Before our intended parents and surrogates match, we often get asked if the surrogate will be pumping breast milk after the baby’s birth. Our answer is always that we will revisit this halfway through the pregnancy. At that time, we will know more about the surrogate’s health and ability to pump breast milk. Equally as important, since the journey takes many months (12-14 months at its fastest), the intended parents’ or surrogate’s circumstances may be quite different than at the journey beginning. The intended parents’ finances could also be different later in the journey. Intended parents are more certain about total surrogacy costs midway through the journey and can decide if they have the funds needed for the breast milk pumping costs.
As a first step, parties need to decide if they want to pursue pumping breast milk or just expressing colostrum – the first milk the surrogate produces during the pregnancy which is rich in antibodies and antioxidants. The colostrum is key to building a newborn baby’s immune system. Some intended parents and surrogates may decide that pumping breast milk is not desired but that expressing colostrum is sufficient and can help give the baby a great start.
If all parties decide that pumping breast milk is what the group desires and that it is feasible, then it is fully the financial responsibility of the intended parents. Specifically, the intended parents must arrange for the supplies, shipping materials and carrier, and must compensate the surrogate for each week that she pumps breast milk.
Meanwhile, the surrogate has a commitment to pump at regular intervals throughout the day, carefully refrigerate the breast milk, and then regularly ship the containers to the intended parents’ residence. She will pump breast milk until the intended parents request for her to stop – typically 2-3 weeks before she discontinues pumping since it takes time to slow down milk production.
Pumping breast milk is a substantial commitment for the surrogate. Most say that they do it because of their bond with the intended parents and to the ongoing care and health of the baby. In many ways, it is the last ‘gift’ surrogates give to the babies they cared for during gestation and ultimately provides the baby with the healthiest start to life.
We encourage all prospective surrogates and intended parents to contact Capital Surrogacy and learn more about the process. Please complete the short contact form, we cannot wait to hear from you!
