other things to consider about surrogacy

Other things to consider when becoming a surrogate

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At Shared conception, we want our surrogates to be informed about the choices they have when becoming a surrogate. It’s not just about meeting the initial surrogacy requirements. You have control over many other considerations. Here are some things that you may not have thought about, as you approach your journey.

Location

Sometimes a surrogate is matched with intended parents who happen to be in her area or just a short car ride away. However, there are times when the intended parents live in another state, or even a different country. Even though these days it is easier to communicate with platforms like Facebook, Zoom and Skype, the geographic location of the intended parents might be important to you. Shared Conception is happy to discuss this if you are not sure how you feel, or if you prefer one way or the other. Just keep in mind, that any travel arrangements are something we will always assist with and of course they are paid for by the intended parents.

International Intended Parents

Some of our intended parent come to Shared Conception from countries outside of the United States. In this case, the intended parents will travel to the U.S. for the IVF transfer, and most are able to be there for the delivery. Many surrogates and their families find the experience of working with intended parents from other countries a wonderful learning experience.

What kind of relationship do you want?

While there are many legalities and contracts involved in a journey, it is also a personal one. We find that many of our intended parents and surrogates become very close, and sometimes lifelong friends, or even “like family,” staying in touch months or years after the birth. Others prefer to keep it a professional relationship. This is all a matter of personal preference. Relationships happen naturally, but it is easier to match you with likeminded intended parents in the beginning of the process.

Religion and surrogacy

At Shared Conception, our intended parents and surrogates are from all cultures and faiths, and we respect all traditions. We always want to be made aware if personal beliefs will impact our matching process. Remember, this is a very personal journey and we want to ensure that we are taking every consideration into account.

Same-sex couples and surrogacy

As we all know, families come in all shapes and sizes. Shared Conception does assist same-sex couples in extending their families. We find this experience especially rewarding.

We have only scratched the surface here with a few topics that come up in the matching process. Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the journey. Why not take the next step and give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an information request form! We would love to hear from you!

holiday travel

Is Holiday Travel Safe?

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With the lingering pandemic, surrogacy contracts, and the overall stress of travel, is it safe to travel this holiday season while you’re pregnant?

In the past, traveling was basically fine for healthy pregnant women without complications but everything is a bit different now. If you are planning a trip as a surrogate, always make sure you notify your intended parents and most importantly your doctor, to get the green light. You can discuss whether or not your travel is essential or if it’s safer to put it off in order to minimize any health risks.

Of course, the best time to travel is in the second trimester between the 14th and 28th week. This time is often the best because your energy is back, morning sickness (if any) is virtually gone and you can still get around easily. After the second trimester, it tends to become more difficult to move around or sit for long periods of time.

If you are free and clear to travel and thinking about a road trip, consider this:

  • When taking a car trip, keep in mind the shortest route is often the best route.
  • Wear your seat belt at all times. The belt should sit low on your hip bones, below your belly.
  • Plan to make frequent stops. Use these stops to move around and stretch your legs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, and clothing that is not too tight.
  • Wear a few layers of light clothing that can easily be added or removed.
  • Eat regular meals to boost your energy.
  • Drink extra fluids. Take water with you. You may need to take more restroom breaks—don’t hold it too long.

If you have spoken to your doctor and have the green light to board a plane, consider these tips:

  • Avoid “high touch” areas like escalator railings, elevator buttons or door handles.
  • Wipe down surfaces during your trip like plane armrests and tray tables.
  • Use hand sanitizer and use it after touching common surfaces.
  • Avoid touching your face to decrease risk of contracting any virus.
  • Choose a window seat – there is lesser chance of catching the virus, even if you have to ask the two people next to you to get up so you can use the bathroom!

For more information, visit the COVID-19 travel website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. You also can read about COVID-19 and pregnancy at www.acog.org/COVID-pregnancy.

Shared Conception wishes you safe travels and a wonderful holiday season! If you are interested in surrogacy and helping creating a family, give us a call. It’s the best gift you can give this year! Or visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information!

holiday pregnancy attire

Latest and Greatest, Pregnancy Attire

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Getting dressed and out of the house when you are pregnant can be hard. Lounging on the couch with Christmas movies and your choice of food and beverage this holiday season, may sound more enticing. When it comes to the idea of dressing up vs. sweatpants, sweatpants usually prevail. But there are those times when we have to dress up.  The good news is that due to the changes we are facing this year, not many holiday parties are likely in our 2020 holiday schedule. But maybe you want just one holiday outfit to this year…or not.

