Airplane Germs and how to disinfect

How to Disinfect Your Airplane Seat

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In recent light of the Coronavirus and all the media attention it is receiving, airplane travel while pregnant can cause a bit of a hesitation. Sometimes, air travel is a necessity. Since you’re pregnant and on high alert about your health, we can’t help but draw attention to this concerning and potential health hazard.  Studies have shown how germ-filled airplane seats, seat pockets, seat belts, tray tables and arm rests are. But those who are concerned, can take action with these small steps to make their assigned seats a little less contaminated.

With a few purchases at your local drugstore or through Amazon and a little bit of time to plan ahead, you can have the cleanest seat on the plane.

Disinfecting wipes and how to use them

As soon as you board, take out these wipes! By creating only a minor spectacle, you can wipe down all the hard, nonporous surfaces thoroughly. Remember, the surface has to stay visibly wet and saturated for a short amount of time to receive all of their benefits. There are directions on the package that will tell you the correct amount of time. This is when the wipes do their best germ-killing job. And, don’t forget about that seat belt buckle and arm rests!

Disinfecting the fabric seats

As for the upholstery, the wipes will not work. If you are concerned about that exposure to germs from the seat fabric, there are seat and table tray covers available on Amazon. Or, you can purchase covers for the head rest only. Most planes now have pleather seats, and those can be wiped down with the disinfecting wipe.

Hand Sanitizer

Clean running water and soap is not always readily available, or you just can’t access it because of that darn seat belt light. Having hand sanitizer in your travel bag is always a good idea. You can use it before you eat, after you use the bathroom, or any other time you come in contact with areas you suspect have germs. It will not work on hard surfaces like the tray table, that’s what the disinfecting wipes are for.

Seat pockets

The seat pockets have the highest concentration of germs alive. It’s also where we tend to stash our water bottles and snacks. We haven’t been able to find a disposable liner available for the pocket, so it’s best not to use them. Keep a leak proof water bottle (that you can fill up on the plane or before you board) in your bag for germ-free hydration.

Stay hydrated

An airplane’s cabin can dehydrate you. Depending on how long flight time is, you can easily get dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids before your flight, during a long flight and post flight.

Flying isn’t always easy when pregnant. Always make sure to contact your doctor before embarking on any travel plans. Shared Conception pledges to support you throughout your journey and beyond! We ensure that any questions, sensitive or difficult subject matters can be easily handled by Shared Conception. We want our surrogates to be healthy, informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing they contributed to the world in a unique way. Interested in surrogacy? Give us a call today for a no pressure conversation, or visit www.deliver-a-dream.comto fill out an application request form. We would love to hear from you.

 

 

 

 

loss of bladder control after birth

Bladder Control!

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Ok ladies…here is the problem…you have had one or two (or maybe even more) of your own children and then chose to selflessly bless another family by becoming a surrogate. Now, you are noticing that your bladder isn’t as strong as it used to be. Actually, you may feel that it’s not doing its job at all. Even the thought of jumping on a trampoline could make you have a little accident.

Don’t worry. This is a common postpartum symptom and the more children you deliver, the weaker your bladder could become. Pregnancy and delivery weaken muscles around the bladder. On top of that, your uterus shrinks after delivery and perches right on top of your bladder, causing a control issue. Even more debilitating, your hormones change. This can take effect on your bladder control too.

What can you do?

  • Kegals! Start small and try to work your way up to 3 sets of 30 per day. These also come in handy in the sudden event of a cough, sneeze or laugh.
  • Lose those extra pregnancy pounds. Extra weight puts more pressure on your bladder.
  • Go more often. If you go, or try to go about every 30 minutes or before that sudden urge arises, you end up training your bladder. And then try to go every 45 minutes; therefore, building up your time.
  • Drink water. Cutting back on water will dehydrate you. And that is not healthy and can cause more problems that the occasional dribble.
  • Certain foods such as coffee, citrus, tomatoes, soda and alcohol can irritate your bladder. Avoiding these irritants can preserve your bladder control.
  • A panty liner or pad will absorb a leak. Most likely you are wearing them after delivery, so they can serve more than one purpose. Just change them often to avoid infection.

