Nurturing the Heart: Emotional Preparation for Surrogacy — A Mental Health Perspective from Dr. Sadaf Sahibzada
- ACRC Global
- Sep 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 24
The journey to parenthood through surrogacy is as much emotional as it is physical. For many Intended Parents (IPs), the pathway is filled with hope, complex feelings, and questions about connection, loss, and transition. Dr. Sadaf Sahibzada, PsyD, LMFT—founder and CEO of Embra Health—offers compassionate, expert guidance on these emotional layers surrounding surrogacy. Drawing from her experience in fertility, third-party reproduction, and therapy, she provides strategies to help IPs feel emotionally prepared and grounded at every step. At ACRC Global, we proudly partner with Embra Health because we believe that supporting Intended Parents goes beyond the medical process—true care includes emotional and psychological support throughout the journey.
Understanding the Emotional Preparation for Surrogacy
Surrogacy isn’t a traditional parenting route—it comes with unique emotional terrain. As Dr. Sadaf emphasizes, recognizing this emotional landscape is the first step toward emotional resilience. She encourages IPs to view surrogacy not merely as a medical process, but a deeply relational and evolving journey Embra Health.
1. Building a Healthy IP–GC (Intended Parent–Gestational Carrier) Relationship
Communication and connection with the gestational carrier (GC) are central. IPs are encouraged to set realistic expectations and nurture mutual empathy from the start. Dr. Sadaf’s guidance helps IPs understand how to build trust, manage boundaries, and foster supportive, authentic relationships with their GC—while acknowledging emotional distance and differing roles
2. Connecting with the Pregnancy and the Baby
Absence of a biological–and physical—connection can create emotional distance. Dr. Sadaf suggests intentional rituals, like journaling, voice messages, or milestone letters, to nurture emotional bonding with the baby. These simple yet meaningful acts provide space for IPs to claim their place in the journey and anchor themselves emotionally.
3. Navigating Loss, Uncertainty, and What-Ifs
Emotional preparation is also about bracing for uncertainty. Surrogacy can involve setbacks—failed cycles, delays, or loss. Dr. Sadaf emphasizes the importance of anticipating these possibilities, discussing them openly with partners and support networks, and developing coping mechanisms. Naming the uncertainty reduces its power, helping build emotional sturdiness.
4. Managing Conflict and Communication
Even the most carefully planned journeys can bring misunderstandings. Dr. Sadaf underscores active, compassionate communication—addressing anxieties, clarifying needs, and navigating emotional responses without blame. These skills are powerful tools during tense moments, helping all parties feel respected and heard.
5. Emotionally Preparing for Birth
As birth approaches, emotional intensity can escalate—from excitement to anxiety. Dr. Sadaf encourages IPs to reflect on expectations, prepare for their emotional responses, and create a birth plan that includes mental health support. Whether through therapy, peer groups, or mindful practices, planning emotional resources helps smooth this transition.
6. Honoring the Journey and Life After Surrogacy
After the baby arrives, IPs often face a mix of joy, relief, and emotional exhaustion. Dr. Sadaf advocates for intentional reflection—perhaps through gratitude letters, memory-making rituals, or simply sharing your story. Celebrating the journey honors all involved—and helps integrate identity as a parent with confidence and grace.
Why This Emotional Work Matters for Intended Parents
Empowerment through understanding: Awareness of your emotional needs strengthens clarity and self-compassion.
Strengthened relationships: Open communication fosters trust and mutual respect with your GC, partner, and support circle.
Resilience in uncertainty: Preparing for emotional challenges helps you respond—not react—when they arise.
A grounded transition to parenthood: Intentional preparation paves the way for a more peaceful, confident shift into life as a parent.
Real Support in Real Time: Embra Health’s Masterclass Series
Dr. Sadaf leads a transformative 7-week “MasterClass” series—Emotionally Preparing for Surrogacy: A Guide for Intended Parents—held in spring 2025. Designed to guide IPs in building emotional clarity, the series covers:
Understanding surrogacy and your journey
Building the IP–GC relationship
Connecting emotionally with pregnancy and baby
Communication and conflict management
Coping with loss and uncertainty
Emotional readiness for birth
Honoring your journey and moving forward into parenthood.
This cohort-based model provides both expert insight and peer connection, helping IPs feel seen, supported, and equipped every step of the way.
Tips for Intended Parents: Emotional Self-Care on the Journey
Connect with community: Whether through support groups, forums, or Embra Health’s cohort model, camaraderie offers vital solidarity.
Ground your emotions: Regular self-check-ins—via journaling, art, or mindfulness—help process thoughts before they overwhelm.
Build your support team: Share your emotional intentions with your therapist, partner, and loved ones—they’re your anchor.
Create meaningful rituals: Milestone letters to your baby, GC notes of appreciation, or personal tokens of connection carry emotional weight.
Plan transitions: From surrogacy to birth, and then to parenting—honoring each phase helps ease emotional turbulence.
ACRC Global's Commitment to Mental Wellness Support for Intended Parents and Surrogates
At ACRC Global, compassion meets comprehensive care in every surrogacy journey. From the very beginning, Intended Parents benefit from personalized guidance—from initial consultation through surrogate matching, legal coordination, medical facilitation, and financial transparency, all backed by global expertise and the reassuring “No Match, No Fee” policy. Meanwhile, Surrogates receive dedicated emotional and practical support: each is paired with a personal case manager to guide them through appointments, logistics, and any concerns.
To ensure emotional well-being is never overlooked, ACRC Global partners with Embra Health, providing thorough psychological evaluations and ongoing mental health support led by licensed professionals. This partnership underscores ACRC’s belief that surrogacy is not only a medical journey but also an emotional one. Beyond this, Surrogates are further nurtured through group meetups, virtual hangouts, retreats, and monthly support meetings (with a stipend), creating a community of care where both Intended Parents and Surrogates feel valued, supported, and connected every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy, at its core, is a journey of love, trust, and courageous hope. With expert-led reflection and emotional preparation—like that offered by Dr. Sadaf Sahibzada—you’re invited to step into parenthood with emotional clarity, connection, and confidence.
By attending to your inner landscape—from building bonds with your gestational carrier to preparing for life after birth—you give yourself the gift of resilience and emotional preparation for surrogacy. That’s one of the greatest inheritances you can offer your child—and yourself—on this transformative path.
Talk to an expert today and find out how we can support you on your journey. |
Sources: Embra Health
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