birthing ball

What is a birthing ball?

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A birth ball is just like a gym ball that you use to exercise, but slightly larger. It allows pregnant women to sit comfortably and even practice positions for labor. It also has more benefits, such as a good core workout.

Sitting comfortably

Moving around can become more challenging as you grow. A birthing ball is much more comfortable during pregnancy to sit on than desk chairs or sofas. It also has a little bit of a bounce making it easier to get on and off.

Exercise and pain relief

A birthing ball can also improve posture and balance and exercise your core muscles. When you rock or bounce on it gently, your stomach and back muscles will be working hard to keep you balanced and upright.

A birth ball can also distribute weight more evenly. It can help relieve back pain and support your knees and ankles. It’s also a great way to get your baby into the correct position for delivery.

Using a birth ball during the later stages of pregnancy helps move the baby into the correct position for birth.

For labor

A birthing ball can also help reduce the pain of contractions during labor. While moving during a contraction, the birthing ball will support your body, easing the pain. Also, sitting on the ball with your legs wide apart can help open your pelvis ready for birth.

When can I use a birth ball?

You can start using a birth ball at any point in your pregnancy for gentle exercise, help with aches, pains, and getting your baby into the correct position.

When using a birth ball:

  • Use a floor with carpet or rug for more safety and stability.
  • Go barefoot. If not, make sure to wear non-slip shoes or socks.
  • Place your feet flat and far apart on the floor, ensuring your knees are lower than your hips.
  • Once you’ve become more familiar with the birthing ball, use it throughout your pregnancy. Even at your desk while working!

Why not take the next step towards surrogacy and open a dialogue with Shared Conception? Give us a call today. You can also visit www.deliveradream.com to begin an application to become a gestational surrogate and find out more information!

surrogacy in texas

Surrogacy in Texas

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Looking for a surrogate or becoming a surrogate in Texas is often preferred among many intended parents. Texas has the most surrogate-friendly judicial system. Intended parents from anywhere can come to the Lone Star state to find their life-changing surrogate, as long as the surrogate resides in Texas. This state is one of the few in the US to recognize and enforce gestational agreements. Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 729 in 2003, which authorized surrogacy agreements between a gestational mother and intended parents. This bill was part of the Texas Family Code.

The law creates a complicated process to become simplified and straightforward. For example, it unmistakably allows intended parents to become the only legal parents and for the gestational carrier (surrogate) to relinquish all rights to the child. Once the gestational surrogacy contract is approved, a judicial order requires the intended parents only listed on the child’s birth certificate post-birth.

Laws about surrogacy vary in other states.

The American Bar Association lists four categories that describe how the U.S. handles surrogacy (some states fall into more than one category):

  • Paying for surrogacy is criminalized.
  • Surrogacy agreements are unenforceable.
  • Surrogacy agreements are recognized either through legislation or case law.
  • Surrogacy is not addressed.

Intended parents do not need to be residents of Texas.

For a valid gestational agreement, one of the parties (either an intended parent or surrogate) must be a Texas state resident. that means that out-of-state and international intended parents can use Texas law for surrogacy arrangements, as long as the surrogate is a Texas resident.

There are several requirements to obtain a valid gestational agreement in Texas.

Texas requires several considerations for the married, heterosexual couple and surrogate before validating a gestational agreement. Some requirements include:

  • The intended mother cannot carry a child or would be subject to health risks if becoming pregnant.
  • The gestational agreement must be signed by all parties and submitted to the court 14 days before an embryo transfer.
  • The surrogate maintains control regarding herself and the unborn child’s health-related decisions and issues throughout pregnancy.
  • All parties enter the agreement willfully and understand what the gestational contract involves.
  • The gestational carrier has previously and successfully delivered a child and is healthy to endure another pregnancy and delivery without unreasonable physical risk to herself or the unborn child.
  • A physician has thoroughly explained all health risks pertaining to the parties involved.
  • The agreement clearly states the party that is financially responsible for all pregnancy-associated expenses and provides for the health and safety of the surrogate and unborn child.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate with Shared Conception, your journey can begin by filling out an application request form. Visit www.deliveradream.com for more information.

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.

 

 

 

surrogacy inquiry form

Surrogacy Inquiry Form: Become a Surrogate Mother

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Many women we speak to have an apparent interest in becoming a surrogate. We appreciate every call and email, whether it is “how do I start?” or “I have a few questions…” or “what is the compensation?” Questions are welcomed and encouraged, as you should be familiar with the entire process before making such an excellent, life-altering decision. Don’t be shy; Shared Conception is a no-pressure agency that can help you decide if surrogacy is right for you.

How do I start?