Ultimately, it takes between 3 to 6 months, or longer, to regain complete control. If accidents continue after the postpartum healing period, talk to your doctor. Shared Conception pledges to support you throughout your journey and beyond! We ensure that sensitive or difficult subject matters are easily handled by Shared Conception. We want our surrogates to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing they contributed to the world in a unique way. Interested in surrogacy? Give us a call today for a no pressure conversation, or visit  www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form. We would love to hear from you!

picking the right practice as a surrogate

Practice Picking

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It’s common for a surrogate to receive medical care by her chosen obstetrician once she is released by the fertility center.  This is typically after the first trimester. In most cases, the surrogate returns to the same doctor used when she carried her own children. This is really nice for a surrogate because she already knows and trusts this practice. And again, in most cases, the intended parents want the surrogate mother to be comfortable in her prenatal care.

But there are some cases when surrogates cannot use the practice previously used. Perhaps it is because of a recent move to a different state or area, or maybe their OB has retired. If this happens, how do you decide which doctor to see?

At the start of my second surrogacy, my husband lost his job which meant that we did not have health insurance. I was 28 weeks pregnant and I could not return to the OB practice I had used for my first surrogacy. While my gestational agreement covered new insurance, I had to choose another plan separate from my family, and this complicated things. While searching for the best plan for my family, I had to look and see what plans would cover myself, the baby, while being able to remain at my current practice; which ended up being impossible.

Luckily, it all worked out. The second practice was fine. Unfortunately, I found out that I had to deliver at a different hospital. I was not thrilled about this new change because I had been looking forward to delivering at this new, state-of-the-art hospital. My husband, an ever-positive ray of sunshine, kept telling me he would find a job and we would be covered and able to go back to my previous OB in time for my delivery. I thought that was a far stretch. Strangely enough, it ended up working out that way, which was great for my husband. Of course, but I was doing somersaults (in my head), to be back with my previous OB and delivering at the swanky new hospital!

Since I still had to go through the process of finding a new doctor, mid-journey, I have some tips for you to think about when you are looking for a new or different practice as a surrogate:

  • Experience with gestational carriers
  • Compliance to include the intended parents in the prenatal visits and delivery
  • How the doctor handles c-sections, as I had to have one and our previous doctor was known for how well she handled them
  • Location! I wanted to deliver near my house. Since I knew I was going to be in the hospital for at least 3 days, I wanted my two young sons to be able to visit their mommy!
  • I didn’t want to have to go to different places for ultrasounds or bloodwork. It’s nice to have everything was done in the same building.

I was lucky. Everything ended up working out and my “in between” practice turned out to be just fine. My intended parents let me choose where I was most comfortable and Shared Conceptions helped me with the ever-confusing insurance process. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, give Shared Conception a call today! We would love to hear from you!

part 2, how to become a surrogate

How to become a surrogate with Shared Conception

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Part 2: Medical and Legal

The medical and legal processes can be a bit complicated. But remember, we are with you every step of the way! Shared Conception will guide you through the application process, medical and legal processes, and well through labor and delivery. We believe it is our duty to provide our surrogates with what they need to have a happy (and healthy) journey.

 

Medical Screening and Evaluation

Your medical records will need be thoroughly reviewed and approved by the intended parent’s IVF physician, who will want to meet you for a consultation and medical evaluation. Each clinic varies in the types of medical screening they perform, but they will often include infectious disease screening, vaginal ultrasound, etc. Your spouse or partner is also screened for infectious diseases. The intended parents do pay for all the expenses related to the medical screening and evaluation.
We encourage you to take this time to discuss all potential medical risks with the IVF physician, including the various medical procedures and medications involved in the process.

*Please note: You will have to be under the IVF clinic’s care for the first trimester of your surrogate pregnancy. Afterwards, barring any complications or concerns, you will be released to the OBGYN of your choice.

