how faith is involved in surrogacy

3 Ways Faith is Found in the Surrogacy Process

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

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.

Intended Parent Support Groups

Intended Parents Supports Groups

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Sometimes being on the intended parent side of the surrogacy journey, gets little recognition when it comes to feelings and emotions. After all, it’s all about the wonderful woman who is carrying your child. There are times when you’re waiting to be matched with the perfect surrogate or dealing with the stress of the screening processes and legal contracts, or you’re anxiously waiting for the next pregnancy update from your surrogate — it is not unusual to feel like no one else understands what it’s really like to be an intended parent.

Even if you are surrounded by very supportive friends and family members, they probably don’t have much experience with surrogacy. It is natural to sometimes want to talk to people who have been or are currently in the same position as you. Support from others in your situation is valuable — but finding that support may be challenging.

Rest assured that by the power of the internet, you can connect with others in your position online. And, while the internet is a great way to find connection, be careful when joining an online support group. Just remember, you can’t always believe everything you see online.

When in doubt, you can always contact Shared Conception.  We can recommend resources for intended parents and answer questions about what you read online. We are always available to provide the support you need.

In the meantime, here are some online intended parent support groups:

Meetup.com

Intended parents may be able to find in-person support through Meetups groups. In addition to intended-parent-specific Meetups, you may find a sense of community through infertility centered meetups.

RESOLVE

This is the National Infertility Association and offers a directory of local, peer-led support groups for parents who have struggled with infertility. While many of these groups are not specific to surrogacy, intended parents may still find them helpful.

BabyCenter Community

There are several surrogacy-related groups within the BabyCenter Community, including groups specifically for intended parents seeking advice and support from other intended parents.

Even though Fertility struggles are common, they are often not spoken about openly. If you are interested in surrogacy, call Shared Conception today. Our compassionate surrogacy specialists will help make your dreams of having a family a reality. Give us a call today and we will help you get one step closer to the child you’ve always wanted. You can also visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to call your surrogate

What to Call Your Surrogate

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

There is no official name to call your surrogate after the birth of your baby. Phrases like, “friend of the family” barely scratch the surface. Someone who was once a stranger, has changed your life in the best way possible and now has a special place in your heart. But how did that happen? And for those who are looking into surrogacy, how does it happen?

Surrogate-intended parent relationships usually blossom as the surrogate’s belly blossoms. Intended parents tend to develop a deep and powerful relationship with their surrogate. By the end of the journey, most intended parents want their surrogate to stay in their life and in the life of their child. Some have a special name for their “tummy mummy.” Even if this is not the case, that is okay too! This article is going to share how parents who have had children through surrogacy develop and maintain a relationship with these incredible women!

The relationship between you and your surrogate tends to grow naturally. After you meet your surrogate and go through the medical and legal procedures and a successful embryo transfer, you get know each other pretty well. There is also a lot more time spent together for the remainder of the journey. There will be a lot of talking and texting about prenatal appointments, checking in and maybe inviting her to the baby shower. Our surrogates have also always loved meeting their intended parents for coffee or lunch!

And remember, as her belly get bigger, it is harder and harder for her to move around. So, dropping off dinner from her favorite restaurant can mean the world to her. It is also important to recognize special moments in her life such as her birthday, or a milestone like a promotion. And, recognition can be as simple as an encouraging and kind note or a simple call or text.

Don’t overthink your relationship; let it happen naturally. After all, a happy pregnant woman is a healthy one too! Shared Conception is always here to help our intended parents if they have questions about anything surrogate-related. If you are considering surrogacy, give us a call today or visit https://sharedconception.com. We would love to hear from you.

why a previous pregnancy to become a surrogate

Why a Previous Pregnancy?

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

When you become a gestational surrogate, someone puts their hope into your hands. This hope is becoming a biological parent with your help. A lot of time, money and emotions is invested into this journey. This is why it’s important to give this task your best.

There are many health requirements to make sure you are suitable to carry a child as a surrogate. One of the requirements for becoming a surrogate is a previous “successful term pregnancy.” What this means is that to be a surrogate, you need to have had given birth before. Many women may not want children of their own but are willing to put their perfectly healthy uterus to work for someone else. Unfortunately, gestational surrogacy doesn’t work that way. And, there are many reasons why.

