Arriving in Georgia on October 7th, two weeks before our second daughter’s birth, my family and I were ready to make the most of the time leading up to her arrival. While our little one was induced at 39.2 weeks, once signs of labour began, those early days gave us the chance to settle in, prepare, and even enjoy the country.
Getting Our Bearings
We set up our Airbnb with the essentials—food, baby supplies, and everything needed for a smooth transition once Madison arrived. The warm Georgian weather was an unexpected gift, perfect for sightseeing with my toddler, Annabelle. From zoos and parks to animal petting and indoor play areas, it was a joy to experience the vibrant family-friendly culture of Tbilisi while making memories with her before her sibling joined us.
A Dual Mission: Family and Work
While soaking in the beauty of Georgia, I also wore my professional hat, collecting resources and insights for Growing Families. It was an incredible blend of personal and professional growth. I met with IVF clinics like Chachava, Invitro Life, and Vivomed, as well as maternity hospitals including Medical One and Zhordania Clinic. These visits allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the providers’ services while assessing which meet the ethical standards and transparency that Growing Families require.
Meeting the People Behind the Services
What struck me most were the people. Everyone I met, from doctors and agency representatives to public service officials at the Georgian Public Birth Registry, was warm and welcoming. One particularly memorable moment was being invited to a professional studio for makeup and photography, blending the personal and professional in the most unexpected way.
Working alongside my clients in person, helping them navigate documents and birth certificates, brought the reality of my work to life. Seeing their gratitude for the in-person support reminded me why I do what I do.
Observations on the Industry
The surrogacy and IVF industry in Georgia is evolving rapidly. Established agencies are adapting to growing demand, while newer, more budget-friendly agencies are entering the market. However, these changes come with challenges.
Many agencies operate as intermediaries, outsourcing IVF, hospital, legal, and notary services to third parties. While this model works for some, it often leaves intended parents feeling confused and overwhelmed once a pregnancy is achieved. Each maternity hospital has its own regulations, which can vary widely. This lack of standardisation, coupled with communication gaps—particularly when materials are only available in Georgian—can create unnecessary stress for parents.
Room for Improvement
One area I noticed for improvement is the need for clearer communication and more comprehensive resource materials for parents. Agencies should provide detailed information about their third-party partners early in the process, ensuring parents feel informed and prepared.
Better Support
At Growing Families, we are committed to ensuring our Concierge clients are supported throughout their surrogacy journey. Our services are designed to provide comprehensive guidance, offering peace of mind and crucial support during every stage. From services that help with logistics and paperwork to exit support that ensures a smooth transition home, we focus on the holistic well-being of our clients.
Equally important to us is partnering with agencies that share our commitment to upholding high ethical standards. We thoroughly vet our providers to ensure they align with our values of transparency, integrity, and respect for all parties involved.
Many agencies I visited expressed interest in integrating these ethical values. By recommending our services, including concierge and exit support, they acknowledged the importance of providing additional care to their clients. It’s a reassuring sign that more agencies are prioritising ethics and comprehensive support for intended parents.
A Personal Note
Georgia has become a special place for me, not just because of my professional visits but also due to the incredible memories I’ve made here with my family. This was my third trip, and it felt like a completely new journey, filled with fresh connections and insights. Whether working from home, scanning documents in an agency’s office, or exploring the city with Annabelle, each moment was a reminder of how transformative this journey has been.
For intended parents, navigating surrogacy can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation and support, it becomes a smoother and more empowering experience. Whether it’s your first journey or you’re navigating the final stages of bringing your child home, Growing Families is here to make the process as seamless as possible. Contact us today.
