using a donor embryo, egg, or sperm

Using a Donor Sperm, Egg or Embryo

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Surrogacy with donor sperm or eggs is used by many intended parents when unable to create their own embryos. It’s a great alternative when considering other ways to create, build or extend your family through surrogacy.

 

Using an Egg Donor

Egg donation for intended parents is sometimes necessary when the female intended parent responds poorly to ovarian stimulation or has significantly diminished ovarian reserve. An egg donor is typically a young, healthy woman who agrees to donate her eggs but can still carry a child. Once the donor’s eggs have been retrieved and tested, an embryo is created from the intended father’s sperm (sometimes a donor sperm; see below) and then implanted into the surrogate through IVF. Donor eggs and a gestational carrier can also help gay couples become parents.

 

Using a Sperm Donor

One of the most common situations where sperm donation comes into play in surrogacy is when a couple cannot create an embryo due to poor sperm quality or quantity. A sperm donor is found through a sperm donor agency and medically evaluated by a third-party reproductive clinic. Donors undergo extensive screening, including a review of his family’s medical history, and a semen analysis to determine sperm quality. Sperm banks also provide details about each donor’s education, appearance, hobbies, and interests. You can use this information to select the best donor for your family. Sperm donation can also help LGBTQ+ couples or women who are single moms.

 

Using a Donated Embryo

Many individuals and couples who used IVF have remaining embryos that have been frozen and do not plan to use in the future. These individuals or couples may decide that they would rather donate the embryos to another couple or individual rather than destroy them, donate them to science, or continue to store them indefinitely.

There is a varying amount of information available about the donors that created the embryos including, social, educational, personal, and family medical history.

There’s no right or wrong way to achieve your dreams when it comes to having a child. Donor sperm, eggs, and embryos allow an individual or couple to become parents when it may not be possible otherwise. If you are interested in finding a surrogate, let Shared Conceptions make your dreams of a family a reality. Give us a call today, and we will help you get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

 

how to be a surrogate mother

Surrogacy Process for IP’s

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Shared Conception is eager to find the right surrogate for you! We look forward to going through the surrogacy process with you. It is our wish to be at your side during this unique surrogate pregnancy process and are just as excited for you to finally hold your baby in your arms!

Intended parents will efficiently navigate through the following stages.

  • Initial consultation – this one-hour consultation is to connect and answer any questions you may have about surrogacy. Many of our intended parents like to discuss timing, expenses, contracts, and other concerns involving their family. If you choose to go forward with us after the consultation, you will be asked to fill out our application form. Read more about the initial consultation process here, on our website.
  • Matching process – After the initial meeting and completed application, we begin the process of finding the ideal surrogate for you. For more information on the matching process, visit our website or click here.
  • Psychological screening and evaluation – these evaluations are vital to ensure that all parties are suitable for the surrogacy process. All evaluations are conducted by a licensed mental health professional. For more information, click here.
  • Medical screening – With the help of Shared Conception, we coordinate surrogates to participate in a medical evaluation. Each IVF center has different requirements so a Shared Conception representative coordinates with the clinic for you.
  • Legal surrogacy process – We provide a referral list of family attorneys that specialize in the surrogacy process and Reproductive Law. Contracts are required prior to beginning the embryo transfer cycle. Also, an escrow account is established at this time to cover costs for medications, co-pays, and other costs outlined in your contract.
  • Embryo transfer – The moment you have been waiting for! This is when the embryo is placed for implantation and monitored for a viable pregnancy.
  • Pregnancy – We will remain a part of your support system throughout the pregnancy (and after) and will be available to help you navigate through this wonderful time. Our goal is to have your experience be as joyful as possible.
  • Preparing for the birth – There are necessary documents that will be prepared by your attorney. Shared Conception will help verify that all the paperwork is in order for peace of mind allowing you to focus on the wonderful gift you are about to receive.
  • Birth – This is the end to the entire process and a family is created!

