When is the Right Time to be a Surrogate? (Let’s Talk About It!)

So you’re thinking about becoming a gestational surrogate which means you would carry a baby for someone who can’t have one on their own. That’s a huge and incredibly generous thing to do!

But before committing, it's important to ask yourself one big question:
Am I actually ready for this?

That’s where the readiness timeline comes in. Think of it as a roadmap to help you figure out the best time to begin your surrogacy journey.

What is a Surrogacy Readiness Timeline?

It’s just a thoughtful way of checking in with yourself physically and emotionally before starting your surrogacy experience to ensure you’re ready to get started.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Your age 
• Whether you're physically and mentally healthy (your safety always comes first!)
• What's happening in your life (Big move coming up? Thinking of having another child?)
• How you feel about pregnancy in general
• Anything that may disqualify you from proceeding

What’s the Best Age to Become a Surrogate?

The ideal age range for surrogacy is between 21 and 42.5 years old.

What if You Just Had a Baby?

We’d love to talk to you about surrogacy while you’re on your postpartum recovery journey, but before getting pregnant as a surrogate, you'll need to be at least:

• 9 months postpartum from a vaginal birth
• 12 months postpartum after a C-section

So if you just welcomed a little one, finish nursing/pumping, rest up, and enjoy some snacks and snuggles! Hatch has been around for over 34 years, we’re not going anywhere and we will be ready for you when you are ready to get started. Surrogacy is on your timeline.

Are You Mentally and Emotionally Ready?

Even if you're in great physical shape, it’s just as important to check in on how you’re feeling emotionally.

Ask yourself:

• Am I in a stable place in life?
• Am I okay with carrying a baby for someone else and saying see you later at delivery?
• Can I manage another pregnancy while taking care of my own family and responsibilities?

Also, be sure to talk to your partner or support system. You’ll want their encouragement and understanding throughout your journey.

Do You Have People in Your Corner?

Surrogacy is a team effort.

At Hatch, we’re with you every step of the way from your first conversation all the way through the fourth trimester and beyond! After birth you are still a part of our Hatch family. You’re invited to our surrogacy support group online  and encouraged to attend our monthly support zooms for however long you’d like. We love keeping in touch and hearing how your post-surrogacy life is going.

But you’ll also need a trusted person in your daily life. Whether it’s a partner, best friend, mom, neighbor. you’ll want someone who can hold your hand and cheer you on. They will be invited to a support person zoom so they can better understand what you’re going through and how best to support you.

How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

Start to finish, the surrogacy journey can take around 15 to 24 months and you’ll take some steps to become a surrogate. Here’s a quick look at what’s included:

•  Application
•  First meeting with your Surrogate Specialist
• Preliminary medical records review
• First meeting with your Surrogate Advocate
•  Medical records review
•  Background checks (for you + any adults in your household & partners whether residing with you or elsewhere)
• Uterine lining check (done locally)
• Psychological screening (mental health matters, too!)
•  Matching with Intended Parents (a beautiful highlight of the journey)
•  Medical screening (blood work + ultrasound)
•  Legal contracts (we’ll connect you with an expert reproductive law attorney who is not an employee of Hatch)
•  Hormone medications/Cycle (injections, patches, suppositories and/or pills)
• Embryo transfer!  You'll travel with your designated support person to the clinic (hotel, flights and meals covered) so relax, binge your shows and enjoy this step in your journey
• HCG blood tests to check for pregnancy
• Heartbeat confirmation (this is a magical, unforgettable moment )
• Released to your own OBGYN in your home state as you approach your 2nd trimester
• Delivery Day! You’ll choose the hospital, and the intended parents will travel to you to welcome their baby!
• Postpartum recovery (paid time off with your family while you recoup!)
• Optional pumping to provide breast milk

Let’s Talk Compensation

Yes, surrogates are compensated, and you deserve it!

• $50,000+ base compensation (+$11,100 in allowances)
• $55,000+ for surrogates in California  (+$11,100 in allowances)

This can be a huge help for your family, whether you’re saving for a home, a vacation, or college. But remember, the most successful journeys come from a place of compassion, not just from financial motivation! And these are just the guaranteed basics, there is compensation for the unexpected things that can come up in any pregnancy, lost wages, and your medical and insurance expenses for the surrogacy are covered.

Quick Surrogacy Readiness Checklist

Do most of these surrogate qualifications apply to you?

•  I’m between 21 and 42.5
• I’ve had at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy
• I’ve finished breastfeeding
• I’m healthy, not taking disqualifying medications, and don’t smoke/vape
• I have someone I trust to support me
• I’ve talked to my partner or family
• I’m ready to commit to a 15–24 month journey
• I truly want to help someone become a parent!

So... Is NOW the Right Time?

Maybe it is or maybe not just yet. And that’s totally okay!

If you’re still learning and weighing your options, we’re here to support you. No pressure, no rush. Hatch is all about your timeline. But if you’re reading this thinking, “Yep. I’m ready. Let’s do this.” Then maybe... just maybe... now is your time to help create a family.

And if you need help to decide if you’re ready- the best first step is to apply and have a conversation with one of our Surrogate Specialists, who is herself an experienced surrogate and can share her firsthand knowledge and expertise with you.

Whenever you’re ready, we’re ready for you!