reasons to use a surrogacy agency

5 Ways an Agency Helps Intended Parents

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If you decide to use a surrogate to expand your family, you must consider whether or not you would like to work with a surrogacy agency or independently. The independent route may be slightly more cost-effective, but it also can be more stressful and uncertain. Many details are involved in a surrogacy arrangement and working with an agency such as Shared Conception can make this process less stressful and confusing.

  1. We are the experts 

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is very complicated. Like a chess game, many moving pieces need to be managed, and often at the same time. A lot of legalities, planning, and coordinating go into a journey. Shared Conception has a professional team full of experts who make dreams come true every day, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience and preparing for your new baby.

  1. Put the pressure on us

Not everything is perfect, even a surrogacy journey, and there are a lot of bumps in the road and other scenarios that can happen. The beauty of using an agency is that we can prevent many problems from arising or take care of any problems if they do occur. We will be by your side every step of the way.

  1. Legal mumbo jumbo

Unless you have a law degree, this part will be difficult. There is a legal side to a surrogacy arrangement with contracts and documents that can be overwhelming. Shared Conception will refer you to a list of highly respected and competent lawyers you can choose to work with. Having a lawyer helps your journey stay on track, and you don’t have to worry about acquiring legal representation.

  1. We are there for you from beginning to end (and beyond)!

Managing a journey is very time-consuming on both the surrogate and intended parent sides. Our services help surrogates and intended parents come together with a lot less stress, pressure, and inconveniences an independent surrogacy can create.

  1. Monetary Benefits

There are a lot of fees and payments that go to different sources during the entire process. We use an escrow company utterly independent of our agency. Your money is deposited into an attorney-controlled interest-bearing escrow account. This way, you or your surrogate will have to worry about bills being paid on time, giving you extra peace of mind.

If you are interested in having a surrogate, let Shared Conceptions make your dreams of a family a reality. Give us a call today, and we will help you get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

 

 

telling your child about their origin

Telling your child their origin

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The conversation with your child about being born via surrogacy can be a difficult one. It is a story about how hard you worked to have them, and it is part of their identity. Talking about it early on is a way to normalize their birth through surrogacy – and help them be proud of their origin.

 

Younger children are more open-minded and understanding. The older they get, the more questions they can have, and if the conversation begins early on, it can be easier and more comfortable to discuss when brought up throughout their lives.

 

Experts agree it is essential to be honest with your children from the start:
“The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Ethics Committee suggests that parents disclose their children’s conception story, and research has suggested that secrecy about a child’s origins may have a negative impact both on the child and his or her parents.”

 

Don’t forget about the number of friends and family members that know your child’s story. It can be damaging if your child hears the truth from someone else. After all, there is no reason to be ashamed of their story, and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about it either. You can always ask for the help of friends, family, and professionals. Refer to our blog Four Books for Children of Surrogates. These books help children to understand by delivering age-appropriate messages about surrogacy.

 

Many of our intended parents still have relationships with their surrogates, and those surrogates remain an important part of their lives. Having this relationship can make it easier and also normalize the conversation.

 

Always remember, your child’s surrogacy story is a positive one. It involves people coming together to create a life. Be proud of the way you built your family. Surrogacy is a magnificent and joyous phenomenon. If you are interested in having a surrogate, let Shared Conceptions make your dreams of a family a reality. Give us a call today, and we will help you get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

Intended parent basics blog

For the Potential Intended Parent 

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Surrogates make a huge commitment to the intended parents. They go through an intensive screening process, legal contracts, psychological and medical evaluations, background checks, and more to show they are good candidates to carry your baby and are committed to the surrogacy journey. There is so much information for potential surrogates; but what is there for intended parents?

Below, are the most frequently asked questions from potential intended parents

How do I begin the process?

When intended parents first contact Shared Conception, we will set up an initial one-hour consultation and provide information about the process, timing, and expenses involved in growing a family. We also want to learn about your family, social history, and reasons for choosing surrogacy.

When you agree to move on to the next step with Shared Conception, we may request additional information from you to be able to find potential surrogates whose wants and needs for the surrogacy are a good match with you, the intended parents.

Are there requirements for intended parents?

Intended parents must be:

  • Between the ages of 21-65
  • Able to pass a background check -Shared Conception performs background checks to ensure the intended parents have a clean criminal background and child abuse registry. All intended parents must be able to provide a safe and stable home to a child.
  • Emotional support for spouse or partner
  • Pass a psychological assessment
  • Have financial stability
  • Respectful of surrogate’s time and commitment and in general a good person – The safety of our surrogates is of utmost importance to us and we reserve the right to refuse service to any potential intended parent that does not meet the above-mentioned criteria.