 

If you are interested in having a surrogate, let Shared Conceptions make your dreams of a family a reality. Contact us today and we will help you get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

reasons to use a surrogacy agency

5 Ways an Agency Helps Intended Parents

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If you decide to use a surrogate to expand your family, you must consider whether or not you would like to work with a surrogacy agency or independently. The independent route may be slightly more cost-effective, but it also can be more stressful and uncertain. Many details are involved in a surrogacy arrangement and working with an agency such as Shared Conception can make this process less stressful and confusing.

  1. We are the experts 

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is very complicated. Like a chess game, many moving pieces need to be managed, and often at the same time. A lot of legalities, planning, and coordinating go into a journey. Shared Conception has a professional team full of experts who make dreams come true every day, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience and preparing for your new baby.

  1. Put the pressure on us

Not everything is perfect, even a surrogacy journey, and there are a lot of bumps in the road and other scenarios that can happen. The beauty of using an agency is that we can prevent many problems from arising or take care of any problems if they do occur. We will be by your side every step of the way.

  1. Legal mumbo jumbo

Unless you have a law degree, this part will be difficult. There is a legal side to a surrogacy arrangement with contracts and documents that can be overwhelming. Shared Conception will refer you to a list of highly respected and competent lawyers you can choose to work with. Having a lawyer helps your journey stay on track, and you don’t have to worry about acquiring legal representation.

  1. We are there for you from beginning to end (and beyond)!

Managing a journey is very time-consuming on both the surrogate and intended parent sides. Our services help surrogates and intended parents come together with a lot less stress, pressure, and inconveniences an independent surrogacy can create.

  1. Monetary Benefits

There are a lot of fees and payments that go to different sources during the entire process. We use an escrow company utterly independent of our agency. Your money is deposited into an attorney-controlled interest-bearing escrow account. This way, you or your surrogate will have to worry about bills being paid on time, giving you extra peace of mind.

If you are interested in having a surrogate, let Shared Conceptions make your dreams of a family a reality. Give us a call today, and we will help you get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

 

 

Gender reveal ideas

Gender Reveal Ideas!

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Gender reveal parties have taken off in the past decade – they have almost taken a life of their own. With their Pinterest Boards, Amazon party kits, and even dedicated websites this is becoming a new tradition. There are so many ways to celebrate the revelation of your soon-to-be baby. We have all seen the reveal bloopers with the powder cannons, balloon popping, cake eating – and laughed, but what if you’re using a surrogate? This makes things a little bit different, but these ideas will let the party start!

Have a party!

There are so many ways to reveal your baby’s gender if you choose to, and the best way is your way. No matter what you do, sharing the expected baby’s gender is a fun way to incorporate everyone in a momentous occasion.

Cake

You don’t need to have a party to have cake! Is there a yummier way to announce the gender of your child? A gender reveal cake is a cake that, when sliced, will show the dominant color of either blue or pink.

Piñata

If you want to get your surrogate’s children or your nieces or nephews involved, children don’t love anything more than a piñata! Having it stuffed with blue or pink goodies is fun and exciting to reveal the gender of your baby to be.

Balloons

Whether you pop them, let them fly, put them in a box – balloons are a fun surprise. You can fill them to pop them, stuff them in a box for a great surprise – and kids love them too!

Sonograms

Sonograms are your first sneak peek at your baby. You can use it to reveal your baby’s gender by adding a pop of color to show the baby’s gender uniquely! Use a cute colored frame or add sweet embellishments to a sonogram photo to create an unforgettable gender reveal!

Include your pet! 

Gender reveals aren’t just for people these days— you can get your family pet involved! Tie a colored scarf, hang a sign, or place baby shoes next to your pet’s paws for a meaningful or photo op!

 

You can be the most significant part of a gender reveal! Begin your surrogacy journey with Shared Conception. Call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Or, visit www.deliveradream.com to get started on an application to become a surrogate.

