Administering shots by yourself in surrogacy

Let’s Talk Shots!

Posted by Shiva Landry on May 28, 2021 with 0 Comment

IVF shots are not as difficult or painful as you might think. For many of our surrogates, the first shot is the hardest. Then, it becomes routine and not so scary.

Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, most shots are intramuscular and are required about a week before your IVF transfer and throughout your first trimester.

What are intramuscular injections?

Intramuscular injections: An intramuscular injection delivers medication directly into a muscle. Progesterone in oil is often given as an intramuscular injection. The most common injection site for these medications is the top outer quadrant of the buttocks. It is possible to administer these shots yourself, but some people have their partner help.

Here are a few administering pointers:

Stay calm. Being nervous and tense can make this quick shot more uncomfortable. Shaky hands or a rushed approach cause the needle to bounce out before all the medication is injected. Take a deep breath! Meditate for a moment and RELAX!

Consider heat: For intramuscular injections, applying a heating pad to the injection site for about 10 minutes can sometimes relax the muscle and make the injection easier.

Know you don’t have to be a pro. Administering an injection does not require a professional medical degree – but practice makes perfect!

Try ice: Many Shared Conception surrogates believe in icing the area right before injection to help numb the skin.

Change positions: For intramuscular injections, your body position can affect how the needle feels as it goes in. Bending over or shifting your weight on the opposite leg from the injection site can be more comfortable.

Be quick and direct: One confident motion for injection is much more comfortable than slow or twisting motions.

Injections are unavoidable as a surrogate. The first is always the hardest and the last is the most rewarding.

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.

For the Potential Intended Parent

Posted by Shiva Landry on May 14, 2021 with 0 Comment

Surrogates make a huge commitment to the intended parents. They go through an intensive screening process, legal contracts, psychological and medical evaluations, background checks, and more to show they are good candidates to carry your baby and are committed to the surrogacy journey. There is so much information for potential surrogates; but what is there for intended parents?

Below, are the most frequently asked questions from potential intended parents

How do I begin the process?

When intended parents first contact Shared Conception, we will set up an initial one-hour consultation and provide information about the process, timing, and expenses involved in growing a family. We also want to learn about your family, social history, and reasons for choosing surrogacy.

When you agree to move on to the next step with Shared Conception, we may request additional information from you to be able to find potential surrogates whose wants and needs for the surrogacy are a good match with you, the intended parents.

Are there requirements for intended parents?

Intended parents must be:

Between the ages of 21-65
Able to pass a background check -Shared Conception performs background checks to ensure the intended parents have a clean criminal background and child abuse registry. All intended parents must be able to provide a safe and stable home to a child.
Emotional support for spouse or partner
Pass a psychological assessment
Have financial stability
Respectful of surrogate’s time and commitment and in general a good person – The safety of our surrogates is of utmost importance to us and we reserve the right to refuse service to any potential intended parent that does not meet the above-mentioned criteria.

What if it doesn’t work?

If you have three unsuccessful cycles with your surrogate and have at least 2 embryos that are rated A or B+ you can be re-matched with a new surrogate for no fee.

Does Texas have a law for surrogacy?

Yes! Tex. Fam. Code §§ 160.751 to .763 (2007)

Texas’s law is modeled after Part 8 of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2002. A gestational agreement must be validated in court. The gestational mother may not use her own eggs. She must have had at least one prior pregnancy and delivery. She maintains control over all health-related decisions during the pregnancy. The intended mother must show that she is unable to carry a pregnancy or give birth. The intended parents must be married and must be willing to undergo a home study. There is a residency requirement of at least 90 days for either the gestational mother or the intended parents. An agreement that has not been validated is not enforceable, and parentage will be determined under the other parts of Texas’s Uniform Parentage Act.

We would love the opportunity to help create your family. For more information visit https://sharedconception.com/ . We have two Texas locations: Houston 713.622.1144 and Dallas 214.390.4024

6 things our surrogates were surprised about

6 Surrogate Surprises

Posted by Shiva Landry on May 7, 2021 with 0 Comment

In short, surrogacy is a life-changing experience, not only for yourself but for the family you are helping to build. Nowadays, it’s easy to look up information about the surrogacy process. And that’s a great first step. But not all the information you need is out there. Hearing the top surrogate surprises from our Shared Conception surrogates can make your expectations and experience a whole lot easier.

