Merry Christmas from Shared Conception!

Merry Christmas from Shared Conception

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

This time of year, Shared Conception likes to reflect and take a moment to express our gratitude towards our family of staff, surrogates, and intended parents. Nothing gives us more pleasure than to see the happiness we create.

 

Our surrogates inspire us with their selflessness and commitment to helping families’ dreams become a reality. Being able to bless a family despite infertility, age, sexual orientation, or medical barriers is an unforgettable and empowering experience. We want all our surrogates to walk away from their journey with a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. Shared Conception is proud to guide them throughout their journey(s).

 

Intended parents inspire us with their strength, dedication, and perseverance to build their families despite the struggles they may have faced along the way. We applaud their positive thinking and patience throughout the journey, although we know it’s hard to contain the excitement of what is to come.

 

Our incredible staff has guided many of our clients (surrogates and intended parents) with care and expertise to fulfilling their dreams. Nothing gives us more joy than seeing intended parents hold a child they have longed for in their arms for the first time. This cannot be done without our caring team at Shared Conception.

 

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

–John Bunyan

 

You can also take this opportunity to experience the gift of life and take on this admirable position. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate and would like to learn more, or a hopeful parent interested in speaking with Shared Conception, give us a call or visit www.sharedconception.com for more information. Happy Holidays!

how to be a surrogate mother

Surrogacy Process for IP’s

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

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.

Portugal surrogacy laws in the news

Portugal in the News

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Portugal has recently been in the news regarding its surrogacy laws. The Portuguese parliament has adopted a law allowing surrogacy, which received applause from The National Council for Medically Assisted Procreation.

The Portuguese law allows commercial arrangements in which a couple hires a woman to be a gestational carrier. The legislation requires the potential surrogate to be a mother already. The contract must be authorized first by the National Council for Medically Assisted Procreation, the Portuguese branch that oversees the entire process.

Portugal has undergone several modifications regarding this topic in recent years. Initially, on August 22, 2016, surrogacy became authorized and then came into force on August 1, 2017. However, the statute was taken to the Supreme Court in 2018 and was declared unconstitutional until this November (2021).

And, there is still a great deal of controversy surrounding this topic between parties. For example, only the US and Canada allow male couples to have children born through surrogacy, allowing both men to equally have parental rights and both of their names on the child’s birth certificate. These laws are why male couples interested in surrogacy must go the international route.

Surrogacy is a long process, and those who choose international surrogacy can have a more difficult time. Shared Conception has had many successful journeys with our international clients, and our expertise in the process can make a smooth, happy, and beautiful journey for everyone.

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.

 

reasons to use a surrogacy agency

5 Ways an Agency Helps Intended Parents

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

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.

 

 

intimacy when pregnant

Sex during Surrogacy

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

One of the questions we are asked from our potential surrogate mothers is if they can have sex while she is pregnant. The short answer is yes. But, there are a few conditions. Initially, it is not recommended to have intercourse before and after the embryo transfer. If you are a surrogate with a spouse or partner, you (the surrogate) and her partner are tested for sexually transmitted diseases. And, as long as these tests are negative, sex is allowed in monogamous relationships, married or not.

All the single ladies

Unless it is in your contract, there is no set of defined rules for having sex for our single surrogates. However, it is essential to be monogamous. Your partner should be free from infectious disease as there is a chance that an infection can be transferred to the baby through the mother.

If there are complications

If there are any complications throughout the pregnancy, your doctor may prohibit sexual intercourse for as long as the complication continues and give you the green light when it is safe for surrogate and for baby. Keep in mind, every journey is different and doctors have different views about the limits of sexual activity. So check with your doctor about this topic – and don’t be afraid to ask!

Benefits to sex

There are benefits to having sex while pregnant.

  • You burn calories. Sex is like exercise. The stronger you are, the easier labor can be.
  • Lower blood pressure. Sex can lower your blood pressure and, in turn, decrease the risk of preeclampsia.
  • Better sleep. You can improve your nights’ rest by being sexually active.

Bottom line, in most cases, after a successful IVF transfer, the surrogate can return to regular, monogamous sexual activity. These practices are standard in all surrogate cases. But always check with your doctor about the best course of action. If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a surrogate, give us a call! You can contact 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.

 

Surrogate Spouse's POV

A Spouse’s POV on Surrogacy

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

I am a proud two-time surrogate. I have no problem telling people about it whether they agree with my decision or not, and I do not have a problem answering (sometimes invasive) questions. I take it as an opportunity to debunk myths and educate people about a topic not talked about that often.