Well, that’s easy. Take a look at our website. Here there is a lot of information that you can process on your own time. We cover our program, what to expect when becoming a surrogate mother, compensation, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions that can answer some of our most popular questions concerning the surrogacy process. Then, if you think surrogacy is right for you, complete our online Surrogate Inquiry Form, and we will reach out to you to answer any other questions.

I have a few questions…

More questions? No problem? We encourage you to reach out to Shared Conception with any questions about a potential journey. We love questions. With over a decade of experience, we most likely have heard it before and have the answer.

What is the compensation?

This is the question most wondered, but few feel comfortable asking. And, please know this is not a selfish question. You are legally entitled to be compensated as a gestational carrier. At the same time, we understand this is a critical aspect of the surrogacy journey. Considering the job and all the hardships of pregnancy, including nausea, a blossoming (and sometimes uncomfortable) belly, doctor appointments and visits, injections, labor, etc. – who would apply for this job for no compensation?

Why not take the next step and open a dialogue with Shared Conception? Give us a call today. We want you to be informed and excited about this beautiful journey. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to begin an application to become a gestational surrogate and find out more information!

 

 

foods to avoid when pregnant

Things you can’t eat when pregnant

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There are a few fun things to avoid when pregnant, including some foods. Although food is one of the perks when pregnant, you don’t want to eat something that can make you ill or harm the baby. It’s essential to know the facts about which foods to avoid when you’re pregnant. Bottom line is that the best foods you eat need to be freshly cooked or freshly prepared. But try to avoid the following:

Hot Dogs.

As fast and convenient as a hot dog may be, you may want to steer clear of these bad boys. Along with deli meats, these can contain listeria, a harmful foodborne bacterium that can make you severely ill. Pregnant women with a listeria infection can pass this infection to the unborn child and cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and preterm labor.

Soft Cheeses.

Soft cheeses, although incredibly yummy, may also become contaminated with the listeria bacteria. It’s best to avoid cheese like blue cheese, feta, goat, brie, Roquefort camembert, queso Blanco, and fresco.

Artificial Sweeteners.

Found in diet soda, such as sucralose, aspartame, and saccharine. The FDA has approved them as safe for the general public and pregnant women. No studies conclusively show that it’s harmful to humans to consume artificial sweeteners during pregnancy. However, there is a study that found that Saccharin can cross the placenta barrier and be absorbed by the baby and, once there, is slow to leave the system. So, you may want to cut down on that artificial sweetener or substitute fruit juice, milk, or water.

Hibiscus (including tea).

Hibiscus can cause fluctuations in hormone levels which isn’t safe– especially in the First Trimester. Hibiscus Tea can also stimulate menstruation or blood flow to the uterus, which could cause bleeding, cramping, or even early labor! While hibiscus tea offers plenty of health benefits, it’s usually not recommended if you’re pregnant or lactating. Here is a list of teas that do not contain hibiscus and can be consumed safely during pregnancy.

Are you interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today. We’d love to chat! Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information!

 

 

 

 

 

opening up as a surrogate

Opening Up – as a surrogate

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One of the many reasons women choose to become a surrogate is to help create or build a family. With that – a lot of personal information is to be shared. Your current and past medical history are one of them, but that is expected. Some of our surrogates choose to work with intended parents who align with their beliefs, religion, and other personal preferences. There is no right or wrong regarding your conditions. It is crucial to be comfortable with your intended parents, as you do not want anything to impact the surrogacy arrangement after it begins.

 

At Shared Conception, we pride ourselves on the level of comfort and compassion provided to our potential surrogates. It is important to feel comfortable telling us what is important to you upfront when being matched. After all, you will be carrying their baby for the next 40 weeks and (most likely) building a lifelong friendship. If you have any concerns, you must let us know, and don’t be afraid to ask.

 

It is critical to think about anything you feel may impact your application and share them with us. Any past issues will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a surrogate.

 

The bottom line is that a surrogate enters into a pretty cozy relationship with the intended parent(s). That is why it is critical to be transparent and honest when entering into a surrogacy arrangement.

 

We are proud of the safe environment we have worked hard to create for our surrogates. Shared Conception will expertly act as a liaison between you and the intended parents. We will ensure that sensitive or complicated 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. Are you 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!

using a donor embryo, egg, or sperm

Using a Donor Sperm, Egg or Embryo

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Surrogacy with donor sperm or eggs is used by many intended parents when unable to create their own embryos. It’s a great alternative when considering other ways to create, build or extend your family through surrogacy.

 

Using an Egg Donor

Egg donation for intended parents is sometimes necessary when the female intended parent responds poorly to ovarian stimulation or has significantly diminished ovarian reserve. An egg donor is typically a young, healthy woman who agrees to donate her eggs but can still carry a child. Once the donor’s eggs have been retrieved and tested, an embryo is created from the intended father’s sperm (sometimes a donor sperm; see below) and then implanted into the surrogate through IVF. Donor eggs and a gestational carrier can also help gay couples become parents.

