Welcoming a baby into the world is one of the most beautiful journeys in life — filled with joy, anticipation, and sometimes uncertainty. If you're having a baby in the USA — whether as an international parent, expat, or through surrogacy — there are a few key steps to prepare for, especially when it comes to medical care, legal paperwork, and newborn services.
To help you feel more confident and prepared, we’ve created this gentle guide for parents expecting a baby born in the United States.
1. Choose a doctor and hospital in the U.S.
Most parents giving birth in the U.S. will work with an OB-GYN or midwife. If you’re an international parent or a first-time mother, it’s important to research which hospitals accept your health insurance, and understand their birth policies.
If you’re working with a surrogacy agency, the agency or coordinator may also help you choose a hospital familiar with surrogate deliveries and intended parent procedures.
2. Understand health insurance for pregnancy in the U.S.
The cost of giving birth in the U.S. without insurance can be high, so it’s essential to check if you’re eligible for private insurance or Medicaid during pregnancy. Some hospitals also offer self-pay maternity packages or discounts for international patients.
3. Prepare newborn documents: birth certificate, passport, travel document
Once your baby is born in the U.S., you’ll need to apply for their birth certificate, Social Security Number (SSN), and U.S. passport.
If your baby will travel abroad or return to your home country, you may also need to apply for a Chinese Travel Document, visa, or apostille. These processes may require:
- Valid passports/ID of both parents
- DNA testing (if required by your country or embassy)
- Legal documents like a pre-birth order (PBO) if using surrogacy
4. Plan postpartum care & baby essentials
Some international families may not have family in the U.S., so hiring postpartum help (a Yuesao, doula, or newborn care specialist) can be very helpful. Make sure to also prepare:
- Baby clothes, diapers, formula
- Approved infant car seat (required for leaving the hospital in the U.S.)
- Pediatrician appointment for after birth
5. Legal planning for surrogacy or international families
If your child is born through surrogacy, you’ll likely need a parentage order, sometimes called a pre-birth order (PBO). This document ensures your names go on the baby’s birth certificate.
For international families, it’s also helpful to work with professionals who understand U.S. and embassy travel requirements, including apostille services, notarization, and document preparation for Chinese embassies or other consulates.Every baby is a blessing — and when you're expecting in a foreign country, being well-prepared makes a world of difference. From legal paperwork to baby essentials, each step helps you welcome your child into the world with love, calm, and confidence.
If you’re looking for support with newborn documents, surrogacy coordination, Chinese travel document applications, or baby care services, our team at Miracle Angels Resolution is here to walk with you — every step of the way.