Then there’s my husband, who’s supported my decision to become a surrogate and was supportive throughout the journey from IVF to delivery and every needle in between. But there are so many questions my husband faced while I was pregnant (with another man’s baby – and another woman’s baby) that I think are important for other men with wives and partners considering surrogacy should know. After all, it is the “other side” of surrogacy that is even less discussed.

So, I interviewed my husband with the top 5 questions he experienced when I was a surrogate:

  1. How do you get past the fact that your wife is carrying another man’s baby? When my wife explained the whole process to me, it was purely medical – and I thought it was a very selfless thing to do. She always enjoyed pregnancy, so why not do it for a family in need? Not many people asked me if my wife slept with another man – I think they would know me better than to agree to something like that! Although, I did enjoy joking around with close friends and family, saying that my wife was pregnant with another man’s baby! That was one of my favorite things to do when she was on her journey.

 

  1. Did your wife decide without your consent? Absolutely not! She brought it up to me over dinner one day, and I thought it was a far-fetched idea, and I didn’t even know that surrogacy was a real thing. Then she explained the process to me, told me why she wanted to do it – and through researching the topic more together, we decided it was a great thing to do.

 

  1. Were you worried you would grow attached to the baby? No, we already knew that we were finished having kids and were very happy with our two boys. The thought of another infant terrified me. But I was happy to have my wife be someone else’s oven for their bun. Knowing the baby was not biologically tied to either of us made it less complicated regarding emotions.

 

  1. Do you still find your wife attractive (aka how is your sex life)? That’s a great question. And yes! There was not one part of me that ever considered this too weird to be intimate.

 

  1. How was your relationship with the intended parents?  I enjoy the intended parents from each journey so much, and it is amazing what can bring two couples together. We still maintain special relationships with both of the intended parents from each journey – and they will be lifelong friendships.

 

Are you interested in learning more about surrogacy or have questions about talking about it with your partner? Give us a call today. We want you to be informed, fulfilled, and satisfied, knowing you can contribute to the world in a unique and precious way. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information!

 

 

 

The holiday rush and pregnancy

The Holiday Rush

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Now that Halloween is behind us and the sugar rush has dissipated, Thanksgiving is next in line. Let’s look forward to yummy comfort food and more family time. Go ahead, take an extra scoop of mashed potatoes because – you deserve it! And most importantly –indulge (not overindulge) on desserts! Pregnancy intensifies many of your senses, including taste. So, all those delectable desserts can taste like the best thing you’ve ever had. It’s a great time to use those 300 extra calories your body needs every day.

Don’t get overwhelmed this holiday season! Savor the moments and enjoy them. It’s not unusual to feel like you can’t keep up between all the riff-raff and running around. Shared Conception understands this can add pressure to an already overworked pregnant body. We have a few tricks up our sleeve to survive and enjoy this time of year.

Being cozy and comfortable is essential while pregnant, and the holidays are no exception. So, if you can’t find the perfect holiday outfit – it’s okay. Take the pressure off yourself and know that everyone will think you and your bump are adorable no matter what you wear, even in your tunic and leggings. If you would like some advice on holiday style, check out our blog on Pregnancy Holiday Attire!

Are you traveling this season? Refer to our blog about Traveling When Pregnant. Always let your doctor know about your travel plans to get the green light. And remember, refer to your contract to avoid any uncomfortable situations regarding travel when you are a surrogate. All contracts are different, and Shared Conception advises you to look at it before making travel arrangements.

Pregnancy is an emotional time. The Holidays are a joyous time of year and, after all, the season of good cheer. This holiday brings on a cloud of happiness you can revel in. If you find yourself more emotional, relax; you have a pass since you are pregnant. So turn up the Holiday music and cozy up with a book, blanket, and decaf mocha to make yourself feel better. Also, read our blog about why the holiday season rocks when you’re pregnant if you need any reminders!

Shared Conception is always here to talk to our surrogates. If you are interested in pursuing a journey and giving the gift of family, call us today!

 

 

pregnancy discomforts

Dealing with body changes/pain during pregnancy

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

As we all know from our bio babes, pregnancy causes so many changes to the body. It can be uncomfortable at times and even downright challenging. Not to mention after giving birth! Although body changes during and after pregnancy are natural, some struggle with keeping a positive body image during and after pregnancy.

 

After all, taking on the task of becoming a surrogate is not an easy one. Body changes come with the territory but can still be uncomfortable. As you go through your journey, keep some of these things in mind:

 

Pregnancy doesn’t last forever – enjoy the moment! Even if your body is changing, as it should, focus on the good you are accomplishing, the love and nourishment the baby needs, and the love you need to stay a happy and healthy pregnant surrogate.

