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Questions to Ask Egg Donor Agencies

How to Choose the Right Egg Donor Agency: Questions You Need to Ask

Finding the perfect egg donor is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—steps in your journey to parenthood. But here’s the reality: You’re probably going to choose an agency based on the donor you fall in love with. That’s just how it works.

No matter how reputable or experienced an agency is, if they don’t have a donor who feels like the right fit for your family, you’re unlikely to move forward with them. And that’s okay! Your donor choice will likely determine your agency. But because you’ll be working closely with them for several months, it’s still essential to ask the right questions to make sure you’re comfortable with their processes, policies, and fees before committing.

So, once you’ve found a donor who feels like the one, here are some key things to ask the agency before moving forward:

🔹 Do you charge a hold fee for reserving a donor?

Many agencies require a hold fee to secure a donor while you decide to move forward. Ask if this fee is refundable or non-refundable so you’re not caught off guard.

🔹 What is the total cost, and are there any hidden fees?

Get a clear breakdown of agency fees, donor compensation, legal costs, medication, and any additional expenses. Ask how they handle leftover funds—some agencies refund unused portions, while others do not.

🔹 When are payments due, and do you use an escrow service?

Find out when payments are expected and whether they recommend or require using an escrow service. A trustworthy agency will prioritize financial transparency.

🔹 Do you pre-screen donors with AMH and AFC testing?

Some agencies perform pre-testing to assess a donor’s ovarian reserve, while others do not. Knowing this in advance can help you make a more informed decision about your donor selection.

🔹 What happens if a donor backs out or a cycle is canceled?

Life is unpredictable, and occasionally, a donor may not be able to proceed. Ask about the agency’s policy on refunds and re-matching in these cases.

Making the Right Choice for You

Since your agency choice will likely be based on the donor you select, it’s even more important to make sure they’re reputable, transparent, and supportive. Asking these key questions will help you feel confident that you’re in good hands—not just with the donor, but with the entire process.

Ready to learn more about how egg donation works? Check out our guide: Egg Donation Process: What to Expect.

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How to Choose an Egg Donor

Tips for Selecting the right Donor for your Family

 

“Choosing a donor is an extremely personal decision, and criteria will look different for every parent” – Alissa Carney, MDC Egg Donor Coordinator and a Former Intended parent.

Choosing an egg donor is a personal decision that is different for everyone. What matters most to one family may not be as important to another. To understand what it’s like to make this decision, Alissa shares her experience.

Tip No. 1: Choose a Non-Negotiable in Choosing Your Egg Donor

Alissa states that, as a former intended parent herself,  she had to constantly be reminded that she could not replace herself, no matter how hard she tried.

Thus, she chose one non-negotiable and tried to stay flexible on the rest, reminding herself and her husband, throughout the process, that the donor was not going to be their child, and even a genetic child of their own might not look like her. 

“Ultimately, finding something in the Donor’s profile that I connected with, in addition to the fact that she met my ethnic non-negotiable, sealed the deal! We had similar hobbies, favorite movies, and foods. She felt like she could be a friend if the situation was different”, she added.

Acknowledging that that won’t be everyone’s experience, her advice, from a purely non-emotional standpoint, is that at the end of the day, you want a donor who is committed to the process and is available to complete a cycle! 

Furthermore, Alissa states, “Unless she’s a proven donor, there’s no guarantee that her beautiful looks, high test scores, Ivy League education, or athletic or musical abilities will result in a successful cycle. Thus, prioritize the top 1-2 non-negotiables, and if they are different for each parent, try to be open to reviewing profiles that fall outside your criteria.”

 

Tip No. 2: Understand your Budget

Understand your budget, and if there’s truly no room to go outside of that, do not ask to review donors with higher compensations, as it often leads to disappointment. By sharing your budget with your agency, we can share profiles of candidates that fit your budget. There are ways to reduce cycle costs significantly – one example would be to find an egg donor that is local to your clinic so that you do not incur travel or local monitoring expenses.

 

Tip No. 3: Communicate with your Agency

Make sure you consider whether you want a known donation or not so that your agency understands the kind of relationship you hope to have with your donor in the future and can present that to the donor if she has different preferences. Oftentimes, donors don’t know what they want until they’re presented with real parents interested in their profile!

We hope these tips help you in selecting the right connection for your family!

Learn more about choosing the right egg donor here.

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Surrogacy & Breastmilk

Writing your Dear Surrogate Letter

Breastmilk Pumping & Shipping: A Sweet Journey for Surrogates and Intended Parents

 

As the big day draws near, it’s time to chat about a very special connection that can continue even after delivery – breastmilk!

For surrogates who choose breastmilk pumping, this is a beautiful way to keep nourishing the baby while adding another layer to the incredible gift you’ve already given. Plus, it’s a great way to stay involved in the baby’s early development.

To make sure everyone’s on the same page, here’s a fun little roadmap to guide you through the world of breastmilk pumping and shipping!

The Essentials of Pumping & Shipping Breastmilk

Compensation for Pumping: A Labor of Love

Surrogates will receive a flat rate of $250 per week for all that pumping magic!

This is your well-deserved reward for the time, effort, and love that goes into expressing and storing the milk. After all, breastmilk pumping is a serious commitment, and we want to make sure you’re taken care of.

Supply Reimbursement: Keeping the Milk Flowing

Intended parents, here’s your part in this milk-making adventure! You’ll be responsible for covering all the supplies your surrogate needs to keep the milk flowing smoothly, such as:

  • Breast pumps and all the nifty accessories that come with them
  • Milk storage bags or containers (because those liquid gold drops need a safe home!)
  • Shipping supplies like coolers and ice packs to keep the milk fresh

Your surrogate will provide our team with receipts so we can reimburse them accurately!

The First Few Drops: Patience is Key

Right after delivery, it might take a few days for the breastmilk to fully come in.

So, don’t be surprised if the first few shipments are on the lighter side. It’s all part of the process as the milk supply gradually ramps up.

Supplementation: A Backup Plan

It’s always smart to have a backup plan, especially when it comes to feeding your little one.

Intended Parents- have some formula on hand, just in case. Those first few days might require a little extra help while waiting for the milk supply to catch up.

Shipping Schedule: Let’s Get Organized

Typically, milk is collected and shipped weekly. Both parties should agree on a schedule that works best for everyone.

Keeping things consistent will make sure that baby always has a fresh supply of milk on the way!

Flexibility & Understanding: Go with the Flow

Lactation can be a bit unpredictable – some days it’s abundant, and other days, not so much.

That’s totally normal! The key is to stay flexible and open to adjustments, always keeping the baby’s well-being (and the surrogate’s sanity!) in mind.

Communication: The Secret Ingredient

Like with everything in life, communication is key!

Surrogates, keep your intended parents in the loop about any changes in your milk supply or if there might be a delay in shipping.

Intended parents, if there comes a time when you no longer need or wish to receive breastmilk, please give your surrogate reasonable notice.

Surrogates, the same goes for you – if you plan to stop pumping, a heads-up is always appreciated.

 

This guide is here to help you navigate the ins and outs of breastmilk pumping and shipping for surrogates,  ensuring that everyone is well-prepared and excited for this part of the journey.

With a little bit of planning, a lot of love, and plenty of communication, this process can be a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

 

Want to learn more about Surrogacy? Check out our Blog for helpful information about your surrogacy journey!

Ready to get started? Register today to gain access to our Surrogate Database, where you can expect to begin seeing profiles in as little as 2-3 weeks.