,

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.

,

Surrogate Compensation and Benefits

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid?

A Complete Guide to Surrogate Compensation and Benefits

 

If you are considering becoming a gestational surrogate, you probably have a lot of questions about compensation. This is one of the most meaningful decisions you will ever make, and understanding what to expect financially is an important part of figuring out if surrogacy is right for you and your family.

Here is the first thing I want you to know, and it is the thing I think matters most: at My Donor Connection, you decide what compensation package is right for you. Not our team. Not an intended parent.  We sit down together, walk through every line item, and you decide what fits your lifestyle, your family, and the sacrifices you are making.

Below is a transparent overview of the standard surrogate compensation and benefit schedule you can expect to see from us. Please keep in mind, these are starting points, not fixed numbers. Some benefits you may not need. Others you may want to adjust. Every one of our surrogates meets with me personally to go through the package, talk through questions, and customize it until it feels right for you.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid?

Standard Base Compensation for a First Time Surrogate: $55,000 to $60,000

  • Paid in 10 equal monthly installments of $5,500 to $6,000
  • Monthly payments begin after confirmation of pregnancy via fetal heartbeat (typically 6 to 8 weeks)
  • Any remaining balance is paid in full within 14 days after delivery

Repeat and experienced surrogates may qualify for higher base compensation. We will talk through your specific situation during our meeting.

Special Circumstances Compensation

Pregnancy is beautiful, but it is also unpredictable. Here is how we take care of you in the rare case that something unexpected happens:

  • Positive HCG with no fetal heartbeat or miscarriage before first payment: $500
  • Miscarriage:
    • Before 16 weeks: Payments received up to that point
    • 16 to 22 weeks: One Additional Monthly Payment
    • 22 to 30 weeks: Two Additional Monthly Payments
    • After 30 weeks: Remaining balance of base compensation

Additional Surrogate Benefits

These are the benefits that round out the full support package beyond your base compensation. Every item listed is a starting point and fully customizable to fit your life:

  • Multiple Births (twins or more): $7,500
  • Monthly Non-Accountable Allowance: $300 for miscellaneous expenses
  • Start of Cycle Medications: $500 per cycle
  • Embryo Transfer Fee: $1,500
  • Psychological Support: Cost covered for up to 12 sessions
  • Term Life Insurance: Minimum $500 premium for a $500,000 policy
  • Medical Insurance: Premiums, co-pays, and uncovered expenses fully covered
  • Housekeeping: $150 bi-weekly from 20 weeks gestation to one month post-delivery
  • Travel Expenses: Approximately $3,500 budget covering mileage, airfare, hotel, meals, and more
  • Maternity Clothing Allowance: $750 at 20 weeks gestation
  • Cesarean Section: $5,000
  • Physician-Ordered Bed Rest: $250 per week
  • Lost Wages: Full compensation for wages lost due to medical procedures or bed rest
  • Dropped or Canceled Cycle Fee: $250
  • Mock Cycle: $500
  • Breast Milk: $250 per week if requested by intended parents
  • Invasive Procedure Inconvenience Fee: $1,500
  • Loss of Reproductive Organ: Up to $10,000 within six months post-delivery

What If I Do Not Want or Need a Specific Benefit?

Totally okay. These benefits reflect what the average surrogate journey looks like, but your journey is yours. If something on this list does not apply to your life, or if you want to adjust the amount, we will talk it through and tailor the schedule to what actually makes sense for you.

How Do We Build Your Package Together?

When you are ready, we will schedule a call (phone or Zoom, whichever feels more comfortable) and walk through every single line item together. I will explain what each benefit is, why it is offered, and how it impacts your total compensation.

We want you to feel fully informed, confident, and comfortable with the package you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogate Compensation

Does the agency decide my compensation?

No. You do. My Donor Connection provides a guide as a starting point, but the final decisions on your compensation package are yours.

When do surrogate payments start?

Monthly base compensation installments begin after confirmation of pregnancy by fetal heartbeat, which typically occurs around 6 to 8 weeks gestation.

Are surrogate medical costs covered by intended parents?

Yes. All pregnancy-related medical expenses, including insurance premiums, co-pays, and out-of-pocket costs, are covered and do not come out of your base compensation.

Do surrogates get paid if a cycle is cancelled?

Yes. Surrogates receive compensation for each completed transfer cycle, including dropped or cancelled cycles.

Is surrogate compensation taxable?

This depends on how your compensation is structured, and we always recommend consulting with a tax professional.

How long does a surrogacy journey take?

A typical gestational surrogacy journey from match to delivery takes 12 to 18 months, though every journey is unique.

Can I adjust the benefits schedule to fit my family’s needs?

Absolutely. That is the whole point. Your compensation package is yours to shape. We will meet to customize every piece until it feels right.

Ready to Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate?

If surrogacy has been on your heart, I would love to talk with you. Our team at My Donor Connection treats every surrogate like family. We believe in honest conversations, total transparency, and packages that are actually tailored to the woman giving this incredible gift.

Interested in learning more? Check out our Surrogacy page for helpful information or contact us to schedule a consultation.

Take our quick 2-minute prescreen questionnaire to see if you are eligible!

 

,

Writing your Dear Surrogate Letter

Writing your Dear Surrogate Letter

Exploring a Match

Surrogacy is a beautiful journey, but it’s important to remember that surrogacy is a two-way street. Surrogates have just as much say in the type of match they are looking for as the intended parents do. At our surrogacy agency, we take pride in facilitating successful matches. We understand the importance of finding the right match for both parties. It is crucial to connect intended parents and surrogates who share the same philosophies on pregnancy.

Preferences such as marital status, location, and level of communication, are carefully considered to ensure a harmonious match. Our matching process is thorough and designed to create a successful match. Both parties will have a chance to review each other’s profiles. If both parties are interested, we will share the surrogate’s medical records with your IVF clinic. Once we have the clinic’s approval, we’ll proceed with scheduling a match call over Zoom. This will give all parties a chance to meet before officially confirming the match.

Presenting Your Story

Your first introduction to your surrogate will be through her detailed profile, which includes information on her family, lifestyle, pregnancies, occupation, and photos. Intended parents also provide a one-page letter introducing themselves to the surrogate. This is a chance to share more information about yourselves and your family members, including pets. Introduce yourselves. Talk about where you live and the things you love to do. Share the journey that led you to surrogacy. Remember to include photos! Think of all of the information you would love to see in a surrogate profile, as she is also curious about the intended parents she will potentially start her journey with.

Finding the right surrogate may seem daunting, but with the help of an agency and careful consideration of preferences, intended parents and surrogates can form a successful partnership. Surrogacy is a journey rooted in trust, mutual respect, and open communication. When both parties are in sync, it creates a supportive and positive environment for the surrogate, intended parents, and, ultimately, the baby.

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.