Frequently asked questions​

Compensation and financial status of surrogate mothers

How much does a surrogate make?

Surrogate mothers with Little Monster were financially supported during our journey. Compensation ranges from $55,000 to $85,000 or more. Factors that can affect a surrogate’s total compensation include:

  • Number of infants carried
  • Number of previous surrogacy experiences
  • If the surrogate has a caesarean section
  • Where the agent lives

We know that this is a big decision with a big commitment. Our Agent Coordinator will be happy to provide a free quote and explain any potential compensation.

Is my compensation guaranteed?

It’s that your compensation will be clearly outlined in your surrogacy benefits package so you know exactly what to expect. We want to make sure that there is complete transparency and that there are no surprises. We’ll also provide monthly tracking so you can see payments coming on time.

Do I have to pay anything?

No, we want to make sure that the finances never get in the way of your surrogacy gift. You don’t have to pay anything.

All pre-contract related and accrued expenses are reimbursable. Once the contract is signed, your intended parents will pay the remaining costs with the compensation set out in the surrogacy contract.

In addition to our base salary, we offer generous bonuses and compensation to fully support you:

  • Travel reimbursement (mileage, meals, hotels, flights)
  • Unexpected expenses (lost wages, childcare)
  • If you are unable to complete the trip due to circumstances beyond your control, please compensate you
  • And much more!

We also host retreats and gatherings to show our gratitude. We are your support group and will stand by your side to make sure you feel safe and valued.

Learn more about compensation.

How will I pay for my medical bills?

At Little Monster, your financial well-being is just as important to us as your physical and emotional well-being. You can submit your medical bill directly to us to pay or, if you prefer, you can pay out of pocket and receive reimbursement immediately from your dedicated escrow account. Rest assured, our mission is to ensure that you never have to worry about managing or carrying the burden of unpaid bills.

What is an escrow account?

An escrow account is a third-party account that is used to secure and manage funds until certain conditions are met. In the case of surrogacy, it is used to hold funds for the surrogate mother.

At the beginning of the surrogacy agreement, the intended parents deposit the agreed funds into an escrow account. This money will cover the surrogate’s compensation and other agreed costs associated with the surrogacy journey.

Using an escrow account provides protection and peace of mind for all parties involved. For the surrogate, it ensures that her compensation funds are secured before the proceedings begin. For the intended parents, it guarantees that the money will be released only if the specific conditions set out in the contract are met.

Do I need to have health insurance? /What happens if I lose my health insurance during my surrogate pregnancy?

Medical insurance is a key component of the surrogacy journey. Such a policy may be used if the surrogate has an existing health insurance policy that adequately covers the medical expenses associated with the surrogacy, and she is comfortable with the intended parents using it.

It is important to note that the Intended Parents are fully informed and prepared to take on the responsibility of obtaining additional insurance or specific surrogacy coverage if necessary. If the surrogate loses her health insurance during the surrogate’s pregnancy, she should contact her support team at Little Monster.

Frequently Asked Questions for Proxy Applicants

Become a surrogate

How do I apply to become an agent?

If you feel compelled to become an agent, we are happy to guide you through the application process!

First, check the proxy requirements on our website to confirm your eligibility. When you’re ready, complete our online application.

After submitting your application, one of our team members will contact you to discuss the next steps for background checks, medical records, and interviews.

Once approved, we will begin the matching process to help you choose your ideal match. We are committed to making the application process smooth and supportive from start to finish.

How long does it take to be an agent?

The timeline for becoming a surrogate varies, but typically, the embryo transfer will most likely take place around three months after you meet your intended parents.

It will take about two weeks to recover your medical and psychological screening results. It will also take two to three weeks to go through the legal process.

Once you are approved to begin your IVF transfer cycle, you will need another three to four weeks to establish your uterine lining.

While you wait, we’ll help you build strong bonds and get ready to start this wonderful journey!

 

Do potential surrogates have to disclose medical records?

Yes, potential surrogates are required to disclose their medical records. This is an important step in the surrogacy process as it ensures the health and safety of both the surrogate and the baby. It allows the agency and potential intended parents to have a clear picture of the surrogate’s medical history, including previous pregnancies and any potential health risks. This transparency is essential to build trust and ensure a successful surrogacy journey.

Can I still do surrogacy if I have difficulty getting pregnant?

It depends. While fertility challenges can be a complex issue, they do not automatically preclude the possibility of becoming a surrogate. If your difficulties are due to factors unrelated to your overall health or the health of your uterus, you may still be a good candidate for surrogacy. However, if the challenge comes from repeated pregnancy loss or serious pregnancy complications, we need to consider your safety and that of your baby.

At Little Monster, we prioritize everyone’s health and well-being. We will guide you through a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure that your surrogacy journey is both successful and safe.