 

 

 

you can be a surrogate

Surrogacy pregnancies are different from biological pregnancies

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The most popular question asked as a surrogate is, “How can you give up the baby.” People can’t help themselves. And they don’t understand – it’s different than a biological baby. Surrogacy is not mainstream yet. There is not a lot of information out there. Everyone has a different answer, but I’ll give you mine.

In short, it’s a well-thought-out (incredible) commitment. It’s also a medical process, not biologically linked to you, and you are selflessly helping create a family. And these are not the only differences.

Believe me; I could never give up any child of mine. And each of my two surrogate babies was entirely different than my two biological babies. When I found out I was pregnant with my bio babies, I was elated. For myself, my husband, and the family we were creating. We enjoyed letting everyone know, the gender reveal, the baby shower, etc. I had a great pregnancy, loved being pregnant, and couldn’t wait to hold my beautiful babies when they were born. When I did, I was instantly in love, connected and all of my mom instincts kicked into high gear.

Surrogacy was awesome too, but different. It didn’t start with an at-home pregnancy test or my husband and I crying with joy on the floor in our bathroom. It began with interviews, psychological and medical evaluations, background checks, the matching process, contracts, lawyers, a medical protocol, and many weekly blood tests. I was excited because I loved being pregnant, but more for the intended parents to hold a baby they worked so hard for. I felt love for the child I was carrying but also a great responsibility. I took care of myself – maybe even better than my other two biological pregnancies! Maybe not…but with a contract to consider, you definitely think twice at times.

When I had the surrogate babies, I did not feel my maternal instincts kick in. I felt proud and joyful in the journey I had. I loved seeing the intended parents with their child – and the smiles on their faces. It was priceless. I felt whole at the end of my journey and couldn’t wait to return to my own family, for I developed a new appreciation for them.

Surrogacy isn’t for everyone, but it may not be as emotionally complicated as you may think. Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today. We want you to be informed, fulfilled, and satisfied, knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information!

 

surrogacy years later

Surrogacy Years Later

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Before, during, and after surrogacy is a commonly discussed topic. When you begin the surrogacy process and establish your support network, there are many questions from friends, loved ones, and even children to be asked and answered. Usually, questions are welcomed from your close circle because they are people who love and support your chosen journey. Some everyday surrogacy conversations consist of your multiple medical appointments, medications, evaluations, background checks, the “am I really doing this?” phase, meeting your intended parents for the first time, and more.

 

Your journey becomes an even hotter topic as your belly grows, and you have to decide what to tell a stranger in the grocery store that asks, “when are you due?”, “is it a boy or a girl?” or to say “congratulations!” These questions from strangers get brought back home or immediately discussed with someone who knows your situation. It’s fun, exciting, and even humorous at times. Then, there are the times when you are asked, “How can you give up the baby?” This question, although invasive, is the most common. You will eventually find a comfortable answer that you will be able to recite in your sleep.

 

The most rewarding aspect is the beautiful experience of labor and delivery when you see the most intimate moment of intended parents holding their child for the first time. Afterward, you get to recover from a long and gratifying journey and start getting into that pre-baby shape! And then you are done, with a sense of joy and meaning, fulfilled and knowing that you gave back in ways that many can or will not.

 

And we read about this all the time. Many blogs cover journeys. What to expect, what to prepare for, how to do it best, what to do after birth, and more. But, how about years later? On a personal note, I have had two journeys, and as of this year, the children are 5 and 3.

 

My first family lives out of the country. I still make calls around the holidays and for her birthday. I wish I could see her, but the distance is far too great to make an annual trip. Her parents are wonderful in sending me updates and pictures every now and then. My husband and I genuinely love them and forged a quick and strong connection throughout our journey. I cannot wait for the day that we meet again, as the last time I hugged her she was two weeks old!

 

I still talk about my first surrogacy with my family. My children will mention it sometimes, and I share pictures of the beautiful growing girl I once carried for 39 weeks. My friends and those who know about my surrogate past will also sometimes ask about her, and I am happy to indulge them, always showing the most recent picture I receive. But these conversations do not happen every day now; they are few and far between. Yet each conversation about her is very special to me and always leaves a smile on my face.