 

Using a Sperm Donor

One of the most common situations where sperm donation comes into play in surrogacy is when a couple cannot create an embryo due to poor sperm quality or quantity. A sperm donor is found through a sperm donor agency and medically evaluated by a third-party reproductive clinic. Donors undergo extensive screening, including a review of his family’s medical history, and a semen analysis to determine sperm quality. Sperm banks also provide details about each donor’s education, appearance, hobbies, and interests. You can use this information to select the best donor for your family. Sperm donation can also help LGBTQ+ couples or women who are single moms.

 

Using a Donated Embryo

Many individuals and couples who used IVF have remaining embryos that have been frozen and do not plan to use in the future. These individuals or couples may decide that they would rather donate the embryos to another couple or individual rather than destroy them, donate them to science, or continue to store them indefinitely.

There is a varying amount of information available about the donors that created the embryos including, social, educational, personal, and family medical history.

There’s no right or wrong way to achieve your dreams when it comes to having a child. Donor sperm, eggs, and embryos allow an individual or couple to become parents when it may not be possible otherwise. If you are interested in finding 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.

 

Pregnancy meditation and mindfulness

Pregnancy Meditation and Mindfulness

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It is suggested that mindfulness and meditation when pregnant can protect the health and well-being of the surrogate and baby! And let’s face it, we don’t spend the whole pregnancy journey giggly and glowing. We still have our daily responsibilities, tasks, and life to run. Pregnancy doesn’t omit the stresses of everyday life, but meditation may help. So, let’s look into it!

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a technique focusing on the mind, a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness and achieve a mentally clear, emotionally calm, and stable state.

Meditation can help lower stress levels and raise spirits! It has benefits other than achieving inner peace. It’s a low-cost activity that can easily fit into your daily routine; even help you sleep. Plus, learning the practice will remain with you after pregnancy.

Meditation and mindfulness can provide tools to navigate complex emotions that wouldn’t budge, even in the face of the most reassuring friend, family member, or google search. Many apps will guide you through the meditation process. Some are geared specifically for prenatal meditation. Others focus on guided meditations to reduce stress, anxiety, help with sleep, and phobias. The practice can reduce those moments when our raging hormones get the best of us.

What is Mindfulness?

Then there is mindfulness, which is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Not all mindfulness involves meditation; you can also become more mindful by noticing how moods and bodily sensations fluctuate throughout the day. For example, you may find yourself in a moment where you feel exhausted and uncomfortable, not seeing that there are still happy and peaceful moments, even if a bit awkward. This type of practice can prevent us from being “mindless” and keep us present. Also, the more mindful we are, the more confident and optimistic we feel.

Mindfulness and meditation may promote healthy development.

Of course, there are many measures of healthy development in pregnancy, but there are some studies linking mindfulness and meditation to the healthy development of the baby.

To sum it up, meditation and mindfulness need to be practiced. To receive the full benefits of one or the other, you have to practice it—often. Start small and take it day by day, even on the bad days when it seems like nothing is going right; you may be surprised how it can help.

Begin your surrogacy journey with Shared Conception today. Call us at our Houston (713-622-1144) or Dallas (214-390-4024) office for more information. Or, visit www.deliveradream.com to get started on an application to become a surrogate.

 

 

 

hair dye and other EDC when pregnant

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

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We are often asked if dying your hair, using makeup, and exposure to everyday products can impact the success of an IVF transfer. The truth is, many of these products do contain Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are substances that can interfere with the normal function of the body’s endocrine system. It can affect our developmental, reproductive, brain, and immune systems and even cause other problems.

Since EDCs come from many different sources, you can be exposed in several ways, sometimes without even knowing, including the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the products we use. EDCs also can be absorbed through the skin. It may be impossible to evade them completely, but being mindful of our products’ ingredients can help avoid some exposure.

Here are five main EDCs to be aware of:

  • BPA: Bisphenol A is a chemical that has been used to make plastics since the 1950s. According to the Mayo Clinic, some research shows that BPAs can seep into food and beverages. To limit your exposure to BPAs, use BPA-free products, avoid heating plastic, decrease your use of canned foods, or use alternative storage options like glass rather than plastic.
  • DDT: DDT was used in insecticides but banned in the ’70s in the US. However, DDT still remains in the environment. As exposure increases, so does the rate of sperms with extra chromosomes leading to miscarriage or birth defects.
  • Dioxins: Dioxins are by-products of manufacturing processes. Humans are typically exposed through animal-based foods such as dairy, meat, or sometimes fish, where dioxins are stored in the animal’s fatty tissues.
  • Heavy Metals: Heavy metals are naturally found on the earth and are not generally harmful. However, too much exposure has been found to affect fertility. Exposure to lead paint or consistently working with metals can be factored in overexposure to heavy metals. If you have older plumbing, you can have your water tested for the existence of any heavy metals.
  • Phthalates: Phthalates are used in plastics and are found in shower curtains, building materials, plastic blinds, and even headphone cords. Some types of phthalates are also found in fragrances and cosmetics. To limit your exposure to phthalates, buy non-PVC items and products labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free.”

