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Tips for a Cool Summer

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Texas, and many other places around the country, can be brutal during the summer with the high temperatures and humidity. It is awfully uncomfortable and being pregnant can make the heat more intense. You may think “I will never feel cool again” – but don’t worry! Shared Conception has you covered with these tips on how to stay cool and enjoy yourself this summer.

  • Do outdoor tasks in the early morning or evening – when it is not as hot.
  • If it is over 90 degrees, stay in the shade, indoors or wherever there is air conditioning!
  • Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Can someone say “mocktail” – sip a delightful concoction to treat yourself.
  • Sunscreen! And don’t forget to reapply!
  • Take a quick cool shower (or two) to cool down throughout the day.
  • If it doesn’t need to be done now – REST!
  • And always ask for help from your support system!

Now, you may notice your skin changes too. When you are pregnant, your body can respond to all the hormonal changes and produce high amounts of melanin. This can cause dark spots and patches. Staying out of excessive sunlight will protect your skin and as mentioned above, find a sunscreen that will not irritate your skin to apply frequently. The heat can make your skin dry and itchy too. Lotions and moisturizing washes can soothe the itch, but most importantly, staying hydrated will work from the inside out.

Shared Conception is dedicated to keeping our surrogates happy and healthy. If you are looking into becoming a surrogate and giving the precious gift of life, give us a call today. You can also visit us online at www.SharedConception.comfor more information or to fill out our online questionnaire to see if surrogacy is the right path for you.

Surrogacy with Shared Conception

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Surrogacy is growing in popularity and is becoming more socially accepted here in the United States, and even internationally. In the United States, there are some variations to laws regarding surrogacy which need to be considered when choosing surrogacy to extend or build your family.

Shared Conception provides an excellent surrogacy program here, in Texas. We are dedicated to finding the right surrogate for our intended parents.  We are always compassionate and professional and are with you every step of the way. Sometimes this starts with a simple conversation. Shared Conception offers a free consultation for potential clients. This gives potential clients an excellent opportunity to learn about the process, become educated about surrogacy and answer any questions that you may have.

Once onboard, our extensive matching process screens surrogate mothers-to-be, to find one that fits with your preferences and needs. Whether it is location, lifestyle, background or all of the above, Shared Conception will find you an amazing gestational carrier. We prescreen every potential surrogate prior to acceptance into our program.

When matched with a surrogate, Shared Conception helps with arranging many of the initial appointments such as:

  • Initial medical screening
  • Initial psychological screening
  • Referral to an egg donor agency, if needed
  • Assistance in acquiring life and disability insurance for your surrogate, if needed
  • Assistance in obtaining medical insurance for your surrogate, if she does not have insurance or if her personal insurance has exclusions.
  • Legal referrals
  • Escrow referrals
  • Travel arrangements, if needed
  • Coordination between you, your surrogate and IVF the clinic
  • All-around emotional support. There is always someone available if you have any questions.

 

If you are interested in becoming an intended parent or surrogate and would like more information, you can visit our website: www.sharedconception.comor give us a call at 713.622.1144 for an informative, no pressure conversation.

 

 

 

PregPosture

Pregnancy and Posture

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Pregnancy and Posture

Proper posture during pregnancy is an easy way to prevent back pain while adding extra pregnancy pounds during those blissful 9 months. Training your body to properly stand, sit move and even lie down puts less strain on your back. Proper alignment can decrease low back and neck pain. It even helps fight against fatigue. Although your blossoming belly makes you feel like you can topple over with a simple shift, there are several tips listed below that can help you maintain good posture.

  • Keep your chin tucked in so your ears are in a straight line with your shoulders.
  • Avoid standing in the same position for long amounts of time.
  • Choose the flat comfy and supportive shoes! Not high heels! For your back’s sake!
  • Consider a maternity support belt. It may not be the most fashionable item you own, but it is the most relieving.
  • When seated, sit in a chair that supports the length of your thighs and knees are level with your hips.
  • When lying on your side (because what other choice do you really have?) place a pillow under your belly and between your knees. This supports the weight of your uterus and top leg.

Remember, correct posture requires practice AND it makes such a difference.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate and would like more information, you can visit our website: www.sharedconception.comor give us a call for an informative, no pressure conversation at 713.622.1144.

 

 

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Pregnancy Skin

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Congratulations! You are pregnant! Exciting times are coming your way and a LOT of changes are in your near future. At Shared Conception, we like to celebrate pregnancy, but we are also conscious that there are some changes we don’t always welcome during our journey. So let’s talk PREGNANCY SKIN.

