pineapple and ivf relationship

Pineapples and IVF

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Have you noticed the abundance of pineapples when researching IVF or Surrogacy? This fruit has become adopted as a symbol of infertility and IVF. There really is no scientific evidence proving that pineapples improve implantation when undergoing IVF, but many believe that they do. Why?

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme naturally found in pineapple juice and core. This is found only in fresh pineapple, not canned. It’s used to reduce inflammation in the uterus and can possibly help with embryo implantation. It’s also believed to be a mild blood thinner, which some believe can aid in implantation too.

You will find those who swear by it, believing it has helped with their IVF – and you will find others that could take it or leave it. Bromelain has a long history of medicinal use. If you would like to give this a try before your IVF procedure, as always, talk to your doctor and remember, include the core. The juice by itself is not believed to contain enough.

Bottom line, if you enjoy eating pineapples, keep on eating them. They can be part of a healthy diet for a woman undergoing IVF. As with anything, eat in moderation. Large amounts of bromelain can cause your uterus to contract and this is not a good environment for an embryo looking to implant itself.

Regardless of its powers (or not), the pineapple remains a symbol of the fertility community for many of our journeys. If not an aid in IVF; it is a symbol of strength for those who need a boost of confidence, hope and strength or just a snack!

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. Our coordinators will expertly act as a liaison between you and the intended parents. We will ensure that any sensitive or difficult subject matters are tactfully brought up and handled. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing that 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 today!

 

loss of bladder control after birth

Bladder Control!

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Ok ladies…here is the problem…you have had one or two (or maybe even more) of your own children and then chose to selflessly bless another family by becoming a surrogate. Now, you are noticing that your bladder isn’t as strong as it used to be. Actually, you may feel that it’s not doing its job at all. Even the thought of jumping on a trampoline could make you have a little accident.

Don’t worry. This is a common postpartum symptom and the more children you deliver, the weaker your bladder could become. Pregnancy and delivery weaken muscles around the bladder. On top of that, your uterus shrinks after delivery and perches right on top of your bladder, causing a control issue. Even more debilitating, your hormones change. This can take effect on your bladder control too.

What can you do?

  • Kegals! Start small and try to work your way up to 3 sets of 30 per day. These also come in handy in the sudden event of a cough, sneeze or laugh.
  • Lose those extra pregnancy pounds. Extra weight puts more pressure on your bladder.
  • Go more often. If you go, or try to go about every 30 minutes or before that sudden urge arises, you end up training your bladder. And then try to go every 45 minutes; therefore, building up your time.
  • Drink water. Cutting back on water will dehydrate you. And that is not healthy and can cause more problems that the occasional dribble.
  • Certain foods such as coffee, citrus, tomatoes, soda and alcohol can irritate your bladder. Avoiding these irritants can preserve your bladder control.
  • A panty liner or pad will absorb a leak. Most likely you are wearing them after delivery, so they can serve more than one purpose. Just change them often to avoid infection.

Ultimately, it takes between 3 to 6 months, or longer, to regain complete control. If accidents continue after the postpartum healing period, talk to your doctor. Shared Conception pledges to support you throughout your journey and beyond! We ensure that sensitive or difficult subject matters are easily handled by Shared Conception. We want our surrogates to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing they contributed to the world in a unique way. Interested in surrogacy? Give us a call today for a no pressure conversation, or visit  www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form. We would love to hear from you!

you can be a surrogate

You Can be a Surrogate!

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Surrogate, journey, intended parent, gestational carrier, IVF……there is a lot to learn when considering surrogacy. Not everyone is cut out for this job, but more women qualify than you may think. If you are thinking about becoming a surrogate, here are some common characteristics among our surrogates that you may be able to identify with.

You’re a mom.

One of the standard requirements to become a surrogate is that you have had at least one child of your own. If you have not. We cannot accept your application. This way, since you have already been through a pregnancy and delivery, you have realistic expectations. With that said, all of our surrogates are moms. Children unlock a large part of our heart, so giving this gift to another family is something any mom can appreciate the most.

You have a great support system.

