A gentle c-section, what is it? Can it be right for you?

Ever hear of a Gentle Cesarean?

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Planning a C-section? 

We all have our ideal labor and delivery planned in our heads or on paper. As a surrogate, this would not be your first experience with labor and delivery. Some of us have to deliver via cesarean due to medical conditions or previous C-section births. Other times, again due to complications, or if the baby is breech, an unexpected C-section is necessary.

To not be able to birth a child naturally is a concern to some. For the sake of your body and the baby, although perfectly safe, it’s not ideal. You may be in a position where it is the only option, and sometimes it is. You may not know that there are options when it comes to cesareans, and one is a gentle cesarean.

What is a gentle cesarean? 

This procedure is less of a major operation and closer to a vaginal delivery. The surgical aspects are still the same, but this allows you or your intended parents the ability to see and touch the newborn as soon as possible. Of course, this depends on your comfort level when giving birth and requires a little more planning with your intended parents and the labor and delivery team. Some doctors even allow the baby to wriggle around as they would in the birth canal before being scooped out. This allows a bit of a squeeze to get the extra fluid from the lungs expelled.

From a surrogate standpoint, this can also prevent your arms from being tied down, which is common in a C-section operation.

*If you are planning a cesarean, you will want to discuss this option with your intended parents and, most importantly, your healthcare provider.

Gentle C-sections are gaining popularity with many women. It’s aimed to bridge the gap between traditional C-sections and natural births. It only takes about 5 minutes longer than traditional c-sections and should not cost more. As always, talk with your intended parents and health care provider or Shared Conception.

No matter how you give birth, the outcome is the same: a miracle. 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!

 

you can be a surrogate

Surrogacy pregnancies are different from biological pregnancies

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The most popular question asked as a surrogate is, “How can you give up the baby.” People can’t help themselves. And they don’t understand – it’s different than a biological baby. Surrogacy is not mainstream yet. There is not a lot of information out there. Everyone has a different answer, but I’ll give you mine.

In short, it’s a well-thought-out (incredible) commitment. It’s also a medical process, not biologically linked to you, and you are selflessly helping create a family. And these are not the only differences.

Believe me; I could never give up any child of mine. And each of my two surrogate babies was entirely different than my two biological babies. When I found out I was pregnant with my bio babies, I was elated. For myself, my husband, and the family we were creating. We enjoyed letting everyone know, the gender reveal, the baby shower, etc. I had a great pregnancy, loved being pregnant, and couldn’t wait to hold my beautiful babies when they were born. When I did, I was instantly in love, connected and all of my mom instincts kicked into high gear.

Surrogacy was awesome too, but different. It didn’t start with an at-home pregnancy test or my husband and I crying with joy on the floor in our bathroom. It began with interviews, psychological and medical evaluations, background checks, the matching process, contracts, lawyers, a medical protocol, and many weekly blood tests. I was excited because I loved being pregnant, but more for the intended parents to hold a baby they worked so hard for. I felt love for the child I was carrying but also a great responsibility. I took care of myself – maybe even better than my other two biological pregnancies! Maybe not…but with a contract to consider, you definitely think twice at times.

When I had the surrogate babies, I did not feel my maternal instincts kick in. I felt proud and joyful in the journey I had. I loved seeing the intended parents with their child – and the smiles on their faces. It was priceless. I felt whole at the end of my journey and couldn’t wait to return to my own family, for I developed a new appreciation for them.

Surrogacy isn’t for everyone, but it may not be as emotionally complicated as you may think. 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!

 

injection support

New Needle Support

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A common apprehension when considering surrogacy is the injections that must be administered before the IVF transfer and throughout the first trimester. Shared Conception would like to share with you our new findings that will put you at ease! Our surrogates are just raving about this new and helpful tool when administering injections. It’s called Buzzy Mini. It’s a small device that acts as a massager to minimize pain from a shot. Through the magic of vibration and ice pain-blocking methods, it can alleviate pain associated with the (sometimes apprehensive) injections all surrogates must dispense.

 

It has two reusable slip-on ice wings that last for up to 100 uses, batteries (AAA), and instruction. Many surrogates have praised this method – so we HAVE to share. The anxiety about these shots runs high with many surrogates. And that is totally normal. The truth is, you get used to it quickly.

