With all pregnanies, a birth plan is helpful for discussing the ideal outcomes while considering the options available in the event of complications. With a surrogacy birth, making plans can also serve as a vital opportunity for communication between the surrogate and the intended parents (IPs). There are also additional considerations to make in the event the IPs cannot attend the birth.

*Keep in mind that the birth plan should function as a guide for preferences and is not a guaranteed plan. Medical staff will always need to prioritize the safety of the surrogate and baby/babies, as well as go along with hospital policy.

Hospital Tour

Before creating a birth plan, a hospital tour can provide valuable information about registration, labor and delivery options, and support for the surrogate. In addition, it can be comforting for IPs to see where their baby will be born, especially for first-time parents. Seeing the location and speaking with providers can take away much of the anxiety that comes with such an unknown experience. Many hospitals now provide the option of a virtual tour, which can be especially helpful for IPs that are not local to the area.

Beyond gaining logistical information for the involved parties, the hospital tour is a good time to find out with whom the parties can leave the pre-birth order with and make them aware of the unique situation. Intended parents will want to know what is available to them for infant care, such as a room to themselves, nursery care, etc. If a hospital tour is not possible, you should still contact the hospital ahead of time, usually around week 30 of the pregnancy, to ask about logistics and notify them about the special circumstances surrounding this birth. Heartland Surrogacy is always available to help with this step – whether we contact the hospital directly or just help the surrogate and IPs connect with the right people.

Birth Plan

When creating a birth plan, surrogates and parents should review birth options individually and together; doulas or medical providers can provide additional guidance. To create a birth plan, consider all of the possible scenarios: a planned birth (induction or C-section), a spontaneous birth with the parents at the birth, or a spontaneous birth when the parents do not make it in time. Some options might vary depending on the situation.

When writing a birth plan, some of the important considerations include:

• Who will be at the hospital for labor; who will be present for the birth
• What pain medications or other comfort measures will be used
• Noise, lights, and atmosphere preferences
• Will photos and videos be allowed? Will there be a birth photographer? 
• Will there be a doula or other support person?
• Do you want a water birth, birthing stool, birthing ball, or other birthing tool? 
• How the IPs want to be involved

Infant care

In addition to the considerations during labor and the birth, IPs will also want to think about and decide how they want their baby cared for after the delivery. These decisions might change based on whether or not you will be present. There are some important details that should be written into the birth plan:

• Who will hold the baby/babies immediately after delivery?
• Who will cut the cord? Will you do delayed cord clamping? 
• Will there be skin-to-skin contact and with who? 
• How will the surrogate and her family be involved after the birth?
• How will the baby/babies be fed and will the surrogate pump breastmilk?
• What vaccinations do the IPs want their baby to have after birth?
• What other hospital protocol do you want to say yes or no to? 
• If the baby is a boy, research circumcision
• Who will make medical decisions if parents are unavailable?

Going to the Hospital

In addition to the birth plan, we recommend taking a form with logistical details, such as the surrogate’s name and pertinent medical information, intended parent’s names and contact information, names of attorneys, agency, and other support providers, etc. and a copy of the pre-birth order (if applicable, depending on the state).

As always, Heartland Surrogacy will be with you every step of the way to help mediate these discussions, if necessary, and guide you through the process.