shoes fit for pregnancy

Let’s talk shoes!

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A summer pregnancy isn’t always easy. It’s hot, you sweat more and battle with trying to dress comfortably and looking cute. Thank goodness you have the support of your family members and loved ones! Shoes are another type of support you need in order to have a comfortable journey. Your swollen feet deserve more. The summer heat can add to swelling. Women have lots of extra fluid in their bodies during pregnancy and the pressure from the growing uterus causes swelling in the ankles and feet. Unfortunately, swelling tends to get worse during hotter weather, which could make those cute sandals a little difficult to wear.

When shopping for shoes, there are many things to consider. That is why Shared Conception is letting you know about our favorite pregnancy shoes that provide support, comfort, and style.

Those extra pounds you put on add stress to your body, especially your feet. At the end of the day, your legs can feel tired, heavy, achy, and swollen. That is why you have to shop for shoes that are flexible and can accommodate the swelling fluctuation throughout the day. Since your ligaments loosen while you are pregnant (thanks to your hormones) your arches can fall flat. With that in mind, purchase shoes with proper arch support.

You may have to retire your favorite sneakers for a size up! Your feet can grow up to a whole size when you are pregnant – and that’s okay! Shoes that are comfortable and fit well are important because your center of gravity changes. It also helps to skip the heels for the remainder of your pregnancy. Heels can become hazardous, especially for your ankles! So, you can stay safe and avoid any accidents, retire the heels for now.

Here are 5 stylish and comfortable shoes to look into for your precious tootsies this summer:

BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA BIG BUCKLE SLIDE SANDAL

birkenstock for pregnancy

TIOSEBON WOMEN’S ATHLETIC WALKING SHOES

SERAPHINE BALLET FLATS

SANUK WOMEN’S YOGA SLING 2

TOMS ALPARGATA SHOES

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!

6 things our surrogates were surprised about

6 Surrogate Surprises

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In short, surrogacy is a life-changing experience, not only for yourself but for the family you are helping to build. Nowadays, it’s easy to look up information about the surrogacy process. And that’s a great first step. But not all the information you need is out there. Hearing the top surrogate surprises from our Shared Conception surrogates can make your expectations and experience a whole lot easier.

If you are interested in surrogacy and can’t help but wonder what to expect, we’ve compiled a list that our surrogates helped combine. This list covers the 5 things they wished they knew before embarking on a journey.

1) You Don’t Get Paid Right Away

Compensation can be an uncomfortable subject but is still very important to discuss. Your contract will outline what you are getting and when. Most surrogacy agreements are spread out throughout the pregnancy.

2) The Screening Process is Surprisingly Long and Intense

The process and requirements to become a surrogate are more intense than most expect. Roughly, only two out of every twenty women who apply to become a surrogate will qualify. There is a long list of requirements, some of the things Shared Conception will be checking are:

  • Proof that you’re financially secure
  • That you already have children who you are currently raising
  • If you have a partner that you have their consent to start the process
  • That you have a strong support system
  • And much more

It may feel that everything in your life will be under a microscope. But this is for the safety of yourself, the intended parents, and the baby-to-be.

3)  The Many Steps to Prepare Your Body

Not only do you have to go through an arduous screening process, get records from every medical professional you are under the care of, fill out tons of paperwork, and mentally and emotionally prepare yourself to become a surrogate, you’ll also have to get your body ready for the embryo transfer.

This involves medications, so think pills, patches, and injections. You or your partner will have to administer the injection yourselves and they need to be taken on a very strict schedule for the first 10-12 weeks. Also, you’ll have to visit the clinic weekly for blood tests and ultrasounds to make sure everything looks the way it should. This takes up a lot of time, so make sure you have the time to commit to the weekly appointments.

4) Your Bond with the Intended Parent’s

A relationship with your intended parents is bound to form. This means that you’ll be expressively invested in the rollercoaster of emotions during the embryo transfer process, the pregnancy, and beyond. Many surrogates and intended parents find themselves “like family” by the end of the journey.