 

My second journey was entirely different as it was for a local couple. I also had an incredible journey, and the IPs were able to attend almost every appointment, and I even was invited to the baby shower. I carried another girl, and I get to see her a few times a year – and love every minute of it! She calls me “Auntie” and is growing like a weed. We have fun playdates and lunch dates – her smile warms my heart. I share my experience with my close circle of friends and family when asked, “what did you do today?” But this does not happen every day. Only a few times a year.

 

I leave every conversation or meeting with my surrogate families with that warm and fuzzy feeling. I feel like it was a lifetime ago that I carried these two beautiful babies. I am very proud of what I did and know that I helped build a family, actually, two incredible families. I know surrogacy is not for everyone, but it was for me.

 

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate with Shared Conception, call our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Visit www.deliveradream.com to begin your application and prequalify.

telling your child about their origin

Telling your child their origin

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The conversation with your child about being born via surrogacy can be a difficult one. It is a story about how hard you worked to have them, and it is part of their identity. Talking about it early on is a way to normalize their birth through surrogacy – and help them be proud of their origin.

 

Younger children are more open-minded and understanding. The older they get, the more questions they can have, and if the conversation begins early on, it can be easier and more comfortable to discuss when brought up throughout their lives.

 

Experts agree it is essential to be honest with your children from the start:
“The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Ethics Committee suggests that parents disclose their children’s conception story, and research has suggested that secrecy about a child’s origins may have a negative impact both on the child and his or her parents.”

 

Don’t forget about the number of friends and family members that know your child’s story. It can be damaging if your child hears the truth from someone else. After all, there is no reason to be ashamed of their story, and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about it either. You can always ask for the help of friends, family, and professionals. Refer to our blog Four Books for Children of Surrogates. These books help children to understand by delivering age-appropriate messages about surrogacy.

 

Many of our intended parents still have relationships with their surrogates, and those surrogates remain an important part of their lives. Having this relationship can make it easier and also normalize the conversation.

 

Always remember, your child’s surrogacy story is a positive one. It involves people coming together to create a life. Be proud of the way you built your family. Surrogacy is a magnificent and joyous phenomenon. If you are interested in having a surrogate, let Shared Conceptions make your dreams of a family a reality. Give us a call today, and we will help you get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

Your surrogacy support network

Surrogacy, Support Networks and Beyond

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Surrogacy is such a process for intended parents. Most people who come to the decision they need to choose surrogacy to build their family, are already emotionally exhausted from the trials and tribulations of infertility.

Shared Conception always emphasizes the importance of a support network, on either side of the surrogacy fence; for surrogates or intended parents. Honesty and open communication are essential within this network. Initially, when building your network, expect many questions that may seem invasive but can become an opportunity to educate someone about surrogacy. Intended parents are encouraged to establish support systems for emotional support and whatever other help they may need.

Feeding your network

As mentioned above, expect many questions. Only recently has surrogacy become more mainstream and accepted. Laws on surrogacy constantly change for the better. Take this as an opportunity to inform someone on a rarely discussed topic.

Support systems can grow stronger by introducing your surrogate, if possible, to those who support you the most! It helps with empathy and clarifies what you are going through as an intended parent. Introductions can be as informal as coffee or lunch or as elaborate as a dinner party or an invitation to your baby shower. And if you are not comfortable with either of these notions, that’s okay too.

Part of the network

If you are inside one of these support networks, you may wonder how to support your friend, loved one, or relative. Think about how you would want to feel supported if you were in a similar position. Most likely, you have been with them through their fertility struggles. Being part of this network is an honor. Respect their privacy and always give continued love and support, which will mean the most to them.

If you are lucky enough to meet their surrogate, treat her as a friend. She is, after all, like Wonder Woman, making the hopes and dreams of your friends a reality.