If “I have had a miscarriage before, can I still do surrogacy?” ”

Experiencing a miscarriage does not automatically prevent you from becoming a surrogate. Miscarriage can have a variety of causes, many of which may not affect future pregnancies. As long as the miscarriage is not the result of an ongoing health condition or uterine environmental issues, and you have successfully had a full-term pregnancy, you may still be a potential surrogacy candidate. Each situation is unique and will be thoroughly reviewed by our medical team to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the surrogacy journey.

I have had a high-risk pregnancy, can I still do surrogacy?

A high-risk pregnancy doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from becoming a surrogate, but it does raise some considerations. Certain high-risk conditions from previous pregnancies, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, may affect your eligibility.

AtLittle Monster, our medical partners work hard to ensure the safest journey for our surrogate mothers and intended parents. We evaluate each potential surrogate’s medical history separately to minimize risk and promote a healthy, successful pregnancy.

If “I previously gave birth by C-section, can I still be a surrogate?” ”

Having a history of C-section does not automatically rule you out becoming a surrogate mother. In fact, many surrogates have successfully delivered their babies by caesarean section. However, to ensure the health and safety of you and the intended baby, most doctors prefer a potential surrogate to perform no more than two C-sections. At Little Monster, your health is our priority and all medical considerations will be thoroughly assessed during your screening process.

Can I become an agent if my tube is tied?

Absolute! Your tube being tied up will not affect your ability to become an agent. This is because surrogacy involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is a process that creates an embryo in a laboratory that is then transferred directly to your uterus. So, prior tubal ligation – tying up your fallopian tubes – will not interfere with your journey as a surrogate.

Can I become a surrogate if I have had an abortion before?

Having had an abortion doesn’t necessarily prevent you from becoming a surrogate. The key factor we consider is the long-term health of the uterus. As long as your past abortions don’t have any lasting effects on your endometrium, you are still eligible to become a surrogate.

As part of the Little Monster surrogacy process, you’ll undergo a thorough medical screening to check the health of your uterus, including any endometrial problems that may arise. We always prioritize the health and safety of surrogate mothers and their future babies.

Can I become a surrogate mother if I receive public assistance, such as food stamps?

While we truly value and appreciate the willingness to help others in their parenthood journey, it is important to note that the joy of life cannot be accepted by alternative applicants who are currently receiving public assistance, such as food stamps. We want to ensure that our surrogates remain financially stable prior to the surrogacy process, as this is essential for the surrogate’s overall health and well-being. We believe that surrogacy compensation should be seen as a way to improve an individual’s life and not as a necessity for daily living expenses.

Can I be a surrogate mother if I am married/in a relationship/single?

Whether you’re married, married, or single, we’ll welcome you with open arms! However, we do ask that you share your current marital status with your Little Monster team, as this may have an impact on certain contracts during the legal process related to surrogacy. Transparency is key, and we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way while prioritizing your best interests.

What is the difference between gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy?

In the traditional surrogacy process, the surrogate’s own eggs are fertilized by the intended father’s or donor’s sperm, giving the surrogate a genetic relationship to the baby. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a medical procedure that transfers sperm from the intended father directly into the uterus of the surrogate mother.

During gestational surrogacy, the egg donor’s eggs will be used to create embryos. In this case, the surrogate does not have any genetic relationship with the baby and is simply considered the “biological mother”. Fertilized embryos are implanted by in vitro fertilization.

I’m thinking about becoming an agent. What surrogacy programs near me can help?

Our experienced team provides comprehensive support, from answering your initial questions to providing you with personalized care during your surrogacy journey. We believe in fostering a vibrant community of surrogates by organizing events that encourage strong bonds between our agents and families.

General Surrogacy Frequently Asked Questions 

How does a surrogate get pregnant?

The surrogate conceives through the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) using genetic material chosen by the intended parents. These embryos are then transferred into the surrogate’s uterus through a simple medical procedure.

If the implant is successful, the surrogate will become pregnant and carry the intended parents’ child until birth. Surrogates do not donate their own eggs.

Our medical team has extensive experience in managing every step of the IVF process for optimal success.

What is a proxy?

A surrogate mother is a person who bears a child for another person. There are two main types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and surrogacy. A traditional surrogate mother is biologically related to the child she carries, while a surrogate mother during pregnancy is biologically not related to the child. In baby bees, we only studied surrogates during gestation.

Gestational surrogacy involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), the creation of embryos from eggs and sperm selected by the intended parents. Many intended parents choose to use their own genetic material, which means that their child will be biologically related to them, while others may choose to use donated eggs or sperm.

These embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, where she conceives the pregnancy until birth.

