Experienced Carriers
Experienced Surrogates and Return Journeys
For many women, one surrogacy journey is only the beginning, and you can help others build a family more than once. Some of our repeat surrogates even come to Circle after working with a different agency, drawn to our approach that helps you communicate your needs and boundaries with intended parents from the start. This same foundation is part of why 26% of our surrogates are return carriers.
We're here to support you throughout your journey while providing you with a streamlined rescreening process and the potential for higher compensation as an experienced surrogate.
Why Do Surrogates Return for Another Journey?
Making parenthood possible for others while supporting your own family financially can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment that may lead you to consider becoming a repeat surrogate. You might have the desire to help build a new family or even work with the same intended parents for a sibling journey.
As an experienced carrier, repeat surrogacy can be a positive experience in other ways as well. Returning surrogates typically earn more than first-time surrogates, and the process is more streamlined. Plus, you are already familiar with how surrogacy works, so you know the commitments involved. For some, this combination can make a repeat journey just as meaningful as the first. You'll also be working with a team that gets it — nearly 50% of our staff have been a surrogate, egg donor, or have grown their families through surrogacy, IVF, or adoption.
Experienced Surrogate Compensation and Benefits
As an experienced surrogate, your previous journey can earn you higher compensation. Your compensation can reflect your unique experiences and the details of a new surrogacy journey. Many return surrogates also find it easier to know what they need financially since they’ve walked this path before.
All the same protections Circle offers for first-time surrogates apply to your repeat surrogacy, including:
100% guaranteed compensation, funded up-front through our in-house escrow service, backed by our Journey Protection™ Pay Promise
Reimbursement for medical and travel expenses
Additional benefits, such as maternity clothing allowances, housekeeping support, and repayment of lost wages
Our surrogacy compensation and benefits page has all the details.
Important Considerations Before Returning
While you now know what to anticipate from the process as an experienced surrogate, there are additional important elements to consider before embarking on another surrogacy journey.
Timing
You might want to commit to another surrogacy journey shortly after completing your first one. We generally advise waiting at least three months after vaginal delivery to re-apply and six months after a C-section, but always speak with your OB/GYN before coming back. They will have the best advice for you and your body.
Family and Support
You know what to expect since you’ve completed a surrogacy journey already. We encourage you to ensure your family, friends, and children are on board with you becoming a repeat surrogate. Are they ready for you to make the same commitments again after the first experience?
Matching Preferences
When you're ready to return, you can match in one of two ways. You might carry again for the same intended parents, known as a sibling journey. You can also match with new intended parents through our MatchMade™ process, which considers compatibility, preferences, and expectations. Either path is open to you, and we'll help start the conversations.
Your Rescreening Process as an Experienced Carrier
If you're ready to do another journey, here are a few steps to take as you begin to prepare.
1. Speak With Your OB/GYN
2. Speak With Your Family
3. Submit a New Application
1
Speak With Your OB/GYN
Your OB/GYN is in the best position to determine when it’s safe for you to complete another transfer after your recent delivery. That’s why we require you to have your doctor’s clearance and approval during rescreening. We can email the form to you or fax it directly to your OB/GYN’s office before your next visit.
2
Speak With Your Family
As with your first surrogacy journey, having the support of your friends and family is essential. Talk with your partner, children, and those who will be affected by your commitment to being a second-time surrogate to hear their perspectives and allow them to share their feelings.
3
Submit a New Application
The experienced carrier application process is quicker and more streamlined than for first-time surrogates since we already know you and your history. We do require you to resubmit an application to ensure we have the most current information on file.
FAQs for Experienced Carriers
Explore answers to common questions about return surrogacy journeys.
Rescreening is typically much shorter and faster. There are fewer documents to complete and medical records to gather, and your licensed mental health professional screening takes about half as long as the original.
The process for a sibling journey is very similar for application and screening. Often, the main concern for sibling journeys is the timeline, as you will probably be ready for a repeat surrogacy journey before your intended parents are. Intended parents generally need more time, as they now have a newborn and have invested significantly in the first journey. It's a common path — 23% of parents who sign on are for second journeys. It’s best to discuss timing expectations early to keep everyone in sync.
Yes. While it's a special experience to do a sibling journey with your intended parents, that might not be something they are planning – or are ready for. You can be matched with a new family.
The IVF clinic determines the timing, but many allow a transfer 9 to 12 months after a vaginal delivery or 12 months following a C-section.
We advise you to wait at least three months after vaginal delivery to re-apply and six months after a C-section. You deserve to have dedicated time to your postpartum recovery and to focus on yourself and your family. Ultimately, however, the choice is yours.
Yes, we welcome those who have previously completed surrogacy journeys with other agencies. If you qualify to be a surrogate with us, you’ll receive the same benefits and perks we offer to all carriers.
With Circle, you can have up to six previous pregnancies or deliveries at the time you apply, and each journey requires a new application. 26% of our surrogates are return carriers.
Your well-being is a priority, so we’ll work with you to ensure that another pregnancy is within medical guidelines. Each situation will be individually evaluated with your doctors and the IVF clinic, considering factors like recovery time, your overall health, and your age.
Help Build or Grow a Family With Circle
You've already made a lasting difference for another family. If you're feeling a pull to return, start with a conversation with your doctor and family, and then with us. Once you feel ready, we're here to support your decision to make parenthood possible again. We've walked alongside surrogates for more than 30 years, and over 3,000 moms have been surrogates with us. Apply now, or reach out to us online to take the next step to a repeat surrogate journey.
Testimonials
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"Everyone I encountered at Circle was so pleasant and always gave me peace of mind no matter what was going on or what I had to look forward to. I am about to start my 2nd journey with Circle and I feel like I have been perfectly matched with the most loving, considerate family.”
Ronda
2x Circle Surrogate
"I have carried two beautiful siblings for one family and now I'm about to start my 3rd journey with a different family. Surrogacy has been such a rewarding experience in many ways. Watching two people become parents right before your eyes is a feeling that cannot be described!”
Megan
3x Circle Surrogate
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"I truly had an amazing experience working as a gestational carrier through Circle Surrogacy. My experience has been so great that I have done two surrogate journeys! I felt protected and valued as a surrogate and truly feel Circle keeps the surrogates' best interests in mind."
Ashtin
2x Circle Surrogate
Testimonials
"I truly had an amazing experience working as a gestational carrier through Circle Surrogacy. My experience has been so great that I have done two surrogate journeys! I felt protected and valued as a surrogate and truly feel Circle keeps the surrogates' best interests in mind."
Ashtin
2x Circle Surrogate