Surrogate
Become a Surrogate | Be a Surrogate Mother | Gestational Carrier Needed
Central Coast Surrogacy recognizes that our Surrogate mothers are among the best. We see and respect the sacrifices they make to help another family’s dream come true. Not everyone who applies is accepted into our program, and not everyone accepted will match. This is why we fully support our Surrogates each step of the way, from completing your application and profile, talking about any concerns, making it through the matching and legal process, and provide caring support through your pregnancy and birth. Surrogacy can be a complicated process, but we take the stress out of the process and guide you each step of the way.
To inquire and apply, please contact Dannielle Jarnesky at dannielleccsllc@gmail.com or call 805-714-4959.
Surrogate Packet- Central Coast Surrogacy
Surrogacy is typically a 12-18 month commitment of time. It will require you to be available for your Intended Parent as well as attend several appointments. Our compensation packet is general and covers all aspects of your compensation and allowances to ensure that you are completely provided for and not out anything financially for your efforts. This general packet is altered to fit your requirements and needs when you apply as a Surrogate. We are proud to work with Intended Parents and Surrogates all over the world. Our Intended Parents come to us for help with creating their family for a variety of reasons: unexplained infertility, infertility as a result of cancer treatment, ext.
We offer three different programs for Surrogates to take part in. We have a travel abroad program, which allows Surrogates to travel to Asia, or another country, to learn about culture for 10 days, a California resident program in which Surrogates stay in CA at the expense of the Intended Parent with their family, and our general surrogacy program, which allows for surrogates in all states to apply and birth from their home state.
Our Surrogates are among the top compensated and most respected. We have women interested in surrogacy for a lot of reasons. Some thought they would never have children and want to help others, some want to make a down payment on a house or start their own business, and some are sending kids to college. But most importantly, our Surrogates all love the ability to help another family.
Surrogacy compensation packages, at a minimum, cover all related expenses of Surrogacy. This is a non-compensated Surrogate. We also have Surrogate's requesting moderate to high compensation packages. This is based on personal choice and what you are looking for in a match. Please apply today and let us create your compensation packet.
Once you are ready to move forward, we will need to receive your completed application and profile. These are both in word format and can be filled out on your computer and emailed back or available online through our "apply" button. We will also need to receive your birth records and newborn screenings for all pregnancies from your delivery hospitals and your pregnancy logs and last OB physical and pap smear results/labs from your OB.
Your OB will also have to write a letter stating she/he considers you healthy for surrogacy. Once you are matched, we will move forward with collecting more information and scheduling your psychological evaluation and your IVF clearance with your Intended Family's doctor.
As a Surrogate you will find that this process can be very complicated, but we will be there with you each step of the way to guide you and give our professional recommendations as requested. You are never alone with Central Coast Surrogacy.
Surrogate Process and Procedure
What is Surrogacy?
Gestational Surrogacy is carrying a child that is not genetically related to the Surrogate. The embryo(s) transferred can be thought of as the Intended Parents’ and result from the use of an egg and/or sperm donor. This embryo(s) is typically transferred to the Surrogate through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Gestational Surrogacy is the most widely accepted and most commonly used.
Traditional Surrogacy involves using the eggs of the surrogate along with the sperm of the Intended Father or a sperm donor. This process can be done through insemination during the Surrogate’s natural cycle or by means of an egg retrieval from the surrogate mother and then IVF. This is an option in some states.
Matching Process:
Central Coast Surrogacy has many Intended Parents looking for their ideal surrogate angel. We strive to make this process as simple and enjoyable as possible. We have qualifications each surrogate must meet to help provide peace of mind to both the Surrogate and the Intended Parent. Once a Surrogate is accepted into the program, her profile is “made live” so that couples looking for a Surrogate can view it.
We also get many requests from IVF clinics for available Surrogates to match with their clients. Surrogates are notified once a family is interested in working with them. The Surrogate is told about the family, provided a profile, and given the choice to consider working with this family. No surrogate is ever forced to match with a couple they are uncomfortable with.
Each Intended Family’s circumstances and reasons for surrogacy are different. This is explained to the Surrogate so that she may make an informed decision. While meeting in person is not always possible due to distance, we try in all cases to have a meeting of some sort prior to matching.
This can be by phone or Skype and may be assisted by a translator. Some of our families will meet with several surrogates to choose the best fit and some surrogates will met with several families before they feel comfortable. We always encourage more than one meeting with your selected family before contracting to make sure you are comfortable. This is a good and natural selection process. We will be there each step of the way for guidance, advice, and support.
Psychological Evaluation and Background Clearance:
Each qualified Surrogate and her spouse or live in partner, will have a psychological screening, which typically takes about an hour to complete. The screening consists of an interview and a personality screening by a trained and licensed professional. All aspects of your life will be discussed, and all aspects of surrogacy and the process will be covered to make sure you are informed and comfortable with your decision.