What if it doesn’t work?

If you have three unsuccessful cycles with your surrogate and have at least 2 embryos that are rated A or B+ you can be re-matched with a new surrogate for no fee.

Does Texas have a law for surrogacy?

Yes! Tex. Fam. Code §§ 160.751 to .763 (2007)

Texas’s law is modeled after Part 8 of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2002. A gestational agreement must be validated in court. The gestational mother may not use her own eggs. She must have had at least one prior pregnancy and delivery. She maintains control over all health-related decisions during the pregnancy. The intended mother must show that she is unable to carry a pregnancy or give birth. The intended parents must be married and must be willing to undergo a home study. There is a residency requirement of at least 90 days for either the gestational mother or the intended parents. An agreement that has not been validated is not enforceable, and parentage will be determined under the other parts of Texas’s Uniform Parentage Act.

We would love the opportunity to help create your family. For more information visit https://sharedconception.com/ . We have two Texas locations: Houston 713.622.1144 and Dallas 214.390.4024

 

Intended Parent Support Groups

Intended Parents Supports Groups

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

intended parents new year resolution suggestions

Resolutions for 2021 Intended Parents

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As the beginning of a much-anticipated new year rolls around, people will be making their New Year’s resolutions. After all, 2020 wasn’t great for many, and 2021 is a new year and full of new opportunities.

If you are considering surrogacy to help build, extend or create your family, take this new year as an opportunity to focus on the positive parts of a journey that await you. During this time, it may be a good idea to contact Shared Conception to speak with us about how we can help.

Here are some suggestions to start:

  1. Learn more about the surrogacy process

Even if you have already begun researching your surrogacy journey, it’s never too late to learn more about this process. Education is the key to a successful family-building process and if you feel stuck in your own journey, it may help you understand where to go from here.

  1. Revisit your personal surrogacy goals.

Couples or individuals who have been struggling with infertility, may consider reevaluating their own family goals and preferences. While you should always be comfortable with your process, revisiting your plan may bring up new preferences as you learn more about surrogacy. Shared Conception will always help you, if you want to make a change or revise something.

  1. Understand and manage your finances.

Every intended parent knows that fertility treatments are expensive. If you are considering starting a journey in 2021, concentrate on budgeting and saving. This is also a good life habit for everyone to have. Looking into financing for surrogacy? Shared Conception can send you information on how to obtain financing.

  1. Find an additional support system.

Shared Conception can lead you to the many intended parent support groups where you can talk with people who have been in the same situation and develop valuable friendships that will help you through this journey. Also, it is important to share your decisions with those closest to you. A support system of close friends and family is extremely important for you during a journey.

A new year represents a new beginning and Shared Conception wants you to reach your parenthood dreams this year. 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

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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.

designer surrogacy

Surrogacy by Design

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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!

 

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!

Children Hands Building Word Joy Grass Meadow Children Hands Building Colorful Word Joy Green Grass Meadow As Background 168593948

The Joy of Being a Surrogate

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It is usually a long and winding road travelled that a couple or an individual has been on before deciding to have a surrogate carry their child. Then at that point, a whole new journey begins when they decide on surrogacy. They seek the help of Shared Conception and a special woman with a giving heart.

When an Intended Parent is matched with a surrogate, a bond forms. It’s different for everyone but the basics are the same. This is when wanting and giving come together to travel the same path for as long as the journey takes.

To the intended parents, a surrogate who is healthy and willing to carry a baby for them means HOPE; she is a gift unlike any other. Month by month, trimester after trimester, the greatest gift of all is achieved; a child to enhance a family.

What most people don’t realize is that women who choose to become surrogates, don’t do it for the money or the recognition. They do it for the intense satisfaction and absolute joy that it brings to them. The fulfillment that they receive is from seeing the look on the faces of the new parents when they hear their baby’s first heartbeat and when they finally get to meet their precious child, and hundreds of moments in between. These are the reasons that surrogates often embark on multiple journeys! Being a part of these priceless moments makes surrogate mothers shine. No monetary compensation could equal the pure joy they feel when sharing something so life-changing with the intended parents.

If you are a woman looking for something more to give in life, ask yourself these questions: Are you ready to change a total stranger’s life and make a difference in the world?  Are you ready for YOUR life to be changed forever?

Like any other journey, this journey may have roadblocks and bumps along the way, but it is an adventure. And if you are the kind of person who can be selfless and can open your heart up to possibilities, it may just be the most rewarding experience of your life. Call us at Shared Conception and get more information on becoming a surrogate!

 

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5 Reasons to Embark on a Journey

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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!