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!

 

 

 

 

 

Becoming a Gestational Carrier

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

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

Research

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

Emotional impact

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

Pregnancy is not always easy

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

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

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way. Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

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Surrogacy Through a Family Member

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When Intended parents search for a surrogate, they have many questions and try to get the idea of the lifestyle that a potential surrogate lives. If that person is part of your family, it is probably more comforting to know them, their medical history, and background. However, such a close relationship can lead to other complications. That is why intended parents much cautiously and carefully evaluate the situation and consider the following:

  • Fees, Expenses and Reimbursements

It is quite possible that the family member that will potentially become your surrogate will refuse any financial compensation. It can be uncomfortable for many because it creates an imbalance. There are other ways of compensation such as contributions to your surrogates biological child’s college fund, a prepaid vacation or big gift post-delivery. Most of these generosities should also be stated in writing in the contract.

  • Psyhcological Evaluation

Any agency, including Shared Conception, will help schedule a thorough psychological evaluation for your surrogate, whether it’s your sister, cousin, niece, etc. Most evaluations include an oral interview and psychological test. This is a step that must not be skipped.

  • Independent Legal Counsel

Although family members prefer to keep their dealings informal, it’s important to remember that surrogacy is a legal arrangement that involves legal transactions and must be taken care of correctly, with legal representation for both parties. Surrogate mothers put themselves at risk physically. It is imperative to have representation. Shared Conception works with highly trained attorneys that represent your best interests.

  • Guardianship

Before an embryo is transferred, it is necessary to have a pre birth order for guardianship of the child in the gestational agreement. This way, all expectations are realistically managed.

  • Counseling Facilitation

Shared Conception can arrange family counseling before the transfer, or IVF procedure. From our experience, we know family member can ride a roller coaster of emotions. Unresolved family issues can surface during a stressful time. In the event of a failed pregnancy attempt, the surrogate mother may blame herself. Counseling can help all participants move through a stressful or grieving process and in deciding on the next step.

Think twice about asking a family member to become a surrogate mother. However, when adequately prepared, having a family member help you create your family becomes a rewarding experience for the entire family. Shared Conception is equipped and ready to help. Visit us online www.sharedconception.com or give us a call today! We would love to hear from you!

matching a surrogate with intended parents

It’s a Match!

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What is a match? Webster’s dictionary defines it as, “to be equal to (something or someone) in quality or strength; to make or to be harmonious.” What a perfect definition to describe how the staff at Shared Conception “matches” intended parents and surrogate mothers! Our definition has a little more heart. At Shared Conception, matching is“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.

We want to ensure that the surrogate and the intended parents are certainly equal in their beliefs and most importantly inner strength, and that the surrogate has a harmonious pregnancy.

Shared Conception’s objective is that the surrogate and intended parents interact in an extraordinarily comfortable environment and that both parties build a good, solid rapport and partnership. With that said, we strive to pinpoint your core beliefs and innate desires so that everyone is mentally comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire pregnancy.

If you are comfortable with the intended parents we match with you, we will immediately contact them. Then, Shared Conception will coordinate a three-way phone conversation between the intended parents, the surrogate and a member of our team. If all parties agree to move forward, then the next step is to either have a video call or face-to-face meeting so everyone can discuss the partnership and expectations.

This is such an exciting time in the process. Imagine all the hopes, dreams, expectations and anticipation all wrapped up into the actual match between two families. It’s simply amazing!

If you are curious about becoming a surrogate, read more to see how surrogacy works in our great state of Texas. The process does vary between states. Not only is surrogacy a legal process, but it is also an emotional and physical process. Make sure to educate yourself, your spouse or partner, and surrounding support system about surrogacy. If you are considering surrogacy and live in Texas, you will have only one option: gestational surrogacy. This is where the embryo is created in a fertility clinic using an egg and sperm from the intended parent (or donor) then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through the process of IVF.

It helps to work with an experienced agency such as Shared Conception. We carefully screen and match both intended parents and surrogates with our professional matching process. Help create a family with Shared Conception. Interested in surrogacy? Call us today! You can visit us online www.sharedconception.com

 

 

 

 

 

why a previous pregnancy to become a surrogate

Now is a great time to apply

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Some of us have had a hard couple of weeks. It’s been scary. Worrying about getting sick, who is around us and our families, having enough food and supplies, is stressing us out. Not to mention not knowing whether or not we will have jobs depending on the industry. Money is going to be tight for all of us, and we would like to offer you a solution.

Shared Conception is a surrogacy agency that helps create families. And we can’t do this without you; our wonderful potential surrogates. The most important quality in a surrogate is her love for being pregnant. All of our surrogates share this similar quality. Many love being pregnant and the joy of surrogacy so much, that they have been a gestational carrier with Shared Conception two, three or even four times!

And yes! You get paid! Now is a great time for that much needed extra income. You and your family will benefit from this selfless act of kindness. You can earn up to $40,000 by helping create a family. It’s a win-win!