5) You’ll Need to Be a Good Communicator

Intended parents cannot feel the baby kick, but they would like to hear about it. The truth of the matter is, it never hurts to communicate and share your experience with the intended parents. And doing what you can to involve them can help you build a stronger relationship, too.

6) You Might Decide to Pursue Surrogacy Again

It’s hard to describe how you felt during your surrogacy. After experiencing such intimate and wonderful moments during your pregnancy and seeing your intended parents hold their baby for the first time, it’s not uncommon to want to do it again. Many of our surrogates only planned to pursue one journey and many found themselves doing it again.

If you haven’t started your surrogacy journey yet, but you’d like to learn more about the process, we’d be happy to answer your questions. Contact us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Or, visit www.deliveradream.com for more information.

 

how faith is involved in surrogacy

3 Ways Faith is Found in the Surrogacy Process

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Religion connects people in many different ways. And, it can play a role in your surrogacy journey. Here are just a few to start a conversation.

1.     Surrogacy alone is a leap of faith: Surrogacy is an unbelievable option for those who cannot have children on their own.  But, it is not a process that is quick or easy. When you decide to start this journey, there are many people involved that make this process as smooth as possible. This can be especially true when you’re an intended parent, as you’ll be spending a lot of time waiting and putting your faith in your surrogate. When so many factors are out of your control, being patient and holding onto faith is one of the best things you can do.

2.     Your faith can connect you to other families: It might seem like you don’t have anyone to reach out to, but there are plenty of families in your position who have either thought about starting their surrogacy journey or are getting started just like you. Additionally, you’ve probably considering looking for a match with a gestational surrogate who shares your beliefs. While there could be a wait to find the right person, it will be well worth it in the end.

3.     It’s one of the greatest ways to help others:  There are many reasons why women choose to become surrogates. But one of the many reasons is because becoming a surrogate is spiritually and emotionally rewarding or fulfilling, and offers an opportunity for them to give back.

We know that you already have a lot to think about before you start your journey. If you are interested in having a surrogate, or just a conversation, let Shared Conceptions help. Give us a call today and get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

 

 

If you are wondering if becoming a surrogate is right for you, visit www.deliveradream.com to get started on an application.

New York lifts the ban on commercial surrogacy

New York’s Ban on Commercial Surrogacy Ends!

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New York was one of the few states that banned the process of compensated surrogacy; making it illegal. Many residents in New York have had to travel cross country to arrange for a surrogate mother. This has required intended parents to find fertility practices outside of their state. This law made an arduous, expensive and emotional process a lot more difficult and costly for New York residents. Now, after a nine-year legal struggle, surrogacy is allowed!

The state’s ban on commercial surrogacy stemmed from the case of Baby M. In a publicized court battle. Mary Beth Whitehead argued that she should be allowed to keep the child she carried for William and Elizabeth Stern. In this case, Mary Beth was the biological mother as she provided the egg. This type of surrogacy is called traditional surrogacy versus gestational surrogacy. Nonetheless, the New Jersey Supreme Court gave custody to the intended parents, the Sterns, saying this was in the best interest of the child.

The new law that took effect on February 15th, 2021 only allows for gestational surrogacy. This means that surrogates are not genetically related to the embryo. Instead, the embryo is created by in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors and is then transferred to the surrogate. This option is welcomed by anyone who desires to become parents, including couples that are struggling with infertility and the LGBTQ community.

The state employed a surrogates’ bill of rights protecting women who become surrogates. This includes requiring the intended parent to pay for health and life insurance, and an attorney of her own, and ensuring that she has control over medical decisions related to the pregnancy. At the same time, it protects the intended parents by establishing their parental rights as soon as the baby is born. There is no longer a need for costly adoption proceedings, whether there is a single intended parent, couple, or same-sex couple.