This might mean we may be able to pull of sweatpants on Christmas day! But we now can purchase those cute holiday sweatpants since we don’t have to worry about affording a fancy party outfit. Whichever route you choose, Shared Conception would like to provide some trendy, budget friendly sites for holiday attire. You can also include some chic and comfy clothes on your Christmas list. Comfort is probably what you want the most for Christmas after all!

Let’s get shopping from the comfort of your own home! Here are our top favorite maternity clothing web sites.

For inexpensive and trendy apparel, check out Shein or Asos. These sites provide modern maternity wear that won’t break the bank.

H&M has anything from jeans to dresses at affordable prices and will help expand your wardrobe with top styles and trends.

Macy’s has so many brands, styles and price ranges along with great deals – especially if you have a Macy’s card. Don’t forget about this big retail store. It has so much to choose from, that it is sure to please anyone.

If you need any “basics” check out Old Navy . This site can be a one stop shop or at least a good beginning to maternity clothes shopping. There is even an option to shop by trimester.

There are tons of sites out there. To some, the idea of getting pregnant and having the task of acquiring a brand-new wardrobe may seem daunting. To other, it may be the best thing ever. But lucky for us, we live in the modern world where maternity clothes have drastically evolved.

 

 

 

What to call your surrogate

What to Call Your Surrogate

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There is no official name to call your surrogate after the birth of your baby. Phrases like, “friend of the family” barely scratch the surface. Someone who was once a stranger, has changed your life in the best way possible and now has a special place in your heart. But how did that happen? And for those who are looking into surrogacy, how does it happen?

Surrogate-intended parent relationships usually blossom as the surrogate’s belly blossoms. Intended parents tend to develop a deep and powerful relationship with their surrogate. By the end of the journey, most intended parents want their surrogate to stay in their life and in the life of their child. Some have a special name for their “tummy mummy.” Even if this is not the case, that is okay too! This article is going to share how parents who have had children through surrogacy develop and maintain a relationship with these incredible women!

The relationship between you and your surrogate tends to grow naturally. After you meet your surrogate and go through the medical and legal procedures and a successful embryo transfer, you get know each other pretty well. There is also a lot more time spent together for the remainder of the journey. There will be a lot of talking and texting about prenatal appointments, checking in and maybe inviting her to the baby shower. Our surrogates have also always loved meeting their intended parents for coffee or lunch!

And remember, as her belly get bigger, it is harder and harder for her to move around. So, dropping off dinner from her favorite restaurant can mean the world to her. It is also important to recognize special moments in her life such as her birthday, or a milestone like a promotion. And, recognition can be as simple as an encouraging and kind note or a simple call or text.

Don’t overthink your relationship; let it happen naturally. After all, a happy pregnant woman is a healthy one too! Shared Conception is always here to help our intended parents if they have questions about anything surrogate-related. If you are considering surrogacy, give us a call today or visit https://sharedconception.com. We would love to hear from you.

Why Thanksgiving is great when pregnant

Why Thanksgiving is GREAT Pregnant

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It’s already November, and although many want 2020 to be a year of the past, let’s not rush past Thanksgiving. This amazing “eating holiday” can be the best day of a pregnancy! Think about it; it’s like an endless buffet with delicious and sometimes endless leftovers!

Why Thanksgiving is great when pregnant

Eat like a queen (and don’t cook or clean). You are pregnant. You are tired. Especially after a fabulous meal. Maybe….and this is just a suggestion, you should nap. Although a nice walk in the cool autumn weather can be good for your digestion and make room for dessert!

Have seconds, thirds…..It’s nice to overeat on this holiday, some eat in abundance no matter a pregnancy during T-day dinner. But when you’re pregnant, it’s perfectly acceptable to have thirds of stuffing.

Take home those leftovers! Not only will you be stocked for a few days and not have to worry about cooking, you can also savor this wonderful and delicious holiday for a few more days.

Comfy and cozy. Maternity clothes were designed for this holiday. Especially after that second slice of pie. While everyone else is undoing belts and buttons, you can be thankful for those elastic waist pants or leggings.

Some pregnancy tips for Turkey day:

Stay hydrated. In order to prevent eating so much you feel like you are going to burst, drink plenty of water before your meal. This can help you feel fuller so you are less likely to overdo it.

Pumpkin pie actually is good for pregnant women. Well, at least the pumpkin part. Pumpkin helps regulate blood sugar. Making a pumpkin sauce or soup is less of a sugary path for pumpkin. It may help reduce selling and cramps in your legs. It’s rich in calcium and zinc which is good for your baby.

