What to Expect on Delivery Day in Surrogacy

Delivery day is a momentous milestone for both you as a surrogate and the intended parents. Having a clear plan and understanding of each role can help ensure a smooth and positive experience for everyone involved.

Your Role as a Surrogate

As a surrogate, your primary focus on delivery day is a safe and healthy birth. Your role includes:

• Following the agreed-upon birth plan. 
• Communicating with medical staff about your needs and preferences. 
• Prioritizing your health and well-being during labor and delivery.

After the birth, you may:

• Choose to hold or see the baby if it feels right for you, as this can help provide closure. 
• Allow family members to meet the baby, if this was previously agreed upon.

The Intended Parents’ Role

As intended parents, your role during delivery is to provide support and prepare to welcome your baby:

• Be present at the hospital if planned in advance. 
• Offer emotional encouragement to the surrogate. 
• Communicate with medical staff regarding the baby’s care. 
• Be ready to take custody of your newborn.

After birth, you will:

• Begin bonding with your child through skin-to-skin contact, feeding, and cuddling. 
• Handle immediate newborn care, including diaper changes and soothing. 
• Complete any necessary legal steps to establish parentage.

Shared Responsibilities

Both you and the intended parents share key responsibilities on delivery day, including: 

• Respecting the pre-arranged birth plan. 
• Maintaining open and compassionate communication with each other and the medical team. 
• Honoring personal boundaries and emotional needs. 
• Following any legal agreements outlined in your surrogacy contract.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s essential to discuss expectations well in advance, such as:

• Who will be present in the delivery room. 
• The level of contact the surrogate will have with the baby post-birth. 
• Preferences for early bonding activities, such as skin-to-skin contact.

At Nascency, we help facilitate these conversations, ensuring everyone’s needs are considered. A well-prepared plan can make delivery day a fulfilling and memorable experience for both the surrogate and intended parents.

Hospital Expectations in a Surrogacy Birth

Understanding hospital procedures ahead of time can help both surrogates and intended parents feel more prepared and at ease.

For the Gestational Surrogate

• Most paperwork will be handled in advance by the intended parents’ attorney. 
• You will receive two hospital wristbands—one for yourself and one for an intended parent.
• The baby’s wristband may temporarily include your last name for identification purposes. 
• Your main focus is on delivery and recovery, as your responsibilities conclude upon discharge. 
• Medically, your experience will be like any other birth, but with the distinction that this is not your baby.

For the Intended Parents

• Many hospitals provide a separate room nearby for privacy. 
• Your baby will likely already be covered under your insurance. 
• Depending on your state, additional legal steps may be required post-birth. 
• Hospital staff are generally supportive of surrogacy, but not all may be familiar with the process—patience and clear communication can help.

For Both Parties

• A shared birth plane, created in advance, will be given to the hospital staff. 
• The hospital will be informed of the surrogacy arrangement beforehand.
• A sign indicating a surrogacy birth can be placed on the hospital room door upon request. 
• The surrogate is typically under medical care for about 10 weeks post transfer until the baby’s heartbeat is detected, then returns to her own OBGYN. 
• A legal contract between the surrogate and intended parents must be in place before any medical treatment begins.

While hospitals are generally accommodating, specific policies may vary. Discussing expectations with Nascency, your surrogacy agency, and medical team in advance can ensure a smooth and respectful experience for everyone.