 

Your skin changes when you are pregnant. Hormones are especially responsible for any unwelcomed skin changes throughout your journey. Acne, stretch marks, skin tags, darkened skin, and random raised bumps can appear anywhere and at any time – LOVELY! Always remember, like pregnancy, this is temporary and usually occurs in the first and second trimesters.

 

But don’t forget the pregnancy glow! A benefit to changes in hormone levels and increased blood flow. The skin glands on your face can produce more sebum (oil) which can give a shiny glow. Increased blood volume can make your skin look luminous which means – no filters are necessary when taking pictures!

 

To help clear skin, use a gentle cleanser twice a day. Make sure you clean your hands before you wash your face to avoid adding bacteria to your skin. There are also a ton of natural home remedies you can access here. Harsh cleansers and topical treatments are not always recommended to use while pregnant. Make sure you speak to your doctor and read any labels – some often read “not for use while pregnant.”

 

It’s also common to develop dark spots on your skin. The most common darkened area is the linea nigra, the dark line stretching from the belly button to the top of the pubic bone. 75% of pregnant ladies notice this line. But don’t worry, it usually fades away a few months post delivery when your hormone levels begin to balance out and stop fluctuating.

 

Are you interested in surrogacy? Give Shared Conception a call today. For more information, visit us online at www.SharedConception.com– we would love to hear from you!

 

 

References:

https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/

https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/skin-changes-during-pregnancy/

https://www.babycenter.com/0_skin-darkening-during-pregnancy-melasma-or-chloasma_222.bc

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Part 3: Surrogacy in the 3rd Trimester

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Congratulations! You have made it into the final stretch. And yes, pun intended! You might feel that your body is stretched out, you’re tired, you urinate frequently and you might not be getting the best night’s sleep. You definitely cannot see your feet, but that’s okay because they are most likely swollen. However, knowing that you are about to help to create a family is exciting. Imagine how your intended parents are feeling!

There are tests and more tests. The big one occurs between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy for gestational diabetes. This occurs at either the end of your second trimester or beginning of the third. Gestational diabetes causes higher than normal blood sugar and only occurs during pregnancy. It usually goes away after delivery and can affect any pregnant woman. If you fail the one-hour test, you have to take a second, longer, 3-hour test. Failing the first test does not mean that you have gestational diabetes. You do have to fast for the second test, so schedule your appointment early in the morning to prevent those hunger pangs.

And it’s back to those frequent doctor visits; similar to what you had in the first trimester. It usually increases around the 36-week mark. If you are carrying multiples, more frequent visits may be required. Make sure you arrive with a partially full bladder as urine tests are often administered. These tests will check for protein, sugar and any bacteria to rule out signs of preeclampsia. Then, as with any pregnancy, your doctor will listen to the heartbeat, you will get weighed, have belly measurements and your blood pressure will be checked.

As the due date approaches, your doctor will need to examine your cervix. Your cervix will change as labor approaches. Mostly, your doctor will feel to see if the cervix has begun to dilate. It’s not the most comfortable feeling but it is a quick check.

It is a busy trimester. Frequent doctor visits, preparation for delivery, managing your intended parents and wading through life with a rounded belly, may be hectic. Just remember to take care of yourself too. If you need help, call Shared Conception. Let us help you with the last part of your journey!

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Part 2: Surrogacy in the 2nd Trimester

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Congratulations! You made it through the first trimester. On top of the usual suspects; morning sickness, fatigue, food aversions, frequent urination, etc., you may still have those pesky needles to inject. By this time, you can administer the shot with your eyes closed, but your backside may be suffering. It could feel like a constant bruise. The good news is that n your second trimester you will quickly wean off of these shots!

Also, unless there are any concerns or complications, you will be released to your OBGYN of choice, which often times, is at a more convenient location than your fertility clinic. You will have ultrasounds during the second trimester; one being the anatomy ultrasound where you can find out the sex of the baby. This is an exciting opportunity for the intended parents to attend if possible. If you are carrying for out-of-state or international intended parents, take video, pictures or even Facetime during these important and exciting appointments!

So you are feeling more like yourself, you no longer have to inject yourself and you see your chosen OB. It can’t get any better, right? The second trimester is full of exciting times for you and the intended parents. During this time, it is not uncommon for your intended parents to worry about birth defects, your diet and level of activity. If your intended parents seem concerned, take it kindly. Most of the time this is their first child, so think back to your first pregnancy. If this becomes an issue, call us at Shared Conception so we can help!