If you are interested in surrogacy and can’t help but wonder what to expect, we’ve compiled a list that our surrogates helped combine. This list covers the 5 things they wished they knew before embarking on a journey.

1) You Don’t Get Paid Right Away

Compensation can be an uncomfortable subject but is still very important to discuss. Your contract will outline what you are getting and when. Most surrogacy agreements are spread out throughout the pregnancy.

2) The Screening Process is Surprisingly Long and Intense

The process and requirements to become a surrogate are more intense than most expect. Roughly, only two out of every twenty women who apply to become a surrogate will qualify. There is a long list of requirements, some of the things Shared Conception will be checking are:

Proof that you’re financially secure
That you already have children who you are currently raising
If you have a partner that you have their consent to start the process
That you have a strong support system
And much more

It may feel that everything in your life will be under a microscope. But this is for the safety of yourself, the intended parents, and the baby-to-be.

3) The Many Steps to Prepare Your Body

Not only do you have to go through an arduous screening process, get records from every medical professional you are under the care of, fill out tons of paperwork, and mentally and emotionally prepare yourself to become a surrogate, you’ll also have to get your body ready for the embryo transfer.

This involves medications, so think pills, patches, and injections. You or your partner will have to administer the injection yourselves and they need to be taken on a very strict schedule for the first 10-12 weeks. Also, you’ll have to visit the clinic weekly for blood tests and ultrasounds to make sure everything looks the way it should. This takes up a lot of time, so make sure you have the time to commit to the weekly appointments.

4) Your Bond with the Intended Parent’s

A relationship with your intended parents is bound to form. This means that you’ll be expressively invested in the rollercoaster of emotions during the embryo transfer process, the pregnancy, and beyond. Many surrogates and intended parents find themselves “like family” by the end of the journey.

5) You’ll Need to Be a Good Communicator

Intended parents cannot feel the baby kick, but they would like to hear about it. The truth of the matter is, it never hurts to communicate and share your experience with the intended parents. And doing what you can to involve them can help you build a stronger relationship, too.

6) You Might Decide to Pursue Surrogacy Again

It’s hard to describe how you felt during your surrogacy. After experiencing such intimate and wonderful moments during your pregnancy and seeing your intended parents hold their baby for the first time, it’s not uncommon to want to do it again. Many of our surrogates only planned to pursue one journey and many found themselves doing it again.

If you haven’t started your surrogacy journey yet, but you’d like to learn more about the process, we’d be happy to answer your questions. Contact us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Or, visit www.deliveradream.com for more information.

What your health history means to your surrogacy application

Posted by Shiva Landry on April 23, 2021 with 0 Comment

When applying to become a surrogate, you will quickly learn that there is a long list of requirements that you must meet to embark on a journey. It involves many things; your finances, age, family support, and health history. Not only do you need to be in good, overall health, but some conditions can affect your ability to safely carry a child for another family. On the other hand, there could be issues you may have, that would not disqualify you from your dream of becoming a surrogate.

These requirements are put into place and reviewed by our team and medical professionals for your protection and the protection of the unborn child.

Endometriosis

This disorder affects the tissue that lines the inside wall of your uterus. It can affect fertility. This diagnosis can range from moderate to severe. The severity of this condition can affect your ability to carry via in-vitro fertilization. Talk to us at Shared Conception and consult your doctor before deciding whether this could affect a surrogacy journey.

Herpes

This does not automatically disqualify you either, but if there is an occurrence or outbreak around delivery time, a C-section may be necessary.

HPV

This condition will not disqualify you from surrogacy, but your pap does need to be normal before you can be a surrogate.

Miscarriage

Having a miscarriage in your health history doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from being a surrogate. It depends on many factors including how many you had, the reason, and when they happened. Please be upfront and share your medical history when speaking with Shared Conception regarding this and any other medical condition.

Postpartum Depression

Although we tend to focus on physical health, mental health is very important as well. If you have been successfully treated for depression, you can still be considered. This will be discussed with you in greater detail during the interview process and again during the psychological screening.

Preeclampsia

This is a serious condition and can prevent you from pursuing gestational surrogacy. You run the risk of miscarriage and other life-threatening complications. Although, mild preeclampsia will not necessarily impede a journey.

Sickle Cell

This disease can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, and low birth weight. In this case, it is considered unsafe for a woman with this disease to become a surrogate.

