10.1 Preparing for Surrogacy Delivery

By the time the due date is about four weeks away, it’s important for the surrogate, the intended parents, and the agency to come together and start preparing for delivery. At GSHC, we ask everyone to take part in a delivery planning meeting to go over logistics, comfort preferences, and what to expect at the hospital. Here’s what to know so that everyone feels supported and ready.

1. Schedule Your Delivery Planning Meeting

Before labor starts, GSHC requires a delivery planning meeting between the surrogate, the intended parents, and a designated agency case manager. It’s our way of making sure everyone is informed, on the same page, and prepared for the birth—whether it happens as scheduled or comes as a surprise.

Topics usually include:

• Will the intended parents be present for the birth? Where should they meet the surrogate?
• Are they staying nearby? Do they have a local contact or driver?
• If the delivery is scheduled (like an induction or C-section), what’s the confirmed date, time, and hospital?
• If labor begins unexpectedly, who should the surrogate contact first—and how?
• Is the surrogate comfortable with the parents in the delivery room?
• Are the parents planning to cut the cord or take photos (if allowed by the hospital)?
• Will the surrogate be providing breast milk afterward? If so, how long, and how will it be stored or shipped?
• Is there a backup plan if the intended parents can’t arrive in time?

This is also the time to confirm emergency contacts, hospital guidelines, and any personal preferences so that everyone feels heard and supported.

2. What the Surrogate Should Pack

It’s best to have your hospital bag ready by 36 weeks. Being prepared early gives you peace of mind, especially if labor starts unexpectedly.

What to bring:

• Photo ID, health insurance card, and any legal paperwork (like court orders or parentage documents)
• Cord blood kit, if applicable
• A comfortable robe or gown, cozy socks, and slippers
• Snacks, lip balm, hair ties, phone charger, and a playlist or headphones
• Toiletries like a toothbrush and face wipes
• One trusted support person (spouse, friend, doula)—make sure they know how to get to the hospital and understand the visitor policy

Optional but thoughtful: printed ultrasound images or notes to share with the intended parents.

3. What Intended Parents Should Bring

Whether you’re coming from nearby or traveling across the world, here’s what to prepare for your baby’s arrival and discharge.

Important items:

• Photo ID for both parents
• Court order or legal paperwork (if already issued)
• Insurance documents for the baby, if applicable

Baby gear:

• Infant car seat (U.S. hospitals require it for discharge)
• Several newborn outfits, socks, and hats
• Swaddles or baby blankets
• Diapers and wipes
• Bottles and formula if you’re not using breast milk
• Toiletries and clothes for yourselves in case of an overnight stay
• Any paperwork from your legal team or the agency

If you're staying locally after discharge, make sure your hotel or Airbnb is stocked with essentials like bottles, onesies, and burp cloths.

4. Plan Early and Stay Flexible

The last few weeks of pregnancy can bring a mix of excitement and nerves. Planning ahead helps things go more smoothly—and gives everyone space to focus on the joy of welcoming a new life. If you’re a surrogate, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GSHC case manager with questions or needs. And if you’re an intended parent, let your preferences be known—but also stay flexible. Babies tend to come on their own schedule.

With care, communication, and teamwork, the birth can be everything you’ve hoped for—safe, meaningful, and full of love.