Keeping up with your surrogacy journey with right communication: Why is it important ?

We have often heard about various disputes during certain surrogacy programs given a lack of communication. Moreover, there are certain instances where the parties have simply backed out of the surrogacy contract due to some misunderstandings. With all these examples comes only learning: It is essential for intended parents to establish and maintain open channels of communication with the surrogate and the surrogacy agency.

That said, a surrogacy journey with the right communication improves the relationships between all parties involved and helps to guarantee a seamless process. This comprehensive guide explains how intended parents can enhance communication with each other throughout the surrogacy program.

Start your surrogacy journey with right communication

1. Set Clear Expectations at the Outset

Do know that all the parties can differ in terms of their expectations from the surrogacy program. Moreover, they can also have their own conclusions and calculations. Hence it’s important to be clear about your needs, preferences, and expectations when working with a surrogacy agency. Talk about your objectives, your desired level of involvement, and any worries you may have regarding the surrogacy process. By being aware of these factors up front, the agency will be better able to match your expectations with a surrogate.

On the other hand, you must also stay clear of the expectations and requirements of the surrogate mother. To make it smoother, you can connect with the surrogate prior to the commencement of the surrogacy program. Talk to her regarding what you are looking for from her side while drafting every key pointer and element of the surrogacy program.

2. Stay careful with what surrogacy agency you picking

Do know that the surrogacy agency can literally enhance your chances of experiencing a successful surrogacy journey. This is where it is essential to choose a surrogacy agency that emphasizes transparency and communication. Look out for agencies that have received great feedback about their communication practices. In your first meetings, watch how they interact with you. Do they respond in a timely, transparent, and clear manner? An agency’s communication style during this phase is frequently a good indicator of how they will conduct themselves during the surrogacy process.

Moreover, check for their reviews and testimonials in association with their previous clients. This will help you in keeping the right expectations right from the start of the surrogacy program. Also, do check regarding their success rates and the quality of services and the staff.

3. Keep up with the surrogate at every step

Also know that the surrogate mother is your most important support during the entire surrogacy process. So, after being matched with a surrogate, schedule regular check-ins and updates. Determine the frequency and mode of updates that you would like to receive (e.g., email, phone calls, video chats).

Frequent updates may cover the surrogate’s health, pregnancy milestones, and any scheduled doctor’s visits. On the other side, maintaining regular communication keeps you informed throughout the pregnancy process and fosters a relationship with the surrogate. At the same time, make sure you are talking with her regarding crucial matters of your surrogacy journey at every point in time.

4. Speak in an Empathic and Clear way

How you talk to every party involved within the surrogacy can work like magic at times. Hence, always speak with your surrogate in a courteous, kind, and straightforward manner. Do know that becoming a surrogate can be a physically and emotionally taxing process. Thank the surrogate for her dedication and recognise the important part she plays in your family-building process. An amicable conversation will promote open communication and a positive relationship. 

5. Establish a Plan for Communication

A proper communication plan can do wonders with your surrogacy journey. So, together with the surrogate and the surrogacy agency, develop a communication strategy that works for everyone. The preferred methods of communication, the frequency of communication, and the primary point of contact should all be specified in this plan. Moreover, having a plan guarantees that nobody feels overburdened or excluded and helps avoid misunderstandings.

6. Be Ready and informed at every step

Education and information are the keys to success just not in surrogacy but also in general life. Make sure you are well informed and prepared before engaging in any discussions or meetings. Recognize the steps involved in the surrogacy process, the surrogate’s obligations, and your expectations as intended parents. With this information at your disposal, you can engage the agency and the surrogate in meaningful dialogue by posing pertinent questions.

7. Respect personal space and boundaries

Everyone loves privacy and respect for their space during the surrogacy process. In addition to maintaining open lines of communication, it’s critical to respect the surrogate’s boundaries and privacy. Decide together what information is appropriate to share after discussion. It’s essential to respect these limits if you want your relationship to stay strong throughout the process.

8. Manage Disagreements with Compassion

Stay prepared for any disagreement during your surrogacy journey within any country. If they do, respond to these circumstances patiently and with empathy. Rather than placing blame, always approach conflicts with the intention of understanding and finding a solution. If mediation via your agency is required, use it. By fostering trust, effective conflict resolution can actually improve relationships.

9. Counselling and Support Systems

Do know that it’s always better to sort out the concerns rather than stretching it further. Make use of the counseling or support groups that the surrogacy agency offers. These resources can offer extra help and direction on how to handle the emotional aspects of surrogacy and communicate effectively. They can also put you in touch with other intended parents who are willing to share their knowledge and counsel.

10. Make the most of your small moments

Life is all about making the most of little things that comes to you. That said, celebrating life events like the first heartbeat, the halfway point of pregnancy, and the baby’s arrival can be a great way to bring people together and spread happiness. These events can range from modest get-togethers to straightforward acknowledgements, based on what works for everyone. It’s a means of preserving good communication and solidifying the relationship.

Final words

Surrogacy is an important moment in the life of everyone involved in a surrogacy program. Moreover, the foundation of a successful surrogacy journey is effective communication. So, developing effective communication skills with the agency and the surrogate can help intended parents have a more contented and stress-free experience.

Also, intended parents can greatly improve the surrogacy experience for all parties involved by being clear about expectations, respecting boundaries, and encouraging a civil and compassionate conversation. Recall that having an open line of communication not only facilitates the surrogacy process but also lays the groundwork for a lifetime of respect and gratitude.