Why Halloween Pregnancy is the Best

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Holidays can stress out a pregnant woman, which is the last thing you need when you’re already tired, swollen, and emotional due to all the hormones battling it out inside of you. But Halloween is really the only holiday with zero stress, which is why it’s the best time of year to be hosting a baby bump. You don’t have to plan, buy, or cook a big elaborate meal. This holiday only involves fun costumes and sugar — and really, aren’t those the best part of any holiday?

Here are our top 3 reasons why Halloween rocks for our surrogates!

  1. You Can Wear Whatever You Want

Sure, those maternity jeans were a good idea in theory. But the minute your belly started growing, anything tight makes you feel less like a maternal goddess and more like a stuffed sausage. Lucky for you, a laid-back look is totally on trend during Halloween season. Not only will no one care if you rock sweats and socks with soccer sandals to work — they’ll compliment you on your clever PJ costume.

  1. One Word: Candy

Women who crave sweets when pregnant and are lucky to have a bun in the oven when Halloween rolls around. It’s like you received the Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory. Grocery stores become abundant with every candy you could possibly dream of. Does the baby prefer nougat or peanut butter? Let’s find out.

  1. Perfect Excuse to Stay in on Halloween

If squeezing into a costume and walking the neighborhood with your children (or someone else’s) sounds like zero fun, blame the bump and stay in. You can pass out candy to all the neighborhood cuties, or sit and enjoy the thrillers that are only on TV around this time each year.

Be careful not to overdose on the sweets! Too much candy for anyone is not good, especially if you are pregnant. If you have any questions relating to your pregnancy health, consult your doctor.

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!

 

 

Becoming a Gestational Carrier

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If you are a woman who wants to be a gestational carrier (or surrogate), you absolutely need to be willing to do the research to consider what you are getting yourself into.

Surrogacy is a life changing venture. It sounds great in theory, but in practice, it really is a huge undertaking. Women who feel compelled to help couples and individuals, sometimes find themselves compromising themselves out of the goodness of their hearts. Below are some common mistakes to avoid. It’s so important to be true to yourself…that is one of the best gifts you can give to your yourself and the Intended Parent(s)!

Research

It’s important to become well-educated about surrogacy before throwing yourself into the surrogacy process. A lot of your time and emotions will be involved. You will also need to consider the impact a journey will have on your family, health, job and overall lifestyle.

Emotional impact

You will want to consider the emotional impact a surrogate may endure. You cannot forget that you are pregnant, but you have to also understand that your intended parents have faced many hardships from pregnancy and fertility. Their emotions can affect you throughout the pregnancy and you do have to deal with their feelings as well.

Pregnancy is not always easy

Many who choose surrogacy decide on it because they like being pregnant. So, naturally you expect your all your pregnancies to go as well as your previous ones. But, that is not a guarantee. Every pregnancy is different. That is why it is so important to have a support system in place; just in case.

Don’t forget to ask questions! That is the beauty of having an agency such as Shared Conception as part of your support system. Never hesitate to ask! We will make sure you are comfortable every step of the way.

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

 

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!

 

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!

 

 

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!

egg retrievals

Egg Retrievals

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Starting the surrogacy process is an exciting time. But a lot of preparation goes into the process. Most importantly an embryo has to be created for transfer. Many of our intended parents already have embryos ready for a surrogate, but some do not. In this case, egg retrieval is a major part of the process and the intended mother has to be prepared.

Before beginning the process of egg retrieval several screenings are required. These include:

  • Ovarian reserve testing (blood tests to determine the quantity and quality of your eggs and how your ovaries will respond to fertility medication)
  • Mock embryo transfer (determines the depth of your uterine cavity and the technique that is needed to most likely result in a successful embryo transfer)
  • Infectious disease screening (HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C).

The intended mother undergoes a process very similar to in-vitro fertilization. The egg-retrieval process takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to complete and includes: 2-to-4 weeks of self-administered hormone injections and birth control pills to temporarily turn off natural hormones and 10-to-14 days of hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries and ripen multiple eggs.

Once the eggs have matured, a needle under ultrasound guidance removes them while the intended mother is under sedation. After retrieval, the eggs are fertilized and transferred to the surrogate. Sometimes the embryos are frozen until the intended mother has found a surrogate and is ready to attempt pregnancy.

Afterwards, a series of medications are prescribed, which may include an antibiotic to prevent infection, a steroid to reduce any inflammation in the reproductive organs, and hormonal supplements to provide extra support to the endometrial lining. It is important to take these medications exactly as prescribed. Also, refraining from sexual intercourse for a period of time, avoiding submerging yourself in water (bubble baths), and using a pad instead of tampons are advised.

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. Interested in surrogacy? Give us a call today! 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!