Story
Natalie: from egg donor to surrogate
Three times an egg donor in her twenties, then a gestational surrogate in 2016. The first transfer worked.
Natalie Gaudio-Fricano
For surrogates
Become a surrogate with an agency run by nurses and former surrogates.
The short answer
To become a gestational surrogate with Private Label Surrogacy you must be 21 to 43, a US citizen or permanent resident, have a BMI under 33, have delivered at least one healthy full-term baby you are raising, be a non-smoker, and not be receiving government assistance. First-time surrogates receive base compensation from $60,000 [CONFIRM] plus allowances, lost wages, life insurance up to $750,000 and a dietitian for the whole journey. The total package is typically worth $[PACKAGE_LOW] to $[PACKAGE_HIGH]. The prescreen takes 90 seconds. Screening to match usually takes [X] months.
Written by Natalie Gaudio-Fricano
Case Manager. Three-time egg donor and gestational surrogate (2016); in medicine since 2002.
Last updated
Why do surrogates choose PLS?
- Your case manager has done this. Natalie and Jenni carried babies for other families and manage every PLS match.
- A nurse, not a sales team. Nancy Block, RN interviews you herself.
- Your records are read by a physician, so you are matched with a clinic that has seen your full history.
- Nutrition and mental-health support are built in, not optional.
- We answer after 5 p.m. When a surrogate was stranded at an airport, the team rebooked her hotel, car and flight that night.
- We finished three journeys for surrogates whose agencies collapsed.
What is in the whole compensation package?
| Item | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Base compensation | From $60,000 first-time; $65,000 to $70,000 experienced | On the milestone schedule in your contract |
| Monthly allowance | $300 a month | Monthly, per your contract |
| Medication start | $500 | When medications begin |
| Embryo transfer | $1,000 | Per transfer |
| Multiples | $5,000 twins; $10,000 triplets | If confirmed |
| Maternity clothing | $750; $1,000 for multiples | During pregnancy |
| Breast milk pumping | $200 a week | If you choose to pump |
| Housekeeping | $90 a week | From 32 weeks |
| Lost wages | As set in your contract | If your OB orders leave |
| Partner lost wages | As set in your contract | As set in your contract |
| Life insurance | Policy up to $750,000 | In force before transfer |
| Health insurance | Your policy reviewed; coverage arranged if it excludes surrogacy | Paid by the intended parents |
| Dietitian | At least six consultations | Pre-pregnancy to postpartum |
| Counseling | Mental-health support from an independent counselor | Throughout |
| Typical total, first-time surrogate | Typically $68,000 to $78,000 [CONFIRM WITH NANCY] | Over the whole journey |
Every figure is paid from an independent escrow account the intended parents fund before medications begin. [CONFIRM every figure with Nancy] Compensation, itemized.
What are the requirements?
- Age 21 to 43
- US citizen or permanent resident
- BMI under 33
- At least one healthy full-term pregnancy, and currently raising your child
- Non-smoker, no nicotine or cannabis
- Not receiving government assistance
- A stable home and a support person
- Not currently taking antidepressants (reviewed case by case)
What is the process from your side?
- Prescreen
90 seconds, on this site
- Interview with Nancy
A conversation, by phone or video
- Records review by Dr. Silverberg
Your prenatal and delivery records
- Background and insurance review
Before you are matched
- Psychological evaluation
With an independent licensed professional
- Match meeting
You meet the intended parents by video and both sides decide
- Legal and medical clearance
Your own attorney, then clinic screening
What do PLS surrogates say?
Story
A sibling for a family in China
She carried a baby boy for a couple who already had a daughter. Years later the families still trade pictures.
A first-time PLS surrogate
"I've never felt so taken care of as a surrogate as I did with Nancy. I would work with her again, in a heartbeat."Megan, PLS surrogate
"I feel so blessed to have PLS and the wonderful couple they have matched me with."Tabitha, PLS surrogate
"I have always wanted to do this. Now that I am done growing my family I am able to give a precious baby to a loving couple."Elisa, PLS surrogate
Frequently asked questions
Will I get paid if the transfer fails or I miscarry?
Yes, for what you have done. Transfer fees ($1,000 per transfer), the medication-start fee and allowances are paid as earned. Base compensation starts at a confirmed heartbeat [CONFIRM] and is paid monthly; if a pregnancy ends, you receive a loss fee set in your contract, your medical costs and recovery time, and counseling. You do not repay anything.
Can I be a surrogate if I have had a C-section?
Usually yes, with one or two prior cesareans and an uncomplicated recovery. Most clinics will not accept more than two or three; ASRM guidance sets limits on total deliveries and cesareans [confirm current ASRM figures]. Dr. Silverberg reads your operative report and your clinic makes the final call.
Do I have to be married, or have a partner?
No. Single surrogates are matched regularly. You need a stable home and a support person who can drive you to appointments and help after transfer and birth; that can be a parent, sibling or friend.
Why do I need my own lawyer?
Because the contract governs your body, your compensation and a year of your life, and the parents' lawyer represents the parents. Illinois requires independent counsel for the surrogate, paid by the intended parents [CONFIRM]. PLS refers you to experienced reproductive attorneys; you may choose your own.
What support will I actually get?
A case manager who has been a surrogate and is reachable after hours; six consultations with a registered dietitian; mental-health support from an independent counselor; a nurse, Nancy, who interviewed you; a physician who read your records; and a team that rebooked a stranded surrogate's hotel, car and flight at night. Your case manager checks in every [X] weeks. You will also meet other PLS surrogates [CONFIRM: community program].