Stay away from salt. Sodium affects water retention and blood pressure. To minimize puffy legs and swollen ankles, don’t add extra salt to your plate.

Don’t eat the stuffing from inside the turkey. To avoid salmonella and E.coli, cook the stuffing (or request to have some) cooked outside of the bird to be on the safe side.

Most importantly, have a great time with your friends and family. Interested in learning more about surrogacy? 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!

 

 

why a previous pregnancy to become a surrogate

Why a Previous Pregnancy?

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When you become a gestational surrogate, someone puts their hope into your hands. This hope is becoming a biological parent with your help. A lot of time, money and emotions is invested into this journey. This is why it’s important to give this task your best.

There are many health requirements to make sure you are suitable to carry a child as a surrogate. One of the requirements for becoming a surrogate is a previous “successful term pregnancy.” What this means is that to be a surrogate, you need to have had given birth before. Many women may not want children of their own but are willing to put their perfectly healthy uterus to work for someone else. Unfortunately, gestational surrogacy doesn’t work that way. And, there are many reasons why.

Becoming a surrogate with no previous pregnancy experience is risky. Even if an intended parent(s) is willing to accept the risks of working with a surrogate who has never had her own pregnancy, the fertility clinic, or surrogacy agency will become a road block. In most cases, and for their own protection, a clinic or agency will not work with a woman who has never given birth.

While wanting to become a surrogate is selfless, without prior pregnancy experience, you most likely haven’t experienced (or survived) the joys of being a parent yourself. This makes it more difficult to understand what parenthood really means; especially to someone who desperately wants it.

Intended parents come to Shared Conception because they want to build their family. They often have gone through a lot before they choose surrogacy. Deciding on the path of surrogacy is many times the result of infertility. We also work with single individuals and same-sex couples who are in need of assisted reproduction to help build their family. The intended parents want to be matched with a surrogate who gives them the best chances of success, and that is someone with a previous and successful pregnancy.

If a surrogate has never been pregnant or carried a child to term, she may have limited knowledge of her own fertility. This information is important to intended parents who are ready to emotionally and financially invest in a surrogacy journey.

Even with all the professionals involved in a journey, surrogacy can be complicated and risky. That is why pregnancy history is one of the key factors in evaluating a potential surrogate for both our surrogacy agency and intended parents. Shared Conception does all we can do to mitigate risks and create a positive experience for everyone. This guideline is set by the ASRM, and we believe that it is necessary since it offers valuable information in determining if a woman qualifies to be a surrogate. Shared Conception is ready to help you embark on this journey. Give us a call today!

Why Halloween Pregnancy is the Best

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Holidays can stress out a pregnant woman, which is the last thing you need when you’re already tired, swollen, and emotional due to all the hormones battling it out inside of you. But Halloween is really the only holiday with zero stress, which is why it’s the best time of year to be hosting a baby bump. You don’t have to plan, buy, or cook a big elaborate meal. This holiday only involves fun costumes and sugar — and really, aren’t those the best part of any holiday?

Here are our top 3 reasons why Halloween rocks for our surrogates!

  1. You Can Wear Whatever You Want

Sure, those maternity jeans were a good idea in theory. But the minute your belly started growing, anything tight makes you feel less like a maternal goddess and more like a stuffed sausage. Lucky for you, a laid-back look is totally on trend during Halloween season. Not only will no one care if you rock sweats and socks with soccer sandals to work — they’ll compliment you on your clever PJ costume.

  1. One Word: Candy

Women who crave sweets when pregnant and are lucky to have a bun in the oven when Halloween rolls around. It’s like you received the Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory. Grocery stores become abundant with every candy you could possibly dream of. Does the baby prefer nougat or peanut butter? Let’s find out.

  1. Perfect Excuse to Stay in on Halloween

If squeezing into a costume and walking the neighborhood with your children (or someone else’s) sounds like zero fun, blame the bump and stay in. You can pass out candy to all the neighborhood cuties, or sit and enjoy the thrillers that are only on TV around this time each year.

Be careful not to overdose on the sweets! Too much candy for anyone is not good, especially if you are pregnant. If you have any questions relating to your pregnancy health, consult your doctor.

Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

 

Becoming a Gestational Carrier

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If you are a woman who wants to be a gestational carrier (or surrogate), you absolutely need to be willing to do the research to consider what you are getting yourself into.

