There are so many surrogacy agencies to choose from. It can be very overwhelming. First, you need to educate yourself on the process so you can “interview” each contender. One of the most common questions we get is, “Why should we utilize a surrogacy agency instead of an independent surrogacy arrangement?” Some intended parents independently locate their own surrogate mother. In this case you must manage all the legal, medical, psychological, financial and travel details yourself. Dealing with all the logistics, plus the emotional aspects of the pregnancy at the same time, can be extremely overwhelming to an intended parent. A reliable surrogacy agency will handle all necessary background checks and screen potential matches for any medical and psychological matters. With an independent arrangement, you may not locate the ideal candidate for you and your family plus you may expose yourself to a lot of negativities, possible scams and other risks. Closely working with an agency like Shared Conception eliminates a huge amount of stress and anxiety. We grant you access to only the most thoroughly-screened surrogate mothers and can even arrange financial and legal assistance. Naturally, a surrogacy agency also provides consistent psychological and emotional support as well. We have close relationships with the area’s finest psychologists, lawyers and clinics that all specialize in the surrogacy process. A surrogacy agency also arranges some of the doctor appointments and possible travel arrangements that need to be scheduled once you choose that perfect surrogate mother. An agency will also expertly manage all the logistics involved such as seeking legal counsel, any administrative details, all paperwork and assist with financial agreements including, but not limited to, escrow services. Our surrogacy agency's goal is to make the arrangement as simple and as enjoyable as possible, with as little stress as possible. Shared Conception is always at your service and can provide emotional support while guiding you through each stage of the surrogacy journey. We are here for you! Contact us today!

Surrogacy can be complicated, costly and is a huge decision for any couple. A surrogate mother or gestational carrier is a woman who carries a child for someone else. There are many ways that different types of families can find their way to surrogacy. For straight couples and lesbians, surrogacy is typically considered if a woman cannot carry a child herself or after a woman has experienced many miscarriages or unsuccessful IVF attempts.

For gay men and couples, surrogacy is a way to conceive a child that is biologically associated to one or both partners through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Some clinics even combine the sperm of each partner with separate batches of the donor eggs. This could result in multiples, each with the same biological mother, but separate fathers. If a single child is born, a DNA test will be needed to determine which donor is the father. Another option is to have one of the partner's female relatives serve as the egg donor while her eggs would then be fertilized by the sperm of the other partner. In this way, the child would be biologically related to both men.

While less common, a lesbian couple may also use a surrogate mother if one or both partners are unable to produce an egg to be fertilized or unable to carry a child to term.

Surrogacy is a good option for many gay men because at least one partner will be biologically connected to the child conceived. If you live in a state that prohibits LGBT adoption, using a surrogate will ensure you will be recognized as the child’s biological parent, and means you will not have to obtain an adoption to gain parental rights (although your partner will). Luckily, Texas has some of the most favorable laws for surrogacy. An experienced surrogacy agency, such as Shared Conception, can help you navigate the entire surrogacy process. Our mission is to give all that want a family, the proper path to achieving one. Give us a call today or check us out on the web at www.sharedconception.com.

There are many ways for a surro babe to receive breastmilk. You can look at our blog if an intended mother is interested in inducing lactation. This requires some preparation before your gestational carrier delivers, including hormone therapy, breast massage and nipple stimulation. You can also ask your surrogate if they are interested in pumping. There are many advantages to pumping for both baby and surrogate post-partum. Below are some tips if you are a surrogate interested in pumping for your intended parents and new baby, or if you are an intended parent wanting breast milk for your lovely new addition!

1. Speak with the staff at the hospital where the baby will be born and let your nurse and the hospital’s lactation consultant know of your plan to pump for baby. The goal is usually to be able to begin pumping within the first 30 minutes after birth. This may not be possible, depending on the circumstances, but the earlier you begin, the better for both surrogate and baby.

2. Carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of formula feeding vs. breast milk at the very beginning of your journey to establish good digestion for the newborn and to allow the baby to get the proper nutrients they require. Talk to your surrogate to find out if she is willing to pump breast milk for the child after they leave the hospital.

3. Surrogates can start early to establish a milk supply. Some experts recommend starting as soon as six weeks in advance of the baby’s arrival and others recommend a couple of months in advance.

4. Use a high quality, electric, hospital grade breast pump with dual attachments so you can pump both breasts at once. Your health insurance may even cover the cost! Start gradually with a gentle massage, nipple stimulation, and pumping a couple of times a day for 3 to 5 minutes. Work up to pumping for 10 minutes 6 to 8 times per day. Follow a lactation induction protocol. You can also contact your local La Leche League for more information.

5. Don’t be discouraged by how much breast milk you are able to pump. Pumping even without large milk production helps change the breast and increases the likelihood of success regardless how much milk you are producing in the beginning.

6. If the infant needs supplemental milk, that’s okay. If you do not have enough breast milk at the beginning, it is not uncommon to supplement with formula mixed with breast milk.

8. Have a board-certified lactation specialist available to work with you when you are first trying to pump. All hospitals have one on staff. It is very helpful if this person is knowledgeable about the specific issues the surrogate or intended mother may face with pumping. You can also check with the International Lactation Consultant Association or your local La Leche League for someone near you.

9. Remember to relax, enjoy the benefits of pumping if you are a surrogate, or the benefits of breastmilk for your baby as an intended parent.

10. You can always contact us at Shared Conception for more information on this subject.

There are many individuals and couples out there that are struggling with infertility; more than you may know. Whether it is your neighbor, the checkout associate at your grocery store, a personal trainer at your gym or the bank teller that gave you change for that twenty-dollar bill, infertility affects thousands of Americans, but is rarely talked about. For those who have struggled from years of infertility, any reminder of their situation can heighten their sadness.

