Surrogacy may be a marking experience in your life, but there are ways to cope with giving up the baby to a new family and maintain a positive frame of mind. It is important to focus on accepting that the baby is not yours and maintain a positive frame of mind.
Mood Swings
After giving birth and giving the baby away, you may have sudden mood swings and mixed feelings about the surrogacy experience. This may be due to the hormonal fluctuations and also due to the fact that you may be sad after giving the baby away (since you most likely created a bond with the baby during pregnancy).
You should let your friends and family know about what they should be expecting from you and your mood swings, so that they can better understand your condition and be able to help you. Your emotional well being is highly important after surrogacy. Some intended parents will allow you to visit the baby, but some therapists may not recommend this, as it may be painful seeing the baby.
Dealing with Post Partum Depression
Many women may suffer from post partum depression after giving birth, and if you are only a surrogate mother, the depression can amplify, as you will have to give up the baby and possibly never see him again.
You should talk to your family or friends and get someone to listen to you. Verbalize or write down your feelings and concerns, and this may help you overcome the depression. If the depression persists, you should get specialized help. A few counseling sessions may boost your morale, and if need be, you may also get some medication.
Joining a Support Group
There are support groups for surrogate mothers in your community or if you want to keep your anonymity, you may join online communities. You can talk or chat online with numerous other surrogates, and they can help you with tips, sharing their stories or answering questions you may have.
Keeping Yourself Busy
Keeping busy may help you get over the surrogacy experience faster. If you are sad after having given the baby up, you should focus on work or different activities which will help you realize there are also other things in life you can enjoy. You may start a hobby. The important thing is to do something you enjoy that will keep you busy.
Exercise
Exercising has a lot of health benefits, but it also guarantees your emotional well being. You should exercise at least 3 times per week, which will bring you to a positive frame of mind. In addition, you may also lose the baby fat and that will also boost your morale.
