112 Surrogate Logistics: Travel, Timelines, and Support

“It's viably gonna be one of the most intimate journeys you'll ever be on, just like your marriage, your relationship with your children. It's this infinite entanglement between you and them…” - April Whitford

Today on The Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drane is joined by April Whitford, Journey Manager at Family Inceptions with a decade of experience at the company and 25 years in family building. April, who holds an LMSW from Florida State University, shares her extensive knowledge of guiding hundreds of surrogates through their journeys, emphasizing the importance of patience in what she describes as an 18-month marathon rather than a sprint.

The episode breaks down the practical aspects of surrogacy, from initial screening and matching to medical protocols and travel expectations. They discuss the comprehensive support surrogates receive, the importance of having family and employer backing, insurance considerations, and the legal process of establishing parentage. April and Eloise provide valuable insights into the logistical realities of surrogacy, including medication schedules, appointment frequency, and hospital birth plans.

April Whitford, Journey Manager for Family Inceptions. April has been in the family-building space since 2000, and her passion for helping others shows in every interaction. She's committed to providing the highest level of support to surrogates and intended parents, ensuring that every journey is handled with care and compassion. With over two decades of experience, April has guided hundreds of surrogates through every step of their journeys and has invaluable insights to share about the logistical realities of surrogacy.

In This Episode:

(00:00) Importance of understanding surrogate logistics
(04:18) April explains why surrogacy is a marathon requiring patience, not a sprint
(05:37) The detailed screening and matching process for surrogates
(11:06) Timeline expectations from match to embryo transfer
(12:59) Travel logistics and arrangements during the surrogate journey
(16:04) Understanding medication protocols and appointment schedules
(19:33) Building a strong support system throughout your surrogate journey
(24:06) Preparing family, children, and employers for your surrogacy process
(31:26) Insurance coverage and protective policies for surrogates
(34:08) Birth plans and hospital preparation for surrogate deliveries
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