Legal Process

The actual surrogacy contract is drafted by the intended parents’ attorney. If you do not have an attorney, we will give you a list of qualified attorneys experienced in Reproductive Law to review your contract. Your attorney will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the contract and advise you on any items that may need modifying. The intended parents will pay all fees associated with the legal process.

 

Once the contract is signed by all parties, your intended parents will deposit funds into an escrow account which will be used to cover your expenses and fees as agreed upon in the contract. At that point, you are able to start medications in preparation for the embryo transfer.

 

Stay tuned for Part 3 of our “How to Become a Surrogate with Shared Conception” blog series. If you don’t want to wait for our final blog of the series and are interested in becoming a surrogate today, feel free to give us a call! You can also visit us online at: https://sharedconception.com/deliver-a-dream/ to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

new year 2020 celebration gold foil balloons royalty free image 1570207201

Surrogates New Year’s Resolution (you’ll want to keep)

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It’s easier not to keep your New Year’s resolutions than to actually keep them.  But, allow your pregnancy to serve as a great motivator for looking after yourself. Here are some very popular New Year’s Resolutions, as told by our surrogates.

  1. Eat well– We all know a balanced diet ensures that a baby has everything they need to grow. It also gives you the proper nutrition for a healthier and happier pregnancy. The Holidays are full of traditional and gourmet goodies we normally do not eat throughout the year, so a nice dose of fruit and vegetables daily will keep those unhealthy snacks to a minimum.
  2. Stay active– Fitting even the smallest amount of exercise into your daily routine is great for both baby and surrogate. Even if you just park further from the mall entrance while shopping or choose the stairs instead of the escalator, staying active can help you remain more comfortable throughout your journey.
  3. Remain positive – Life is very stressful and sometimes we get to our wits end. Research shows that pregnant women who have a more positive outlook have better, healthier pregnancies. Even pregnancy friendly exercises like yoga, or meditation can help you maintain a sunny outlook.
  4. Rest – Ever hear someone say “you’re pregnant, you deserve it.”? And YES, you do! Take advantage of your situation and put your feet up, take a nap and just do nothing! It’s good for you! And, this is a time in your life when it is acceptable because your body is working 24/7, and needs more rest than usual.
  5. Believe in yourself – You are an amazing person doing an amazing thing. Even though you enjoy pregnancy, it’s not always easy, but, you got this! When times are tough, reach out to your Shared Conception coordinator or our private Facebook page – just for our surrogates. You’ll find your sisterhood of surrogates are there to support you and empathize because, we all have been there!

Shared Conception hopes these little bits of information can offer a more fulfilling surrogacy for you and your intended parents! If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, give us a call today. We would love to hear from you for a no pressure informative chat! And Happy New Year!

 

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A Grateful Surrogate

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When I tell someone that I have been a surrogate not only once but twice, I often hear how lucky those “people” (Intended Parents) are to have someone like me in their life. I do not like to applaud myself.  I enjoyed every bit of the journey; even the injections in the first trimester. I thought that if I could inject myself with a needle, I could do anything.

As quoted by Joan of Arc, “I’m not afraid, I was born to do this.” This is a shirt I often wear, which was given to me by Shared Conception as my twenty-week gift. This phrase stuck with me because I actually felt as if I was born to be a surrogate; a feeling that I haven’t had with other life experiences.

My second son was born pretty unhealthy. He was fed by a feeding tube for the first few years of his life. We spent years trying to find a diagnosis; visiting doctor after doctor, hospital after hospital and enduring test after test. We still aren’t sure of his diagnoses, even at the age of 8, but he went through many different kinds of tests, doctors, therapies, equipment, hospital stays, etc. Those bills added up. But, I refused to leave his side. I was convinced that no one could take care of him as well as I would, and I didn’t want to miss a single minute of his day. One frustrating night, while adding up the pile of bills we clearly could not pay, I considered becoming a surrogate. This was after an intense online search for jobs from home.  Not one position was designed for me. Then I saw one for surrogacy. I did some research on it and mildly considered it.

I brushed it off….

A couple years later with my son on the mend, getting stronger and weaning off his feeding tube, we were still weighed down with medical debt. I couldn’t ask for more of a discount or extension – the hospitals knew me by my first name and I had memorized almost every account number I had with each medical facility.

