Planners with a Purpose - Surrogacy Planner for the Intended Parents.When ordered I didn't realize this was for the IPs. I have been a surrogate myself and being familiar with the process, I think this would be a good planner.It has multiple sections and notes from the creator who was an IP. This planner will have you follow the steps to deciding what steps you will take during your surrogacy journal. Some sections I wouldn't have thought about.The planner itself is well made. Spiral bound, hardback, and thick pages, this would be something to keep and look back on after you have your sweet baby in your hands.Overall this could be a great resource for the Intended Parents.
I was really excited to get the Surrogacy Planner because the description states it’s a Guided Fertility & IVF Journey Organizer (Guided being a key word) and Pregnancy Journal with Legal & Medical LP Planning as well. I’m at the beginning of my IVF/surrogacy journey and I thought this was what I was looking for to help me and my husband navigate the medical aspect of fertility and IVF as well as the legal details. It’s not an simple process and there are alot of questions, so when I saw this was made by people who had gone through a birth via surrogate I was excited to hear there insights and hopefully even find questions and answers to things I hadn’t even thought of yet. I had really high hopes for this “Guided Fertility organizer but I was seriously disappointed because it is so incredibly basic and didn’t offer much in the way of useful information. There are blank pages and anecdotal messages about the experience of those that made it, but the messages are irrelevant and without substance to anyone going through the process.There were other issues I had with this planner as well like the amount of space given to write. It’s broken down in to sections with pages for you to write your thoughts as you go but the pages are lined so wide that you can’t write much at all.It’s written from the perspective of a traditional couple, using an egg donor and a surrogate. There is space dedicated to finding your surrogate and qualities you want them to have but it’s a very is shallow view of surrogacy. There is no helpful information or advice about what you should look for in surrogate. What they say was important to them in a surrogate were all physical features, eye color, hair color, ethnic background. There is no mention of serious things you should look for and be aware of.There is also no mention of what to do or how to go about the process if you need a sperm donor or a place to even document that process. It doesn’t take into account that you can go through IVF and surrogacy but use your own egg and sperm. It’s just lacking information that would be useful to anyone going through these processes who is not going about it as they did, a traditional couple who is using an egg donor / surrogate.When addressing themselves in the written area and in the area for you to write in the terms “mama and dada” are used everywhere. Which made it feel as if it’s for a specific targeted group and not inclusive to everyone who chooses surrogacy. It’s not for a single woman of a LGBTQ+ couple.The example questions given are so basic that anyone considering surrogacy would already have thought of and found the answers to them. Things like what is your success rate and how long have you been practicing or do you assist LGBTQ+ couples. Those are things you would have already looked at and found out before ever scheduling an appointment.There are a sections in the latter portion that should really be in the beginning, like the financials (what will this cost me), legal contracts, as well as any additional responsibilities. Throughout the “guided” planner there is a continued use of the words “mama and dada” when describing parents which I felt was a bit too cutesy, and is not always accurate not all families look the same. Cutesy is great for a baby book but this was supposed to be a guided planner with helpful info and tips but it’s really just a planner, calling it a journal would feel more accurate.I would have liked to have it give helpful information on what to look for in a doctor (fertility specialist), how and what test are done to determine if either parent has an issue and what the options available in that case. Actual definitions of what different types of surrogates there are and what to look for in a clinic? What roll the surrogate will play is she simply the carrier with no direct contact with you or is she more involved? Who answers your questions the surrogate or the agency and what are the safeguards you need to have in place to protect you legally if something should go wrong during the birth? Also info on test that can be done and when they are done to ensure you have a healthy child? What if you want twins is that a possibility? I can really go on and on with questions that were never addressed but should have been. The whole thing feels basic and very haphazardly put together with minimal effort put in. This was a major let down for me it’s not really helpful and not a guided planner to help me on this journey it’s way too simple and basic.
The quality of the planner is surprisingly good, it feels well-made, with solid binding and high quality materials, making it a nice gift.However, from a practical standpoint, I found it largely unhelpful. Much of the content feels like filler, and the advice is very basic. Anyone familiar with the surrogacy process will recognize how complex and involved it is, and this planner offers very little in terms of actionable guidance. While it's marketed as a keepsake, many pages are filled with personal stories from the author's family, which I found redundant and of limited value.The sections for notes, like "Potential Clinics" and "Potential Agencies" provide very little space, for us at least we had pages and pages of notes from dozens of meetings. It could work for rewriting very high-level points decoratively for a keepsake, but that isn't the reality of the process.Overall, while it is attractive and liftable, I wouldn't consider it practical or having any real value.