 

The science behind this item is the gate control theory. When nerves receive non-painful signals such as vibration and cold, our brain shuts off pain signals. Like if you burn a finger on a hot coffee cup, you instinctively act by rubbing it or running it under cold water. This is the body’s way of sending non-pain signals to your nerves to prevent that feeling of pain. It comes in many cute colors, and you can use this long after your short window of administering injections ends.

 

Find the method that works for you and stick to it! Most surrogates find they do not need any preparation before administering their shots after the first week. Remember, the first is always the hardest, and the last is the most rewarding!

 

Begin your journey with Shared Conception. You can find more helpful tips and tricks about shots on our blog here. Call either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 location for more information. You can also visit www.deliveradream.com to begin a surrogacy application. We look forward to hearing from you.

tips for a surrogate partner

Tips for a Surrogate Partner

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As a partner to a surrogate mother, you will hear how selfless and generous they are, but you deserve some kudos too! Although the workload is on her, you play an essential role in the entire process. You will serve as a chauffeur, nurse, take on more household or childcare responsibilities, rub tired and sore legs with various other tasks and “favors” that will come your way. Shared Conception wants to give some advice for partners of surrogate mothers.

 

Don’t stop the conversation:

It is important to communicate your needs throughout the journey, not just in the beginning. It’s the best way to overcome any obstacles that your relationship may face during the pregnancy.

 

Stay involved.

 Go to significant doctor appointments, ask, “how are you doing today” – and mean it! You will feel like you are part of the journey when you try. Depending on your level of comfort, it does help to be involved with the intended parents. This relationship is vital to a successful and happy surrogacy. So, stay on that text chain, or join in on that FaceTime call. A little bit of involvement can go a long way.

 

Pause from Intimacy:

Your partner will take fertility medications that can make her pregnant in the blink of an eye. You will have to abstain from sex for a little while during this time and after the transfer. This won’t last forever. Be honest with your partner if there are any intimacy issues in your relationship at this time. Couples tend to be less intimate during pregnancy, and it may feel different knowing your partner is carrying a baby for someone else.

 

Imbalanced Responsibilities: 

Your partner will experience dips in energy and motivation as she gets further along in the pregnancy. You may have to take on more responsibility with life, in general, such as the kids, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, etc. If this starts to wear on you, you may all need a break. Always communicate, and it’s okay if you don’t fold the laundry that day….it will be there tomorrow.

 

Reduced Activity: 

Those impromptu bike ride, walks, concerts, weekend getaways may come to a pause, too. But, as mentioned above, it is momentary. Take this opportunity to find something different you can do together. This might be a great way to discover a new hobby or interest.

 

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! Shared Conception promises to support you and your partner throughout your journey.

surrogacy years later

Surrogacy Years Later

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Before, during, and after surrogacy is a commonly discussed topic. When you begin the surrogacy process and establish your support network, there are many questions from friends, loved ones, and even children to be asked and answered. Usually, questions are welcomed from your close circle because they are people who love and support your chosen journey. Some everyday surrogacy conversations consist of your multiple medical appointments, medications, evaluations, background checks, the “am I really doing this?” phase, meeting your intended parents for the first time, and more.

 

Your journey becomes an even hotter topic as your belly grows, and you have to decide what to tell a stranger in the grocery store that asks, “when are you due?”, “is it a boy or a girl?” or to say “congratulations!” These questions from strangers get brought back home or immediately discussed with someone who knows your situation. It’s fun, exciting, and even humorous at times. Then, there are the times when you are asked, “How can you give up the baby?” This question, although invasive, is the most common. You will eventually find a comfortable answer that you will be able to recite in your sleep.

 

The most rewarding aspect is the beautiful experience of labor and delivery when you see the most intimate moment of intended parents holding their child for the first time. Afterward, you get to recover from a long and gratifying journey and start getting into that pre-baby shape! And then you are done, with a sense of joy and meaning, fulfilled and knowing that you gave back in ways that many can or will not.

 

And we read about this all the time. Many blogs cover journeys. What to expect, what to prepare for, how to do it best, what to do after birth, and more. But, how about years later? On a personal note, I have had two journeys, and as of this year, the children are 5 and 3.

 

My first family lives out of the country. I still make calls around the holidays and for her birthday. I wish I could see her, but the distance is far too great to make an annual trip. Her parents are wonderful in sending me updates and pictures every now and then. My husband and I genuinely love them and forged a quick and strong connection throughout our journey. I cannot wait for the day that we meet again, as the last time I hugged her she was two weeks old!