A successful surrogacy has an established support system that surrounds you, the surrogate, with positive vibes, a helping hand, and a shoulder to lean on throughout the surrogacy. Whether this is your spouse, partner, friend or relative, this reliable point person and group of people has proven to be vital among all surrogacy journeys.

You are healthy.

When you apply to become a surrogate with Shared Conception, there are some initial medical qualifications to be met. One of the most important qualifications for a surrogate is a healthy lifestyle. Also, you (and spouse/partner) are required to pass a medical and psychological evaluation. This ensures a healthy process for both surrogate and baby.

You are a good communicator.

A great surrogate is open-minded and can go with the flow. Part of your job as a surrogate is to keep everyone “in the know.” It means a lot to your intended parents to supply them with updates about appointments, baby growth, how you are feeling and more!

You have a clean record.

You must not have any type of criminal record. Understandably so, you are going to be carrying someone else’s baby and a history of making good choices, makes you a good choice! Small infractions like speeding tickets won’t disqualify you from being a surrogate. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Shared Conception.

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. Our director will expertly act as a liaison between you and the intended parents. We will ensure that any sensitive or difficult subject matters are tactfully brought up and handled. 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 https://sharedconception.com/deliver-a-dream/ to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you

 

 

Acupuncture and Surrogacy

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*This blog serves as an informative article. Consult your doctor before trying any new procedure.

Originally a Chinese practice, acupuncture has been around for thousands of years. It has been used to balance energy in your own body for preventing and treating sickness and disease and also for general health. Very tiny needles are put into specific places on the body to alleviate certain conditions. These treatments have been said to have benefits advantageous for fertility and some surrogates swear by it!

Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow throughout the body, including the uterus. Eastern medicine doctors believe that this can reduce inflammation that could prevent the egg from implanting into the uterus and growing. This can increase the lining thickness in the uterus prior to embryo transfer. Treatments can also increase beta-endorphins which are said to decrease pain in labor.

Additionally, treatments are believed to decrease stress levels. This is important for two reasons. It can help balance progesterone in your system and lower stress which translates to a better quality of life and a better environment for the baby to thrive.

It doesn’t hurt. Yet, surrogates more than likely spend their first trimester injecting progesterone into their backside, so the idea of more needles can be off-putting. The needles used in acupuncture are hair-thin. Just as there are risks with any kind of treatment, there are minimal risks associated with acupuncture therapy.

From time to time, intended parents ask surrogates to consider acupuncture as part of their transfer process. Although this is not always the case, acupuncture is believed to possibly help the IVF cycle be more successful. With all the time, money and emotional investment in a transfer process, it is not hard to imagine some intended parents asking their surrogate to consider this procedure. But really, it’s your choice. Intended parents can only ask you to agree to acupuncture.

If acupuncture is an avenue you want to consider, talk with your doctor and intended parents first. A lot of topics similar to this are discussed and considered before the legal phase. But along the way, an extra treatment such as this can be discussed between both parties. Shared Conception pledges wholeheartedly to support you throughout your journey. We will ensure that any sensitive or difficult subject matters are comfortably handled. We want to you be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing you contributed to the world in this unique way. Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit https://sharedconception.com/deliver-a-dream/ to fill out an application request form. We would love to hear from you!

 

 

picking the right practice as a surrogate

Practice Picking

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It’s common for a surrogate to receive medical care by her chosen obstetrician once she is released by the fertility center.  This is typically after the first trimester. In most cases, the surrogate returns to the same doctor used when she carried her own children. This is really nice for a surrogate because she already knows and trusts this practice. And again, in most cases, the intended parents want the surrogate mother to be comfortable in her prenatal care.

But there are some cases when surrogates cannot use the practice previously used. Perhaps it is because of a recent move to a different state or area, or maybe their OB has retired. If this happens, how do you decide which doctor to see?

At the start of my second surrogacy, my husband lost his job which meant that we did not have health insurance. I was 28 weeks pregnant and I could not return to the OB practice I had used for my first surrogacy. While my gestational agreement covered new insurance, I had to choose another plan separate from my family, and this complicated things. While searching for the best plan for my family, I had to look and see what plans would cover myself, the baby, while being able to remain at my current practice; which ended up being impossible.

