What is a birthing ball?

Posted by Shiva Landry on March 25, 2022 with 0 Comment

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!

Herbs and pregnancy

Posted by Shiva Landry on March 18, 2022 with 0 Comment

Believe it or not, some herbs have natural healing and immune-boosting properties that can help throughout pregnancy. These can be found in teas, added to meals, or even put in smoothies. Below is a list of the most popular and helpful herbs to consider during pregnancy.

Fennel: Fennel helps relax muscles and ease cramping, gas, and bloating. In addition to these digestive benefits, herbalists have used fennel for alleviating water retention to promote a healthy supply of breast milk. Keep this in mind if you are planning to sell or donate your supply.
Fenugreek: In Greek, this word is defined as “bringer of milk.” It can support breastfeeding and has been used by women for centuries. It has a sweet, maple syrup-like flavor making it a tasty addition to meals, teas, and tonics.
Blessed Thistle: Also another promotor of breast milk production. This herb, as well as fennel and fenugreek, can be found in mothers’ milk tea you can purchase in your local grocery store.
Milky Oats: It’s not oatmeal. This herb supports the nervous system. It’s a great herb for soothing irritable moods, wired and tired nerves, and exhaustion from labor and delivery. You can find Milky Oats in Urban Moonshine’s Simmer Down Tonic.
Raspberry Leaf: Raspberry leaf helps prepare and tone the womb for childbirth. And it is used to support women’s reproductive health throughout the childbearing years.
Nettle: Nettle is a rock star in the herbal world and is full of minerals. Nettle has nourishing qualities for skin health and nutritional support during pregnancy.
Ginger: Ginger has soothing qualities and is one of the most well-known medicinal plants. With a spicy flavor that stimulates the palate, it also supports digestion. Ginger is also known to alleviate nausea and morning sickness.
Chamomile:This herb is typically used to calm, relax, and promote healthy digestion. It is known to soothe the body and mind. Also, it can relieve occasional gas and bloat associated with pregnancy.

While we recommend some of our favorites here, not all herbs are appropriate for everyone. Make sure to consult your healthcare practitioner to determine which ones are right for you.

Things you can’t eat when pregnant

Posted by Shiva Landry on February 25, 2022 with 0 Comment

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

Posted by Shiva Landry on February 18, 2022 with 0 Comment

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 Sperm, Egg or Embryo

Posted by Shiva Landry on February 11, 2022 with 0 Comment

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.

Surrogacy Process for IP’s

Posted by Shiva Landry on December 17, 2021 with 0 Comment

Shared Conception is eager to find the right surrogate for you! We look forward to going through the surrogacy process with you. It is our wish to be at your side during this unique surrogate pregnancy process and are just as excited for you to finally hold your baby in your arms!

Intended parents will efficiently navigate through the following stages.

Initial consultation – this one-hour consultation is to connect and answer any questions you may have about surrogacy. Many of our intended parents like to discuss timing, expenses, contracts, and other concerns involving their family. If you choose to go forward with us after the consultation, you will be asked to fill out our application form. Read more about the initial consultation process here, on our website.
Matching process – After the initial meeting and completed application, we begin the process of finding the ideal surrogate for you. For more information on the matching process, visit our website or click here.
Psychological screening and evaluation – these evaluations are vital to ensure that all parties are suitable for the surrogacy process. All evaluations are conducted by a licensed mental health professional. For more information, click here.
Medical screening – With the help of Shared Conception, we coordinate surrogates to participate in a medical evaluation. Each IVF center has different requirements so a Shared Conception representative coordinates with the clinic for you.
Legal surrogacy process – We provide a referral list of family attorneys that specialize in the surrogacy process and Reproductive Law. Contracts are required prior to beginning the embryo transfer cycle. Also, an escrow account is established at this time to cover costs for medications, co-pays, and other costs outlined in your contract.
Embryo transfer – The moment you have been waiting for! This is when the embryo is placed for implantation and monitored for a viable pregnancy.
Pregnancy – We will remain a part of your support system throughout the pregnancy (and after) and will be available to help you navigate through this wonderful time. Our goal is to have your experience be as joyful as possible.
Preparing for the birth – There are necessary documents that will be prepared by your attorney. Shared Conception will help verify that all the paperwork is in order for peace of mind allowing you to focus on the wonderful gift you are about to receive.
Birth – This is the end to the entire process and a family is created!