 

I still talk about my first surrogacy with my family. My children will mention it sometimes, and I share pictures of the beautiful growing girl I once carried for 39 weeks. My friends and those who know about my surrogate past will also sometimes ask about her, and I am happy to indulge them, always showing the most recent picture I receive. But these conversations do not happen every day now; they are few and far between. Yet each conversation about her is very special to me and always leaves a smile on my face.

 

My second journey was entirely different as it was for a local couple. I also had an incredible journey, and the IPs were able to attend almost every appointment, and I even was invited to the baby shower. I carried another girl, and I get to see her a few times a year – and love every minute of it! She calls me “Auntie” and is growing like a weed. We have fun playdates and lunch dates – her smile warms my heart. I share my experience with my close circle of friends and family when asked, “what did you do today?” But this does not happen every day. Only a few times a year.

 

I leave every conversation or meeting with my surrogate families with that warm and fuzzy feeling. I feel like it was a lifetime ago that I carried these two beautiful babies. I am very proud of what I did and know that I helped build a family, actually, two incredible families. I know surrogacy is not for everyone, but it was for me.

 

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate with Shared Conception, call our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Visit www.deliveradream.com to begin your application and prequalify.

stretches when pregnant

Stretch for pregnancy

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If you find being pregnant sore and uncomfortable, try some pregnancy-safe stretches. Stretching can help relieve aches and pains and melt away any stress or tension as well.

Benefits

Pregnant or not, stretching has its benefits. Stretching lengthens your muscles and loosens your entire body, making you feel better and more comfortable. When you are pregnant, your weight becomes redistributed, and your posture shifts, causing tightness in your muscles, especially your lower back. Even your range of motion is affected. That is why stretching can not only alleviate pain and pressure but improve your range of motion.

Safety

As always, consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen during your pregnancy. Stretch with care and keep these tips in mind:

  • Make sure you warm-up. Stretching tight muscles can cause injury. Begin with a brisk walk or some knee raises.
  • Don’t overstretch. Relaxin is not just what you do when you take a break. It is a hormone that loosens ligaments and prepares your body for labor and delivery. Since all your ligaments are affected by relaxin, it is possible to overdo it and injure yourself. Just be sure to listen to your body and do what feels good. Stretching should not be painful.
  • Hold those stretches! Don’t bounce while you stretch. You can pull a muscle this way. Hold your stretches for 20-30 seconds and hold in a comfortable position. You should never feel pain.

Check out this slide show from the Mayo Clinic to learn how to stretch when pregnant safely.

Exercise

Exercise can do wonders for a pregnant body. It can boost your mood, improve sleep, and reduce stress along with aches and pains. Also, it will help you get back into pre-pregnancy shape. Research has shown that prenatal exercise can lower the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. To avoid injury, take it easy and stretch before and after your workout.

Are you interested in learning more about surrogacy? Why not take the next step and open a dialogue with Shared Conception? 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 begin an application to become a gestational surrogate and find out more information!

telling your child about their origin

Telling your child their origin

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

floating for pregnancy

Hop in!

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Pregnancy in the summer can be hard because it is scorching hot! But look on the bright side! You can float; getting some relief from gravity. Find a pool and hop in! Well, don’t hop. Step in safely. Relaxing in the water will not only cool you down but can be a great form of exercise and take some of the discomforts from achy backs and feet. You will feel weightless! Pool time will also help de-stress, and it’s fun for the whole family!

Floating

To get the most out of floating, make sure you are in a comfortable position. A flotation device such as a noodle, raft, or sling can help with that. You can even use multiple floatation devices, depending on how far along you are. Floating can support you, the baby, and help keep your head above water. Being in the pool is also an excellent opportunity to float belly down (but not for too long) and release the weight of a growing uterus pushing against your organs. Pro tip: for lower back relief, put the pool noodle under your knees.

Exercise

Floating can be exercise as well as support. It’s low impact, and easy on your joints. Swimming maintains muscle tone and increases your endurance. You will feel energized, refreshed, cool and confident this summer with some pool time. Swimming while pregnant has been shown to ease sciatic pain, reduce morning sickness, and improve your labor and delivery.

Safety measures

Please use caution when in a pool. Never swim alone. Notify someone if you feel light-headed and stay hydrated. Always check for water depth. Depending on what body of water you decide to plunge into, be aware of your surroundings, especially with smaller bodies of water. Avoid contamination and water-borne illnesses. Most importantly, say no to hot tubs. You do not want to raise your body temperature or increase a miscarriage or birth defects risk. It’s best to leave these alone for now.

