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!

 

Selective Reduction

Selective Reduction and Termination

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If you are considering surrogacy with Shared Conception, questions about selective reduction and termination may not be something you have given thought to. There is no right or wrong answer to these questions; its more about how you feel. Although it can be uncomfortable to think about, it’s important for Shared Conception to be able to match you with like-minded intended parents. That is why you need to be very honest with your answers.

An ideal journey does not involve these emotional medical procedures and hard decisions. They are simply “what if” scenarios. Even though the need to do these procedures is rare, these sensitive topics need to be discussed because they are included in your contract. This is why you should fully understand what they both are.

Termination

A termination is different than selective reduction. This is when a medical condition exists that could cause the unborn child physical or psychological difficulties and can affect the quality of life in the baby or surrogate.

Selective Reduction

Under some circumstances, intended parents may consider having their surrogate undertake selective reduction. This is done because sometimes a reduction is sometimes necessary to protect the health and wellness of the other fetus.  This is most common when carrying 3 fetuses or more. Since transferring more than one embryo is highly advised against and rare these days, selective reduction is not a common procedure anymore.

Both these scenarios are laid out clearly in your contract and are not decisions that should be taken lightly.

Knowing the difference between the two is vital when applying to become a surrogate. As mentioned before, Shared Conception will match you with intended parents based on your beliefs and feelings about the two topics. Our goal is connecting surrogates with the right intended parents.

Surrogacy can be a complicated process. Selective reduction and termination are just a few of the topics that need to be included in your surrogacy contract. That is why it is important that all surrogates who apply, fully comprehend which procedures she might experience. Shared Conception is always available to answer any questions about medical requirements of a surrogate.

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. 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!

after the birth of a surrogate baby

After the birth…The (usually) untold story

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Many have wondered (and this is one of our frequently asked questions) … What happens to a surrogate mother after she delivers the baby? Honestly, she has most likely jumped back into the routine of her life with her own spouse or partner and children, and possibly experiencing post-partum mood swings. It’s totally normal. Our surrogacy agency, Shared Conception, has received many calls and emails about successful surrogate birth stories. However, some of these women share a common yet realistic topic: it is not all happy all the time. All of these women are uplifting and inspirational, but can still get depressed immediately after giving birth.

 

Think about it. When you immerse yourself 24/7 into the chosen role of a surrogate for 12 months or longer, it encompasses you. Then, after the wonderful shining moment of birth passes, it’s over; just like that! The time, preparation and execution involved in the process are achieved and over in an instant (much like a graduation or wedding)!  It’s nearly the same with every surrogacy arrangement; a surrogate dedicates approximately one year to helping the intended mother experience something she can never personally experience by  herself. And that is more than a full time job! However, what happens after that?

 

Some surrogate mothers have shared their emotions with us and have mentioned feeling completely elated one minute and devastated the next, because their participation in this amazing experience has concluded. And in most cases, it is not the baby they miss. They miss the journey and the miss the close relationship with the intended parents.

 

These emotions and reactions are completely normal, it’s just not usually openly discussed. Any potential surrogate should be aware that she isn’t the only surrogate mother who has ever cried when the baby left the hospital with his or her new parents, or when she says goodbye to her intended parents.

 

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. 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!

 

learn about surrogacy

Be “In the Know” about Surrogacy

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Have you ever considered surrogacy? It is a big decision and a lot of conversations are to be had. When making this decision, it’s not just about you making the amazing decision by yourself to help create a family. It involves your support system like your children, parents, spouses, friends and other family members. It is important that all parties involved understand and are comfortable with the idea, nuances and processes involving surrogacy; not to mention, the wonderful end result of a surrogate birth–a newborn child and an entire family unit being created or enriched.

 

The key to a successful surrogacy from the beginning is education and research. Before mentioning this life-changing decision to anyone in your support system, learn the process yourself. There is usually lots of questions that follow when you tell someone your plans of becoming a surrogate.

 

Make sure you know everything that is expected of you as a gestational carrier, and all it takes to do so, is a no pressure phone call to Shared Conception. In this call you can ask any question imaginable about surrogacy. We have heard them all! We have a knowledgeable staff; many of whom have been surrogates themselves, to answer any and every question you may have. We can even give you our expert advice on how to speak with individual family members about surrogacy.

 

Most surrogacy arrangements conducted through Shared Conception, result in happy endings. With expert guidance and knowledge, our agency will help both the surrogate and the intended parent in ALL aspects of your journey; from the beginning to the end.

 

Making families is an honor and a privilege for those of us who have been touched by surrogacy or infertility. Our surrogacy agency, Shared Conception, is available to all of our precious surrogates to be a guide, shoulder to cry on, voice of reason and supporter; all aimed at the direct goal of happy and healthy journey. 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 information request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

 

How CoVid has Changed Surrogacy

How Covid has Changed Surrogacy

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Whether or not you are looking into surrogacy to expand your family, becoming a surrogate or you are already in the middle of a journey, the recent pandemic has changed everything in this world, including surrogacy. It is only natural to have questions about COVID-19 and how it may impact your plans. Here are some common questions and answers about the recent changes.

