What emotional challenge might a surrogate experience after giving birth?

Feelings of loss can be a significant emotional challenge for a surrogate after giving birth. Surrogates often form a strong emotional bond with the child they carried during pregnancy. Once the baby is born and handed over to the intended parents, some surrogates may experience a sense of grief or loss because they are saying goodbye to a child they have nurtured and carried for several months. This emotional complexity can make it difficult for surrogates to transition from the role of carrying the baby to returning to their regular life, particularly if they have developed a deep attachment to the child.

While feelings of joy and fulfillment, excitement for the intended parents, and relief from pregnancy are also possible emotional responses for surrogates, they do not fully encapsulate the challenge posed by the potential sense of loss. Surrogates may feel a mix of emotions, and the feelings of loss can sometimes overshadow the more positive emotions they experience following the birth. Understanding this emotional challenge is essential for providing emotional support to surrogates during and after the surrogacy process.