Why should you be a surrogate mother?

Being a surrogate mother gives you a rewarding opportunity to help parents bring their children into their lives. Any reliable surrogacy agency will ensure that the surrogate mother is compensated and monitored for her health, giving each surrogate mother a much-needed sense of relief.

Is there a relationship between the baby and the surrogate?

In Little Monster, we only study gestational surrogacy, which is not genetically related to the baby she carries. Gestational surrogacy involves implanting embryos created by the intended parents through genetic material selected through in vitro fertilization into the uterus of the surrogate. This means that the surrogate provides the uterine environment to nurture the pregnancy, but she does not provide any genetic material.

What are the requirements to become a replacement?

The ideal candidates for surrogacy with Little Monster are women who:

  • Helping others build a family with heart Whether you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
  • Are you between 21-38 years old
  • Have a good history of pregnancy
  • Is your body mass index (BMI) below 30?
  • Live a healthy and stable lifestyle
  • Are you a non-smoker and a non-drug addict
  • Are you in good physical and mental health?
  • There were no more than two caesarean sections or 5 deliveries
  • Consent to psychological, drug, and criminal screening
  • Living in a state where surrogacy is allowed or continuing to be cautious, we list it here.

Learn more about what it takes to become an agent.

At Little Monster, we care deeply about helping families grow and prosper. Our goal is for every surrogate to have a healthy, safe pregnancy and delivery.

If you are interested in becoming an agent, we welcome you to fill out our online application starting today.

Is surrogacy legal in every state?

Surrogacy laws vary greatly depending on the state you live in. While many states completely allow surrogacy contracts and procedures, some states only allow surrogacy under certain restrictions or prohibit surrogacy altogether.

Our legal team maintains an up-to-date update on all state legislation so that we can seamlessly guide intended parents and surrogates. We require surrogates to live in one of the “surrogacy allowed” or “cautionary” states.

Am I mentally and emotionally ready?

The surrogacy journey will be accompanied by a rollercoaster of emotions. This requires commitment and responsibility, and many surrogate mothers have understandably expressed their concerns about whether they will fall in love with their children. It’s crucial to be aware of what surrogacy needs emotionally.

Am I healthy enough?

While the emotional aspect of surrogacy is important, so is your physical health. To become a surrogate mother, you must be in good health and have at least one child at the time of a healthy pregnancy.

Think about how healthy your lifestyle is. Do you smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs? The surrogate mother must be as healthy as possible to ensure the best chance of a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Can I undergo an extensive background check?

Before surrogacy, extensive background checks and psychological screenings are required. When you apply, you need to be honest and make sure you’re used to people learning about your past.

The surrogacy process

What is the process of surrogacy?

Little Monster’s surrogacy journey consists of three stages:

Stage 1: Preparation

  1. Complete the online application
  2. Interviewed about the joy of life
  3. View the profile of the intended parent
  4. Meet with the intended parents
  5. Complete a medical screening
  6. Complete a psychological evaluation
  7. Review the contract with your lawyer
  8. Contract signing and notarization

Stage 2: Transfer cycle with IVF clinic

  1. The construction of the uterine lining began
  2. Embryo transfer
  3. HCG test
  4. Ultrasound of the heartbeat

Stage 3: Wait for the baby to arrive

  1. Transfer to a regular OB physician (approximately 9 to 10 weeks after embryo transfer)
  2. Regular OB appointments
  3. Deadline!

What kind of injections do I need to do during IVF?

The specific injection regimen will depend on whether your doctor’s recommendations are suitable for your body and pregnancy. Some regimens involve frequent injections, while others may not require any injections.

If injections are required, our qualified caregivers will provide detailed training on how to manage themselves appropriately. We will make sure you feel completely confident and comfortable throughout the process.

How long do I have to wait to be matched?

We strive to match surrogates with intended parents as quickly as possible. Once you’ve passed the interview process and received confirmation from our team, the matching process usually takes around a month.

What are my responsibilities as a surrogate?

During your journey with us, we ask that you refrain from smoking, drinking, caffeine, and any kind of drug use. This helps keep you and your child safe.

We work with nutritionists who will work closely with each agent to provide customized advice on organic foods and supplements. We want to nourish you in the best possible way.

Your surrogacy coordinator will outline and explain specific expectations, such as doctor’s appointments, etc. Contact them to find out more about what you need to do.

We appreciate our surrogate’s commitment to a healthy pregnancy and provide ongoing support to help you fulfill this important responsibility.

Are there any mental health services available after giving birth?

Absolute! In Little Monster, we know that the postpartum period can be a profound transition period. We believe in nurturing the emotional well-being of surrogates throughout their journey, including after childbirth.