Tubal Ligation

Many women choose to have their “tubes tied” after they are finished creating their families. This only prevents you from ovulating and is not connected with an ability to carry for another, so you can still be a surrogate.

Weight

There are no specific weight requirements but your BMI (body mass index) should be equal to or lower than 32. Some clinics require lower BMIs and some are fine with a little higher.

Shared Conception does not wish to put anyone at risk to become a surrogate. That is why we have these requirements. And remember, the requirements differ depending on the IVF clinic. If you have a question about your health history, let us know. Your journey can begin by filling out an application request form. Visit www.deliveradream.com for more information. Or, call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information.

COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy

Posted by Shiva Landry on April 16, 2021 with 0 Comment

There has been a lot of talk about the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy. Some headlines are scary, while others are confusing. Shared Conception has done some research and would like to share what we have found.

Social media has been buzzing about the coronavirus vaccine causing pregnant women to miscarry. Although scary, this is likely, not true. There have been many recent and encouraging studies released by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology last month, informing the public about the good level of protection against the virus to both pregnant and lactating women, and likely their babies.

While most vaccines have been considered safe in the past, not many pregnant women jumped at the chance to be part of the trial for the new Covid vaccines. And now, the claims of miscarriage that have circulated on social media have startled many pregnant women. These claims have been debunked according to agencies such as the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), FDA, and the CDC.

“It’s also important to note the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have stated there is no evidence the COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe during pregnancy, although both caution, there is still little data.”

This has caused a high level of anxiety for both surrogates and intended parents. We have noticed that this is an important discussion that must be had between the surrogate and the intended parents. Everyone’s feelings must be taken into consideration, especially that of the surrogate. This is an unprecedented avenue we have all had to explore and endure. Although it is a tough conversation, it has to be had. And Shared Conception is here to help.

Shared Conception knows it is difficult to find reliable information about the vaccine when you are trying to research its efficacy and safety. If you are starting your journey, or in the middle of one and have questions, we are here to help you navigate through this unique period of time that we are all living in.

Shared Conception pledges to support you throughout the pregnancy. 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!

New York lifts the ban on commercial surrogacy

New York’s Ban on Commercial Surrogacy Ends!

Posted by Shiva Landry on April 9, 2021 with 0 Comment

New York was one of the few states that banned the process of compensated surrogacy; making it illegal. Many residents in New York have had to travel cross country to arrange for a surrogate mother. This has required intended parents to find fertility practices outside of their state. This law made an arduous, expensive and emotional process a lot more difficult and costly for New York residents. Now, after a nine-year legal struggle, surrogacy is allowed!

The state’s ban on commercial surrogacy stemmed from the case of Baby M. In a publicized court battle. Mary Beth Whitehead argued that she should be allowed to keep the child she carried for William and Elizabeth Stern. In this case, Mary Beth was the biological mother as she provided the egg. This type of surrogacy is called traditional surrogacy versus gestational surrogacy. Nonetheless, the New Jersey Supreme Court gave custody to the intended parents, the Sterns, saying this was in the best interest of the child.

The new law that took effect on February 15th, 2021 only allows for gestational surrogacy. This means that surrogates are not genetically related to the embryo. Instead, the embryo is created by in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors and is then transferred to the surrogate. This option is welcomed by anyone who desires to become parents, including couples that are struggling with infertility and the LGBTQ community.

The state employed a surrogates’ bill of rights protecting women who become surrogates. This includes requiring the intended parent to pay for health and life insurance, and an attorney of her own, and ensuring that she has control over medical decisions related to the pregnancy. At the same time, it protects the intended parents by establishing their parental rights as soon as the baby is born. There is no longer a need for costly adoption proceedings, whether there is a single intended parent, couple, or same-sex couple.

The decision or point where one has to consider using a gestational carrier is a difficult one. This is usually made after a difficult personal journey through infertility. Of course, same-sex couples also choose this avenue to help build their own family.

With this change in New York law, surrogacy advocates see hope that more laws will fall into place for ethical gestational carrier agreements, making surrogacy a more viable option for the many who are unable to create a family on their own. The United States is by far the leading provider of surrogacy services because it is considered the safest and offers more legal protections for both intended parent and surrogate.

If you have ever considered becoming a surrogate, call us for a no pressure, informative conversation. Your journey can begin by filling out an application request form. Visit www.deliveradream.com for more information.