The decision or point where one has to consider using a gestational carrier is a difficult one. This is usually made after a difficult personal journey through infertility. Of course, same-sex couples also choose this avenue to help build their own family.

With this change in New York law, surrogacy advocates see hope that more laws will fall into place for ethical gestational carrier agreements, making surrogacy a more viable option for the many who are unable to create a family on their own. The United States is by far the leading provider of surrogacy services because it is considered the safest and offers more legal protections for both intended parent and surrogate.

If you have ever considered becoming a surrogate, call us for a no pressure, informative conversation. Your journey can begin by filling out an application request form. Visit www.deliveradream.com for more information.

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.

 

 

 

 

Cleaning when a surrogate

Spring Cleaning While Pregnant

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Spring is in the air! We have had a cold and tough winter, and now we are starting to see the light at the end of the dark and cold winter tunnel. You may get the urge to enjoy some outdoor activity or get the house organized and cleaned. Just keep in mind, you are pregnant and you need to take it slow.

It would be awesome if chores disappeared when you discovered you were pregnant, but that is never the case. And, now that you are carrying, you have to be careful about what products you use, and how you use them. Here are a few things to keep in mind when spring cleaning.

  1. Avoid Fumes – chemicals are harmful to pregnancy. Look at homeopathic cleansers, and don’t be afraid of looking into the magic concoction of vinegar, baking soda, and lemons.
  2. Stay away from Kitty Litter – This may be a great time to show your child how to care for their pets, especially if you have a cat. Cat feces can have a negative impact on your pregnancy so stay away from Fluffy’s toilet.
  3. Avoid muscle strain – as your belly blossoms, your center of gravity changes. In this case, lifting and carrying becomes more difficult and more complicated. Try to maintain a good posture to prevent backaches and all other kinds of aches.
  4. Take a break! Remember, you are pregnant. Your body is working twice as hard so give it a rest! And stay hydrated!
  5. Mind the belly. Try rounded laundry baskets. The rounded sides make carrying the baskets much easier. And yes, you can try doing this before you buy, no shame….

 

Even surrogates get those nesting instincts, and you can use this to your advantage. Reorganizing a closet will relieve any natural drive to prepare, clean, and organize. On top of becoming systematized, you are actually preparing for an easy transition following your return from the hospital.

 

Keeping a clean house isn’t always easy when you are pregnant. Consider reaching out to your support group for help. And check your contract. Sometimes cleaning services are included at a point of gestation. Typically, between 32 and 36 weeks.

 

If you are interested in this selfless act of kindness, give Shared Conception a call today. Call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Your journey can begin by filling out an application request form. Visit www.deliveradream.com for more information.

 

 

surrogacy as a single mom

Surrogacy as a Single Mom

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We have had many inquiries from single moms asking if they would qualify to be a surrogate, even though they are not married or in a committed relationship. The answer is “absolutely!” Even it if seems that all surrogates are married or partnered, this is not a requirement and Shared Conception has worked with many single mom surrogates.

All of our single moms are strong women who are dedicated to their own families and are committed to helping to grow another.

Different Requirements?

As a follow-up to the question about single mom surrogacy, we are often asked if there are different requirements for single surrogates. Surprisingly, most of the requirements are the same. All surrogates are required to have a child of their own, a clean bill of health, financial stability, and the ability to pass a medical and mental health screening.

Dating when a Surrogate.

As we all know, life throws us many twists and turns. Although you may think surrogacy puts dating on hold, life happens! It is still possible to continue dating throughout your journey. We have had quite a few of our single surrogates find their life partners, mid-journey. However, you need to let your doctor know if you choose to become sexually active with someone new. Testing for sexually transmitted diseases protects both you and the baby from contracting something harmful.

If you date during your journey, it is important, to be honest with your partner. If your relationship becomes serious, there may be some additional screening required of them and you. Shared Conception is always willing to discuss any of your concerns before, after, or during your journey.

Superior Support is a Must! 