At this point, I seriously looked into surrogacy. I had a lengthy conversation with my husband who immediately agreed (shows what kind of pregnant woman I am – very pleasant), and started my research which led me to Shared Conception.

I spoke with Shiva, founder and Director of Shared Conception and she gladly answered all my questions and informed me of the process. I started my paperwork with a little apprehension (as I said, I didn’t like the idea of injections). I was matched very quickly with a lovely couple and began my journey.

Now to add why I am thankful….

I am thankful to Shared Conception for being with me the whole way. Always available and helpful, I can’t think of a better way to go into this “unknown” world without them. Shiva and her team matched me with a beautiful couple, and held my hand throughout my wonderful journey. They provided me with the support I needed when I needed it.

I am also thankful for both of my intended parents in each journey. They too were a great support system and entrusted me with their most precious belonging. I gave birth to the most adorable and lovely little babies. They provided me with the ability to stay home with my son. Without my availability, he would not be where he is today. He is now a thriving 8-year-old who loves to build Legos, play with his brother and snuggle with his mom while watching America’s Funniest Home Videos.

If you are considering surrogacy, I would highly recommend Shared Conception. Give them a call today!

-Courtney Clinton

terms and definitions

Pregnancy Terms and Definitions for Surrogates

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There is so much to learn when you are a surrogate! It’s not like you this is your first pregnancy, since you are now a surrogate, you probably have had at least one or two successful and seamless pregnancies of your own under your belt! However, surrogacy introduces a whole new world of doctors, appointments and terms – at least in the beginning stages of the surrogacy process.

Below is a list of medical terms often used in conjunction with a surrogacy journey. It’s useful to have this handy to review or refer to, when beginning the process.

  1. Surrogate/Gestational Carrier: These terms are used interchangeably. However, if you are thinking about becoming a surrogate with Shared Conception, you’ll be considered a gestational surrogate. There is an additional term “traditional surrogate” which means the surrogate is both the egg donor and surrogate – which Shared Conception does not practice or facilitate.
  2. Gestational Surrogacy: Pregnancy where the surrogate is genetically and biologically unrelated to the baby. Embryos are created using the eggs from the intended mother or egg donor, and sperm from the intended father or sperm donor.
  3. Intended Parents: Person or persons who become the legal parent(s) of a child born through surrogacy.
  4. Cycle Schedule: A timeline for the surrogate that lists important local monitoring appointment dates leading up to the transfer. This is usually created by your IVF clinic.
  5. Matching: A wonderful process in which Shared Conception excels in. This is when a surrogate is paired with intended parent(s). Shared Conception matches surrogates with intended parents that are good matches based on legal requirements, personality compatibility, preferences and similar expectations.
  6. Surrogacy Contract: A legal contract between the surrogate and intended parents. The terms of the contract are negotiated by the parties through their legal representation. At no cost to the surrogate, Shared Conception provides you with a list of specialized lawyers to choose from, always with the option of using your own.  It is very important for both the intended parents and the surrogate to read the contract carefully so that all terms and conditions are clearly defined and well understood.
  7. Blastocyst or “Blast”: The last stage of development an embryo is required to reach before it is able to be implanted.
  8. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A medical procedure whereby an egg is fertilized by sperm in a test tube or elsewhere outside the body. The process is performed at an IVF clinic.
  9. Embryo Transfer: A process that occurs when a frozen embryo (an already fertilized and frozen egg) is thawed and transferred into a surrogate by a reproductive doctor.
  10. Beta Testing: A blood test used to help indicate whether a woman is pregnant 8-14 days after an embryo transfer.
  11. Pre-Birth Order: A court issued order that is acquired before the birth of the child and establishes the intended parents as the legal guardians of the baby carried by the gestational carrier or surrogate.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate or the surrogate mother process, contact us! Give Shared Conception a call today. We will answer any questions from the surrogate application process to surrogate pay. We would love to chat with you. You can also click hereto read about the surrogate mother requirements to see if you could be a candidate.

 

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Halloween with a Belly!