Express yourself – talk to your support network! Keeping your feelings and concerns to yourself will do you no good. Or, give Shared Conception a call. We are happy to help!

You are not alone.

Be active – this doesn’t mean exhausting yourself with demanding physical workouts and activity! A walk or swim can help clear your mind and make you feel good!

Treat yourself – get your hair done, nails, pedicure, massage (as long as your doctor approves). Do something for yourself! You may find that self-care can raise your confidence and improve your mood.

 

Post Delivery

After the baby is born, you must give your body time to adjust. It is essential to provide it with the time it needs to balance itself out. Don’t rush. Some of our surrogates have had success in pumping for their surro-babe or through donating their milk. Pumping releases oxytocin which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. You are also more likely to lose the weight gained during pregnancy. That’s a win-win!

 

We all deal with different changes as all our bodies are not the same. Some women encounter stretch marks, acne, fatigue, etc. These changes can be hard to manage while pregnant and as our hormones balance – even after delivery. But always remember, the most important takeaway from this journey is to know you are delivering a miracle, and it is important to remain confident and comfortable with your body.

 

Why not take the next step and open a dialogue with Shared Conception? 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 begin an application to become a gestational surrogate and find out more information!

flu shot when pregnant

Flu Shot when Pregnant

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

So many opinions on vaccinations lately. What’s a surrogate to do? As Shared Conception always recommends, talk to your doctor before going to a clinic or getting a flu shot outside your doctor’s office. As a surrogate, refer to your contract to see what it states about flu vaccinations.

The flu can cause severe illness in pregnant women—your body changes when you are pregnant, including your immune system. Flu can also be harmful to a developing baby, and even something as simple as a fever can have adverse outcomes for a baby in utero.

What not to do

Pregnant women should get a flu shot, NOT the live attenuated vaccine (LAIV or nasal spray). When you get vaccinated, request the flu shot — not the nasal spray vaccine. The flu shot is made from an inactivated virus, so it’s safe for both mother and baby during any stage of pregnancy.

According to the CDC: 

“There is no recommendation that pregnant people or people with pre-existing medical conditions need to get special permission or written consent from their doctor or health care professional for influenza (flu) vaccination if they get vaccinated at a worksite clinic, pharmacy, or other location outside of their physician’s office. Pregnant people should not get nasal spray vaccine.”

But did you know? 

Generally, September and October are the recommended time to be vaccinated. But, early vaccinations can be considered for women in their third trimester to protect the baby for months after birth.

Most of our surrogates have received the flu shot when pregnant to protect themselves and the baby against the flu. Vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalization and flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women up to 40%.

Are you 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!

 

 

The vertex position

Which way is up? 

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

The vertex position. A technical term that describes when a baby is delivered headfirst. The vertex position is the ideal position when you are getting ready for labor. But it’s not always the case.

Usually, weeks before you give birth, the baby moves in a position with its head above your vagina. Sometimes, their feet, bottom, or bottom, and feet remain in this area, which is known as breech. There are a few other ways the baby can position themselves, if not in the vertex position. This does not always require a cesarean, but you will have to discuss the best and safest way to deliver with your doctor.

Breech Position

Breech position is when a baby enters the birth canal with the buttocks or feet first, rather than the head. This prevents the cervix (opening to the uterus) from dilating effectively and can lead to the umbilical cord becoming pinched or compressed. Breech position only occurs in approximately 3-4% of deliveries and is more likely in premature births or multiple babies. While breech babies can be delivered vaginally, studies have found that vaginal deliveries are around three times more likely to result in serious harm to the baby than cesarean sections. Therefore, in most cases in the US, breech babies are delivered by c-section. Your doctor can diagnose a breech presentation either by a physical exam or ultrasound.

Shoulder first

Shoulder first is rare and occurs in less than 1% of deliveries. This is when the baby lies sideways in the uterus, rather than head down or buttocks/feet down. If labor begins with the baby in this position, the shoulder becomes wedged in the pelvis, and the delivery usually does not progress. Almost all babies with shoulder presentation will need to be delivered by cesarean section. Shoulder presentation, like breech presentation, is more common in premature babies or the setting of multiple gestations.

External cephalic version (ECV)

ECV is one way to turn a baby from breech position to head-down position while it’s still in the uterus. It involves the doctor applying pressure to your stomach to turn the baby from the outside. Sometimes, an ultrasound is used to help this turn.

Many women who have normal pregnancies can have ECV. You should not have ECV if you have other complications and talk to your doctor if you are comfortable pursuing this option.

No matter what position the baby decides to be in, be sure to have an honest discussion with your doctor about getting the baby in the safest place best for you to deliver and get the little one into the arms of your intended parents.

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.