Becoming a surrogate with no previous pregnancy experience is risky. Even if an intended parent(s) is willing to accept the risks of working with a surrogate who has never had her own pregnancy, the fertility clinic, or surrogacy agency will become a road block. In most cases, and for their own protection, a clinic or agency will not work with a woman who has never given birth.

While wanting to become a surrogate is selfless, without prior pregnancy experience, you most likely haven’t experienced (or survived) the joys of being a parent yourself. This makes it more difficult to understand what parenthood really means; especially to someone who desperately wants it.

Intended parents come to Shared Conception because they want to build their family. They often have gone through a lot before they choose surrogacy. Deciding on the path of surrogacy is many times the result of infertility. We also work with single individuals and same-sex couples who are in need of assisted reproduction to help build their family. The intended parents want to be matched with a surrogate who gives them the best chances of success, and that is someone with a previous and successful pregnancy.

If a surrogate has never been pregnant or carried a child to term, she may have limited knowledge of her own fertility. This information is important to intended parents who are ready to emotionally and financially invest in a surrogacy journey.

Even with all the professionals involved in a journey, surrogacy can be complicated and risky. That is why pregnancy history is one of the key factors in evaluating a potential surrogate for both our surrogacy agency and intended parents. Shared Conception does all we can do to mitigate risks and create a positive experience for everyone. This guideline is set by the ASRM, and we believe that it is necessary since it offers valuable information in determining if a woman qualifies to be a surrogate. Shared Conception is ready to help you embark on this journey. Give us a call today!

learn about surrogacy

Be “In the Know” about Surrogacy

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

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!

 

 

designer surrogacy

Surrogacy by Design

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

There is a good side and a not so good side to everything in this world. Even with surrogacy. Luckily, surrogacy is growing and has some kind of positive presence in main stream media. Unfortunately, some women have used surrogacy for more reasons than just infertility. This has grown to become labeled “designer surrogacy.” Some women are afraid of pregnancy. For reasons such as gaining weight, fear of what it can do to their body or can’t fit a pregnancy into their lives.

Woman who choose surrogacy for purposes other than infertility, may indeed, be judged. Many believe pregnancy should not be treated as an inconvenience. Many celebrities have been criticized for using a surrogate to prevent stretch marks or interrupting film schedules.

The first United States surrogacy contract was written in 1976, and caused speculation that we would become a divided nation of breeders and then the wealthy who exploit them. Kind of like the popular series, Handmaids Tale. There are some states that allow it, while others ban it altogether. And only in 2012, have there been guidelines issued by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), stating that surrogacy should only be used “when a true medical condition precludes the intended parent from carrying a pregnancy or would pose a significant risk of death or harm to the woman or the fetus. The indication must be clearly documented in the patient’s medical records.” In Texas, there has to be a medical necessity for someone to do surrogacy.

But what is the definition of “medical need?” Surrogacy is appropriate when doctors offer the option to patients who suffer from a medical condition, severe anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. This also includes when a mother would be at high risk for postpartum depression, or has had a difficult previous pregnancy.

As for Shared Conception (a Texas-based surrogacy agency), we have never agreed to work with clients interested in designer surrogacy. We have, however, seen cases where there is a physical or mental reason. Even in cases where the intended mother has to be on certain medications or where the intended mother had a high-risk pregnancy the first time and has been advised not to proceed with another pregnancy. These scenarios do exist and Shared Conception understands and is happy to assist.

Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today or visit sharedconception.com and let’s talk!

 

egg retrievals

Egg Retrievals

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

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!

 

 

Unknown

5 Reasons to Embark on a Journey

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Surrogacy isn’t an avenue people take “just because”. Contrary to popular belief, most people don’t use a surrogate mother to carry their child because they don’t want to ruin their figure, interrupt their life or just don’t want to be pregnant. It’s much more emotional than that. Here are the top 5 reasons why people need surrogacy in their lives:

1.    Some women encounter uterine issues that prevent them from carrying a baby. Fibroids and uterine scarring can make it difficult to carry a pregnancy to term. Many women with these issues have faced multiple miscarriages. 

