Pregnancy meditation and mindfulness

Pregnancy Meditation and Mindfulness

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It is suggested that mindfulness and meditation when pregnant can protect the health and well-being of the surrogate and baby! And let’s face it, we don’t spend the whole pregnancy journey giggly and glowing. We still have our daily responsibilities, tasks, and life to run. Pregnancy doesn’t omit the stresses of everyday life, but meditation may help. So, let’s look into it!

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a technique focusing on the mind, a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness and achieve a mentally clear, emotionally calm, and stable state.

Meditation can help lower stress levels and raise spirits! It has benefits other than achieving inner peace. It’s a low-cost activity that can easily fit into your daily routine; even help you sleep. Plus, learning the practice will remain with you after pregnancy.

Meditation and mindfulness can provide tools to navigate complex emotions that wouldn’t budge, even in the face of the most reassuring friend, family member, or google search. Many apps will guide you through the meditation process. Some are geared specifically for prenatal meditation. Others focus on guided meditations to reduce stress, anxiety, help with sleep, and phobias. The practice can reduce those moments when our raging hormones get the best of us.

What is Mindfulness?

Then there is mindfulness, which is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Not all mindfulness involves meditation; you can also become more mindful by noticing how moods and bodily sensations fluctuate throughout the day. For example, you may find yourself in a moment where you feel exhausted and uncomfortable, not seeing that there are still happy and peaceful moments, even if a bit awkward. This type of practice can prevent us from being “mindless” and keep us present. Also, the more mindful we are, the more confident and optimistic we feel.

Mindfulness and meditation may promote healthy development.

Of course, there are many measures of healthy development in pregnancy, but there are some studies linking mindfulness and meditation to the healthy development of the baby.

To sum it up, meditation and mindfulness need to be practiced. To receive the full benefits of one or the other, you have to practice it—often. Start small and take it day by day, even on the bad days when it seems like nothing is going right; you may be surprised how it can help.

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

 

 

 

hair dye and other EDC when pregnant

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

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We are often asked if dying your hair, using makeup, and exposure to everyday products can impact the success of an IVF transfer. The truth is, many of these products do contain Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are substances that can interfere with the normal function of the body’s endocrine system. It can affect our developmental, reproductive, brain, and immune systems and even cause other problems.

Since EDCs come from many different sources, you can be exposed in several ways, sometimes without even knowing, including the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the products we use. EDCs also can be absorbed through the skin. It may be impossible to evade them completely, but being mindful of our products’ ingredients can help avoid some exposure.

Here are five main EDCs to be aware of:

  • BPA: Bisphenol A is a chemical that has been used to make plastics since the 1950s. According to the Mayo Clinic, some research shows that BPAs can seep into food and beverages. To limit your exposure to BPAs, use BPA-free products, avoid heating plastic, decrease your use of canned foods, or use alternative storage options like glass rather than plastic.
  • DDT: DDT was used in insecticides but banned in the ’70s in the US. However, DDT still remains in the environment. As exposure increases, so does the rate of sperms with extra chromosomes leading to miscarriage or birth defects.
  • Dioxins: Dioxins are by-products of manufacturing processes. Humans are typically exposed through animal-based foods such as dairy, meat, or sometimes fish, where dioxins are stored in the animal’s fatty tissues.
  • Heavy Metals: Heavy metals are naturally found on the earth and are not generally harmful. However, too much exposure has been found to affect fertility. Exposure to lead paint or consistently working with metals can be factored in overexposure to heavy metals. If you have older plumbing, you can have your water tested for the existence of any heavy metals.
  • Phthalates: Phthalates are used in plastics and are found in shower curtains, building materials, plastic blinds, and even headphone cords. Some types of phthalates are also found in fragrances and cosmetics. To limit your exposure to phthalates, buy non-PVC items and products labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free.”

Since many things in life are out of our control, we cannot completely avoid exposure to EDCs. However, by making informed decisions about the products we use, we can stay healthy, and potentially increase the chance of a successful IVF transfer.

Shared Conception pledges to keep you knowledgeable and informed throughout your entire journey. 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!

 

 

What to expect when you are a pregnant surrogate (continued)

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This article is a continuation of A Surrogacy Pregnancy: What to Expect Before you’re Pregnant. Please read this previous blog as it is an informative piece on the beginning of the surrogacy process. This blog will outline the process after all medical and matching steps are completed. We will focus on preparing your body for pregnancy, the IVF process, and surrogate pregnancy.

Medications, what to expect. There are medications to prepare your body for the IVF process and for a healthy but unrelated embryo to grow and develop in your uterus. And yes, some do involve injections. When you are naturally pregnant, your body produces several hormones to create a successful pregnancy. When you are a surrogate, medicines are used to recreate these hormones and the environment for a healthy pregnancy. Please refer to our blog for a list of medications typically used for a gestational carrier.

The embryo transfer process, what to expect. The embryo transfer procedure, also known as IVF (in vitro fertilization), is usually one of the first questions potential surrogates ask when beginning their journey. The embryo transfer usually takes place in a fertility clinic or nearby hospital. The process does not cause discomfort and does not require anesthesia. The transfer is performed through the vagina using a catheter inserted into the cervix so that the embryos can be inserted into the uterus. Some surrogates explain it to be less uncomfortable than an annual pap smear. The process usually takes approximately 10-15 minutes, and then surrogates are required to remain at the clinic for about 1-2 hours afterward. Surrogates are also asked to restrict their activities or even be on bed rest for 1-3 days following the transfer procedure. Each fertility clinic has its own protocol regarding this.