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.

sunscreen while pregnant

Best Sunscreens for Pregnancy

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We often find ourselves looking at the ingredients of our beauty products when expecting. Now that summer is arriving, ingredients are very important when it comes to what is in our sunscreen. After all, it is important to protect your skin and baby bump from the harmful effects of the sun. Pregnancy hormones can cause increased skin pigmentation that can get darker in the sun. That is why it is important to use a high-quality SPF pregnant or not.

It is recommended to use a broad-spectrum formula that blocks both UVA and UVB rays with a protection of SPF30 or more. Look for ingredients with minerals such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These are hypoallergenic. Pregnant skin tends to be more sensitive to some ingredients, so it is best to use formulas for sensitive skin.

Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun and reapply every two hours, even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Always wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats for extra protection and stay hydrated!

Below are some recommended sunscreens for every budget:

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen: Beautycounter offers a wide range of beauty products that do not contain harmful products found in most other brands. Setting a high standard for safety in the beauty industry, Beauty counter sunscreen can be purchased as a lotion, spray or stick.

Thinkbaby SPF: Pediatric Dermatologist recommended, this mineral sunscreen is also nontoxic and formulated with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide for full spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Found at Target for only $13!

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen: This $9, affordable and oil-free sunscreen protects those with eczema and sensitive skin. Broad-spectrum SPF 60+ contains natural titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Drunk Elephant Tinted Sunscreen for face: For daily protection and sheer coverage, this sunscreen provides protection and can replace foundation making two steps become one!

Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm: And don’t forget about your lips! Our lips are very prone to sunburn and need protection too! Look for a zinc-based formula that contains SPF.

Shared Conception wants you to stay protected and safe in the sun. Our surrogates are our top priority, and we are proud to represent such wonderful women! Are you thinking about becoming a surrogate, or would like more information? Your journey can begin by filling out an application request form. Visit www.deliveradream.com for more information. Or for a no-pressure phone call, you can reach out to us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information.

 

 

using your own OBGYN through surrogacy journey

Using your OBGYN in Surrogacy

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One of the many common questions from new surrogates is about using their OBGYN in their journey. After all, our OBGYN is where we ladies feel the most comfortable. Many of our doctors have delivered our biological children. And, there is the sense of safety with our own doctor that brings confidence and security to a pregnancy.
Fertility Clinics, Doctors and Specialists
During your surrogacy journey, you can use your own OBGYN, but not right away. Your OB has to clear you for surrogacy by providing a letter stating you are healthy and able for a pregnancy. After this, you begin a series of medical and psychological evaluations and work with a fertility clinic and reproductive endocrinologist. The clinic is necessary as they carry out tests and bloodwork that your OB cannot provide. The fertility clinic takes over at this point for some time to prepare your body for an IVF (in-vitro fertilization) transfer. This is when the embryo is implanted in your uterus. After a couple of days of rest and a blood test measuring your HCG levels, you will find out if your transfer resulted in a viable pregnancy.  If successful, the clinic and fertility doctor will monitor you throughout your first trimester. At this time, you will continue to have weekly ultrasounds and blood tests at the clinic to make sure all is well with you and the baby. Around your first trimester, if without any concerns or complications, the fertility clinic will release you to your preferred OBGYN. If you don’t have a preferred Obstetrician
It can be about location. Sometimes our surrogates have chosen a different OB to make it easier for the intended parents to attend appointments. But, this is your choice as the surrogate. With the amount of time spent in a doctor’s office, you shouldn’t have to travel too far or be uncomfortable. This will be ironed out in your contract that is signed before the IVF process. It is very important that your preferences are voiced when the contract is being drafted. That is why Shared Conception urges our potential surrogates to become very familiar with their contract and voice all of your requests at this time.
It can be about insurance. Insurance can make things tricky. Sometimes surrogates are able to use their own insurance and remain with their doctor. When this is not possible, the intended parents provide insurance. The surrogate still gets to choose the OBGYN but the OB must be in that insurance plan’s network. Shared Conception knows that choosing a doctor is not as easy as drawing a name out of a hat. That is why we can provide referrals to many Obstetrician doctors and practices that our previous surrogates have been very happy with.
You will never be alone in your journey with Shared Conception. We can hold your hand throughout your journey and be there for as much, or as little as you need. 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! Want even more information? Call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information.