Since many things in life are out of our control, we cannot completely avoid exposure to EDCs. However, by making informed decisions about the products we use, we can stay healthy, and potentially increase the chance of a successful IVF transfer.

Shared Conception pledges to keep you knowledgeable and informed throughout your entire journey. 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!

 

 

what to expect as a surrogate

A Surrogacy Pregnancy: What to Expect Before you’re Pregnant

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Shared Conception provides a wealth of information to interested surrogates-to-be on our blog. The process can be daunting, overwhelming, and intimidating. But don’t worry, we are here to provide answers to all of your questions. Don’t know where to start? Not ready for the (no pressure and informative) initial phone call? Here is an excellent place to begin. This blog will inform you about the start of a typical surrogacy pregnancy and what to expect.

First, what to expect: It is essential to learn the difference between a surrogacy pregnancy and your own pregnancy. Click here for more information. It is also important to know that the child you could carry for another couple is not biologically related to you. This is the only legal form of surrogacy in the United States, called gestational surrogacy. The baby does not get any genetics from the surrogate mother. An embryo is created from either the intended parent’s sperm and egg or used with a donated sperm or egg. Then, the embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus and carried to full term. This makes the process far less complicated legally and emotionally.

Decision made? Now, what to expect: Congratulations! At this point, you should have discussed and agreed with your partner about the beautiful journey you will embark upon together. Now, you are ready for that phone call to Shared Conception and have reviewed and completed our short surrogacy inquiry form. We can take you through the application process to make sure you fulfill the initial requirements and answer any questions you may have. Once you are approved, the matching process will begin.

Matching, what to expect: We want our surrogates to develop a wonderful relationship with the intended parents and build a beautiful partnership. With our expertise, we can match you with parents that have similar beliefs, expectations, and values making for a comfortable journey ahead. Remember, the surrogate picks the intended parents as much as the intended parents choose the surrogate. You have the option to request other interviews with different intended parent(s) until you feel you have found the right match. You also control the timeline.

Legal stuff, screenings, and evaluations for pregnancy, what to expect: This part is a bit complicated, and that is where we step in. Shared Conception is with you every step of the way! At no cost to you, but with your help, we gather your medical records and give them to the fertility clinic. Then, you (and your partner) are screened depending on the clinic’s guidelines to ensure that you are healthy to carry a surrogate baby. On the legal end, a contract gets drafted by an attorney (at no cost to you) to outline the stipulations of the pregnancy. We also have a list of attorneys for you to choose from if you do not have your own.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog: What to expect during pregnancy.

Now you are ready to begin your journey, but there is plenty more to expect! Are you interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information! We want you to be informed, fulfilled, and satisfied, knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way.

 

 

is surrogacy possible with your tubes tied?

Surrogacy with a tubal ligation? 

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We often get asked if it is possible to become a surrogate after having permanent birth control procedures such as tubal ligation. The short answer is yes. It is even ideal. However, some requirements must be fulfilled before you can become a surrogate after a tubal ligation.

What is tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure utilized to prevent pregnancy. It’s more commonly known as “getting your tubes tied.” The fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked to permanently stop the egg from traveling from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes and blocks sperm from traveling up the fallopian tubes to the egg. Tubal ligation is a common type of permanent pregnancy prevention completed in a hospital or surgical clinic. It’s also reversible, but results from a reversal are not guaranteed and not always possible.

 

While this procedure prevents pregnancy, it does not prevent menstruation. However, that still means your uterus can provide a hospitable environment for an embryo, making surrogacy a possible option. How? During surrogacy, a woman is not genetically related to the child she is carrying. Since the IVF process doesn’t require her eggs, fallopian tubes are not needed to become pregnant; just a uterus.

 

Why is it ideal?

Think of tubal ligation as another layer of protection against pregnancy of your own as you prepare your body to carry an embryo. With tubal ligation, it is highly unlikely that you will get pregnant with your own child. You will still need to take fertility medication to prepare your body for the embryo transfer and pregnancy. Also, having had a tubal ligation means you have decided your family is complete, which will play a part in you becoming the ideal surrogacy candidate.

 

Call Shared Conception today!

Remember, there are other requirements you can find here to become a surrogate, including being physically and emotionally prepared for the process ahead. For more information and to see if you meet the requirements, call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more details. Or, visit www.deliveradream.com to get started on an application to become a surrogate!