If you have experienced the incredible gift of parenthood through surrogacy or are on your journey to building your family right now, you will feel eternally grateful to the amazing woman who has dedicated herself to carrying your child.

You may also be wondering how to appropriately express your gratitude for being given the most precious gift of family. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to show your appreciation for your surrogate's dedication and commitment throughout the journey.

Write a Heartfelt Letter

A personal, handwritten letter to your surrogate is the perfect example of a heartfelt and meaningful gift.

If you do decide to write a letter expressing your appreciation, do not be afraid to share how you feel. If you need some inspiration, think back to where you were emotionally before the surrogacy versus where you are today. Any personal details you can include will help to make the letter special and meaningful.

Surprise Her with a Thoughtful Gift

You may feel that a handwritten letter is not enough to express your gratitude. If that is the case, why not consider surprising her with a thoughtful gift?

Thank you gifts come in so many shapes, sizes, and price points that there really is no shortage of options to consider. By getting to know your surrogate and paying attention to her likes and dislikes throughout the process, chances are you will have several great gift ideas without having to blindly guess.

If you are unsure what she would like, think back to your interactions together throughout the surrogacy. Did she ever mention any hobbies or things she enjoyed? For example, perhaps you know that she likes to go to the nail salon or maybe she likes to wear jewelry.

If not, you may need to be a bit more creative in your thought process. Keep in mind that the gift itself does not matter so much as the meaning behind it.

If you are still at a loss, consider asking her partner or spouse. Chances are, they will have the best sense of her preferences and interests.

Be Aware & Supportive of Her Needs

And finally, one of the best ways to express your gratitude is to simply be available and supportive throughout the journey.

Although incredibly rewarding, the road to surrogacy is not without its occasional bumps. Perhaps an embryo transfer is not an immediate success, or maybe your surrogate suffers from morning sickness once she does become pregnant. Whatever challenges may arise during the process, the best thing you can do is let her know that you are there for her.

If you live across the country or in separate time zones, this can prove to be a bit more challenging. However, there are still plenty of ways to maintain that connection with your surrogate, even from a distance or as an international IP. As long as you can keep the lines of communication open and remain connected to her needs, your surrogate will feel your support throughout her journey.