You can learn more about How to become a Surrogate in our blogs. Here are some frequently asked questions, answers and links with more information:

  1. How long does it take to become a surrogate with Shared Conception? Read more here. It will walk you through the beginning processes of surrogacy from the preliminary application (which you can fill out here), to the matching process and other required screenings.
  2. What other processes do I have to go through? A medical and psychological evaluation along with a background check is required as well. You can read more about it Don’t be concerned about small infractions such as speeding tickets. This won’t disqualify you from being a surrogate.
  3. What is the IVF medical process like? Read this blog to learn about the IVF transfer, and the protocols for pregnancy and delivery.

Shared Conception pledges wholeheartedly to support you throughout the entire pregnancy, and we will still be there afterwards! Our client coordinators will expertly act as a liaison between you and the intended parents. We will ensure that any sensitive or difficult subject matters are tactfully brought up and handled. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing that 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.

 

 

Acupuncture and Surrogacy

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*This blog serves as an informative article. Consult your doctor before trying any new procedure.

Originally a Chinese practice, acupuncture has been around for thousands of years. It has been used to balance energy in your own body for preventing and treating sickness and disease and also for general health. Very tiny needles are put into specific places on the body to alleviate certain conditions. These treatments have been said to have benefits advantageous for fertility and some surrogates swear by it!

Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow throughout the body, including the uterus. Eastern medicine doctors believe that this can reduce inflammation that could prevent the egg from implanting into the uterus and growing. This can increase the lining thickness in the uterus prior to embryo transfer. Treatments can also increase beta-endorphins which are said to decrease pain in labor.

Additionally, treatments are believed to decrease stress levels. This is important for two reasons. It can help balance progesterone in your system and lower stress which translates to a better quality of life and a better environment for the baby to thrive.

It doesn’t hurt. Yet, surrogates more than likely spend their first trimester injecting progesterone into their backside, so the idea of more needles can be off-putting. The needles used in acupuncture are hair-thin. Just as there are risks with any kind of treatment, there are minimal risks associated with acupuncture therapy.

From time to time, intended parents ask surrogates to consider acupuncture as part of their transfer process. Although this is not always the case, acupuncture is believed to possibly help the IVF cycle be more successful. With all the time, money and emotional investment in a transfer process, it is not hard to imagine some intended parents asking their surrogate to consider this procedure. But really, it’s your choice. Intended parents can only ask you to agree to acupuncture.

If acupuncture is an avenue you want to consider, talk with your doctor and intended parents first. A lot of topics similar to this are discussed and considered before the legal phase. But along the way, an extra treatment such as this can be discussed between both parties. Shared Conception pledges wholeheartedly to support you throughout your journey. We will ensure that any sensitive or difficult subject matters are comfortably handled. We want to you be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing you contributed to the world in this unique way. Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit https://sharedconception.com/deliver-a-dream/ to fill out an application request form. We would love to hear from you!

 

 

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The Taboo Subject: Compensation

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Money is rarely the driving reason behind becoming a surrogate. All of our surrogates love the idea of helping a family, enjoy being pregnant and feel that this journey is more of a calling. But that doesn’t mean compensation is not deserved for the intense labor (no pun intended) that is involved. Surrogacy is a full-time, 24/7 job. Between the matching process, medical appointments, pre-transfer preparation and transfer, this process can take 12-18 months! So yes, you do deserve compensation for the service that you provide.

With that said, how is compensation disbursed? Our clients at Shared Conception, use a surrogacy escrow agency. This agency, along with your contract, is your direct line to all your financial questions. And, most importantly, it prevents any awkward conversations about finances between you and your Intended Parents.

With the help of a surrogacy escrow agency, here are the top 3 most common versions of compensation schedules. It varies by attorney, so these are just examples:

  1. Compensation begins on the 1stor 15thof the month following a heartbeat confirmation, and on the same date each month after, usually 8 or 9 installments.

 

  1. Compensation starts with confirmation of a heartbeat and the same day of the month thereafter. Dividing the agreed upon compensation “salary” into 8-10 installments. This version will end with a large payment at the end if it’s 10 installments.

 

  1. Compensation starts with heartbeat confirmation, and every 4 weeks thereafter. This one is usually divided into 10 installments.

Prorated compensation usually doesn’t come into play unless there is a premature delivery, and this varies greatly by contract. For example, if they deliver prior to the week listed (say 32 for a singleton), contracts usually pay a prorated daily amount thru delivery. If compensation is received the 1st, delivered the 12th, then a daily rate is disbursed for those 11 days.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, give us a call for a no pressure, informative chat! We would love to hear from you!

 

header image article main 18 pregnancy outfits to help you look casual but cute

Surviving the Summer Fashionably

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It is in your contract for maternity clothes stipend between your 12th and 15th week. Finding maternity clothes that actually fit and flatter can be challenging for many moms-to-be. But with comfortably fitting maternity clothing, you’ll look—and feel—your best as you go through each trimester. Below are some suggestions to consider before going on your maternity shopping spree. 

Choose lightweight summer maternity clothes.

