Remind your clients/patients to:
One
Build a team of trusted professionals. It is important that families do their diligence early on so that they feel comfortable with those they have selected to assist them in their process of surrogacy or adoption. The process can feel overwhelming at times and knowing they have an open line of communication with their lawyer, agency, doctor, escrow company, and counselor is critical.
Two
Interview a local pediatrician. It is inevitable that they will either need input from a pediatrician when the baby is born, or the baby is brought home from the hospital. Most pediatricians will schedule a time to speak with the family before their baby is born so the family is assured that their philosophies are aligned with the pediatrician about issues such as timing of immunizations.
Three
Explore the availability of employee (and other) benefits. The baby should be covered by the family’s health insurance from the moment of birth, so the family should confirm its adequacy and the steps necessary to add a child onto their medical insurance plan. Inquire about insurance benefits for IVF. Check with their employer for benefits that include financial assistance with adoption expenses, egg freezing and parental leave policy. And remember the availability of the Adoption Tax Credit which is worth up to $16,810 in 2024!
Four
Prepare testamentary documents. Discussing and preparing for all unexpected possibilities is important when you begin your family. Preparing a Will, Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney, especially in a surrogacy journey, is highly recommended (and legally required in some states)!
Five
Protect your emotional health. The holidays can be a difficult time of year for our clients who are still working toward a successful surrogacy or adoption journey. Being surrounded by other families with babies and young children can take an enormous toll on waiting families so it is important to remind them that their feelings are understandable and valid, and others may not be sensitive to their emotional temperature. In the midst of this, they may find family gatherings challenging. They should feel comfortable declining invitations to parties and events when they feel they need to retreat to protect their inner peace.