Pre-birth and Hospital Considerations for the Intended Parents

Let’s envision that  you
all, the intended parents, and the surrogate mom have met, entered into a
contractual relationship and developed a mutual respect for each other. Now
it’s almost time for the birth! Let’s talk about the pre-birth and hospital
considerations.

• Discuss with your surrogate mom how she sees the
  birth experience and what she wants from you. Also discuss any labor/delivery
  desires or fears with us at Shared Conception.

• Establish an efficient contact plan so your
  surrogate mother can easily reach you when “it’s time!” Arriving at the hospital and being seen as a “team” from the beginning
  will help hospital staff relate to you as a unit. Staff will be more
  accommodating and flexible on your behalf if they see you as a respectful team.

• Find the balance with your surrogate mother
  regarding “supportive
  presence” and “hovering”.
  Ask her questions about her needs rather than make assumptions.

• Know hospital policies about who may attend the
  birth, what happens if a c-section is required, ID bands, staying at the
  hospital overnight, nursery or “rooming-in” policies. Shared Conception will help
  address these issues.

• After the birth, you will follow the baby to
  watch the bath, and first exams. Please check back with your surrogate mother
  often to give her a report and see how she is doing. Some surrogate mother’s feel left and lost at this point and remain concerned about you
  and the baby.

• Feel free to send flowers to your surrogate
  mother! We are also happy to arrange sending them.

• Take lots of pictures – pictures help surrogate mothers
  re-experience what happened so fast and allows them to better complete the
  emotional process. Plus pictures are fun to share and help others to celebrate.
  A lack of pictures is a regret.

• It is a joy for your surrogate mother to see you
  both with the baby. Spending time together in the hospital room or bringing the
  baby from the nursery to your surrogate mother’s room is
  important. If you come and go from the hospital, keep your surrogate mother
  informed.

• The hospital birth certificate clerk will assist
  you in completing the birth certificate and getting it to County Birth Records.
  If you need a passport before leaving you must request an expedited process.
  Completion of both documents will take approximately 10-15 business days. You
  need a certified Birth Certificate before getting a passport.

• Years of experience proves that it is BEST if a
  surrogate mother (with her family) and baby/babies (with new parents) leave the
  hospital at the same time.

• A pediatrician will see the baby at birth and
  prior to discharge. You may also want to check with this doctor prior to flying
  home. A written note from the doctor is nice to have if the airlines want
  documentation regarding flying with a newborn.

• Post birth contact can be difficult when contact
  changes from very frequent (prior to the birth) to infrequent or no contact
  after leaving the hospital. Our best advice is to call when you arrive home
  with the baby and tell your surrogate mother when you will call next. If
  comfortable, invite her to call if she wants –
  she knows you will be adjusting to a new schedule. Let communication
  gradually decrease as she recovers and gets back to her routine. Abrupt changes
  in communication can create misunderstandings.

   

  Shared Conception is fully committed to expertly and
  compassionately guiding you through the pre and post-birth hospital
  considerations. Call on us, we are here to help.