2.    Aside from uterine issues, there are other medical conditions that might mean surrogacy is the best or safest option for the intended Mother. Sometimes these medical conditions are diagnosed after a miscarriage. Heart or kidney issues have a negative impact on the ability to carry and can require medications that are unsafe for a fetus.

3.    Certain cancers may cause a woman to have a hysterectomy which in many cases can require the need to explore other family-planning option such as surrogacy. 

4.    If a woman has been pregnant before and experienced severe problems resulting from that pregnancy, she might choose surrogacy as a safer alternative for both herself and her baby. 

5.    A single individual or couple may choose surrogacy because of lifestyle or logistical limitations (LGBTQ couples, for example may require a surrogate in order to conceive). 

Regardless of the reason why someone needs a surrogate, what is most important is that they have choices in regards to how they will build their family.

If you are interested in surrogacy, give Shared Conception a call today. We would love to hear from you! 

 

surrogacy agency learning more about why you should choose a surrogate agency1 thumbnail

Surrogacy Agency – Learning More About Why You Should Choose A Surrogate Agency

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

[svp]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcsTOdJcWeA[/svp]
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 of 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 http://DeliverADream.com

—————————————- BEGIN TRANSCRIPT —————————————-
Hi, I’m Shiva Landry, owner of Shared Conception. I’m so excited that you’re interested in learning more about the surrogacy process. There are so many women out there who love being pregnant, have had healthy pregnancies and have watched a friend or family member struggle with infertility and thought, what can I do to help? At Shared Conception, we guide you through the process of fulfilling a dream and helping create a family.

I do have a full time job, but I’m also a full time student and it has helped me go into school debt free. Now I’m on my second semester of nursing school with out any debt. It’s incredible. The compensation has helped my family by me being able to do things with my children than I normally would have to save up a little bit longer to do or put off for a little bit longer. 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. As well as to set ourself up for success for our three children when they go to college. And I mean, it’s allowed us to go on family vacations. It’s helped us pay off some of our debt that we’ve had. And actually most recently, on this third journey, we’re looking at doing an add on project to our house.

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, it seeing them all their baby when I saw my intended mother holding her child and do skin to skin with this baby that she’s so long for and I’ve been wanting and praying for all this time, it has to be my most favorite moment in the delivery room when the intended parents held 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. And it was such a thing. Special, incredible moment. And, and I can replay that in my head so many times and know that at that moment that that set of, um, you know, that set of husband and wife became instead a family,

if you’re interested in learning more about surrogacy, pick up the phone and call Shared Conception. Ask about the process, bring all of your questions and your concerns and let them, let them talk you through the process. It’s the most amazing gift that you can give. And if you’re considering it in the call, definitely reach out to Shiva at Share Conception. Just do it. Take the first step, make the call, send the email, learn more information. I have personally struggled with infertility and through those hard times that I found my life’s mission, and that’s to help amazing women like you connect with people or aching to have their own child. If you’re interested in learning more about surrogacy, just fill out the brief form on this page and one of our coordinators will contact you and answer any questions that you have. There’s no obligation whatsoever. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Odd but it didn’t have to be

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

 

Coming out on DVD and Blu-ray this holiday season is the film The Odd Life of Timothy Green.

The story is about Cindy and Jim Green; they’re portrayed as one of the 7.3 million infertile couples in America who desperately wants to have children.

Jim suggests to his wife that she write down all the characteristics and qualities she would love to have in a child. They bury the piece of paper and a rainstorm that hovers over their house waters the newly planted note.

Shortly thereafter a ten-year-old boy named Timothy Green sprouts from the earth. He is the culmination of all they desired. Of course the couple wants to legally adopt him but run into problems and are unable to do so. As most feel-good movies go, the story does end well and we won’t spoil the ending for you.

But the story didn’t have to be odd.

We would have written it this way.

A couple meets with their doctor and is told they can’t have children. Instead of deep despair they find hope and their own bundle of joy courtesy of a loving surrogate.

Ours would be a shorter movie and certainly not quite as interesting as a boy that sprouts from the ground. But the good news is our version is played out nearly everyday for families all across the world and isn’t the least bit odd.

So go ahead and watch the movie. Just know that Timothy Green’s life didn’t have to be an odd one and normal alternatives like surrogacy exists to alter how a family’s story ends.