It’s important to remember that you are responsible if there are any changes in your insurance coverage. This can come into play if there are any life changes such as you or your partner’s employment, a relationship change, or a move. In this case, contact Shared Conception and we can walk you through the necessary steps to ensure that you are fully covered throughout the remainder of the pregnancy.

The staff at Shared Conception is here to assist you and the intended parents. Do not hesitate to contact us when necessary. We are just a phone call away!

surrogate mothers real stories of women who gifted parents through a surrogacy journey vanessa2 thumbnail

Surrogate Mothers – Real Stories of Women Who Gifted Parents Through A Surrogacy Journey [ Vanessa ]

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

[svp]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Zr3N3R0XA[/svp]
Remember to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. TIA!

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSharedConception

Shared Conception is a full-service, custom-matching surrogacy agency that expertly and compassionately assists you through the process of surrogacy. We deftly offer personalized, efficient service that results in couples bringing their dreams of a having a family into reality.

Shiva Landry founded Shared Conception, LLC in 2011 and it is one if the most reputable and results-oriented surrogacy agencies in Houston, Texas and across the nation. No stranger to pregnancy-related difficulties, Shiva Landry has battled with her own infertility issues and so personally understands much of the related emotions. Paired with her experience in the medical field along with her extensive business experience that her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and successful business career brings her, she and her staff knowledgeably and compassionately guide intended parents and surrogates through the process.

Shared Conception understands how overwhelming the process can be for first time surrogates. Thus, the agency’s support and experience is invaluable to the surrogates they will be supporting. Our staff is consistently available throughout the process – from the initial inquiry about the program to the time she delivers that bouncing baby.

Shiva Landry is a member of ASRM (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) and SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy) and professionally adheres to all established ethics and guidelines.

With Shiva Landry’s personal desire to help build and complete families plus her business experience, Shared Conception is committed to providing our clients with exceptional and individualized personal attention, education, support and confidential third party services.

☎️ For more information on Surrogacy and how you can apply, visit our website at http://
www.DeliverADream.com” >www.DeliverADream.com
and fill out the brief inquiry form.

http://DeliverADream.com

PS: Remember to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSharedConception

———————- BEGIN TRANSCRIPTION ————————-
Hi, my name is Vanessa and I’ve completed three surrogacy journeys. I decided to become a surrogate to watch other people grow their families. When I first told my husband that I wanted to be a gestational carrier, he was, basically waiting for me to tell him that I was ready to go. We had talked about it several times before, and it just was not the right time for our family. He’s very passionate about surrogacy as well. We struggled through infertility ourselves and overcame it. So through that process, he really understood what becoming a parent really was and how it can really tug at your heart.

My family and friends, we’re not surprised at all with me becoming a gestational carrier. They know that I’m a very giving person and that pregnancy and growing families, it’s really important to me. They have all jumped on board and supported me through the process. For them it’s just very normal for me to carry a baby for somebody else.

Involving, my family and my children in that process started from day one. Um, my family has been to doctor’s appointments with me to the Labor and delivery room with me and have met the families that I have carried for during their visits into my home as well.

One day my sister in law and I were actually doing a play date with our young children and we brought up the topic of carrying babies for other people. And from there it just blossomed. We both decided to become gestational carriers. The financial piece, it’s really helped my family by being able to put a down payment on a home, which is our dream home and where my family is currently living. Um, as well as to set herself up for success for our three children when they go to college.

I chose Share Conception to work with Shiva. She has amazing supportive in all around a really fantastic lady. I felt supported by share conceptions during my journey by constant communication and encouragement. The favorite part of my journey is really difficult to decide each phase watching the intended parents go through them is fantastic. I would definitely have to say that my favorite is the moment that the baby is delivered.

Watching the joy and the happiness of everything that they wished for come true in the delivery room when the intended parents, how their baby for the first time. There was not a dry eye in the house. From my ob Gyn to my husband to the intended parents. It was an amazing experience for everyone. If someone’s interested in becoming a gestational carrier or learning more about the process, definitely reach out to Shiva at Shared Conception. For those that are interested in becoming a gestational carrier, I would tell them, just do it. Take the first step, make the call, send the email, learn more information.

surrogate mothers stories of women who gifted parents through a surrogacy journey stephanie2 thumbnail

Surrogate Mothers – Stories of Women Who Gifted Parents Through A Surrogacy Journey [ STEPHANIE ]

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

[svp]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg2gNSB3SfQ[/svp]
Remember to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. TIA!
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSharedConception

Shared Conception is a full-service, custom-matching surrogacy agency that expertly and compassionately assists you through the process of surrogacy. We deftly offer personalized, efficient service that results in couples bringing their dreams of a having a family into reality.