Surrogacy is a life changing venture. It sounds great in theory, but in practice, it really is a huge undertaking. Women who feel compelled to help couples and individuals, sometimes find themselves compromising themselves out of the goodness of their hearts. Below are some common mistakes to avoid. It’s so important to be true to yourself…that is one of the best gifts you can give to your yourself and the Intended Parent(s)!

Research

It’s important to become well-educated about surrogacy before throwing yourself into the surrogacy process. A lot of your time and emotions will be involved. You will also need to consider the impact a journey will have on your family, health, job and overall lifestyle.

Emotional impact

You will want to consider the emotional impact a surrogate may endure. You cannot forget that you are pregnant, but you have to also understand that your intended parents have faced many hardships from pregnancy and fertility. Their emotions can affect you throughout the pregnancy and you do have to deal with their feelings as well.

Pregnancy is not always easy

Many who choose surrogacy decide on it because they like being pregnant. So, naturally you expect your all your pregnancies to go as well as your previous ones. But, that is not a guarantee. Every pregnancy is different. That is why it is so important to have a support system in place; just in case.

Don’t forget to ask questions! That is the beauty of having an agency such as Shared Conception as part of your support system. Never hesitate to ask! We will make sure you are comfortable every step of the way.

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way. Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

Surrogacy is life changing

Surrogacy is Life-Changing!

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There are many ways that surrogacy will change your life. Some reasons are surprising but nevertheless, all are life changing and impactful for everyone involved.

Adding to your family

For some surrogates, it creates an extended family. Although it may seem like a business transaction at times, it ends up meaning so much more. You often end up creating lifelong friends, but you may never understand the impact you have had on them or the gratitude they have for you.

Seeing the other side of the coin

Most women choose to become surrogates because they enjoy pregnancy and their family and feel compelled to help create a family for someone else. Then there are the special few who become a surrogate multiple times because they had such amazing experiences. As a surrogate, you begin to see a glimpse of those who have struggled with infertility. It’s heart breaking but impactful. Women who have never had trouble conceiving, often have a hard time understanding infertility and the struggles, emotions and heartache involved.

Becoming a good communicator and organizer

Surrogacy is all about communication. There are many cogs in the surrogacy wheel. Communication is an important aspect of your journey as a surrogate. You need to communicate with your intended parents as well as your doctors. The way you feel is important, and you need to report on the way you feel quite often throughout your journey. This ensures a successful and smooth surrogacy. Surrogacy also forces you to become well-organized. There are medication schedules, doctors appointments and more. But, you also have to keep your intended parents apprised. This may instill some good habits that will be hard to break even after the birth.

You learn more about your body

There is a lot required of your body when you are a surrogate. By the end of your journey, you feel like an expert in reproductive health. It takes a lot to become pregnant as a surrogate. There are a lot of people, appointments and medicine involved. You begin to become more in tune with your body’s needs and responses. This will automatically force you into healthier habits – and maintain a healthier lifestyle, even after your journey!

Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com and let’s talk!

 

 

 

The transfer

Embryo Transfer Day!

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This day is very exciting for intended parents and surrogates alike. It is the start of a journey. You may feel excited, nervous, elated or hopeful. But, how do you get here?

 The embryo transfer procedure is usually one of the first questions intended parents and surrogates ask about when beginning their surrogacy journey with us.

After the eggs are taken from the intended mother or egg donor, they are examined and mixed with the intended father or donor sperm. They are then incubated for 5 days to allow fertilization to occur. After that, most intended parents choose to have them tested for genetic abnormalities. That process takes about 10 to 15 days.

The gestational carrier (or surrogate), intended parents and the reproductive doctor then consult to determine the number of embryos to transfer. Based on American Society for Reproductive Medicine and Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, only single embryo transfers are suggested. This is because multiple gestations lead to an increased risk of complications in both the fetuses and the birth mother.

The embryo transfer to the surrogate, takes place in a fertility clinic or nearby hospital. The process does not cause discomfort and requires no medication or anesthesia. The transfer is performed through the vagina using a catheter inserted in the cervix, so the embryos could be inserted into the uterus. The process usually takes approximately 10-15 minutes and then surrogates are required to remain at the clinic for at about 1-2 hours to rest. Surrogates are also asked to restrict their activities, or even be on bedrest for 1-3 days following the transfer procedure. Each fertility clinic has their own protocol regarding this.

Shared Conception suggests that surrogates have someone from their support circle accompany them to the embryo transfer procedure and stay with them until the clinic staff releases them. This helps calm any nerves, and it’s nice to have a member of your support system by your side.

We hope this breakdown of the embryo transfer procedure takes away some of the “mystery” associated with embryo transfers. Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com and let’s talk!