If you need it, we’ll be happy to connect you with compassionate therapists and counsellors who specialize in postnatal support to ensure you feel heard, understood, and cared for.

How many times can I be a proxy?

Many women choose to participate in multiple surrogacy trips if approved by their doctor. Returning agents earn more than first-time agents, and many returning families will ask to work with the same agents when they are ready to welcome another child into their family. According to the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, it is recommended that surrogates have no more than 5 pregnancies in total and no more than 3 C-sections, including pregnancies/C-sections not related to surrogacy.

Is housing provided for surrogates during pregnancy?

Not in the United States, it is not common for a surrogacy agency to provide housing for a surrogate throughout her pregnancy. At Little Monster, our philosophy is rooted in nurturing an environment where our surrogates can continue to thrive in their own homes, sustain their daily lives, and enjoy their daily lives. Our agents are more than just participants in a project – they all have their own vibrant lives, and we always respect and support this.

Do you understand what is involved in this process?

How much do you know about surrogacy? The surrogacy process involves many stages, from intensive screening and matching with the intended parents to fertility treatments and the physical pregnancy and delivery itself. Before embarking on your surrogacy journey, make sure you understand the entire process.

little monster

Why should you choose Little Monster for surrogacy?

At Little Monster, we prioritize your happiness and happiness every step of the way. We offer competitive and transparent remuneration to ensure that your dedication is fairly recognized and rewarded. Our professional coordinators are always on standby and ready to provide unwavering support throughout your journey. With a simple and organized schedule, you can navigate the surrogacy process with confidence.

Our high level of satisfaction reflects our commitment to excellence. Our relationship with you doesn’t end at the end of the journey; We’re always here to listen and ready to help. We cherish the connections we have made and hope to maintain lifelong friendships with you.

What support does Little Monster offer to surrogate mothers?

We are fully committed to supporting our surrogate mothers every step of the way, providing comprehensive emotional, financial, and medical assistance.

From matchmaking to post-delivery, our team is available around the clock to provide guidance and assistance to ensure you feel completely taken care of. We host retreats and events to build community and express our gratitude.

Financially, all expenses are affordable, so you don’t have out-of-pocket expenses. We offer generous compensation, bonuses, and compensation for travel, childcare, and other needs.

Medically, we have experienced staff to monitor your health and answer any questions. You will have access to the highest quality doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, and other specialists. We also offer life insurance, ongoing counselling and postnatal support, depending on your preferences. Our goal is to make you feel cherished for your profound gifts.

Learn more about the benefits of surrogate motherhood.

Will Little Monster serve families outside of California?

Yes, the joy of life has helped families at home and abroad. We are committed to helping families achieve their dreams of parenthood, regardless of their location, as long as surrogacy is not prohibited in your state. We have a strong presence in California, Oregon, and Nevada, but also work with surrogates and families from across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions for Intended Parents

How much does surrogacy cost for intended parents?

We recommend that the total budget for the Intended Parents’ surrogacy journey be between $130,000 and $140,000. This includes attorney’s fees, insurance, agency fees, agency compensation, and other related expenses.

The total cost varies depending on your particular situation. Factors such as having twins, working with an experienced surrogate mother, using donor eggs, and additional medical care can all increase the overall price.

Will I go and meet our agent?

Whether or not you will satisfy your proxy depends on the preferences of all parties involved. Some surrogates and intended parents value meeting as early as possible to bond. Others feel more willing to limit face-to-face interactions.

We encourage open dialogue to determine what is more appropriate for you and the agent. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is that everyone is on the same page and familiar with the agreed level of contact.

Our goal is to make this journey rewarding for both the surrogate and the intended parent. Your comfort and well-being is our top priority.

How often should I be contacted?

The frequency of contact can be tailored to the preferences of the parties. Some surrogates and intended parents communicate regularly during their trips. Others prefer to be in less frequent contact through our agency. There’s no right or wrong – it all depends on your unique preferences and relationships.

With decades of experience, our team excels at facilitating positive relationships between surrogates and intended parents.

What happens after a surrogate gives birth to a baby?

After the birth of the child, the intended parents will take the child home and start their family life. Some surrogates choose to pump and provide breast milk to the baby. With your consent, we can facilitate photo exchanges, video chats, and even reunion gatherings.

Our goal is to create the most meaningful and supportive postpartum experience for intending parents and surrogates. We want everyone to feel a lasting connection and be proud of this incredible journey.

Can same-sex parents in California use surrogacy services?

According to California law, the process of using surrogacy services for same-sex couples is very similar to the process of using surrogacy services for heterosexual couples. Learn more about surrogacy services for same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Can single parents in California use surrogacy services?

Yes, single individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, can become parents through surrogacy. Our team will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about using surrogacy as a single parent.