Shiva Landry founded Shared Conception, LLC in 2011 and it is one if the most reputable and results-oriented surrogacy agencies in Houston, Texas and across the nation. No stranger to pregnancy-related difficulties, Shiva Landry has battled with her own infertility issues and so personally understands much of the related emotions. Paired with her experience in the medical field along with her extensive business experience that her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and successful business career brings her, she and her staff knowledgeably and compassionately guide intended parents and surrogates through the process.

Shared Conception understands how overwhelming the process can be for first time surrogates. Thus, the agency’s support and experience is invaluable to the surrogates they will be supporting. Our staff is consistently available throughout the process – from the initial inquiry about the program to the time she delivers that bouncing baby.

Shiva Landry is a member of ASRM (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) and SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy) and professionally adheres to all established ethics and guidelines.

With Shiva Landry’s personal desire to help build and complete families plus her business experience, Shared Conception is committed to providing our clients with exceptional and individualized personal attention, education, support and confidential third party services.

☎️ For more information on Surrogacy and how you can apply, visit our website at http://
www.DeliverADream.com” >www.DeliverADream.com
and fill out the brief inquiry form.

http://DeliverADream.com

PS: Remember to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSharedConception

———————- BEGIN TRANSCRIPTION ————————-
My name is Stephanie. I’ve completed one journey and I decided to become a surrogate after I had my daughter, my second child. I knew that the joy that my children brought to my life and I want it to be able to help someone else have that if they weren’t able to or needed a little bit of help starting a family. Surrogacy for me being single, I had a ton of support from my friends, my family and especially my church members. My friends and family were supportive of my journey. They were at, some were excited, some needed a little bit of help understanding and once they did, everyone was great and supportive.

My children, were really excited about the thought of me becoming a surrogate. I used the book, the Kangaroo Pouch to approach surrogacy with them and once we all sat down and read the book together, I explained to them that that was something that mommy wanted to do and they thought that it was a great idea.

I did a lot of research online and then I also have a coworker who is a surrogate again and she explained the process a little bit more to me. Things that you don’t find online and having the joy and the experience of talking to her, it’s sold it for me. I knew then it was something that I wanted to do. The compensation has helped my family by me being able to do things with my children that I normally would have to save up a little bit longer to do or put off for a little bit longer. We’ve been able to just be able to do things and enjoy things without, having to put them off any longer than we normally would.

I chose shared conception because I have a friend who was a surrogate with shared conception. She had nothing but wonderful things to say about shared conception. When I first spoke with Shiva, she was just amazing and took the time to answer all of my questions. I felt like out of all women that they could possibly be speaking with on a daily basis that my concerns were heard and my questions were answered and I felt completely comfortable in surrogacy. It is not your biological child. It is the biological child of the intended parents.

I have felt completely supported by shared conception. I’m so happy that I found this agency and I can’t imagine doing a journey anywhere else. My most favorite part of my journey has been delivery day. Seeing the joy on my intended parents face when they saw their child for the first time and when I saw my intended mother holding her child and do skin to skin with this baby that she’s so longed for and I’ve been wanting and praying for all this time is it has to be my most favorite moment. If someone is interested in learning more about surrogacy at definitely suggest contacting Shared Conception. Asking them questions, no matter what the question is. Ask.

surrogate mothers real stories of women who gifted parents through a surrogacy journey elise2 thumbnail

Surrogate Mothers – Real Stories of Women Who Gifted Parents Through A Surrogacy Journey [ ELISE ]

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

[svp]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smp7fzOqMFc[/svp]
Remember to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. TIA!

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSharedConception

Shared Conception is a full-service, custom-matching surrogacy agency that expertly and compassionately assists you through the process of surrogacy. We deftly offer personalized, efficient service that results in couples bringing their dreams of a having a family into reality.

Shiva Landry founded Shared Conception, LLC in 2011 and it is one if the most reputable and results-oriented surrogacy agencies in Houston, Texas and across the nation. No stranger to pregnancy-related difficulties, Shiva Landry has battled with her own infertility issues and so personally understands much of the related emotions. Paired with her experience in the medical field along with her extensive business experience that her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and successful business career brings her, she and her staff knowledgeably and compassionately guide intended parents and surrogates through the process.

