Creating a Surrogacy “Micro-Community”

Travelling to a foreign country can be daunting at the best of times, but travelling to a foreign country whilst navigating another language and culture AND becoming first-time parents can be down-right anxiety inducing! However, when you surround yourself with a good support network it can be one of the most amazing adventures of your life.

Becoming a parent is hard. Becoming a parent through surrogacy is hard. And then combining that in a country where you probably don’t speak the language and are confronted with a different culture…. Well, that can just be… HARD!

You may feel isolated from family, friends, and support networks such as early parenting groups just when you need them all the most. However, your time in Tbilisi does not need to be one of isolation. Time and time again we hear of amazing “micro-communities” that spring up, often leading to life-long connections!

What are the benefits of participating in one of these “micro-communities” you may ask? Firstly, they are often made up of citizens of your home country, so you feel like you have a little “home away from home”. You speak the same language, have common social practices and are going through the same life stage together. You can share information on baby products available in Tbilisi and your home country as well as parenting tips and tricks. You can meet up for lunch or shopping trip together. And you have a little group of people to share the excitement of your baby’s arrival with, in person, without having to wait until you arrive back home.

So how do you go about finding or forming one of these micro-communities? Many happen through Facebook forums which cultivate chats for parents who will be in Georgia at the same time. If you are part of these forums, ask how you can become part of “in-country” chats. These are sometimes hosted on Facebook, and sometimes on other platforms such as WhatsApp. If you aren’t part of these groups, we can put you in touch with other Intended Parents who can help facilitate access. Please note that these are community run groups, ran by other Intended Parents just like you, and are not associated with Chachava Clinic.

We have heard of countless fabulous stories of these virtual and real-life social connections, which can enhance Intended Parents’ surrogacy journeys. Whether it is comradery in the lead-up to the birth of your child, just knowing someone from home is in the country at the same time as you, or the basis of a life-time friendship, being part of a surrogacy micro-community can be a valuable addition to your surrogacy journey.

Your time in Tbilisi doesn’t need to be one of isolation and loneliness. By cultivating friendships before and during your pregnancy, your time in Tbilisi could just be one of the most amazing times in your life!