Family gatherings can be stressful enough, and for those unable to have a child, dodging or answering “family-building questions” may trigger tension and sorrow. A pang of emotional pain could have emerged at the sound of children laughing or at the sight of them scampering.

Those who encountered challenges reproducing do admit that when they were ready to start a family, they thought having and raising the baby would be the hard part; not conceiving.

If you are battling infertility, you are definitely not alone. According to recent statistics, 10 to 15 percent of couples living in the United States have been diagnosed with infertility. Compound this with couples and individuals around the globe suffering from infertility, and those numbers increase astronomically. Although fertility treatments work for some, others do not respond to these various forms of treatment.

Despite the obstacles, it’s important to never lose hope.

Never forget, if one road doesn’t bring about the birth of a child, another will. And a very special way is through surrogacy.

In addition to those dealing with their fertility challenges, there are also same-sex couples who rely on surrogacy, and sperm and egg donation so that they can achieve their dreams of parenthood.

While it’s a different pace for all, intended parents arrive at a point in their lives, when recognizing that their future family is within their reach through surrogacy. They have endured so much to have their baby. Coupled with their compassion, intended parents redefine the meaning of appreciation and patience.

Over time, they come to realize that anything worth the wait is worth waiting for. And that way is through surrogacy. Give us a call at Shared Conception, we can help you.

Yes! It’s possible; it is not a myth and many intended Moms have chosen to do this to promote the bond between themselves and their newborn. Throughout history, women have induced lactation, dating as far back as ancient times.

Prolactin, the milk-making hormone and oxytocin, the milk-releasing hormone, are the two hormones that administer lactation. These hormones are not ovarian hormones; they are pituitary, which means that even without a pregnancy, a woman may lactate.

There are many ways to induce lactation. Hormone therapy such as high doses of estrogen and a regimen of prolactin, is taken to mimic the abrupt changes in hormones levels found during pregnancy and delivery to bring in the milk. Additionally, breast massage and nipple stimulation with a pump or by baby is necessary at this point.

Intended mothers who wish to attempt induced lactation must remember to be informed, supported, educated and guided by a professional. Contact your local La Leche League and consult with your doctor.

There is a lot to consider after making the final decision to use a surrogate. Shared Conception works effortlessly to match you with your most perfect surrogate. Your relationship with your surrogate will be unique and can provide you with the most rewarding outcome. When meeting with potential surrogates, what qualities should you look for in a surrogate mother?

Your average surrogate is a generous and caring woman who values family and has a desire to give the gift of a child and help create a family. Surrogates come from many walks of life. All have had at least one child, most come from medium-income households, and are either single or married. Education levels vary.

Of course you want your surrogate to be healthy and have a lifestyle free from drug/alcohol abuse and smoking. Doctors will require an appropriate Body Mass Index (BMI) and that she has had at least one (uncomplicated) pregnancy. Those are just some of the medical requirements. There are also other requirements such as: What are her feelings towards the important issues that may come up during the surrogacy journey, and do they align with yours? How many times is she willing to go through IVF? Does their spouse, friends and family support them?

Choosing the right surrogate is crucial. The most important advice we can give Intended Parents, is to go with your gut. If you have any reservations – feel free to express your feelings to us and we can introduce you to other surrogates. Give us a call today to set up a free consultation. We will guide you the whole way through!

There may be a time in your journey that you will be asked invasive and sometimes offensive questions about the surrogacy process. Some awkward moments are bound to happen. By choosing to be a surrogate, these awkward moments sometimes come with the territory. It may be an uncomfortable question asked by a relative, or a stranger asking, “How can you give up the baby?” Although you are not obligated to give an answer or justify your decisions, if you do answer, it helps remind the curious of the wonderful gift you are about to give a family.

Sometimes it may be as simple as handling these moments with a giggle or a smile. You may even want to take the opportunity to educate inquiring minds about the surrogacy process. The majority of the public is unaware of what exactly a surrogate does. Surrogacy is relatively new to mainstream America. Take this as an opportunity to show the positive side of surrogacy. You have the ability to direct the discussion to focus on the good side of surrogacy and what your journey provides a family.

There are more good times than bad when you become a surrogate. You are creating families and making the impossible, possible. We would love to support and guide you through your journey. Call Shared Conceptions and become a surrogate with us.

Finding Intended Parents with Shared Conception is the first step to having the perfect match and the best surrogacy experience possible. After you complete your surrogacy profile, Shared Conception will find potential Intended Parents for you to meet. The next step is the initial conversation, usually done over the phone or via Skype. For many surrogates, this initial conversation may give you that gut feeling that you want when finding the perfect match for you.But, what do you ask a potential Intended Parent? You want to find a connection before getting into the personal details and hard to ask questions such as, “how do you feel about selective reduction?”. Below is a list of questions that may help guide you in conversation with possible Intended Parents.

• What brought you to pursue surrogacy?
• What clinic you want to use?
• When do you hope to start the surrogacy process?
• How many transfers will you attempt to achieve a pregnancy? Do you have frozen embryos or are you doing a retrieval first?
• What will you ask of me during the pregnancy? Any food/diet/religious restrictions?
• What are you most looking forward to about being parents?
• What type of contact do you want to have after delivery?
• How many embryos do you intend to transfer?
• Do you have support from friends and family?
• Do you plan to be open about the process with those close to you?
• What would you do if the baby was diagnosed with a medical condition during pregnancy (terminate or continue the pregnancy?)
• What would you do if you got pregnant with three or more babies (selectively reduce or carry)?
• What type of contact do you want during the pregnancy? Do you prefer calls, email, text, etc.?

Make sure you are prepared to answer questions about your views and opinions on the surrogacy process as well. Remember, you choose Intended Parents as much as they choose you. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t choose them. And always go with your gut.