Airplane Germs and how to disinfect

How to Disinfect Your Airplane Seat

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

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

Disinfecting wipes and how to use them

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

Disinfecting the fabric seats

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

Hand Sanitizer

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

Seat pockets

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

Stay hydrated

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

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

 

 

 

 

pineapple and ivf relationship

Pineapples and IVF

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Have you noticed the abundance of pineapples when researching IVF or Surrogacy? This fruit has become adopted as a symbol of infertility and IVF. There really is no scientific evidence proving that pineapples improve implantation when undergoing IVF, but many believe that they do. Why?

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme naturally found in pineapple juice and core. This is found only in fresh pineapple, not canned. It’s used to reduce inflammation in the uterus and can possibly help with embryo implantation. It’s also believed to be a mild blood thinner, which some believe can aid in implantation too.

You will find those who swear by it, believing it has helped with their IVF – and you will find others that could take it or leave it. Bromelain has a long history of medicinal use. If you would like to give this a try before your IVF procedure, as always, talk to your doctor and remember, include the core. The juice by itself is not believed to contain enough.

Bottom line, if you enjoy eating pineapples, keep on eating them. They can be part of a healthy diet for a woman undergoing IVF. As with anything, eat in moderation. Large amounts of bromelain can cause your uterus to contract and this is not a good environment for an embryo looking to implant itself.

Regardless of its powers (or not), the pineapple remains a symbol of the fertility community for many of our journeys. If not an aid in IVF; it is a symbol of strength for those who need a boost of confidence, hope and strength or just a snack!

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. Our 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 application request form! We would love to hear from you today!

 

loss of bladder control after birth

Bladder Control!

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

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

What can you do?

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

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

picking the right practice as a surrogate

Practice Picking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

part 2, how to become a surrogate

How to become a surrogate with Shared Conception

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Part 2: Medical and Legal

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

 

Medical Screening and Evaluation

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

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

Legal Process

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

 

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

 

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

new year 2020 celebration gold foil balloons royalty free image 1570207201

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

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

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

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

 

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Back Breaking Cookie Baking

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The holidays bring many joyous tasks. One of them is cookie baking. Maybe not just cookies, but elaborate meals, other desserts, heavy appetizers and traditional dishes. Whatever you choose to make, it can be tasking on your body when you are pregnant. Shared Conception would like to share our remedies for a more comfortable and enjoyable kitchen experience.

Anti-fatigue mats. These mats are a game changer! They are not just for the workplace. Pregnant or not, it is worth the investment. These mats reduce stress on your joints and muscles allowing blood to circulate more evenly throughout your feet and legs. You can find them on Amazon, in Costco and other price club stores for a great price. Make sure they are sturdy, at least ¾” thick so you can enjoy the benefits. Standing on hard surfaces such as wood and tile can be aggravating to your joints. Anti-fatigue mats will reduce the risk of a loss in circulation and provide comfort while cooking and baking.

A good pair of shoes.Good shoes are worth the investment. Designate these shoes as “house shoes” so you don’t bring in the dirt from outside into your house. It also helps minimize joint and muscle discomfort. Best of all, they don’t have to be pretty. Just make sure your shoes are comfortable and have thick bottoms, provide arch support and are preferably rubber-soled for added comfort. Slip-ons omit the need to bend over or worry about tying your shoes. Again, anything to avoid bending over and possibly losing your balance! You may even want to purchase shoes in a larger size, as many women find their feet grow and swell with pregnancy.

Posture. Good news; this tip is free! It just requires some awareness. Imagine a straight line running from your ears to your shoulders, and to your hips and knees. Keep your chin tucked in and raise your head and shoulders to help you stand tall. Also, keep that pelvis tucked in. Have your feet slightly apart and avoid locking your knees. Don’t forget to take a break! It may take you longer to complete a task, but this is necessary. While pregnant, it is always best to avoid standing for too long.

Interested in the surrogacy process? Give Shared Conception a call today for a quick, informative and no pressure conversation. We would love to chat! Happy Holidays!

stock photo holiday pregnant holidays giving pregnancy pregnant belly winter holiday pregnant mother christmas holidays cec78880 5ae0 4622 8a0b e0b352a2e9d0

Pregnant During the Holidays?

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Ok, you’re pregnant and it’s the Holiday Season. You may not always feel merry and bright, but there are a ton of reasons why being pregnant this season rocks!

  1. Getting out of Obligations

That wonderful baby bump is now your best reason for dipping out early on your boss’s holiday party. Kick off those heals and slip into something cozy! Sleep is essential to your baby making body; in all stages of pregnancy. When your body says sleep, you must grant that wish – so rest up!

  1. Comfort is Key

There is something about a pregnant belly that steals the spotlight. You could have the same outfit on for three holiday events and still receive the same number of compliments at event three as event one. Or, as we suggested on the top of our list, you can ditch the party heels for cozy socks and virgin eggnog.

  1. The Food

Take that second helping at dinner, indulge in two desserts – or take that last piece of pie! Although calories still count when pregnant and you should eat as healthy as possible, don’t feel guilty to indulge once in a while. Since that nice glass of wine with dinner or mixed signature cocktail is off limits, an extra slice of pie can make up for it!

  1. Be Holly Jolly

You are doing a selfless and wonderful thing for a family. They appreciate you, so you need to appreciate you. This is a magical time of year and you should revel in the holiday spirit. We all tend to have a heightened sense of the warm and fuzzies during this season, so enjoy it!

  1. Off the “hosting” hook

You are creating a human…no one is expecting you to host. Enjoy going to parties, leaving when you want and don’t put pressure on yourself by throwing any kind of extravaganza, big or small.

  1. The Warmth

When you are pregnant, your internal body temperature increases. Not something to look forward to when you are pregnant in the warmer months, but during the winter months, you will stay nice and toasty, even with a chill in the air.

Shared Conception wishes you the most wonderful Holiday Season. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, please contact us for a no pressure, informative phone consultation. We can answer any of your questions and inform you of the process to see if surrogacy is right for you! Give us a call today.

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A Grateful Surrogate

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

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

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

I brushed it off….

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

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

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

Now to add why I am thankful….

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

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

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

-Courtney Clinton

terms and definitions

Pregnancy Terms and Definitions for Surrogates

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

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

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

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