our agency was built on the idea that everyone who wants to be a parent should be able to do so. We work with straight, gay, single, local, and international Intended Parents to achieve this goal.

We hope to build a world where every person has a right to reproduction and they are empowered in the decisions that they make.

Finding A Surrogacy For A Same Sex Couple

Finding your surrogacy team is important – it’s a bit like building a soccer team. You need to have all of the pieces in place for it to be a good experience. You want to have case workers that help you understand every step of the process, doctors that are the best in the industry, a Surrogate that communicates clearly and takes care of your baby, and maybe even an Egg donor to help get the job done. 

You are also an important part of the team. You are the glue that holds everything together.

Throughout the surrogacy journey, we recruit Egg Donors and Surrogates to match them with Intended Parents, including single parents and same-sex parents. From there, we seamlessly orchestrate the fertility journey through pregnancy and delivery. We make it a rule to be active problem solvers and advocates for our clients, making their experiences pleasant and hassle-free.

It would be our honor to help you grow your family.

Ready To Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Contact Us Today

Finding the right fit can be quite difficult, and as this is a big decision to make, taking all the time you need to make those decisions is imperative. We are here for you whenever you make that choice. We are happy to give you more information now or schedule your consultation.

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding experience that will change your life forever. If you are ready to get started on the surrogacy process, make sure to contact us today.

How Surrogacy Laws Have Changed Over Time

Surrogacy has been around a long time, even before lawyers and law. Before legal agreements, the rich and powerful could find servants, slaves, and commoners and simply request that they be a Surrogate for them in cases where their wives could not get pregnant (even though it wasn’t always the wife’s fault). 

Thankfully, the world has changed and the ideas surrounding surrogacy have changed as well. Today, there are plenty of laws in place to help protect everyone involved in surrogacy, including the Surrogate Mother, Intended Parents, babies, and even the surrogacy agency.

If you are interested in becoming a parent through surrogacy or in being a Surrogate, contact EDSI today.

Surrogacy Laws: A Timeline

Surrogacy laws have changed and been refined as surrogacy continues to change lives. Sometimes this is because of lawsuits and other times it is because of experiences and situations. There have been laws at a national level in the United States as well as at the state level for most states.

Noel Keane Sets The Precedent

In 1976, Noel Keane negotiated and drafted the first agreement between a Surrogate Mother and Intended Parents. This situation used traditional surrogacy, where the Surrogate used her own eggs. The Surrogate was not compensated. 

Noel Keane helped over 600 children be born over his career and is seen as one of the forefathers of surrogacy laws.

Surrogacy Goes Legal

Keane’s work opens up surrogacy legality in the 1980s. More and more surrogacy contracts were signed but unfortunately, they were still unenforceable in many cases due to weak state laws.

During this time, Elizabeth Kane became the first legally compensated Surrogate in the United States through a traditional surrogacy. She was paid $11,500.

Baby M Creates Speedbumps

“Baby M” was born in 1986 to a couple using traditional surrogacy, the father’s sperm, and $10,000 in compensation. When the child was born, the Surrogate did not want to give the baby to the Intended Parents. She tried to keep the baby, resulting in a lengthy custody battle. 

This case pushed for more laws around surrogacy and better regulations. Eventually, these types of fights would lead the way to surrogacy as we know it today: gestational surrogacy, where the Surrogate Mother is not biologically related to the mother.

Johnson v. Calvert 

One of the most important cases in gestational surrogacy history is Johnson v. Calvert. In this case, the Gestational Carrier had no biological connection to the baby. The court sided with the Intended Parents.  After this case, more people felt safe trying to become parents through surrogacy.

Today’s Surrogacy Laws & Where We Have To Go

Even though surrogacy is more protected than ever, and most states have laws around surrogacy, there are still fights. One of the biggest fights in the next few years is whether or not we will get the national legalization of surrogacy. Surrogacy agencies continue to educate and motivate lawmakers to push for national laws to help protect Surrogates, Intended Parents, and babies.

Ready To Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Contact Us Today

If you want to be a Surrogate or become a parent, finding the right fit in a surrogacy agency can be quite difficult, and as this is a big decision to make, taking all the time you need to make those decisions is imperative. We are here for you whenever you make that choice. We are happy to give you more information now or schedule your consultation.

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding experience that will change your life forever. If you are ready to get started on the surrogacy process, make sure to contact us today.

 

History Of Surrogacy: A Timeline

Surrogacy has been around a long time, even though many people think it is a more modern invention. Previously, there was more of a “traditional” surrogacy in which the Surrogate carried her own baby – this was a technique used by people who had a lot of money and/or status and were having trouble conceiving on their own.

Surrogacy has changed quite a bit since then. We want people to know how much surrogacy has changed and hope for what it can do in the future. To do this, we have to go back quite a long time.

History of Surrogacy: How It Has Changed Over The Years

The start of modern surrogacy as we know it now has some dubious origins. In 1884, the first artificial insemination took place. It wasn’t done in a moral way, but it did show that it was possible and helped to get the ball rolling on surrogacy. Throughout the years after this, scientists studied a lot about the possibilities of surrogacy as people continued to debate whether or not it was legal, moral, and safe. Everyone had an opinion on it, but the number of infertile women continued to rise.

