Delivery Day Expectations: How Case Managers Prepare Surrogates and Intended Parents for Birth

A newborn baby is wrapped up and put in a bassinet white he waits for his parents.

Childbirth is emotional, intense, and life-changing—for everyone involved. Whether you're a Surrogate preparing to give birth or Intended Parents (IPs) preparing to meet your child for the first time, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed by the unknown.

That’s where your Case Manager steps in. At ACRC Global, we understand that delivery day can be the most anxiety-inducing part of the surrogacy journey. This guide breaks down how our Case Managers provide step-by-step support—ensuring that Surrogates and IPs feel prepared, informed, and empowered.

⭐ Key Takeaways for Quick Readers:

• Surrogates and IPs both need well-prepared hospital bags

• Birth plans help avoid confusion on delivery day

• Case Managers coordinate with hospitals and internal teams on logistics and international paperwork

• Emotional support is just as important as medical planning

• The goal: a smooth, respectful, and joyful delivery experience for all

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Delivery Day: What to Expect

👜 Hospital Bag Prep: What to Pack on Delivery Day!

For Surrogates

Your Case Manager will help inform you how to pack like a pro. Prioritize comfort and essentials:

• Soft robe and non-slip socks

• Snacks and hydration (labor is a workout!)

• Lip balm, lotion, and toiletries

• Phone charger with a long cord

• Important documents (ID, birth plan, Pre-Birth Order)

• A small notebook to jot down birth memories

  
  

For Intended Parents

Even though you’re not delivering, you’ll want to be ready:

• Change of clothes and toiletries

• Snacks, water, and maybe some caffeine

• Passport, visa, and hospital documents (especially for international IPs)

• Camera or phone for the first moments with baby

• A handwritten card or thoughtful gift for your Surrogate!

• Crafting the Perfect Surrogacy Birth Plan

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📃 Birth plans 

These aren’t just for first-time moms—they're essential communication tools in surrogacy. Your Case Manager helps coordinate this early on.

For Surrogates

You’ll be asked about preferences including:

• Pain relief (epidural or natural?)

• Who’s allowed in the delivery room?

• Delivery preferences (vaginal or scheduled C-section)

• Postpartum recovery wishes

  
  

For Intended Parents

You’ll get to share hopes and expectations, such as:

• Whether you want to cut the cord or be the first to hold baby

• Whether one or both IPs will be present

• Your desires for skin-to-skin time and photos

• Feeding choices (bottle, breastfeeding via pumping, or formula)

  
  

Case Managers act as a neutral facilitator to ensure these preferences are clearly communicated and documented. No surprises, just support.

🏥 Understanding Hospital Protocols (Especially for International Intended Parents)

Every hospital has different rules, and for international IPs, legal requirements, language barriers, and cultural differences can make things more complex.

Case Managers walk you through:

• Visitor limitations (especially post-COVID policies)

• Labor & delivery room access (when and who can enter)

• NICU access and updates, if needed

• Connecting with Hospital Social Workers to assist with

  • Post-birth rooming arrangements

  • Discharge processes (especially if baby needs temporary stay)

  • Interpreter services (Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, etc.)

    
    

For International Intended Parents, they coordinate with our ACRC team members to assist with:

• Visa and entry documentation

• Translating hospital forms and discharge summaries

• Birth certificate filing and consulate appointments

• Getting a U.S. passport for your baby

• Travel clearance for your child to go home

Your Case Manager is ultimately there to manage logistics, so you can focus on what is most important on that day.

💝 Emotional Support on the Big Day

Delivery is emotional for everyone—Surrogates may feel a mix of pride, relief, and sadness. IPs may feel nervous and overwhelmed.

Case Managers offer real-time emotional support:

• Helping the Surrogate feel seen, appreciated, and cared for

• Supporting IPs through moments of uncertainty or waiting

• Acting as a bridge if communication gets tough due to stress or emotions

They are present (virtually or in-person, depending on your agency and birth location) to smooth out the wrinkles, bring clarity, and help all parties feel grounded.

🐣 Post-Birth Moments: What Happens Right After Delivery?

What happens after baby arrives?

Case Managers maintain constant communication with the Surrogate throughout the birth, and offer emotional support throughout.

• Celebrating the moment with dignity and gratitude for all

• Manage post delivery bills, so you don't have to.

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💬 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Birth doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. Whether you're a Surrogate stepping into labor or Intended Parents arriving from abroad to meet your baby, a Case Manager is your secret weapon to a well-supported, well-informed, and empowering delivery day.

✅ You’ll have a hospital checklist

✅ A birth plan that reflects everyone's voice

✅ Help with paperwork and protocols

✅ Emotional support when it matters most

Take a deep breath—you’ve got this. And we’ve got you. 💪👶

Find out more about how we support both Intended Parents and Surrogates!

Book a Free Consultation