We all know one of the most difficult jobs in the world is being a mom. Being a single mom is even harder. Carrying a surrogate baby, although selfless, brings on even more responsibility. You will want to make sure you have stellar support from your friends and family. There will be times when you will need to ask for help from your support network, and you will find this vital throughout your journey.

No matter what your relationship status, if you are interested in surrogacy, give Shared Conception a call today. Call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 location for more information. Or, visit www.deliveradream.com to get started on an application and to see if you prequalify.

 

Media and surrogacy

Media and Surrogacy

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

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

  1. Not seeing the beauty in surrogacy

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

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

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

  1. Heartbreak is often sensationalized

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

  1. Name-calling

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

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

 

 

 

 

Pregnancy Then and Now

Pregnancy Then and Now

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Pregnancy is awesome. We see glamourous pregnancy photoshoots, celebrities celebrating their baby bumps, designers creating maternity lines, and pampering spa packages, specifically for a pregnant woman. Pregnancy wasn’t always glorified and celebrated. Our mothers had it much differently, so let’s compare, now vs. then.

Finding out

Now: Pee on a stick. Your choice of digital or traditional. And, if you don’t believe the first one, take another, and another, and another.

 

Then: A urine sample from home had to be transported to your doctor. After a couple of days, it was confirmed if any pregnancy hormone (hCG) was detected in your urine. Eventually, the e.p.t. test became the first home pregnancy test to hit the North American market and became popular in 1977.

Diet

Now: Pregnant women worry about their diet constantly—there are lists of foods to avoid that seems to constantly grow. The research on alcohol consumption while pregnant is fairly conclusive nowadays. And, the idea of a woman smoking or even being around smoke while pregnant is shocking now.

Then: Pregnant women were encouraged to continue eating and drinking as they always did. There are even stories of new moms being told to drink dark beer for their iron levels. Perhaps the most shocking is that some doctors told pregnant women to not quit smoking because quitting would raise blood pressure.

Fashion

Now:  Maternity bras and panties are so comfortable, it’s hard to get rid of them post pregnancy. Your favorite brands come in maternity styles, and wearing bikinis is completely acceptable. Clothes that emphasizes your “bump” is sexy! Comfy maternity clothes are even comfier.

 

Then: Trapeze dresses, smock tops and Peter Pan collars were the norm, often finished off with big, floppy bows and outrageous prints. Maternity fashion was like a crash course in dressing your toddler. It was also very unflattering and made every pregnant woman look enormous.

Labor and Delivery

Now: While labor rarely goes according to any woman’s birth plan, there are options. Options include midwives, doulas or doctors, as well as hospitals or home births. There are even options when it comes to pain relief.

Then: Believe it or not, women had little participation in the labor and delivery process. Doctors made the birth plan and most decisions. The popularity of epidurals started to rise in the 80s, giving women more choice in their pain management.

Hospital stay

Now: Babies are roomed in the same room as their mom so the bonding (and sleepless nights) can begin right away. A hospital stay of 24 hours is the norm for vaginal births without complications. For women who choose to have a hospital birth with a midwife, they can leave soon after the baby is born.

Then: It was believed that mothers and babies needed to stay at the hospital, and newborns were often placed in the nursery, away from their mother for about 24 hours for observation. They were brought to the mother on a schedule; mostly for feeding. Dads and grandparents would stare at the rows of babies in a nursery behind a glass window. New moms stayed in the hospital for several days; sometimes up to a week.

Times have changed. Birth is more comfortable and much more celebrated than the generations before. Technology has made it possible for more comfortable births, and women have gained more control of their birth plan.

Why not take the next step and open a dialogue with Shared Conception? Give us a call today and see if surrogacy is the right decision for you! You can also visit www.deliveradream.com to begin an application to become a gestational surrogate and find out more information!