In 1975, the first ethical IVF embryo transfer occurred successfully, giving hope to couples everywhere. This leads to the first legal surrogacy agreement by Noel Keane, a lawyer who would go on to create the Infertility Center, one of the early leaders of surrogacy. This agency would continue to fight for the rights of Surrogates and Intended Parents. 

It wasn’t until 1980 that the first agreement was signed between a Surrogate and Intended Parents. Known as Elizabeth Keane, the woman received $10,000 from the Intended Parents. Keane’s experience gave insight into what Surrogates would experience, including the emotional toll that it would take on them. 

Soon after, one of the most notorious surrogacy cases occurred, known as “Baby M.” Mary Beth Whitehead was the Surrogate for Bill and Betsy Stern. She used her own eggs in the process, making her the biological mother of the baby. When the baby was born, she tried to take custody of said baby. It led to a long custody battle because of her genetic connection to the baby. 

The case was settled in Whitehead’s favor because the agreement between the Sterns and Whitehead was illegal. This set a precedent for all surrogacy agreements afterwards. Bill Stern was given primary custody of the baby, and Whitehead was given visitation rights. 

It wasn’t until 1985 that the first successful gestational surrogacy occured. Over time, doctors and lawyers refined their practices and worked to create laws around surrogacy that protect everyone involved.

Surrogacy has come a long way since then, with thousands of babies born to surrogacy each year.

Surrogacy Is Mentioned In The Bible

Did you know that surrogacy is mentioned in the Bible? The first mention comes in Genesis during the story of Abraham and Sarah. They are married but could not conceive a child naturally. Hagar, their servant, carries a baby for them. Sarah isn’t biologically related to the baby, but she raises him as her own. 

Surrogacy has changed a lot since then, with traditional surrogacy going out of favor for gestational surrogacy, where the Surrogate Mother that carries the baby isn’t genetically related to the baby. 

Ready To Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Contact Us Today

As you can see, many people have fought and worked to make surrogacy a possibility to build families. Finding the right fit for a Surrogate or for Intended Parents can be quite difficult, and as this is a big decision to make, taking all the time you need to make those decisions is imperative. We are here for you whenever you make that choice. We are happy to give you more information now or schedule your consultation.

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding experience that will change your life forever. If you are ready to get started on the surrogacy process, make sure to contact us today.

Surrogacy In The United States: What International IPs Need To Know

If you want to work with a surrogacy agency in the United States, there are a lot of things you need to know. EDSI is one of the best international surrogacy agencies in the world, with a long history of successful, fulfilling relationships with parents from all over.

We are uniquely prepared to help you face the challenges that come with Intended Parenthood in general, and those that face international parents as well. If you reside in another country and want to work with EDSI to become a parent, we welcome you to contact us today. We will talk to you about our specialized concierge services, international programs, and more. If you are still in the information-gathering phase, keep reading for some insights and tips as you move forward.

Request Representations At Appointments

It is unlikely that you will be able to travel to the United States for all of your appointments. Talk to a potential surrogacy agency about whether or not you will have some kind of representation at appointments of all kinds, including doctor appointments, meetings with lawyers, and more.

You deserve to have as much information as you want. With someone in charge of reporting back to you about appointments and meetings, you will be kept in the loop on everything.

Ensure There Aren’t Language Barriers

The biggest complications we have faced as an international surrogacy agency are language barriers. It can be difficult to explain things to someone when you don’t speak each other’s languages. That’s why we’ve gone above and beyond to find methods that ensure clear communication, including having translators in-house to help assist Intended Parents get all of the information they need at every turn.

Have Your Agency Help You Get To The US For Your Baby

Especially now, it can be difficult to get to the United States for medical tourism. You want to ensure that your surrogacy agency will help you get everything you need lined up so that when the time comes for your baby to be born, you can be there for them. 

A good international surrogacy agency will help you to get accommodations near your hospital, arrange for transportation, and help you with any other needs that you may have.

Talk To The Potential Agency Before Deciding

Before you decide to work with any surrogacy agency, you need to talk to them and get a feel for their international programs. EDSI created its International Surrogacy Program because Intended Parents like you have found out that it is best to work with an agency to find a Surrogate in the US. We will show you Surrogates who have been thoroughly vetted and are ready to work with International Parents. We match you with a Surrogate based on your goals and preferences – we know how important that is to you. 

If you are interested in International Surrogacy, contact us today.

Ready To Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Contact Us Today

Finding the right fit for an international surrogacy agency can be quite difficult, and as this is a big decision to make, taking all the time you need to make those decisions is imperative. We are here for you whenever you make that choice. We are happy to give you more information now or schedule your consultation.

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding experience that will change your life forever. If you are ready to get started on the surrogacy process, make sure to contact us today.

 

Top Questions For An LGBT-Friendly Surrogacy Agency

Looking for an LGBT-friend surrogacy agency can be difficult and tiresome for some couples, especially those who have spent their lives fighting against discrimination. At EDSI, we are more than happy to sit down with you to talk about our Surrogates, Egg Donors, Case Workers, and procedures so that you can be sure we are the right fit for you.