Luckily, it all worked out. The second practice was fine. Unfortunately, I found out that I had to deliver at a different hospital. I was not thrilled about this new change because I had been looking forward to delivering at this new, state-of-the-art hospital. My husband, an ever-positive ray of sunshine, kept telling me he would find a job and we would be covered and able to go back to my previous OB in time for my delivery. I thought that was a far stretch. Strangely enough, it ended up working out that way, which was great for my husband. Of course, but I was doing somersaults (in my head), to be back with my previous OB and delivering at the swanky new hospital!

Since I still had to go through the process of finding a new doctor, mid-journey, I have some tips for you to think about when you are looking for a new or different practice as a surrogate:

  • Experience with gestational carriers
  • Compliance to include the intended parents in the prenatal visits and delivery
  • How the doctor handles c-sections, as I had to have one and our previous doctor was known for how well she handled them
  • Location! I wanted to deliver near my house. Since I knew I was going to be in the hospital for at least 3 days, I wanted my two young sons to be able to visit their mommy!
  • I didn’t want to have to go to different places for ultrasounds or bloodwork. It’s nice to have everything was done in the same building.

I was lucky. Everything ended up working out and my “in between” practice turned out to be just fine. My intended parents let me choose where I was most comfortable and Shared Conceptions helped me with the ever-confusing insurance process. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, give Shared Conception a call today! We would love to hear from you!

part 3 how to become a surrogate with shared conception

How to Become a Surrogate with Shared Conception

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Part 3 : Transfer, Pregnancy & Delivery

The Embryo Transfer

The IVF clinic will guide you with instructions about the embryo transfer process, all the medications needed, and their expectations of you. There are several aspects of the embryo transfer process.

  • You may be asked to take contraceptives, and possibly Lupron, to prepare you for the embryo transfer.
  • Multiple subcutaneous and intramuscular injections will be administered during the embryo transfer cycle until the end of the first trimester.
  • You will be asked to take estrogen and progesterone in the form of a patch, pill, suppository or injection.
  • During the embryo transfer, a small catheter is inserted into your vagina then uterus. The embryos will then be placed through the catheter and up into the uterus for anticipated implantation.
  • Be prepared for multiple blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the progress of the cycle, as well as the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.
  • Many times, mandatory bed rest will occur for 1-3 days immediately following the embryo transfer. This varies based on which fertility clinic the intended parents are with.
  • Within 8 to 14 days following the embryo transfer, you will take a pregnancy test at the IVF clinic.

Pregnancy and Delivery

An In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) pregnancy requires different and earlier attention than your past pregnancies.

  • The IVF clinic will closely monitor you for approximately twelve weeks before releasing you to the obstetrician of your choice.
  • Know that there may be a possibility of multiples and if this occurs, you may be required to attend additional office visits, go on bed rest or just be more closely monitored.
  • As this pregnancy is shared with the intended parents, it is crucial to have ongoing communication with them about the developing fetus, your health status, etc.
  • The delivery of this baby is such a memorable time for everyone! In most cases the surrogate, along with her family, share this very exciting and rewarding moment with the intended parents. After delivery and the release of the baby (by its pediatrician), the intended parents leave the hospital as a complete family unit while the surrogate goes home to her own family, satisfied knowing she fulfilled the wishes of a couple or individual.

Shared Conception’s Pledge

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. Our coordinators will expertly act as a liaison between you and the intended parents. We will ensure that any sensitive or difficult subject matters are tactfully brought up and handled. 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 https://sharedconception.com/deliver-a-dream/ to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

 

 

 

part 2, how to become a surrogate

How to become a surrogate with Shared Conception

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Part 2: Medical and Legal

The medical and legal processes can be a bit complicated. But remember, we are with you every step of the way! Shared Conception will guide you through the application process, medical and legal processes, and well through labor and delivery. We believe it is our duty to provide our surrogates with what they need to have a happy (and healthy) journey.

 

Medical Screening and Evaluation

Your medical records will need be thoroughly reviewed and approved by the intended parent’s IVF physician, who will want to meet you for a consultation and medical evaluation. Each clinic varies in the types of medical screening they perform, but they will often include infectious disease screening, vaginal ultrasound, etc. Your spouse or partner is also screened for infectious diseases. The intended parents do pay for all the expenses related to the medical screening and evaluation.
We encourage you to take this time to discuss all potential medical risks with the IVF physician, including the various medical procedures and medications involved in the process.