 

medications for a surrogate

Patches, Pills, and Prickly Things

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As a surrogate, you are required to follow strict instructions from the fertility clinic. They can be instructions about diet, activity levels, or medications. And yes, some of the instructions involve needles that you or someone in your support network will have to administer daily.  It’s really not that bad, and as a surrogate, this is a part of your job. Following the clinic’s instructions and medication regimen can affect the outcome of your transfer.

As the transfer date approaches, medications come into play. You may feel a little overwhelmed! You will receive an array of pill bottles, patches, needles, and swabs. This is the first day of about 10-12 weeks of daily doses of medications.

You will get used to it, and it will become an essential part of your daily routine, but it is a lot to keep track of.

It’s useful to keep a calendar or use the one on your phone to ensure you don’t miss a dose. This is also where alarms on your phone, Alexa, or Portal can come in handy.

Some medications may need to be refrigerated. Still, try to keep them together. This will help prevent any missed dose. There are a few medication organizers out there. Try to find one resembling this https://myvitro.com/products/ivf-organizer – less expensive versions can be found on Amazon. A regular, plain old cardboard box is nothing to be ashamed of either.

The pandemic has not done any industry much good. There have been reports of a low medication inventory. So, if you begin to run low, make sure you call your pharmacy to request a refill.  And, put that phone number in your contacts!

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout your pregnancy journey as you help make a family! 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!

 

updated terms and definitions

Terms and Definitions – Updated!

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If you are contemplating surrogacy, you will find a world of terms that may sound like a whole new language!  These terms are referred to in surrogacy agencies, clinics and doctors’ offices. It can be confusing and intimidating so Shared Conception has compiled a list of surrogacy terms so you can understand what is being said!

IF– Intended Father

IM– Intended Mother

IP– Intended Parent (some get specific to say IF or IM, but just as easy to say IPs)

FIF– Former Intended Father

FIM– Former Intended Mother

FIP– Former Intended Parents

GC- Gestational Carrier (can also be GS for Gestational Surrogate)

RE- Reproductive Endocrinologist

ET- Embryo Transfer

DE- Donor Egg

ED- Egg Donor

BCP- Birth Control Pills

B/W– Bloodwork

DET- Double embryo transfer (transferring 2 embryos at once)

SET- Single embryo transfer (transferring 1 embryo at transfer)

PIO – Progesterone in oil (typically in injection form for most clinics and protocols)

P4- Progesterone (commonly referred to as this when mentioned results of progesterone levels during monitoring appointments)

E2- Estradiol/Estrogen (commonly referred to as this when mentioned results of estrogen levels during monitoring appointments)

HPT– Home Pregnancy Test

FRER- First Response Early Result (one of the most sensitive tests and often mentioned as a top choice to use if you’re testing early)

POAS– Pee on a stick (use a home pregnancy test)

BFP– “Big Fat Positive” aka positive pregnancy test (BFN if negative, but we don’t want to be negative here and highlight that acronym!)

Beta– hCG blood test for pregnancy

EDD- Estimated due date

U/S- Ultrasound

SCH- Subchorionic hemorrhage (common in IVF and part of why we say don’t jump to conclusions or try to worry about bleeding)

CD- Cycle Day (CD1 is cycle day 1 which is the first full day of your period, which you will share with your coordinator each month prior to transfer)

2WW– Two Week Wait (almost never an actual 2 week wait as many beta tests are done by then)

9dp5dt (you can use a variety of numbers)- You can change the wording, but this means 9 “days past” 5 “day transfer” assuming the embryos were frozen on day 5.

PGD- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

PGS– Preimplantation Genetic Screening

 

The staff at Shared Conception is here to guide you and answer any questions you may have about surrogacy. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and confident about your decision to give or receive the most precious gift there is. Interested in becoming a surrogate or finding a surrogate? Give us a call today. Ladies interested in becoming a surrogate can also visit www.deliveradream.com and fill out an application request form. Potential intended parents can visit www.sharedconception.com to get further information. We would love to hear from you!