• Show off your precious baby bump. 
• Pick your footwear carefully! Try to choose supportive footwear.
• Go for a dip with maternity swimwear. Even show your blossoming belly! *Always wear sunscreen. 
• Replace your jeans with jean shorts. Same purpose, just cooler.
• Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Adding a necklace or cute pair of earrings can make all the difference!
• Keep your hair off your face. There is nothing more annoying than being uncomfortable with hair tickling your face. 
• Layer up your summer maternity clothes smartly. It’s hot outside, cold in the grocery store, hot in the car, etc. Layer up to maintain optimal comfort. 

If you can’t commit to a whole new wardobe, clothing rental services are a great way to go through each trimester…fashionably! Rent the Runway has a great variety of maternity clothes available to rent and even a subscription service, giving you access to many different sizes and styles of designer brands. There is a standard subscription and an unlimited subscription option that gives you four new pieces a month, but the difference with unlimited is the ability to swap out pieces whenever you like and keep them for as long as you want.

Below are some of our favorite, reasonably priced sites that our surrogates have suggested to us.

https://www.pinkblushmaternity.com

https://us.asos.com/women/maternity/cat/?cid=5813

https://www.zulily.com

Shared Conception is committed to our surrogates and intended parents throughout their entire journey! Interested in becoming a surrogate, or just want to get more information? Give us a call today! 

Escrow

Surrogacy Escrow Service

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Your surrogacy contract includes using an escrow agency. This service allows a third party (the escrow agency) to hold and dispense funds during the surrogacy process. This can continue up to six months after birth. The escrow agency acts on behalf of the intended parents to ensure that the surrogate is being paid accurately and on time.

 

As you may know, a lot of paperwork is involved throughout the entire surrogacy process, and it doesn’t stop with an escrow agency. Intended parents will most likely, fill out the bulk of the paperwork and the surrogate provides banking information in order for payment to be directly deposited into her account. The surrogate is responsible for keeping any related receipts and filling out disbursement requests, so she can be reimbursed for things such as: medical visits, co-pays, housekeeping, lost wages, etc. Be sure to check your contract to know what can be reimbursed.

 

There are a number of benefits in using an escrow agency. Escrow agencies protect intended parents and surrogates. Having an escrow guarantees that the surrogate gets paid on time and with the appropriate amount.  Escrow accounts also guarantee that the intended parents have the means to cover the cost of the journey. It gives everyone peace of mind to know that their money is safe and being allocated on-time and appropriately. And it prevents any awkward conversation about money or finances between the surrogate and intended parents.

 

Shared Conception chooses to work with escrow agencies for the benefit of all parties involved in this process. We believe that it ensures a smooth journey for everyone. Whether you are looking into using a surrogate or becoming one, give us a call today for a free consultation. We are always willing to answer any of your questions!

 

 

surrogate mothers real stories of women who gifted parents through a surrogacy journey vanessa2 thumbnail

Surrogate Mothers – Real Stories of Women Who Gifted Parents Through A Surrogacy Journey [ Vanessa ]

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[svp]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Zr3N3R0XA[/svp]
Remember to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. TIA!

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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 if 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, visit our website at http://
www.DeliverADream.com” >www.DeliverADream.com
and fill out the brief inquiry form.

http://DeliverADream.com

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———————- BEGIN TRANSCRIPTION ————————-
Hi, my name is Vanessa and I’ve completed three surrogacy journeys. I decided to become a surrogate to watch other people grow their families. When I first told my husband that I wanted to be a gestational carrier, he was, basically waiting for me to tell him that I was ready to go. We had talked about it several times before, and it just was not the right time for our family. He’s very passionate about surrogacy as well. We struggled through infertility ourselves and overcame it. So through that process, he really understood what becoming a parent really was and how it can really tug at your heart.

My family and friends, we’re not surprised at all with me becoming a gestational carrier. They know that I’m a very giving person and that pregnancy and growing families, it’s really important to me. They have all jumped on board and supported me through the process. For them it’s just very normal for me to carry a baby for somebody else.

Involving, my family and my children in that process started from day one. Um, my family has been to doctor’s appointments with me to the Labor and delivery room with me and have met the families that I have carried for during their visits into my home as well.

One day my sister in law and I were actually doing a play date with our young children and we brought up the topic of carrying babies for other people. And from there it just blossomed. We both decided to become gestational carriers. 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. Um, as well as to set herself up for success for our three children when they go to college.

I chose Share Conception to work with Shiva. She has amazing supportive in all around a really fantastic lady. I felt supported by share conceptions during my journey by constant communication and encouragement. The favorite part of my journey is really difficult to decide each phase watching the intended parents go through them is fantastic. I would definitely have to say that my favorite is the moment that the baby is delivered.

Watching the joy and the happiness of everything that they wished for come true in the delivery room when the intended parents, how 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. If someone’s interested in becoming a gestational carrier or learning more about the process, definitely reach out to Shiva at Shared Conception. For those that are interested in becoming a gestational carrier, I would tell them, just do it. Take the first step, make the call, send the email, learn more information.