How to Prepare for Your Baby’s Birth after Surrogacy

As an intended parent, bringing your baby home is one of the most exciting milestones of the surrogacy journey. While every pregnancy looks a little different, the moment of birth is a universal turning point: the day your dream of parenthood becomes reality. Preparing ahead of time not only eases stress but also helps you feel confident and ready to welcome your little one.

Preparing for the Birth

Unlike traditional births, surrogacy involves coordination between parents, surrogates, hospitals, and legal teams. This means preparation that includes both the emotional readiness of new parenthood and the practical steps unique to surrogacy. Some key steps include:

• Finalize legal paperwork early. Make sure parental rights and hospital plans are in place before delivery. This helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures everyone knows what to expect.

• Create a hospital plan. With your agency or coordinator, confirm details such as: Who will be in the delivery room? Will you have a private room afterward? Who will cut the cord or hold the baby first? These details can be clarified in advance for a smooth experience.

• Communicate with your surrogate. Birth can be an emotional time for everyone. Talking openly about expectations, boundaries, and feelings can strengthen trust and allow for a meaningful, respectful experience.

  
  

What Intended Parents Should Have Ready Before the Birth

Every baby needs the basics, but in the surrogacy world, there are a few additional items to consider. Here’s a checklist:

Baby Essentials

• Car seat (installed and hospital-approved): Hospitals require this before discharge.

• Clothing and blankets: Newborn-size onesies, sleepers, hats, mittens, and swaddle blankets.

• Feeding supplies: Whether you’re using formula, pumped breast milk from your surrogate, or donor milk, make sure bottles and sterilizing equipment are ready.

• Safe sleep space: A  crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheet (no pillows, bumpers, or loose blankets).

  
  

Paperwork & Logistics

• Copies of legal documents: Hospital staff may request proof of parentage or court orders.

• Insurance information: Make sure your baby will be added to your health insurance right after birth.

• Travel arrangements: If your surrogate is in another state (or country), book flights, hotels, or extended stays in advance. Make sure to consult a doctor to determine how long you will need to stay with your newborn before flying. Experts caution against flying at least in the first seven days after a baby is born, some healthcare professionals may advise you to wait longer.

  
  

Emotional Preparation

• Bonding tools: Bring items like a special blanket, music, or recorded lullabies to comfort your baby and start early bonding.

• Support system: Consider bringing a partner, close friend, or family member to help during the first few days.

  
  

After Birth: Taking Baby Home

Hospitals often require extra coordination in surrogacy cases. With a prepared plan, you’ll be able to step into parenthood smoothly. Remember:

• Be patient with hospital staff, they may not handle surrogacy cases often.

• Respect and honor your surrogate’s experience; this day is significant for her too.

• Focus on bonding with your baby. Skin-to-skin contact, gentle touch, and your voice are powerful ways to start your relationship from the very beginning.

  
  

One of the beautiful aspects of surrogacy is that intended parents can begin bonding immediately without needing to recover physically from birth. You will be free to fully immerse yourself in early parenthood, when it is safe to do so with your newborn you can begin heading outdoors for strolls, introducing your baby to loved ones, and savoring those first days together.

A Journey That Leads Home

Preparing for your baby’s arrival through surrogacy is a beautiful blend of science, planning, and care. From paperwork to onesies, each step ensures that when the big day comes, you’re ready to step into your role as parents with joy and confidence.

At Babymoon, we help intended parents and surrogates through every stage, offering guidance, emotional support, and practical planning. Parenthood is a journey, and the moment you bring your baby home is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure. To learn more about how we can support you, schedule a call with us today by submitting our  Parent Inquiry Form.