Simply put, EDSI has been working with gay couples for a long time now, and we continue to provide exemplary service to them and straight couples who are looking to build their families. Even so, we know that LGBTQIA couples may have some unique questions that other couples won’t have.

Do LGBT Couples Face Specific Legal Issues?

Every state has its own surrogacy laws and how a surrogacy must go. As long as you are in a surrogacy-friendly state (most are), and you work with an LGBT-friendly surrogacy agency, you won’t have to worry about any extra legal issues. For sure, there are some legal issues that need to be taken care of in any surrogacy. There are no successful custody challenges with Gestational Surrogates and both parents will have equal rights to their child, no matter who is the biological father. 

There will need to be a post-birth order or a pre-birth order to get both names on a birth certificate, but our team helps get everything aligned.

What Happens If There Is A Problem?

We do everything we can to avoid problems interpersonally with our Surrogates, Egg Donors, and Intended Parents. We screen everyone to be sure that they will get along. Even if something does happen, our Case Workers act as mediators. It is very rare that there’s some kind of problem with the relationship.

If there is a health problem, then the Intended Parents will be able to make the decision about the child one the child is born. The Surrogate will have some say regarding the child while it is still in utero. Most often, Surrogates agree to not make any decisions that will harm the child unless her own health is at risk. 

If the worst does happen, most Intended Parents will try again.

How Do I Find A Surrogate?

Becoming a parent through Surrogacy means that you will need to find a very special woman to help you – and she needs to not only accept your relationship, she needs to celebrate your love. Your Surrogate will remain an important part of your life for a long time, so it is important to find someone who you are compatible with and who you trust. Our Case Managers will work with you to find that special Surrogate. We have many wonderful Surrogates and each one is unique and different, so you will be able to find one with some research. Luckily, we make this process easy and have an online platform you can use.

At any point during the process, if you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, our Case Workers will be there for you. You will have a direct line to your worker. 

 

Ready To Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Contact Us Today

Finding the right fit can be quite difficult, and as this is a big decision to make, taking all the time you need to make those decisions is imperative. We are here for you whenever you make that choice. We are happy to give you more information now or schedule your consultation.

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding experience that will change your life forever. If you are ready to get started on the surrogacy process, make sure to contact us today.

Why Do LGBT Couples Choose Surrogacy?

June is Pride Month, so we are taking the time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and their journeys toward parenthood. Everyone will have a different experience with becoming a parent, and surrogacy is common for many gay couples as it is the only way they can have biological children in many cases.

As an LGBT surrogacy agency, we know that you are afraid of meeting people who will be rude to you or discriminate against you. At EDSI, we have worked with LGBT couples for a long time and understand your particular battles. We can admit that not every agency is going to be a good fit for you. However, we have been at the forefront of pushing for greater protection for not only IPs of all kinds, but for the Surrogates and children as well. 

Finding A Surrogate With An LGBT Surrogacy Agency

Becoming a parent is a dream most people have. You will need to find a special woman to help you make your family a reality. This woman is likely to remain a huge part of your life for a long time, so you need to find someone whom you trust. Our Case Managers will work with you to find that special Surrogate from our collection of ready women. We have many wonderful Surrogates who want to help you and each one is unique and different, so you will be able to find one with some research. Luckily, we make this process easy and have an online platform you can use. You can sort by different features that will make you comfortable – from where she lives to what type of diet she eats.

At any point during the process, if you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, our Case Workers will be there for you. We understand that this is an emotional time, and we want you to feel supported.

Why Do LGBT Couples Choose Surrogacy?

LGBT couples have a few different choices when they want to build their families, but they can’t always take them. Sometimes, LGBT parents cannot adopt children because of biases against them by specific caseworkers or in specific parts of the country and world. It can be disheartening and cost a lot more money than adoption for straight couples because of all the red tape. 

If they do want to have children that are biologically related to them, they need to do this through Surrogacy of some kind, in most situations. This process will allow you to have the experiences that so many people want when they think of becoming parents – like finding out they are pregnant and holding their child right after they are born.

Finding A Surrogate For LGBT Surrogacy

When you work with EDSI, you will be completely protected throughout the process. You will be matched with a Surrogate who wants to be part of your experience and fully supports your rights to a family and a life filled with love. Everyone will be on the same page before any medical treatments occur or contracts are signed. We’ve helped build hundreds of happy families, so we will make the process easy for you.

Surrogates are an imperative part of this process, and they are paid for the work they do. We collaborate with only the best medical professionals in our area and employ sympathetic, compassionate caseworkers to help facilitate any bumpy roads. For more information about LGBT surrogacy and how much it costs, please contact us.

Ready To Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Contact Us Today

Finding the right fit can be quite difficult, and as this is a big decision to make, taking all the time you need to make those decisions is imperative. We are here for you whenever you make that choice. We are happy to give you more information now or schedule your consultation.

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding experience that will change your life forever. If you are ready to get started on the surrogacy process, make sure to contact us today.