From Hope to Parenthood: The Psychological Journey of Intended Parents

At Thallo Health, we understand the mental and emotional challenges that intended parents face. Parenthood is not just a physical process—it is a deeply emotional experience that requires support, understanding, and resilience.

Navigating the Psychological Transitions of Third-Party Reproduction

For intended parents using third-party reproduction—whether through surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, or embryo donation—the journey requires emotional adjustments.

Adjusting to Non-Traditional Conception

For those who once assumed they would conceive naturally, the transition to using a surrogate or donor can be emotionally complex. Many intended parents initially struggle with the idea of lacking a genetic connection to their child. Others feel uncertain about how they will bond with their baby when someone else is carrying the pregnancy.

These emotions are valid and often evolve over time. Many intended parents find comfort in the knowledge that love, intention, and commitment—not just biology—define parenthood.

Navigating Relationships with Surrogates and Donors

The relationship between intended parents and a gestational carrier or donor is unique and deeply personal. It requires trust, open communication, and emotional flexibility. Intended parents may experience anxiety about whether they are communicating too much or too little with their surrogate. They may wonder if their donor will have any long-term emotional connection to the child.

Establishing boundaries, managing expectations, and fostering mutual respect are essential to maintaining a healthy and positive relationship throughout the process.

Coping with External Opinions

Society does not always fully understand the complexities of ART and third-party reproduction. Intended parents often face unsolicited opinions and questions from well-meaning family members or acquaintances. Some may ask, “Why didn’t you just adopt?” or “Will you tell your child how they were conceived?” These inquiries can add to the emotional weight of an already complex journey.

Learning how to manage these conversations with confidence and setting personal boundaries can help intended parents protect their emotional well-being.

Managing the Uncertainty of the Process

Assisted reproduction is not always a straightforward path. There may be failed embryo transfers, pregnancy loss, or disruptions in a surrogate or donor match. The highs and lows of the process can be emotionally exhausting. Without proper emotional support, these setbacks can lead to feelings of hopelessness or self-doubt.

Having mental health professionals to provide coping strategies, process emotions, and offer guidance can make a profound difference.

How Thallo Health Supports Intended Parents

Thallo Health provides specialized mental health services tailored to the needs of intended parents. Our approach is designed to help individuals and couples process their emotions, build resilience, and feel supported throughout their fertility journey.

Intended Parent Consultations: Our intended parent consultations offer a dedicated space to discuss expectations, challenges, and coping strategies. These sessions provide psychoeducational support to help intended parents navigate the emotional complexities of ART, surrogacy, and donor conception.

Joint Consultations with Surrogates or Donors: Building a strong relationship with a gestational carrier or donor is an essential part of the process. Our joint consultations facilitate open communication, set clear expectations, and provide emotional guidance to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

Individual and Group Counseling: For those struggling with the emotional toll of infertility, loss, or the uncertainty of the process, individual counseling offers a space to work through emotions in a supportive setting. Group counseling provides connection and validation from others experiencing similar challenges.

Fertility Forum and Community Support: The journey to parenthood through ART can feel isolating. Thallo Health’s Fertility Forum offers a safe and supportive community where intended parents can connect, share experiences, and find reassurance from others who understand their struggles.

Parenthood is not defined by genetics or how a child is conceived. It is built on love, dedication, and the emotional resilience to navigate the challenges that come with assisted reproduction.

With the right support system, intended parents can move forward with confidence, knowing they have the emotional resources to manage the complexities of their fertility journey. Thallo Health is here to provide guidance, counseling, and community support every step of the way.

For more information on how we support intended parents, contact Thallo Health or schedule a consultation today.