*Please note: You will have to be under the IVF clinic’s care for the first trimester of your surrogate pregnancy. Afterwards, barring any complications or concerns, you will be released to the OBGYN of your choice.

Legal Process

The actual surrogacy contract is drafted by the intended parents’ attorney. If you do not have an attorney, we will give you a list of qualified attorneys experienced in Reproductive Law to review your contract. Your attorney will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the contract and advise you on any items that may need modifying. The intended parents will pay all fees associated with the legal process.

 

Once the contract is signed by all parties, your intended parents will deposit funds into an escrow account which will be used to cover your expenses and fees as agreed upon in the contract. At that point, you are able to start medications in preparation for the embryo transfer.

 

Stay tuned for Part 3 of our “How to Become a Surrogate with Shared Conception” blog series. If you don’t want to wait for our final blog of the series and are interested in becoming a surrogate today, feel free to give us a call! You can also visit us online at: https://sharedconception.com/deliver-a-dream/ to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

how to become a surrogate

How long does it take to become a surrogate with Shared Conception?

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Part 1 – Application and Matching Process

Shared Conception works hard to simplify the surrogate process for all of our potential surrogates. Initially, it may seem complicated, but we will be with you every step of the way!  Here is a breakdown of the steps involved from start to finish in our 3 part “How to Become a Surrogate with Shared Conception” blog series!

The Surrogate Mother Process – Application and Evaluation

  • All of our surrogates begin by completing the Information Request form online, or calling Shared Conception (713-622-1144) to schedule an initial phone consultation. We will ask a few brief questions and then explain the surrogate process to you. This is also a good time to ask any questions. And we mean ANYTHING!
  • If we both decide to proceed, we will email you our application packet, which also requests a few pictures of yourself, so we can put a face to the name. The application will ask you about your medical history, psychological history and lifestyle. Complete the application thoroughly and honestly so that we can start the “getting to know you” process, thus matching you with the most appropriate intended parents.
  • If your application is reviewed and accepted, Shared Conception will contact you about your potential participation in Shared Conception’s Surrogacy Program. This is when the fun begins! We want to get to know you better including your preferences related to surrogacy and what your ideal match would be. We want you to have the opportunity to ask any and all questions you may have before you decide to join our program. If you are married, it is also helpful for your spouse to participate in these calls. His or her presence allows us to get to know you both; thus custom-matching you with the most appropriate intended parents.
  • If all goes well, and we are both on board, Shared Conception will present you with our Agency agreement which spells out both parties’ rights and responsibilities and gives us permission to present your profile to the best intended parents for you.
  • Next, we will start gathering medical records from your previous pregnancies. As this can take a while, it’s important that you provide us with your OBGYN and hospital info as soon as possible.
  • If you have medical insurance, we will ask that you send your insurance benefits information to us. The goal is to see if your health insurance policy has any surrogacy exclusions relating to pregnancy. Once you’re matched, we’ll have an insurance specialist review this as well. If you do not have insurance, we will assist you in finding a policy. The intended parents will be responsible for the premiums relating to this insurance policy.
  • While your insurance and medical records are being gathered, Shared Conception will simultaneously conduct a thorough criminal background check.

The Matching Process

Shared Conception’s objective is that the surrogate and intended parents interact in an extraordinarily comfortable environment and that both parties build a good rapport and partnership. With that said, we strive to pinpoint your core beliefs and innate desires that are in-line with the intended parents, so that you are mentally comfortable throughout the pregnancy.
Once Shared Conception accepts you into our surrogate mother program, we will expertly determine which couples to present to you based upon the criteria you expressed to us during the screening process and the preferences the couples have shared with us. This timeline could either be quick or it could take some time, as we are looking for someone whose needs, expectations and views are similar to yours.
If you are comfortable with the intended parents we present to you, we will immediately contact them and coordinate a three-way phone conversation between the intended parents, Surrogate and a member of the Shared Conception team. If all parties agree to move forward, then the next step is to arrange a face-to-face meeting (if logistically possible) so everyone can discuss the partnership and expectations.