If you are interested in having a surrogate, let Shared Conceptions make your dreams of a family a reality. Contact us today and we will help you get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

Flu Shot when Pregnant

Posted by Shiva Landry on October 22, 2021 with 0 Comment

So many opinions on vaccinations lately. What’s a surrogate to do? As Shared Conception always recommends, talk to your doctor before going to a clinic or getting a flu shot outside your doctor’s office. As a surrogate, refer to your contract to see what it states about flu vaccinations.

The flu can cause severe illness in pregnant women—your body changes when you are pregnant, including your immune system. Flu can also be harmful to a developing baby, and even something as simple as a fever can have adverse outcomes for a baby in utero.

What not to do

Pregnant women should get a flu shot, NOT the live attenuated vaccine (LAIV or nasal spray). When you get vaccinated, request the flu shot — not the nasal spray vaccine. The flu shot is made from an inactivated virus, so it’s safe for both mother and baby during any stage of pregnancy.

According to the CDC:

“There is no recommendation that pregnant people or people with pre-existing medical conditions need to get special permission or written consent from their doctor or health care professional for influenza (flu) vaccination if they get vaccinated at a worksite clinic, pharmacy, or other location outside of their physician’s office. Pregnant people should not get nasal spray vaccine.”

But did you know?

Generally, September and October are the recommended time to be vaccinated. But, early vaccinations can be considered for women in their third trimester to protect the baby for months after birth.

Most of our surrogates have received the flu shot when pregnant to protect themselves and the baby against the flu. Vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalization and flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women up to 40%.

Are you interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today. We want you to be informed, fulfilled, and satisfied, knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information!

Which way is up?

Posted by Shiva Landry on October 15, 2021 with 0 Comment

The vertex position. A technical term that describes when a baby is delivered headfirst. The vertex position is the ideal position when you are getting ready for labor. But it’s not always the case.

Usually, weeks before you give birth, the baby moves in a position with its head above your vagina. Sometimes, their feet, bottom, or bottom, and feet remain in this area, which is known as breech. There are a few other ways the baby can position themselves, if not in the vertex position. This does not always require a cesarean, but you will have to discuss the best and safest way to deliver with your doctor.

Breech Position

Breech position is when a baby enters the birth canal with the buttocks or feet first, rather than the head. This prevents the cervix (opening to the uterus) from dilating effectively and can lead to the umbilical cord becoming pinched or compressed. Breech position only occurs in approximately 3-4% of deliveries and is more likely in premature births or multiple babies. While breech babies can be delivered vaginally, studies have found that vaginal deliveries are around three times more likely to result in serious harm to the baby than cesarean sections. Therefore, in most cases in the US, breech babies are delivered by c-section. Your doctor can diagnose a breech presentation either by a physical exam or ultrasound.

Shoulder first

Shoulder first is rare and occurs in less than 1% of deliveries. This is when the baby lies sideways in the uterus, rather than head down or buttocks/feet down. If labor begins with the baby in this position, the shoulder becomes wedged in the pelvis, and the delivery usually does not progress. Almost all babies with shoulder presentation will need to be delivered by cesarean section. Shoulder presentation, like breech presentation, is more common in premature babies or the setting of multiple gestations.

External cephalic version (ECV)

ECV is one way to turn a baby from breech position to head-down position while it’s still in the uterus. It involves the doctor applying pressure to your stomach to turn the baby from the outside. Sometimes, an ultrasound is used to help this turn.

Many women who have normal pregnancies can have ECV. You should not have ECV if you have other complications and talk to your doctor if you are comfortable pursuing this option.

No matter what position the baby decides to be in, be sure to have an honest discussion with your doctor about getting the baby in the safest place best for you to deliver and get the little one into the arms of your intended parents.

Begin your surrogacy journey with Shared Conception. Call us at either 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.

Our Placentas II – Placenta accrete

Posted by Shiva Landry on October 1, 2021 with 0 Comment

We have recently discussed placenta previa, the cause, risk, symptoms, and treatments. But we are not done talking about the placenta! Shared Conception would like to fill you in on another condition that affects our placentas, known as placenta accrete.

What is Placenta Accreta

Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy condition that occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. This can result in the placenta detaching from the uterine wall after childbirth. With placenta accreta, part or all of the placenta remains attached. This can cause severe blood loss after delivery.

3 Different types of this condition

Each type is determined by how deeply the placenta is attached to the uterus.