If you are interested in having a surrogate, let Shared Conceptions make your dreams of a family a reality. Give us a call today and we will help you get one step closer to the child you have always wanted. Visit https://sharedconception.com for more information.

Spring Cleaning While Pregnant

Posted by Shiva Landry on April 2, 2021 with 0 Comment

Spring is in the air! We have had a cold and tough winter, and now we are starting to see the light at the end of the dark and cold winter tunnel. You may get the urge to enjoy some outdoor activity or get the house organized and cleaned. Just keep in mind, you are pregnant and you need to take it slow.

It would be awesome if chores disappeared when you discovered you were pregnant, but that is never the case. And, now that you are carrying, you have to be careful about what products you use, and how you use them. Here are a few things to keep in mind when spring cleaning.

Avoid Fumes – chemicals are harmful to pregnancy. Look at homeopathic cleansers, and don’t be afraid of looking into the magic concoction of vinegar, baking soda, and lemons.
Stay away from Kitty Litter – This may be a great time to show your child how to care for their pets, especially if you have a cat. Cat feces can have a negative impact on your pregnancy so stay away from Fluffy’s toilet.
Avoid muscle strain – as your belly blossoms, your center of gravity changes. In this case, lifting and carrying becomes more difficult and more complicated. Try to maintain a good posture to prevent backaches and all other kinds of aches.
Take a break! Remember, you are pregnant. Your body is working twice as hard so give it a rest! And stay hydrated!
Mind the belly. Try rounded laundry baskets. The rounded sides make carrying the baskets much easier. And yes, you can try doing this before you buy, no shame….

Even surrogates get those nesting instincts, and you can use this to your advantage. Reorganizing a closet will relieve any natural drive to prepare, clean, and organize. On top of becoming systematized, you are actually preparing for an easy transition following your return from the hospital.

Keeping a clean house isn’t always easy when you are pregnant. Consider reaching out to your support group for help. And check your contract. Sometimes cleaning services are included at a point of gestation. Typically, between 32 and 36 weeks.

If you are interested in this selfless act of kindness, give Shared Conception a call today. Call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Your journey can begin by filling out an application request form. Visit www.deliveradream.com for more information.

Long Distance Surrogates

Posted by Shiva Landry on March 19, 2021 with 0 Comment

Looking back on my two wonderful journeys with Shared Conception, I have had two completely different experiences. Each amazing and unique, I could talk for days about my wonderful relationships with each of the intended parents. For this blog, I want to talk about how the intended parents and I were able to forge an amazing relationship even though we were so far apart.

Before I was matched, Shiva at Shared Conception asked me how I felt about working with international intended parents. She told me about other clients, other journeys, and experiences with international clients. I weighed the pros and cons of working with international vs. domestic or even local intended parents, talked about it with my husband who ultimately told me the decision was up to me. What really got me was their story. And although it is their story to tell, I was touched, intrigued, and compelled to help them. I felt an instant connection the first time I met them, and lucky for me, it will be a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

When we were first matched, we immediately set our expectations for communication. I asked them how involved they wanted to be. Truthfully, I wanted them to know what was going on every step of the way, and thankfully, they wanted to know too! I thought it was important to not only agree on our methods and frequency of communication but also live up to it.

They were so appreciative for every photo, email, text or Skype. Every response warmed my heart and validated my decision to work with these wonderful parents. I was truly dedicated to making them feel part of the process even with such a great distance between us.

And of course, this journey and experience led me to a second journey with another amazing couple, this time local and equally great. The bottom line is that every journey is different. Each experience that I had, helped me grow as an individual, woman, mom, and even wife. I am so thankful to have been able to be a surrogate and include this job on my resume of life.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, I highly recommend Shared Conception. Their staff is experienced, knowledgeable, kind and passionate about surrogacy. Give them a call today. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to begin an application to become a gestational surrogate and find out more information!

Written by Courtney Clinton

Got Milk?

Posted by Shiva Landry on March 5, 2021 with 0 Comment

Surrogates are women warriors. They help build and create families for those that have faced fertility challenges or are unable to conceive. After birth, the giving does not have to stop. Many surrogates give their breast milk to their surrogate babies or prefer to pump in order to aid in the healing process after birth. Some find themselves with an abundant supply of breast milk and there is so much that they can do with it.