If you are interested in having a surrogate, let Shared Conceptions make your dreams of a family a reality. Give us a call today, and we will help you get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

Long distance surrogacy relationships

Long Distance Surrogates

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Looking back on my two wonderful journeys with Shared Conception, I have had two completely different experiences. Each amazing and unique, I could talk for days about my wonderful relationships with each of the intended parents. For this blog, I want to talk about how the intended parents and I were able to forge an amazing relationship even though we were so far apart.

Before I was matched, Shiva at Shared Conception asked me how I felt about working with international intended parents. She told me about other clients, other journeys, and experiences with international clients. I weighed the pros and cons of working with international vs. domestic or even local intended parents, talked about it with my husband who ultimately told me the decision was up to me. What really got me was their story. And although it is their story to tell, I was touched, intrigued, and compelled to help them. I felt an instant connection the first time I met them, and lucky for me, it will be a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

When we were first matched, we immediately set our expectations for communication. I asked them how involved they wanted to be. Truthfully, I wanted them to know what was going on every step of the way, and thankfully, they wanted to know too! I thought it was important to not only agree on our methods and frequency of communication but also live up to it.

They were so appreciative for every photo, email, text or Skype. Every response warmed my heart and validated my decision to work with these wonderful parents. I was truly dedicated to making them feel part of the process even with such a great distance between us.

And of course, this journey and experience led me to a second journey with another amazing couple, this time local and equally great. The bottom line is that every journey is different. Each experience that I had, helped me grow as an individual, woman, mom, and even wife. I am so thankful to have been able to be a surrogate and include this job on my resume of life.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, I highly recommend Shared Conception. Their staff is experienced, knowledgeable, kind and passionate about surrogacy. Give them a call today. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to begin an application to become a gestational surrogate and find out more information!

Written by Courtney Clinton

Media and surrogacy

Media and Surrogacy

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There is so much more acceptance these days about having children through surrogacy than previously. Attitudes towards the surrogacy process have changed throughout the years. More than ever, we hear of surrogacy in the news, on the covers of magazines, and in interviews with celebrities. These instances have helped make surrogacy a more acceptable way of having children. However, there are times when the media portrays surrogacy in a negative light, or just downright incorrectly!

The media has greatly influenced surrogacy; in good and bad ways. When it comes to surrogacy in the news, oftentimes, it is a horrible story shedding a negative light on all involved. It does not mention the thousands of families that have been created through surrogacy, or the happiness in successful surrogacy journeys. Many times, the media focuses on the dangers of surrogacy, which are not only misrepresenting surrogacy but also quite offensive!

  1. Not seeing the beauty in surrogacy

Becoming a gestational carrier is beautiful and selfless. These sentiments are rarely conveyed to the public. Shared Conception has worked with hundreds of selfless women who have given years of their time to help create or extend a family for others. It’s not all about the money. Ask anyone of our surrogates. Many have different but equally beautiful reasons of why they became a surrogate. All will agree that their time as a surrogate was one of the most rewarding experiences in their lives.

  1. Don’t forget about the happy families created through surrogacy

The media focuses on the most outrageous surrogacy stories. Many times, you hear of a crazy surrogacy story that is dramatized in a made-for-TV movie, article, or news segment. There are many more happy stories than unhappy ones.

  1. Heartbreak is often sensationalized

The negativity that is reported is rarely followed up with a successful story. This is a missed opportunity to inform and educate others on the process. Education and research are critical elements in a successful journey. If any agreement; whether for surrogacy or another business contract is written poorly, with little education or research, then such an agreement is prone to cause issues.

  1. Name-calling

Negative terminology such as “breeders” or “womb for rent” has been associated with the surrogacy process. These words cannot be farther from the truth and can be very offensive. All surrogates offer their assistance, and agencies such as Shared Conception, make sure that all our surrogates are educated and informed before the process even begins!

Becoming a surrogate is selfless, beautiful, and rewarding. These words are among many words our surrogates have used to describe their experience with Shared Conception. Begin your surrogacy journey with us. Call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an information request form!