  1. Has COVID impacted surrogacy schedules? Assisted reproductive treatments, including IVF were put on hold for a couple months and slowly resumed in May in Texas. However, the hold went a bit longer for other states, depending on that state’s restrictions.
  2. Have rates and related-costs for surrogacy changed? COVID-19 has not increased any of our agency-related fees with Shared Conception.
  3. Has there been a shortage of available surrogates? The short answer, yes. Even before the pandemic, there has always a high demand for surrogates. We have not seen a significant change in surrogate availability due of Covid. We try to accommodate and match intended parents as quickly as possible but sometimes need to put some intended parents on a waiting list. This is especially true if there are multiple requests including wanting a surrogate in a specific location, diet or other restriction.
  4. Is there testing for surrogates and the babies they are carrying? There are no mandatory testing requirements for surrogates. Everyone involved, especially our surrogates are concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their families. No one is taking unnecessary risks.
  5. Does Shared Conception have guidelines for what surrogates do and not do in light of Covid? No, Shared Conception does not provide guidelines. The surrogate will follow the guidelines of the fertility clinic and the CDC.
  6. What if my intended parents live outside the country? There are travel bans from certain countries. It has made travel difficult for some of our international clients, but not impossible.

As this situation evolves and we learn more about the virus, we may see different rules or regulations that impact our processes. Shared Conception is devoted to staying on top of all the new rules and regulations and keep our clients and surrogates in the know. To learn more about Shared Conception, and how to become a surrogate or begin to create your family, contact us today or visit www.deliveradream.com  We look forward to speaking with you!

Surrogacy without an Agency?

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If you are contemplating becoming a surrogate, or a repeat surrogate, you may consider doing this without the support of a surrogate agency. You will still need an attorney and fertility clinic to embark on a journey – but, when learning about the matching process, you may wonder whether becoming a surrogate without an agency is possible. While it’s possible to become a surrogate without an agency, it is not the right decision for most people.

It’s always smart to research such a life changing experience, such as surrogacy. In your research between using an agency or becoming an independent surrogate, you find that it may include less costs for the intended parents, more direct involvement on the part of the surrogate, and more control over your process. It’s important to understand that while that may look like a benefit initially, could end up as a disadvantage.

There will be extra roles that you have to play as an independent surrogate. It begins with finding intended parents, coordinating between your attorney, fertility specialist, medical professionals and surrogacy partner to make sure all the necessary steps and precautions are taken care of. This is a lot for anyone to handle, especially when your main focus should be bringing a little one into the world! All of this added stress is handled by an agency so you can proceed through your journey taking care of yourself and that bundle of joy!

Surrogacy is complicated, even for those who have been on a journey previously. Working with an agency, such as Shared Conception can help guarantee a worry free and successful journey. With Shared Conception, our experienced and professional team helps create the best plan for your journey. Without the help of an agency, your own journey will be harder and at times, much more stressful. That is why many of our intended parents choose an agency and come back for subsequent sibling journeys. Shared Conception takes the pressure off the intended parents and the surrogate, to ensure a positive experience.

Shared Conception wants everyone involved to have a positive experience. That is why we encourage all prospective surrogates and intended parents to contact Shared Conception to learn more about our processes. Give us a call or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

multiples and surrogacy

What are the odds? Surrogates having multiples?

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Historically, multiple pregnancies are not uncommon and are often associated with IVF. With advances in the study of reproductive medicine, the belief that more than one embryo should be transferred has changed. It is no longer recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine to transfer more than one embryo. Single embryo transfers are now advised and recommended, unless there are medical reasons to transfer more than one.

Yet sometimes, intended parents look for a surrogate who is willing to carry multiples for them. Carrying multiples takes a very special lady. It’s a lot more physically demanding for a surrogate. There is a higher chance of being put on bedrest, and most likely, a surrogate carrying multiples will be referred to a high-risk specialist. At the same time, the impact you have on a family and the joy you bring them is priceless. If you are thinking about carrying for a family and want to carry multiples, it is important to learn about the risks, benefits and alternatives of carrying more than one baby.

There are times when a surrogate finds herself carrying multiples, even after a single embryo transfer. Sometimes it is recommended by the doctor to perform selective reduction. This can decrease risk and increase the chance of a successful, full-term pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby.  Choosing selective reduction is a difficult decision for both surrogates and intended parents, but at time, it can possibly be the best decision for the baby and surrogate.

If you are thinking about becoming a surrogate, give us a call for an informative, no pressure conversation. Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. Our client 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 www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you

 

communication with intended parents

Your relationship with your Intended Parents

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Just like the way you were while carrying your own baby, intended parents want to get to know their child, even though you are the one who is carrying. Most of the time, the intended parents attend doctor visits, especially the ones where there are ultrasounds and they can see baby and hear the heart beat! And, most surrogates want the intended parents to be there. Surrogates know how important it is to bond with baby while in utero, so it is helpful that surrogates understand that for the sake of the intended parents.

