A surrogate mother is surely the main participant of any surrogacy program and there is no denying it. Moreover, as an intended parent look to pursue their parenthood dreams, finding a suitable surrogate mother comes as the biggest challenge.
So, regardless of whether you are a potential surrogate mother or an intended parent, you just need to stay aware of the surrogate selection process. Moreover, being a surrogate mother allows you to be a vital part of someone else’s family formation. This comprehensive guide explains how to apply for the position of a surrogate mother in Kenya.
How to apply for a surrogate mother in Kenya
Do know the pre-requisites for the role
Not everyone can apply for the role of surrogate mother in Kenya. On the other hand, even if you are someone applying for the role, it’s critical to understand the requirements set out by fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies before applying in the same regard. Usually, these prerequisites consist of:
Age: Although there may be variations in the specific age range, surrogates typically range in age from 21 to 40.
Health: Surrogates should be free of any health issues that could endanger their ability to conceive or give birth, as well as good physical and mental health.
Reproductive History: A minimum of one successful pregnancy and delivery should have been experienced by surrogates.
Lifestyle: It is frequently the case that surrogates must maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes not using recreational drugs, smoking cigarettes, or consuming large amounts of alcohol.
Research regarding the surrogacy agencies and clinics
As you think of becoming a surrogate mother, you must look for someone who can properly guide and assist you in the same direction. That said, surrogacy agencies that specialize in finding suitable surrogates for intended parents often facilitate surrogacy arrangements in Kenya.
This is where you must look into various agencies to determine which one best suits your objectives and values. Also, seek out companies that have a track record of integrity, professionalism, and openness.
Participate in informational sessions
There are various online and offline sessions and seminars that talk regarding the pre-requisite for the role of a surrogate mother. Also, these information sessions and orientation meetings are organized by numerous surrogacy agencies in Kenya for prospective surrogate mothers. Attend these seminars to find out more about the agency’s support services, the surrogate mother’s obligations, and the surrogacy procedure. You can address any concerns you may have and ask questions during information sessions.
Finish up with the application procedure
The application procedure for the surrogate role would come as the next challenge in this journey. So, after selecting a surrogacy agency, you must finish the application procedure without missing out on anything. Usually, this entails completing an extensive application form that requests personal data, medical history, and lifestyle choices.
Also, even if you don’t want to provide certain information or have any queries, you can simply connect with the representatives of the surrogacy agency or the clinic. Do know that sincerity and thoroughness are important when filling out the application because the matching process depends on it.
Obtain a medical and psychological assessment
Your physical as well as mental health would play a huge role in your journey as the surrogate mother in Kenya or any other country. This is where you’ll go through a medical and psychological evaluation as part of the application process so that your suitability as a surrogate mother can be determined. That said, various tests for hormone levels, overall physical fitness for pregnancy, and reproductive health may be part of medical screening. You can make sure you’re psychologically ready for the emotional demands of surrogacy by undergoing psychological screening.
Make sure you are ready for the legal contracts
Legal contracts are there to protect the interests and rights of the intended parents as well as the surrogate mother. So, you must know and research in the same regard well in advance. Also, you will be required to sign legal contracts detailing the terms and conditions of the surrogacy arrangement once you have been matched with your intended parents.
On the other side, important topics like pay, health care costs, parental rights, and secrecy are usually covered by these contracts. Hence, it is imperative that you thoroughly read the contracts and, if needed, obtain legal counsel before signing.
Initiate the Medical Procedure
As the surrogate mother, you must be ready and comfortable with every medical procedure that would come as a part of the process. After the legal agreements are finalized, the surrogacy medical procedure will start. This could entail having fertility treatments to get your body ready for the transfer of embryos. To synchronize your menstrual cycle with the intended mother or egg donor, you might need to take medication, depending on your health status and the particular requirements of the intended parents.
Staying prepared for the pregnancy and the delivery process
Your pregnancy journey will come up with some challenges for both your physical and mental health. So you must stay prepared and ready to get along with any such situation. You will have ongoing medical monitoring following the transfer of the embryo to monitor the pregnancy’s development. Also, the intended parents, the surrogacy agency, and the medical community will support you during the pregnancy. You will give birth to the baby when the time comes, and the intended parents will take care of him or her.
Understand the importance of Postpartum Assistance and Support
Your surrogacy journey doesn’t just end with the delivery of the child and the bigger procedures start afterwards. You will get postpartum care and support to maintain your physical and mental health after giving birth. This could involve counselling services, follow-up doctor appointments, and help getting back into your regular schedule. The intended parents and the surrogacy agency will keep offering assistance and direction as required.
Final words
A surrogate mother is like that godsend that helps the intended parents in achieving their long-awaited dream of parenthood. At the same time, In Kenya, being a surrogate mother is an incredibly fulfilling experience that needs careful thought and planning.
You can easily and compassionately navigate the surrogacy process by adhering to these comprehensive steps. Being a surrogate mother is a journey of great significance and impact, with the potential to change lives and create families.
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