Placenta accreta: The placenta firmly attaches to the wall of the uterus. It does not pass through the wall of the uterus or impact the muscles of the uterus. This is the most common type of placenta issue.
Placenta increta: This type of condition sees the placenta more deeply embedded in the wall of the uterus. It still does not pass through the wall but is firmly attached to the muscle of the uterus.
Placenta percreta: The most severe of the types, placenta percreta happens when the placenta passes through the wall of the uterus. The placenta might grow through the uterus and impact other organs, such as the bladder or intestines.

Who is at risk for Placenta Accreta?

Women who have had multiple cesarean sections carry a greater risk of developing this condition. This results from scarring of the uterus from the procedures. The more cesarean sections a woman has over time, the higher her risk of placenta accreta.

However, women who have had placenta previa should be carefully checked for accreta. Contrary to popular belief, an accreta isn’t always detected on an ultrasound or MRI image before delivery. Although an ultrasound or MRI image can detect an accreta, it is not a guarantee.

What are the risks to the mother and baby from placenta accreta?

The risks of placenta accreta can be severe and can expand beyond the surrogate to the newborn. Once born, the baby may be at additional risk because of premature birth. Risks for the surrogate can include:

Premature delivery
Damage to the uterus and surrounding organs
Need for a hysterectomy (removal of uterus)
Excessive bleeding or a blood transfusion
Rarely, death

Is there treatment?

Treatment of placenta accreta can vary. If the condition is diagnosed before birth, the pregnancy will be monitored closely. The caregiver will schedule a c-section to deliver the baby, often earlier than the due date. This is done to decrease the risk of bleeding from contractions or labor. If the woman wishes to have future pregnancies, the caregivers may attempt to save the uterus. However, in unusually severe cases where the placenta becomes invasive to other organs, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be the best option for the surrogate. Removing the uterus with the placenta still attached minimizes the risk of excessive bleeding, also known as hemorrhaging.

Fall into these Healthy Habits this Season!

Posted by Shiva Landry on September 24, 2021 with 0 Comment

Avoiding sushi and soft cheeses are well-known foods to avoid when you’re pregnant. But here are a few more not-so-well-known changes to make when pregnant.

Try them out! The following can help with fewer aches and pains, less stress, and more energy!

Floss

Your dentist probably tells you this every time you have a cleaning. Flossing is not only important when you are not pregnant but even more necessary when you are pregnant. Pregnancy hormones make your mouth more susceptible to plaque and bacteria, which in turn lead to gum inflammation and other serious gum diseases. You may even notice that your gums are more sensitive and bleed, even if you are an avid flosser. Keeping care of your mouth will help prevent gingivitis and periodontitis (inflammation of the gums). These conditions can increase your risk of preterm labor and preeclampsia. So add some floss picks to your grocery list today. (And brush twice).

Slip in extra R&R

Your body is in overdrive when you are expecting. Think about it, you’re building a life inside you, and a growing baby is putting a lot of demands on your body. On top of that, your hormones are surging – literally sucking the energy out of you. That’s why getting enough rest is so important. Rest not only makes you feel more energized but can curb nausea, reduce aches and pains (especially if you suffer from back pain), lower blood pressure, and even help you sleep better at night.

Snack wisely

We all know that skipping a meal is almost impossible for a surrogate. All of that nourishment is necessary for the baby, but snacking becomes more serious as you go through your journey. You’ll want to have a nutritious snack on hand whenever you need one. If you have healthy choices at your disposal, you are less likely to pick up a candy bar or dive into that bag of chips! Try snacks like trail mix, dried fruit, nuts, or whole-grain crackers to keep in your purse for those hunger attacks when you are on the go.

Choose healthier drinks

You may want to find some alternatives to coffee and soda when you’re pregnant; even simply cutting back will be better for you. Caffeine and sugar often act as diuretics and can wash out essential nutrients before your body can absorb them. Also, all of those mouth-watering coffee drinks can be filled with calories, sugar, and more caffeine than you may think. The best drink for you is good old H2O. And, it doesn’t have to be boring! Make it interesting with a slice of orange, lemon, or lime, or even spice it up with some herbs.

Get in the water

Although you may feel like you are wearing a permanent flotation device, consider swimming. Laps and aqua aerobics will do wonders for your pregnant self, and it helps relieve aches and pains (especially as your belly grows) and improves circulation and endurance. There is nothing like feeling weightless in the water.

Eating right, working out, and drinking plenty of water is good for you, pregnant or not. Listen to your body and make a point of slowing down every now and then. Enjoy your pregnancy! Need some more tips? Feel free to contact Shared Conception. If you are interested in learning more about surrogacy, give us a call today. We want you to be informed, fulfilled, and satisfied, knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information!

Tag: Surrogate Process