This is an excellent planning guide to have for anybody who is beginning the process of using a surrogate to enlarge their family. The exterior is a nice vegan leather and beautiful in the mint green color. There is a spiral binding so it's easy to flip through the pages. The paper on the inside is a good quality paper that does not bleed through . There are pockets on the inside and a little spot for your pen to go on the outside . It also has an elastic piece that holds it closed . The sections have tabs that make it quick to get to where you need to be.Upon looking through the inside, I found that this is an excellent combination of pages that have to do with legalities, Health and Wellness of the surrogate and the baby, and areas to record your feelings. This surrogacy guide will make an excellent keepsake for your baby to have in later years as well as keeping you on track and keeping your thoughts in order throughout the process of selecting and working with a surrogate. I am actually so impressed with this. They have included so much in here and many things that I wouldn't really have even thought of. It is a beautiful book that helps ensure a beautiful experience. Definitely deserves five stars and a high recommendation!
I’m an intended parent who never thought I’d be in this situation, so having this surrogate planner has been a comforting surprise. There’s not much out there for people like me, and this planner fills that gap beautifully. It’s aesthetically pretty and the vegan leather cover means a lot to me as an animal lover. The build is high quality with thick pages that take ink well, and it even comes with a warranty, which was a nice surprise. A few sections weren’t applicable to my journey, but that wasn’t a big deal since I could skip them. Overall, it’s a great value for the price and I would definitely recommend it.
I absolutely love this planner! It offers way more than just planning. There is space for tracking your habits, and extras to assess how your months have gone. Highly recommend! Got this for my cousin, who is a surrogate and doing her second one. She loved it so much. Its great quality, made with high quality products that'll hold up and last for years if youre going to keep this as a memory keepsake.
The book is pretty good. Quality The binding seems nice. Pages are a bit thick so there is some thought. Put into this book. Has a very nice checklist for planning purposes and helps if you're considering surrogacy. I think it's worth worth taking a look at this. And it's a very organized layout for the information
This planner is made of sturdy materials, the covers are thick and firm and the ring binding works smoothly. The pages have a lot of print (sample questions, explanations or brainstorming help) and is divided into sections based on the step in the journey. I have been trying to get started as a surrogate and figured that I could transform this planner into a memory book for my future IP/journey. The color is neutral which is good because at this point, gender is probably unknown unless you already have your embryos tested. The planner included a strap to hold it closed and a small strap where you stick your pen or pencil.
So excited to use for my journey!
I think it is important that a planner like this exists, especially for a process as emotional and complex as surrogacy. Unfortunately, it was not what I hoped for based on the description. It does not provide much direction, and it also does not offer enough space for journaling or reflection. I was looking for something more structured, something that offered clear guidance or evidence based information, and this did not meet those needs.I also felt that it is not really set up with single parents in mind, which made it harder to use in a meaningful way. My expectations were not met, it simply did not satisfy any of my personal needs for documenting or preparing for this kind of journey.Even so, I still believe that planners like this have value. With improvements and more thoughtful content, a future version could easily be a five star product for the right audience. Surrogacy is a unique and challenging path, and having supportive tools can make a difference.To anyone using this for their own journey, I sincerely wish you good luck, good health, and safety every step of the way.
I was pleased with the quality of this planner. The binding is secure, the paper is of good quality, and it easily lies flat. Those points make it easy to write in it whether you’re in bed or at a table. It’s also helpful to keep on your bedside table to grab in the middle of the night to add items into it.There are also some fairly decent, but very general, checklists for planning purposes. However, it’s called “a guided Fertility…” planner. Within this journal book there is very little guidance, especially if this is your first time on this journey. I expected more guidance content (like a fertility 101) along with journaling capabilities.If you’re just looking for very basic guidance, basic checkists, and the ability to journal while in your journey I do recommend this product. However, if you’re looking for a detailed guide book (like a fertility 101) I do not. This is the reason I have deducted 2 stars.
Planning to grow one’s family through nontraditional means can feel daunting and lonely. It often feels like nobody really gets your journey and what you’re going through unless they’ve been there, too, and feel like reliving it. While there’s so much information out there, it’s really hard to find exactly the information relevant to your unique situation.It feels exciting to hold this journal and the possibility implied by starting the intended parent process. I can tell it’s a labour of love from authors who’ve been there themselves. But I would consider it a pre- pre-surrogacy journal for heterosexual couples, not necessarily a practical guide for the actual process unfolding. It helps you conceptualise the journey you’re considering, but you’ll need something much more complex when it actually cones time for it, probably pieced together by the resources you get from your specific professionals and support network.It also doesn’t seem the single mother is the intended audience, and since that’s mine, the journal won’t work for my situation. But I can see it as an exciting part of figuring out if this is the direction you might want to go and learning about what you’re getting yourself into.
I bought the Surrogacy Planner to keep everything in one place during a very busy time. The B5 size is roomy without being bulky, and the spiral binding lays flat for easy writing. Sections for timelines, appointments, contacts, and expenses help me track details without feeling overwhelmed. I like the prompts for notes and reflections, plus pockets for documents. The layout is clear and flexible, so I can adapt it to our process. It feels sturdy and thoughtfully designed, with quality paper that handles pens well. As a keepsake, it gives structure to memories while staying practical for day-to-day planning. If you want a simple, organized way to manage legal and logistical steps, this notebook does the job well. It also makes sharing updates with partners and professionals easier, since everything is neatly collected and easy to review later together.