Psychological Screening and Evaluation

Once this match meeting is successfully completed and all parties agree to work together, you and your husband or partner (if applicable) will be psychologically tested and evaluated by a licensed mental health professional experienced in fertility counseling. This step is recommended by The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and will ensure that you are well informed of the risks involved in a gestational arrangement, as well as the psychological, physical and mental aspects of the surrogacy process. All psychological screening and evaluation fees are paid for by the intended parents.

Stay tuned for part 2 and three of our “How to Become a Surrogate with Shared Conception” blog series. If you don’t want to wait and are interested in becoming a surrogate today, give us a call! You can also visit us online at: https://sharedconception.com/deliver-a-dream/to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

new year 2020 celebration gold foil balloons royalty free image 1570207201

Surrogates New Year’s Resolution (you’ll want to keep)

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It’s easier not to keep your New Year’s resolutions than to actually keep them.  But, allow your pregnancy to serve as a great motivator for looking after yourself. Here are some very popular New Year’s Resolutions, as told by our surrogates.

  1. Eat well– We all know a balanced diet ensures that a baby has everything they need to grow. It also gives you the proper nutrition for a healthier and happier pregnancy. The Holidays are full of traditional and gourmet goodies we normally do not eat throughout the year, so a nice dose of fruit and vegetables daily will keep those unhealthy snacks to a minimum.
  2. Stay active– Fitting even the smallest amount of exercise into your daily routine is great for both baby and surrogate. Even if you just park further from the mall entrance while shopping or choose the stairs instead of the escalator, staying active can help you remain more comfortable throughout your journey.
  3. Remain positive – Life is very stressful and sometimes we get to our wits end. Research shows that pregnant women who have a more positive outlook have better, healthier pregnancies. Even pregnancy friendly exercises like yoga, or meditation can help you maintain a sunny outlook.
  4. Rest – Ever hear someone say “you’re pregnant, you deserve it.”? And YES, you do! Take advantage of your situation and put your feet up, take a nap and just do nothing! It’s good for you! And, this is a time in your life when it is acceptable because your body is working 24/7, and needs more rest than usual.
  5. Believe in yourself – You are an amazing person doing an amazing thing. Even though you enjoy pregnancy, it’s not always easy, but, you got this! When times are tough, reach out to your Shared Conception coordinator or our private Facebook page – just for our surrogates. You’ll find your sisterhood of surrogates are there to support you and empathize because, we all have been there!

Shared Conception hopes these little bits of information can offer a more fulfilling surrogacy for you and your intended parents! If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, give us a call today. We would love to hear from you for a no pressure informative chat! And Happy New Year!

 

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Surro Gift Giving

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Throughout a journey, both intended parents and surrogates are bound by a legal contract. This contract is full of agreements, dos and don’ts and other stipulations that both the surrogate and intended parent must follow. However, there is nothing in the contract about gift giving…. but don’t let that stop you.

First of all, intended parents are not expected or required to give gifts. But if you are bitten by the gift giving bug – go for it! Especially this time of year when our hearts are full of joy and appreciation. Plus, it is scientifically stated we are all a little bit more generous around the Holidays.

A gift doesn’t have to be expensive. With Shared Conception, we provide our intended parents a “favorites” list that’s filled out by their surrogate in order learn more about her likes and dislikes, favorite restaurants, hobbies, colors, etc. This also serves as a handy tool when looking for a gift for your surrogate.

Keep in mind, anything unexpected is always appreciated. Sometimes even a gift for your surrogate’s children is touching. After all, they are part of the journey too. And, who doesn’t love to be pampered? A pedicure for those tired feet and legs or a massage or manicure, can make any pregnant woman feel better.

Don’t forget post pregnancy gift ideas too like a date night for your surrogate with their significant other to a favorite restaurant or movie theater. If you have a surrogate that loves family time and adventure, try gift cards for laser tag or mini golf.

A word of advice if purchasing any kind of gifts for your surrogate… Make sure it comes from the heart. This is an emotional journey for all that results in the best outcome: a family! A good relationship with your surrogate will make for a seamless, happy journey for all – including the baby!

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate or are looking to find a surrogate, give Shared Conception a call today. We would love to hear from you!