Shared Conception understands how overwhelming the process can be for first time surrogates. Thus, the agency’s support and experience is invaluable to the surrogates they will be supporting. Our staff is consistently available throughout the process – from the initial inquiry about the program to the time she delivers that bouncing baby.

Shiva Landry is a member of ASRM (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) and SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy) and professionally adheres to all established ethics and guidelines.

With Shiva Landry’s personal desire to help build and complete families plus her business experience, Shared Conception is committed to providing our clients with exceptional and individualized personal attention, education, support and confidential third party services.

☎️ For more information on Surrogacy and how you can apply, visit our website at http://
www.DeliverADream.com” >www.DeliverADream.com
and fill out the brief inquiry form.

http://DeliverADream.com

PS: Remember to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSharedConception

———————- BEGIN TRANSCRIPTION ————————-
My name’s Elise. I have done two journeys. I’m actually currently on my second journey. Um, the same family that I carried a daughter for and gave birth to about a year ago, asked me to have a sibling for them and now I’m currently pregnant with her brother. Surrogacy was something I felt called to before I ever even had children of my own. When my sister and I were younger, she was diagnosed with type one diabetes. She’s the kind of girl that always um, new named for her children and had her wedding planned by the age of nine I think. And um, when she got diagnosed with type one diabetes, they told her she might have some complications with carrying children or difficulty getting pregnant. And I just stepped right in and told her I would help her out if she ever needed it. Well, she never ended up meeting me, but that feeling never left me. So I sought out surrogacy and found shared conception.

When I first talked to my husband about being a surrogate, he was not on board. He didn’t quite understand the science behind it and he thought it was more like adoption. And um, once we discussed the actual facts about surrogacy and he understood how easy my pregnancies had been in the past, he was completely on board and supportive as far as telling my friends and family about being a surrogate. I waited until I was a little bit further into the process than probably most do. Um, I want us to make sure it was definitely something that was going to happen for me. And um, I would get matched with a family that I could get along with and um, help out. So when I actually told them, it was about a week before we transferred an embryo and they were ecstatic, they were worried about my health slightly and then they remembered how easy it was for me in the past. And they were completely 100% supportive and it was a very pleasant surprise. I was very glad they were on board.

My favorite part of my first journey was actually having the baby and I’m going to cry the look on my Ip faces when they became parents. I’ll never forget that. Just watching someone who may not have been able to have kids otherwise and seeing the mold their baby, I thought, you know, when I first went into surrogacy, that moment might be hard and I could not wait for them to just take that baby and hold that baby. And they’re the best parents now. It’s incredible. It’s amazing. Sorry. If somebody wanted to find out more about surrogacy, I would say talk to somebody who has been a surrogate. If you’re looking at having someone be a surrogate for you, I would say talk to some people who have been there, and the best way to get connected is probably through a reputable agency such as Shared Conception.

the surrogate mother experience what is it like to work with a surrogacy agency2 thumbnail

The Surrogate Mother Experience – What is it like to work with a Surrogacy Agency

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

[svp]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgnj5Cpdi1s[/svp]

Remember to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSharedConception

Shared Conception is a full-service, custom-matching surrogacy agency that expertly and compassionately assists you through the process of surrogacy. We deftly offer personalized, efficient service that results in couples bringing their dreams of a having a family into reality.

Shiva Landry founded Shared Conception, LLC in 2011 and it is one if the most reputable and results-oriented surrogacy agencies in Houston, Texas and across the nation. No stranger to pregnancy-related difficulties, Shiva Landry has battled with her own infertility issues and so personally understands much of the related emotions. Paired with her experience in the medical field along with her extensive business experience that her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and successful business career brings her, she and her staff knowledgeably and compassionately guide intended parents and surrogates through the process.

Shared Conception understands how overwhelming the process can be for first time surrogates. Thus, the agency’s support and experience is invaluable to the surrogates they will be supporting. Our staff is consistently available throughout the process – from the initial inquiry about the program to the time she delivers that bouncing baby.
Shiva Landry is a member of ASRM (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) and SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy) and professionally adheres to all established ethics and guidelines.
With Shiva Landry’s personal desire to help build and complete families plus her business experience, Shared Conception is committed to providing our clients with exceptional and individualized personal attention, education, support and confidential third party services.

☎️ For more information on Surrogacy and how you can apply, visit our website at

“http://www.DeliverADream.com” >www.DeliverADream.com
and fill out the brief inquiry form.

http://DeliverADream.com

PS: Remember to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSharedConception