When you find yourself thinking, “I want to be a surrogate mother,” it is important to acknowledge that if you decide to do this selfless act, your lifestyle may change a little or even a great deal — for a period of time. Things you would have eaten, drank or done in the past can no longer be a part of your lifestyle — at least until you recover from the delivery. Below are some tips that can help you have a healthy, full-term pregnancy and a healthy emotional outlook. These tips are important not only for the unborn baby that you will carry but also ensure that your health will be optimal throughout the pregnancy assist you in having a speedier recovery after the birth.
Before the Conception
It is wise to prepare your mentally to carry a baby to full-term and to give it to the new parents. Our surrogacy program has many suggestions to help you during this time. Some tips you can incorporate into your life before conception begins include:
- Talk with a counselor, your pastor or a mental health professional to help determine if you are equipped to handle the emotions you will experience during the pregnancy and when giving up the newborn after the birth.
- Surround yourself with supportive people in your life who will stand by your side throughout the pregnancy and afterward. Friends and family members are obvious choices, but there are also surrogacy support groups out there that will be an asset as you deal with all the emotions and physical changes that you will encounter; their support can be quite therapeutic.
During the Pregnancy
Some tips to ensure that you and the baby are both healthy include:
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle before the pregnancy begins and continue to live in a healthy manner throughout the entire nine months. It is also wise to take good care of yourself throughout the postpartum months until you fully recover.
- One of the most important things you can do to ensure that you and the baby are healthy is to see your doctor as often as he or she recommends and to listen to, and carefully follow the advice of your obstetrician.
- Lower your stress levels by learning to meditate, reciting positive and uplifting phrases to yourself or some other relaxing pastime. Even breathing deeply while listening to pleasant music can help decrease your stress levels.
- Continue to exercise, or if you haven’t been physically active in the past, begin activities that you can safely continue throughout the entire pregnancy. Swimming, taking a prenatal yoga class or walking are all healthy forms of activity for pregnant women.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and avoid foods and beverages that are unsafe during pregnancy, such as uncooked eggs, raw fish, unpasteurized cheeses, and alcohol. Take the prenatal vitamins that your obstetrician recommends.
If you believe that being a surrogate is right for you, contact our surrogacy agency today to schedule a consultation. Our friendly and professional staff is available to answer all your questions about the legal issues, health concerns, fees and everything else involved in the surrogacy process. We believe that what you are doing is a true blessing for the new parents, and our experts will compassionately guide you during this exciting and rewarding journey. Along the way, you will discover that we are one of the best surrogate agencies in the nation. For more information, give us a call at (310) 968-3736.