Besides attending the appointments, there are many other ways for the intended parents to get to know their baby before the little one arrives into the world. There are many devices that allow intended parents to record their voice; either by singing, reading books, or just plain conversation. Surrogates can play the recordings so the baby can hear and get to know his/her parents’ own voices.

Another easy way to keep your intended parents involved is through text and email. Technology is on our side when it comes to easy communication. Trying to keep the intended parents “in the know” means the world to them. It means everything to them when they receive a simple text or email like “lots of loving kicks today” or “she/he is doing great today!” If distance is impeding, don’t forget about video chat.

Of course, there is over-sharing. Remember, you have been through the joys (and not so joyous) moments of pregnancy. So, if you are friends with your IPs on social media (which Shared Conception does not recommend), then keep in mind what you post. In other words, be mindful because an innocent post could easily concern them. This is because posts are easily misconstrued. Shared Conception has a private Facebook group for their surrogates only. This is a safe space to vent with fellow surrogates who will always understand and just plain “get it.”

Ready to become a surrogate? We would be thrilled to talk to you. Call us or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

Home Pregnancy Test after IVF?

Home Pregnancy Test after IVF

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After the IVF process comes the 2-week wait. This is when the embryo will hopefully implant and begin to grow, while you nurture and care for it. After this wait, you take your first clinical blood test to confirm pregnancy. This may feel like the longest 2 weeks of your life. It doesn’t help that in many cases, you are required to be on bed rest for three days following the procedure. It can be maddening and you may be tempted to take a home pregnancy test on your own. Before you do this, please consider the intended parents. Some intended parents prefer that the surrogate not take a home pregnancy test so they can get the results with the blood test.

However, for those who do take a home pregnancy test before their first blood test, here is the scoop.

Home pregnancy tests measure the presence of a pregnancy hormone that is produced by the placenta in your urine, called hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin. Although the tests may be able to detect the hormone in your urine and give you a positive result, most tests aren’t sensitive enough to guarantee you accurate results.

The following tests are the best on the market according to the New York Times:

First Response Early Result – Most sensitive, easy to read

The First Response Early Result manual test is the most sensitive over-the-counter pregnancy test you can buy. It gives accurate results as or more quickly than most of the tests we considered and is just as easy to read as a digital test.

Clearblue Rapid Detection – Nice design, less sensitive

This test has a nice, usable design, with a big sponge tip, but it’s harder to hold and less sensitive than the First Response manual test.

ClinicalGuard HCG Pregnancy Test Strips – A cheap supplemental test

Cheap and simple, you can blow through a ton of these strip tests without spending much. But they don’t have the lab-verified accuracy of more expensive tests.

 Some surrogates start testing as early as five days post transfer but beware that the line may not show up that early or it may be extremely faint!

Whether you decide to wait for the blood test or try one of these home pregnancy tests, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for you and hoping for a safe, happy and successful surrogacy journey! Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com and let’s talk!

 

 

positive body changes while pregnant

Positive Body Changes in Pregnancy

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Pregnancy brings forth many changes. To your life, your body, your mood, etc. In this article we would like to focus on the positive aspects of change that occur while pregnant. Even as a surrogate, besides helping to create a family, pregnancy brings many other positive changes. Several of those changes are great benefits to your body. The following are some of the top benefits that you may not know.

  • Decreased Menstrual Cramps:Your menstrual cycle should resume after childbirth. And, some women find that they have fewer cramps or their menstrual pain ceases altogether. This pain reduction is a well-known phenomenon, but there is no certainty as to why it occurs. One theory is that childbirth eliminates some of the prostaglandin receptor sites in the uterus. Prostaglandins; hormones that direct the uterus to contract during labor, also play a role in monthly menstrual pain. Fewer pain-receptor sites equal fewer cramps.
  • Lower cancer risk:Pregnancy may be an effective protector against breast and ovarian cancers. The more pregnancies you go through, the greater the effect. In addition, some research has found that breastfeeding (or pumping if you’re a surrogate) for more than three months can also lower your risk of certain cancers.
  • Heightened Senses:Pregnancy seems to enhance your sense of taste and smell. Unfortunately, there are those smells that create nausea in early pregnancy but can also make foods especially tasty and delicious later on. This is credited to higher levels of estrogen.
  • Healthy lifestyle:Pregnancy causes many women to create various kinds of positive health changes and to drop bad habits. These new healthy habits institute a healthier lifestyle that we can hopefully carry out even after birth.
  • Confidence Boost:Did you know that labor and delivery are compared to a marathon? There is a huge sense of accomplishment while pregnant and especially after giving birth. Carrying a child is the ultimate do-it-yourself project that is sure to make any woman proud; not to mention the joy of knowing that as a surrogate, you helped complete a family!

In addition to your own happiness and sense of accomplishment, you are helping create a family, which many others cannot do. You are selfless, special, empowered and you’re giving an incredible gift to a family in need.

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. 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!