Before formula was introduced, a mom unable to breastfeed, called upon a wet nurse. In this case, so very long ago, it was the only option. Little was known about the benefits of breastfeeding for a newborn – and then the practice was completely eliminated with the introduction of formula. Today, there is so much research dedicated to the benefits and healing powers of breastmilk. If you have an extra supply, there are many babies in need of this “liquid gold.”

Your breastmilk can help save lives. The topic may seem taboo but the safety guidelines and screening process for donor milk can put new parents at ease.

How can I donate my breastmilk to another baby?

Contact the suggested milk banks provided in this blog or look for a reputable bank in your area. Most banks require a phone interview to review your health history, a release form from your doctor, blood work to rule out infectious diseases, and other eliminating factors. Some banks require the surrogacy agency to sign a form stating that you were a surrogate with them.

Most donation banks have milk deposit locations or provide overnight shipping at no cost to you. Many milk banks work regionally and even nationally.

Where can I donate?

You can contact either of the milk banks below in Texas to get started. When you contact the milk bank, the staff will guide you through the screening process. Mothers Milk Bank also serves nationally. The link here will provide their other national banks.

Take precaution

The demand from parents for breastmilk is high. Many parents who cannot breastfeed for a variety of reasons search high and low for this precious food source. The FDA issued a warning to parents recommending they do not buy breastmilk from the internet. There are many reliable milk banks that put the donated milk through an intense testing and screening process ensuring that the milk received is safe for your baby.

Shared Conception can help you get in touch with the proper contacts if you are interested in donating. Contact us, or visit www.deliveradream.com for more information!

Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give Shared Conception a call today. We can’t wait to talk to you!

Terms and Definitions – Updated!

Posted by Shiva Landry on January 29, 2021 with 0 Comment

If you are contemplating surrogacy, you will find a world of terms that may sound like a whole new language! These terms are referred to in surrogacy agencies, clinics and doctors’ offices. It can be confusing and intimidating so Shared Conception has compiled a list of surrogacy terms so you can understand what is being said!

IF– Intended Father

IM– Intended Mother

IP– Intended Parent (some get specific to say IF or IM, but just as easy to say IPs)

FIF– Former Intended Father

FIM– Former Intended Mother

FIP– Former Intended Parents

GC- Gestational Carrier (can also be GS for Gestational Surrogate)

RE- Reproductive Endocrinologist

ET- Embryo Transfer

DE- Donor Egg

ED- Egg Donor

BCP- Birth Control Pills

B/W– Bloodwork

DET- Double embryo transfer (transferring 2 embryos at once)

SET- Single embryo transfer (transferring 1 embryo at transfer)

PIO – Progesterone in oil (typically in injection form for most clinics and protocols)

P4- Progesterone (commonly referred to as this when mentioned results of progesterone levels during monitoring appointments)

E2- Estradiol/Estrogen (commonly referred to as this when mentioned results of estrogen levels during monitoring appointments)

HPT– Home Pregnancy Test

FRER- First Response Early Result (one of the most sensitive tests and often mentioned as a top choice to use if you’re testing early)

POAS– Pee on a stick (use a home pregnancy test)

BFP– “Big Fat Positive” aka positive pregnancy test (BFN if negative, but we don’t want to be negative here and highlight that acronym!)

Beta– hCG blood test for pregnancy

EDD- Estimated due date

U/S- Ultrasound

SCH- Subchorionic hemorrhage (common in IVF and part of why we say don’t jump to conclusions or try to worry about bleeding)

CD- Cycle Day (CD1 is cycle day 1 which is the first full day of your period, which you will share with your coordinator each month prior to transfer)

2WW– Two Week Wait (almost never an actual 2 week wait as many beta tests are done by then)

9dp5dt (you can use a variety of numbers)- You can change the wording, but this means 9 “days past” 5 “day transfer” assuming the embryos were frozen on day 5.

PGD- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

PGS– Preimplantation Genetic Screening

The staff at Shared Conception is here to guide you and answer any questions you may have about surrogacy. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and confident about your decision to give or receive the most precious gift there is. Interested in becoming a surrogate or finding a surrogate? Give us a call today. Ladies interested in becoming a surrogate can also visit www.deliveradream.com and fill out an application request form. Potential intended parents can visit www.sharedconception.com to get further information. We would love to hear from you!

Tag: Surrogate Process