This planner is perfect for anyone looking to conceive and is having a hard time, this journal gets you comfortable and informed in the steps and what to expect and such. Extremely helpful. 5/5 stars!Now I will explain my rating system: 5 stars exceeded my expectations, four stars met my expectations, 3 stars fell short of my expectations, 2 stars significantly fell short of my expectations, 1 star (highly suggest not ordering)
I recently received this Surrogacy Planner, and it has proven to be an exceptionally well-designed tool. The mint green vegan leather cover offers a soft, professional appearance and feels durable yet elegant. The B5 size measures 7.5 by 10 inches, providing ample writing space while remaining compact enough to carry comfortably in a briefcase or handbag.Usability is outstanding: the spiral binding allows the planner to lie flat for easy note-taking during consultations, and the thick 120gsm paper prevents ink bleed even with fountain pens. The elastic closure secures the contents, the pen loop keeps a writing instrument at hand, and the interior pockets neatly hold documents, photographs, and small mementos.Functionally, the five clearly labeled tabs—Personal Touch, Preliminary Steps, Next Steps, Final Steps, and Supplemental Resources—guide the user logically through every phase of the surrogacy process. The non-dated format offers complete flexibility, allowing entries at any pace. The content is comprehensive, practical, and informed by real experience, addressing medical, legal, and emotional aspects with clarity.The faux leather cover requires only a simple wipe with a damp cloth for maintenance, making care straightforward. Its thoughtful design also makes it suitable as a meaningful gift for intended parents, close friends beginning surrogacy, or family members supporting the process.This planner serves not only as an effective organizer but also as a lasting keepsake of a significant family journey. I recommend it highly.
This is a beautiful, vegan leather-bound, surrogacy journal quote for those people who were considering increasing the size of their family through the use of surrogacy, selecting someone to carry a child for them and deliver a child. The office says this book is based on her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who actually went through the service planning stage, and is designed to help others navigate that same stage and identify the pulmonary steps to take.The first section is called personal touch. The next section is titled "Preliminary Steps." Which includes identity verification, donor identification, a fertilization clinic, counseling, and embryo testing. They also stressed the importance of keeping documents and preparing for potential litigation if things go wrong. This is a journal-type book with questions to consider, prompts to guide you, and blank pages for your thoughts and recordkeeping. What I find a tad annoying is that the author has chosen to put it in all the writing, which is normally called centered, so all the paragraphs and sentences are centered on the page, and they’re also in a font. That’s very light in color. It could be black, but it looks like a green font to me, in line with the book's shade, which is green or very light green.The creation of this book is covered in the next section. Each of us has separate tabs called next steps, including selecting a surrogate Agency, a surrogate attorney, a surrogate match, a surrogacy contract, setting up an escrow account, selecting the health plan, and MBO embryo transfer. Leaves places for you to list the potential agencies that you’re considering viewing, and it also lists dates for appointments. It also lists notes for the agencies and gives you examples of questions you might ask the surrogate agencies and notes that you have from the agency as to what they told you. The surrogate agency is apparently responsible for finding a surrogate for you. They then go into a surrogate Attorney and put a list of names of potential attorneys and the surrogacy contract with your attorney, which apparently will be drafted.They then tell you to send an escrow account and select the health plan get a private escrow company to do it and then get a health plan for the surrogate which is apparently what is normally done you’re supposed to provide for the circuit you have to be prepared to pay the surge expenses for when they come in to get the transfer of the embryo placed in them and their travel to and from the area and this notes on embryo transfer and more pages to fill on blanks questions on your own personal reflections then you go into the final step section which is out of state attorney second trimester appointment and the third trimester appointment.And this includes notes for each appointment you’re attending, the name and address of your out-of-state attorney (presumably the one where the surrogate is living), and your notes, reflections, and thoughts about that appointment. It has a section called supplemental, which the author says is our blank pages for resource lists, including fertility clinic lists. There are escrow company lists. I guess these are sort of like advertisements and then some blank pages of notes for you to keep track of all of us in the front and the fertility lawyer that you might contact, apparently, people who, it looks like, they probably add that she calls a resource list, but it’s probably people she’s got to advertise in her book. I assume I could be wrong. It is an excellent book for providing structure to the surrogacy process.
This journal delivers exactly what intended parents need during such a meaningful and complex journey. It’s packed with helpful information, and that guidance really matters when you’re trying to understand your options, your expectations, and what you truly want out of the process.Surrogacy can be a wonderful path for many families, and having a structured place to reflect, plan, and stay organized makes the experience feel less overwhelming. A journal like this gives you space to think through the emotional, legal, and practical sides of bringing a baby into your life.It’s a supportive tool that helps you stay grounded and intentional every step of the way.