Time commitments for surrogates and appointments on short notice can often feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance them with personal and professional responsibilities. It’s important to establish a support system. By being organized and prepared, you can navigate these challenges. Now, let’s delve into the breakdown of what these time commitments may entail.
Record Review
Your Stronger Together Surrogacy Intake Coordinator reviews records to ensure that all records comply with medical and ethical standards. We aim to have this complete as quickly as possible, however, we will need your assistance with all records release forms. This step takes anywhere from 1-4 weeks, however, there have been occasions where this takes longer. There have been delays with Doctor’s offices and you may have to spend time on the phone or going to the office to gather these records.
Psychological Screening – Before Matching
The psychological screening is a two-part screening that is generally done virtually. This screening may require both you and your partner/spouse to be involved. Typically the evaluation portion takes about 1 hour, this will need to be scheduled when your spouse/partner is available. It may require flexibility and an appointment setting that best fits your schedule.
The second portion of this screening is a Personality Assessment Inventory also known as a PAI. This test is a large self-reported questionnaire that adds an additional level to the screening process. This step takes around 30-60 minutes to complete the 300+ question assessment.
Pre-Screening Appointments
Many Clinics have different processes and protocols. The Match Meeting happens either before or after the clinic reviews your records, which could take up to 4 weeks. After reviewing records, some clinics require pre-screening before your medical screening visit. This is virtual and can take around 3 hours, it usually includes your spouse or partner if applicable as well. You should schedule this when you can be at home in a nice setting, and have a good internet connection. The goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved, ensuring that the journey is as smooth and positive as possible.
Medical Screening
We have put together Your Guide to the Surrogate Screening Process, but what does Medical Screening travel to the clinic look like? This will be different for everyone depending on your proximity to the clinic from your home. Time commitments for surrogates include flying to their clinic.
If birth control is prescribed at this time, you will need to adhere to the clinic-provided schedule to stay on track with your Clinic’s IVF schedule. Make sure to set reminders or alarms if necessary. Usually after medical screening, it takes the clinic 14-21 days to complete the medical clearance process. Check out the Surrogate Journey Timeline to learn more.
IVF Calendar
The IVF Calendar is sent to surrogates after the legal agreement is complete. It outlines the entire process, from initial medication schedules, monitoring appointments, embryo transfer, and after. Medications and appointments may be adjusted after you begin. Sometimes these appointments are scheduled within a day or two, so flexibility is important.
Time commitments for surrogates include adhering to the prescribed schedule is crucial for optimizing the chances of a successful outcome and following your commitment as a surrogate. Use of phone Apps can help you track your dosages and offer alarms or reminders. There has been positive feedback from surrogates on the MediSafe app and iHealth (iPhone exclusive).
Monitoring Appointments
These appointments can be scheduled as little as the day before. There are multiple appointments before and after the transfer. After you have been released from the IVF clinic and Monitoring clinic around 12 weeks gestation, you will then follow a standard OB routine care schedule.
With Stronger Together Surrogacy, various time commitments for surrogates are covered by our comprehensive benefits package. This includes compensation for monitoring appointments, OB visits, and local lab appointments.
Reimbursement Forms
STS has such a comprehensive package that it is required for surrogates to track and submit their monthly reimbursement form to their journey coordinator to ensure they are getting all the funds owed to them! The time commitments for surrogates include completing this form submitted to your journey coordinator no later than the 15th of each month, which takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Most surrogates love the reimbursement form because it is fillable, gives an easy breakdown, and is a good way to track appointments or bill submissions.
Your Well-Being
Remember to take care of your emotional well-being as well. This process can be challenging, and it’s okay to seek support from the Stronger Together Surrogacy Support Group. This comprehensive support system is designed to help navigate the complexities of surrogacy with compassion and professionalism. Ultimately leading to the joyous moment when a new life is welcomed into the world, We Are Stronger Together!
