Sharing Your Surrogacy Journey on Social Media

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok — social media is a huge part of our daily lives. We use it to share news, photos, random thoughts, and whatever else is on our minds. It’s a great way to keep the world updated on your life or check in with family and friends. 

So, what about sharing your surrogacy journey on social media? 

If you’re going through the process of becoming a gestational surrogate, being open about your experience on social media may inspire other women to consider surrogacy. Surrogacy is a beautiful experience, so of course, you’d want the world to know about it! 

There are a few things to keep in mind before going all-out on social media, so we’ve put together some Dos and Don’ts for how to share your surrogacy journey with the world. 

Be discreet

The first thing to remember is that you’re not the only one on this journey. Your Intended Parents are the reason it’s even happening – and they might have their own views about what they want to share with the world.

It’s essential to discuss with your IPs what you can and can’t post on social media and that you respect their privacy. This topic should be a part of the conversation before your pregnancy even begins. 

On the flip side, you might be the one who wants to keep things private. It’s a good idea to mention this in your contract so that everyone is on the same page. 

Just remember that whatever is shared online stays online forever!

Announce with caution – and creativity 

As a surrogate, there isn’t anything more exciting than finding out you’re pregnant. It’s absolutely thrilling! So, how do you announce it?

Before we get into that, make sure you and your Intended Parents have told everyone who needs to know in person before shouting it out online. Surrogacy isn’t your average pregnancy journey, and friends and family should know the whole story first. 

If your IPs have given you the green light to share your news, be creative! Some classic announcements include posting your sonogram or a pic of your bump-to-be with a letterboard of your due date. The internet is full of ideas for how to make this truly special!

Use the opportunity to educate others

As you may have already learned, not everyone understands what surrogacy is all about. But you’re in a perfect position to explain it to them. 

Social media can help you reach people you might not meet in daily life. Take the opportunity to tell them why you’ve decided to become a surrogate and what it means to you. 

Explain that you’re helping another person or couple to become a mom or dad and that the child you’re carrying is a much-longed-for dream. 

Remind them that you also need their support and encouragement throughout your journey and that any negative opinions are not helpful. 

Be prepared to answer questions

Social media is all about interacting with an audience, and a topic like surrogacy is bound to generate dozens of questions and comments. Responding to questions can be great fun when they’re from people who genuinely want to know how surrogacy works and are willing to support your decisions. 

Still, only some understand third-party reproduction, and you should be prepared to receive the odd negative comment. In these cases, it’s important that you remind yourself that you’re doing this to make someone’s dream come true, and no negative opinion can change that. Let it go, and surround yourself with people who do understand how incredible this journey is. 

Be smart with taking your photos 

Baby bump photos are all part of the pregnancy journey! But it’s a little different when you’re carrying someone else’s bump, so be sure to discuss with your IPs whether they’re comfortable with you sharing your maternity pics. 

That said, your surrogacy photos are still an important and wonderful way to mark this special journey. Your IPs will want to capture the incredible role you’ve played in their child’s life. So, make your photos count! 

Whether you hire a professional or take photos yourself, it’s important to make sure you’re presenting yourself in a positive way. You can be creative, but keep it tasteful. Your IPs may want their little one to see these photos one day. 

The pros and cons of sharing publicly

There are lots of positives to sharing your surrogacy journey online. For a start, it’s something to be celebrated – and more people need to know about it! You’ll be educating your followers about something they might not be familiar with, dispelling the many myths about surrogacy, and possibly even changing the minds of those with negative opinions. Most importantly, you’ll be recording your experience for your own memories. 

But there can be cons, too. It can be scary to share something so personal, and any negative feedback can be confusing and hurtful. Remember also that some people might see your pregnancy photos and not understand that the baby isn’t coming home with you – which can make for some awkward conversations. 

Final thoughts

How and why you share your surrogacy journey is entirely up to you and your IPs. What matters is that you know why you’ve become a surrogate and that you’re proud of the incredible gift you’re giving. 

Want to know more about what it’s like to be a surrogate? Most of our team have personal experience as either surrogates or IPs, and they’d love to chat! Get in touch today.