A background clearance will also be conducted on you and your spouse or partner. During the application process, we will ask of any criminal background you or your spouse may have and at this time we will run your official background clearance. It takes approximately 24 hours to receive this back.
Legal Process:
Once you are matched, we will begin working with attorneys to create your contract. Both you and your Intended Parents will have an attorney. The attorney will draft the legal contract to define what surrogacy is and parental rights and will also include expectations from both parties as well as your compensation.
Your contract will be reviewed with you by your attorney before signing it. Any changes needed will be done prior to signing. Once the contract is signed, your escrow account is funded and reimbursements and monthly payments will begin. The contract is in effect until after birth.
Embryo Transfer:
The embryo transfer cycle will begin once you have medical and legal clearance. Some Intended Parents do a fresh cycle, during which you and your Intended Mother or Egg Donor will match cycles and embryos will be transferred at 3 to 5 days, and some Intended Parents will have frozen embryos at their IVF clinic’s lab ready for transfer. Your IVF doctor will talk to you about your specific case and will provide you with a calendar of events and medications to follow.
Typical medications used to prepare your body for transfer include a birth control pill, lupron, estradiol/delestrogen, and progesterone. Some are in pill form and some require injections. This process requires multiple blood draws to check your hormone levels and multiple vaginal exams to check your lining thickness.
On transfer day, you will arrive at your appointment early for one last blood draw prior to transfer. You will be asked to dress comfortably and to avoid using any perfumes, lotions, or powders that may jeopardize the health of your embryo. The transfer is a short process that requires a full bladder. During the transfer, the embryo(s) will placed inside your uterus and you will be asked to stay with your hips raised for 30 minutes. After you will be released to use the restroom and go back to your home and a hotel for a bed rest period of 2-3 days. A blood draw to confirm pregnancy is typically 9-12 days post transfer. The number of embryos will be decided before transfer and the Intended Parents and Surrogate must agree on this number. Not every embryo may develop into a baby, and some transfers fail. It is possible to need more than 1 embryo transfer.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy is confirmed by a blood draw following transfer and then at 6-8 weeks gestation, your IVF doctor will conduct an ultrasound to confirm heart beat(s). At this time, you will begin your pregnancy installments and begin pregnancy care. Surrogates are typically released to their own OB between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. You will be expected to inform us and your Intended Parents of all appointments and their outcomes so that support can be provided and the Intended Parents can be involved. Your care is our number 1 priority.
Birth:
We discuss with you early on in this process what you would like to happen during the birth. It is important and crucial that you let us know who you would like present, the type of birth you desire, and where you would like to birth, so that we can have a smooth and joyful experience for both the Surrogate and the Intended Parents when the time comes.
We are available to support you in any way possible through the birth and after and we are here when needed for support and referrals for after care. Most hospitals allow for the Surrogate and the Intended Parent to have separate rooms in the hospital for privacy and bonding following birth. Prior to birth it is a good idea to check your hospital's birthing options.
Testimonials
Story of a Surrogate….
The thought of becoming a Surrogate had crossed my mind from time to time, but it was not until after my third child that I decided to look in to the surrogacy process. I had read a little about surrogacy on-line and had come across a few agency web sites, and finally made a leap of faith and contacted Central Coast Surrogacy. I was initially drawn in by the thought of making extra money while staying home with my children and at the same time, helping another couple.
I was matched within the first couple months of applying. I found I had been chosen by a single man who had no children of his own and who was international. I decided, after some thought, to move forward and meet with my possible match via skype. I was overcome by his kindness and thankful disposition. I knew he was going to make a great father and before long we had both entered into a contract.
After I had met with the fertility clinic, and was cleared to become a surrogate, I was put on birth control pills to regulate my cycle. Then prior to transfer I began taking oral and injectable medications. It was not as bad as I thought it would be! My side effects to the medications were minimal. I did have a small headache after the first couple of days, but this resided on its own. I was even able to administer my own injections. I found the staff at my clinic to be nice and supportive throughout the process. Our embyo transfer was scheduled for two weeks later. I must admit, I was excited and scared at the same time.
The day of the transfer was a tearful one. My intended father was present for the transfer. He stood behind me as the doctor put two embryos directly inside my uterus. There was no pain, no words, just silence as we watched them fall into place on the ultrasound monitor. It was beautiful. The intended father wiped his eyes and thanked me for carrying his children. After half an hour I went back to my hotel room for 3 days of bed rest and then carried on life as usual until my blood draw.
A confirmed pregnancy was the result of my 2 week blood draw, followed by an ultrasound scheduled 2 weeks after that. I was carrying twins for him! He was not present for the ultrasound, so I sent him a picture via text of the surprising ultrasound. The next 8 months flew by. I had a great pregnancy with no complications. I was able to communicate the progress of the pregnancy with the baby’s father by email and text. We developed a very close and special relationship over time. The father came to visit me the last month of my pregnancy. He stayed at a local hotel and made all the final appointments and was present for the birth.