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Let’s be honest, when you’re pregnant, it already feels like you’re wearing a costume—there are definitely times when you don’t feel like you’re in your own skin. But you can transform that beautiful bump into the ultimate Halloween costume!  The internet is full of great information of DIY costumes that can be downright hilarious. We’ve managed to find some ideas so surrogates can join in on the Halloween fun and have a devilishly good time while doing it. Pregnant Halloween costumes can be easy, fun and comfortable – and you can put your belly to good use!

Not in the mood? Sometimes it is hard enough as it is to figure out what to wear on any given day. If you are just not into it this year, you really can just grab a comfy shirt and your favorite pregnancy pants and call it a night.  Don’t feel pressured into making, wearing or buying a costume. Stay in and rest if you need to, there is always next year when you’re not pregnant and have less going on! After all, a good Halloween movie and handing out candy to the neighborhood cuties is our idea of a good night!

Pregnant and craving sweets sometimes goes hand in hand. So, when you are in the store and see all the candy displays that make you feel like you are in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, give yourself a chance to experiment. Does the baby like caramel and nougat? Feel free to find out. Just don’t go overboard. Binging on sugary snacks is okay once in a while, but don’t make it a habit; pregnant or not, it is not good for you.

Wondering how to be a surrogate or the surrogate mother process? Give Shared Conception a call today. We will answer any questions from the surrogate application process to surrogate pay. We would love to chat with you. You can also click here to read about the surrogate mother requirements to see if you could be a candidate.

 

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Pregnancy Falls

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Pregnancy definitely changes your body, but it also changes the way you move, get around and walk. Your center of gravity has to adjust, which can cause difficulty with every day movements.  

Knowing this, it’s no wonder that many pregnant women have experienced a fall during their journey, even though your body has several defenses to protect you and the baby against injury. This includes amniotic fluid that provides cushioning, and strong, protective muscles in the uterus.

Falls can create possible complications for both you and the baby. Your uterus probably won’t suffer any permanent damage or trauma from losing your balance and tripping over your own (sometimes unrecognizable) feet. However, if the fall is a rough one or hits at a certain angle, it’s possible you could experience complications such as a placental abruption or sprains that need to be checked out by your doctor.

Most of the time, a minor fall won’t be enough to cause a problem, but there are some symptoms that can indicate a need to seek medical attention. These include:

  • A fall with direct contact to your stomach
  • Leaking amniotic fluid or vaginal bleeding
  • Severe pain in your pelvis, stomach, or uterus
  • Any type of contractions
  • Lack of movement for the baby

If you experience these or other symptoms, immediately call your doctor or take a trip to the ER.

Shared Conception wants our surrogates to have a wonderful, safe and successful journey. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, give us a call today. We would love to hear from you!

 

surrogacy and parents

Surrogacy Journey and Communication

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A lot of our intended parents have asked us how to get to know the woman who is carrying their baby. All of our intended parents are so incredibly appreciative, that it is hard to pinpoint one specific way to accomplish this. Part of the special services that Shared Conception provides on top of an excellent match, is a favorites list. This list allows you to see her likes, interests, hobbies and even dislikes. But we strongly suggest that you take the time to get to know your surrogate, and even her family. You will get a wonderful understanding of her.

 

The beginning of a relationship between intended parents and surrogates is almost like dating. You already have a common bond; you share a special place in each other’s hearts and want to pursue a great future relationship. We suggest going to lunch, and if that seems too overwhelming, start with meeting at a coffee shop. Getting to know each other can make for an incredibly exciting and smooth journey.

 

The goal is communication. You want stellar communication. This will help your surrogacy relationship, the same way that it helps with any other relationship. Texting “how are you” every so often and a quick catch-up conversation, will build confidence in your relationship with each other. Today, we have technology at our fingertips and find ourselves always in reach of a text, FaceTime, Skype call or email. Devote some time each week to get to know each other and form a bond that will last a lifetime.

 

Shared Conception is committed to designing relationships between our intended parents and surrogates. We have a carefully crafted matching process that can match you with the perfect surrogate, or intended parent. Call us today!