Becoming a Surrogate After Giving Birth: Timeline, Medical Screening & Breastfeeding Considerations

If you’ve recently delivered a baby and are considering becoming a surrogate with Nascency, you may be wondering when you can start the process and what to expect. While every journey is unique, understanding the typical timeline, medical screening requirements, and how breastfeeding affects surrogacy can help you prepare for this incredible experience.

Postpartum Timeline for Surrogacy

Most fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies require you to wait at least 6 to 12 months after giving birth before moving forward as a gestational carrier. This waiting period is essential to ensure:

• Your body has fully recovered from pregnancy and childbirth.
• Your menstrual cycle has returned and is regular, which is necessary for fertility treatments.
• You have completed all medical screenings to confirm your ability to safely carry a pregnancy.

At Nascency, we prioritize your health and well-being, ensuring that every step of your surrogacy journey is handled with care and expertise.

Step-by-Step Surrogacy Process & Timeline

Before you can undergo an embryo transfer, you will need to complete several key steps:

1. Initial Application & Pre-Screening

• Submit your application and medical history for review.
• Complete an initial interview with our team to ensure you meet the basic requirements for surrogacy.
• If approved, we will begin collecting your past pregnancy and delivery records for further evaluation.

2. Medical Screening

• You’ll undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation at the intended parents’ fertility clinic.
• Screening includes bloodwork, ultrasounds, and a physical exam to assess your overall health and uterine readiness.
• If you’ve had a C-section, some clinics may require additional healing time before approving you for surrogacy.

3. Legal Contracts

• Once medically cleared, you’ll review and finalize your legal agreement with the intended parents.

4. Embryo Transfer Preparation

• Once contracts are signed, you’ll begin a medication protocol (such as estrogen and progesterone) to prepare your body for embryo transfer.
• The embryo transfer is scheduled at the intended parents’ fertility clinic, followed by a two-week wait to confirm pregnancy.

Breastfeeding & Surrogacy: What You Need to Know

If you are currently breastfeeding, you may need to fully wean before starting the surrogacy process. Here’s why:

1) Hormonal Impact – Breastfeeding suppresses estrogen production, which can delay the return of your menstrual cycle. A regular cycle is necessary for fertility treatments.

2) Medication Interference – You will need to take hormonal medications (like estrogen and progesterone) to prepare for the embryo transfer. These medications can affect your milk supply and are not safe for a nursing baby.

3) Clinic Requirements – Most fertility clinics require you to have at least one full menstrual cycle after weaning before you can begin medical protocols for surrogacy.

If you are in the process of weaning, our team at Nascency can provide guidance and resources to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

What to Expect Overall

From the time you apply to the actual embryo transfer, the surrogacy process typically takes 6 to 12 months. Your timeline may vary depending on:

• Your postpartum recovery and how long it takes for your cycle to regulate.
• Whether you are currently breastfeeding and need time to wean.
• How quickly you complete medical and psychological screenings
• The matching process with intended parents (if you’re not already matched).

At Nascency, we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about weaning, medical requirements, or the timeline for becoming a surrogate, our experienced team is ready to help.