I was induced at 37 weeks pregnant. It was a slow process, taking 2 days, but led to a vaginal birth of 2 beautiful girls. My husband was at my side during the deliver and the baby’s father was at my other side. The father seemed a little scared during the delivery (it was his first), but he was so proud to see and hold his children for the first time. After the delivery my husband and I had a private room and the father had a room with his new babies. We were able to see and hold them and take our pictures with the girls and with their father as well. I was discharged after 24 hours. It was a happy parting of ways. The babies stayed an extra day to ensure their health and the father’s readiness to care for both babies.
It has now been 4 months since I have given birth. I healed fast and was back to my normal activities with my children after only a couple days. I still receive emails from the father with updates on his daughters and pictures to show me how big they are getting. In a sense, it is like I have extended my own family by giving someone else their own family. It is an experience I will never forget and will never regret.
Update: Kristen has started her second journey with us! She traveled to Beijing China with our Travel Abroad Program and is carrying for an International family. Here is to a happy and healthy 9 months!
“I had looked at other agencies, but why I made the choice to work with Danielle at Central Coast Surrogacy because all of the Surrogates seemed connected and close.” –Sebrina C.
“Thank you so much! From the moment I began my application, I knew I was in good hands. I am hoping to start another journey soon.” –Sonya T.
“I met with several families before actually matching. I was looking for the right fit. It can be a difficult decision, but I never felt pressured. In the end I matched with a couple I am excited to be carrying for. Thank you for understanding.” -Abby D.
Experience of a father….
My wife and I had struggled with infertility for 10 years. We had been to multiple doctors. We had been interviewed, tested, screened, and tested again. Only to be diagnosed by infertility of an unknown origin. My wife had taken fertility medications to increase her chances of ovulation with no luck. She was able to produce eggs by retrieval, but had failed 3 times to carry a pregnancy. I felt helpless. There was no way I could make our situation “better”. I hated seeing the sadness my wife carried.
Together we decided to try surrogacy. From the moment we contacted Central Coast Surrogacy, we were treated with respect. The staff helped us through a rough time by listening to our story and by understanding where we were coming from and what we wanted to gain from this experience. I was pleased that we were able to meet with our potential surrogates and choose one that we felt bonded with. Central Coast Surrogacy took care of everything. From providing us with all the information we needed to make our decision, screening and finding our wonderful surrogate, dealing with scheduling appointments with the fertility clinics, legal contracts, and helping us and our surrogate during her pregnancy and delivery. I could not have asked for a better experience. Any stresses or worries were immediately lifted.
I cannot say enough how grateful I am for the help we received. Our son is perfect in every way. I am reminded daily that another woman gave herself fully so that our family could be complete. To her I am forever thankful, and I thank Central Coast Surrogacy for helping bring her in to our lives.
“As a hopeful parent it can be confusing traveling down the road of infertility and surrogacy. Day or night, when I needed help, there was always someone there. It made the entire process much easier. I cannot say enough how appreciative we are.” –Nikki and Brian L.
“In a situation that feels out of your control, this agency makes you feel valued and important and in complete control of your journey wishes. I am so happy to be an Intended Parent with Central Coast Surrogacy.” -MaryAnn H.
From an egg donor’s perspective….
I am a second year college student and heard about egg donation from my friends who had herself donated. I decided for it was the right choice for me for several reasons. I am an attractive woman with many good traits. I have a great family and am very intelligent, not to brag. I also had to figure out how I was going to pay my next semesters tuition. Signing up was pretty simple. I applied on-line and created a profile for prospective parents to look at. I provided my medical records, my transcripts from my school, completed a psychological evaluation and met with a fertility doctor for an evaluation. It took several weeks before I had a family interested in my profile. Central Coast Surrogacy contacted me with information on the couple interested in me and I agreed to meet them.
At the meeting I knew almost immediately that I would feel proud to help this couple create a family. I left our meeting with a warm feeling that I had never felt before. I was contacted by my attorney 3 days later to go over a contract that would protect both myself and the couple. Shortly thereafter I visited the fertility clinic and had the entire process explained to me in detailed and had all my questions answered. I found out that this retrieval would in no way effect my ability to have children of my own when I am ready. I began taking medications to help stimulate my ovaries in an attempt to produce as many eggs as possible for the couple. When my body was ready, I went back to the clinic and was put under a mild sedative and had the eggs retrieved. It was a quick procedure and I went home the same day. The following day I was back in class and felt completely normal. I feel great knowing that I made a significant impact in someone’s life and earned a 4.0 gpa that semester!
“This experience has been better than I could have imagined. Central Coast Surrogacy has helped me each step of the way.” -Debbie S.
“I had always felt my life was complete with my 3 children, but I wanted to help another family. I decided Egg Donation was the way to help another family. It allowed me to commit a small amount of time, but still to have a great impact. I could not have done this without your help. Thank you.” -Stacy M.
