19 Sep Surrogacy Birth Checklist for Intended Parents
What families need to check for a Surrogacy Birth (hospital policies, legal paperwork, etc.)
Before the Birth
- ✅ Legal agreements: Make sure you and your surrogate have a written surrogacy agreement, and both parties have had independent legal advice (a requirement in most states).
- ✅ Counselling sessions: Confirm counselling has been completed for all parties, as this is usually mandatory.
- ✅ Parentage order plan: Know the steps for applying for a parentage order in your state — this will transfer legal parenthood after birth.
- ✅ Hospital discussions: Talk to the hospital well in advance about their policies on surrogacy births. Ask about:
- Whether both intended parents can be in the birth room.
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact with the baby.
- Feeding plans (bottle-feeding or expressed milk).
- ✅ Support network: Arrange support for your surrogate too — both during and after the birth.
During the Birth
- ✅ Hospital team briefed: Make sure maternity staff know who the intended parents are and what role the surrogate wants during labour.
- ✅ Bonding time: Ensure baby can be handed straight to you for skin-to-skin contact, if that’s been agreed.
- ✅ Photos & keepsakes: Discuss whether you, the surrogate, or both will capture those first special moments.
After the Birth
- ✅ Discharge planning: Clarify whether the baby will be discharged with you, and the surrogate separately.
- ✅ Feeding support: If you’re bottle-feeding, ask midwives to guide you just as they would any new parent.
- ✅ Ongoing care: Arrange a post-birth catch-up with your surrogate to check in emotionally and practically.
- ✅ Legal follow-through: Lodge your parentage order application promptly.
✨ Tip: Every hospital may handle surrogacy differently. Having clear communication ahead of time makes the experience smoother for you, your surrogate, and your baby.
