Gestational surrogate?

[Anonymous]

Looking for any experiences regarding gestational surrogates. It has been suggested to us that while I am unable to carry our child to term, gestational surrogacy might be a good option. Am in the process of researching various agencies, analyzing costs, etc.

[Anonymous]

I would check out some of the surrogacy support boards for information and some different perspectives.

There are SMO (surromomsonline) and AAS (all about surrogacy) -- these two boards may have a slight bent towards the surrogates, but there are areas in the forum specifically for intended parents (IPs). You may also get lucky and find a good match through the boards, as I've seen that happen on more than one occasion.

I was a gestational surrogate and carried twins for a couple I met through Meryl Rosenberg. She's based in Maryland, but both the IPs and I live in Virginia. I believe her website is: http://www.artparenting.com/

Please don't let anyone tell you that all surrogates are illiterate money-hungry con artists. I have a master's degree from Georgetown and make six figures. It was never about the money -- I just knew from my own experience and those of close friends just how hard trying to have a family could be and I wanted to help someone else become a mom.

Thankfully, our journey had a wonderful happy ending and we often visit with the IPs (who are now friends) and their twins as we would with any other family friends.

I wish you the best of luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here---many thanks to the PP. Your information is very helpful.

[Anonymous]

I was a surrogate, too. It was a great experience. I carried for a gay male couple. Finding a great match is very important. I could not have asked for a better couple. We got close during the journey and still talk and see each other. I delivered about a year and a half ago.

We found each other on our own through the AAS boards and used Hilary Neiman, based in Rockville. She was a great resource.

The SMO message boards are a helpful source of infomation. I found all the positive stories reassuring.

[Anonymous]

We just had twins using a GS. We used an agency and Hillary was also our attorney.
I agree with pps regarding the surrogacy boards (SMO and AAS).
My advice before starting out would be make sure you are aware of all the costs involved. Most agencies and GSs will quote their main fees but there are a lot of hidden costs. We were burnt that way. I believe we spent at least 50% more than was quoted altogether. Ask lots of questions involving various permutations.
All the best.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the information. 3:26---would you mind sharing what agency you used?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the information. 3:26---would you mind sharing what agency you used?

I deliberately left their name out because I am not sure I would recommend them. They screwed up royally on a couple of major things that caused a lot of heart ache as well as financial loss. Since you asked, we used Surrogacy Options. They have great reviews so I guess we were just unlucky.