Beta day – what to expect. After the IVF transfer, you have to wait (impatiently) about 9 – 14 days to find the results of your transfer. You will have blood drawn at your clinic to conclude if the transfer worked and if you are indeed pregnant! Once the blood test is completed, the clinic will send the results to your doctor for review. From there, your nurse will call you and your intended parents to discuss the results.

In the event of a negative beta, the surrogate is generally directed to stop all medications immediately, and the next steps are discussed between your doctor, Shared Conception, and the intended parents.

You’re Pregnant, now what to expect. You will have to continue some medications throughout most of your first trimester. The exact end date is decided by your doctor, and you are usually weaned off the meds. You will also have weekly blood tests at the clinic to check your hormone levels until you graduate to your preferred OBGYN. This is right before or at the beginning of the second trimester when the pregnancy becomes more like your previous one(s). Moving through to the third trimester, in the final stretch, you can revel in knowing you are about to help create a family! Like a natural pregnancy, around 36 weeks, you will have to visit your doctor more frequently, and as the due date approaches, your doctor will check to see if your cervix has begun to dilate. Overall, our surrogates are encouraged to take care of themselves. Shared Conception will be there to navigate you through any concerns, issues, or problems you may have to make this journey the best experience for you.

Shared Conception is an expert in surrogacy. Give us a call today, and let’s get started on your life-changing journey! Call us at 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.

 

 

what to expect as a surrogate

A Surrogacy Pregnancy: What to Expect Before you’re Pregnant

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Shared Conception provides a wealth of information to interested surrogates-to-be on our blog. The process can be daunting, overwhelming, and intimidating. But don’t worry, we are here to provide answers to all of your questions. Don’t know where to start? Not ready for the (no pressure and informative) initial phone call? Here is an excellent place to begin. This blog will inform you about the start of a typical surrogacy pregnancy and what to expect.

First, what to expect: It is essential to learn the difference between a surrogacy pregnancy and your own pregnancy. Click here for more information. It is also important to know that the child you could carry for another couple is not biologically related to you. This is the only legal form of surrogacy in the United States, called gestational surrogacy. The baby does not get any genetics from the surrogate mother. An embryo is created from either the intended parent’s sperm and egg or used with a donated sperm or egg. Then, the embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus and carried to full term. This makes the process far less complicated legally and emotionally.

Decision made? Now, what to expect: Congratulations! At this point, you should have discussed and agreed with your partner about the beautiful journey you will embark upon together. Now, you are ready for that phone call to Shared Conception and have reviewed and completed our short surrogacy inquiry form. We can take you through the application process to make sure you fulfill the initial requirements and answer any questions you may have. Once you are approved, the matching process will begin.

Matching, what to expect: We want our surrogates to develop a wonderful relationship with the intended parents and build a beautiful partnership. With our expertise, we can match you with parents that have similar beliefs, expectations, and values making for a comfortable journey ahead. Remember, the surrogate picks the intended parents as much as the intended parents choose the surrogate. You have the option to request other interviews with different intended parent(s) until you feel you have found the right match. You also control the timeline.

Legal stuff, screenings, and evaluations for pregnancy, what to expect: This part is a bit complicated, and that is where we step in. Shared Conception is with you every step of the way! At no cost to you, but with your help, we gather your medical records and give them to the fertility clinic. Then, you (and your partner) are screened depending on the clinic’s guidelines to ensure that you are healthy to carry a surrogate baby. On the legal end, a contract gets drafted by an attorney (at no cost to you) to outline the stipulations of the pregnancy. We also have a list of attorneys for you to choose from if you do not have your own.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog: What to expect during pregnancy.

Now you are ready to begin your journey, but there is plenty more to expect! Are you interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information! We want you to be informed, fulfilled, and satisfied, knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way.

 

 

is surrogacy possible with your tubes tied?

Surrogacy with a tubal ligation? 

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We often get asked if it is possible to become a surrogate after having permanent birth control procedures such as tubal ligation. The short answer is yes. It is even ideal. However, some requirements must be fulfilled before you can become a surrogate after a tubal ligation.

What is tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure utilized to prevent pregnancy. It’s more commonly known as “getting your tubes tied.” The fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked to permanently stop the egg from traveling from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes and blocks sperm from traveling up the fallopian tubes to the egg. Tubal ligation is a common type of permanent pregnancy prevention completed in a hospital or surgical clinic. It’s also reversible, but results from a reversal are not guaranteed and not always possible.

 

While this procedure prevents pregnancy, it does not prevent menstruation. However, that still means your uterus can provide a hospitable environment for an embryo, making surrogacy a possible option. How? During surrogacy, a woman is not genetically related to the child she is carrying. Since the IVF process doesn’t require her eggs, fallopian tubes are not needed to become pregnant; just a uterus.

 

Why is it ideal?

Think of tubal ligation as another layer of protection against pregnancy of your own as you prepare your body to carry an embryo. With tubal ligation, it is highly unlikely that you will get pregnant with your own child. You will still need to take fertility medication to prepare your body for the embryo transfer and pregnancy. Also, having had a tubal ligation means you have decided your family is complete, which will play a part in you becoming the ideal surrogacy candidate.

 

Call Shared Conception today!

Remember, there are other requirements you can find here to become a surrogate, including being physically and emotionally prepared for the process ahead. For more information and to see if you meet the requirements, call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more details. Or, visit www.deliveradream.com to get started on an application to become a surrogate!

 

 

 

New Year's Surrogacy Resolution

A New Year’s Resolution

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A resolution is defined as a promise to do something special or different in the upcoming year. Well? Do something special in 2022 and help create a family with Shared Conception. Make this year different. Make a resolution to help create a family.

Becoming a surrogate will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Talk to us! We will share the many reasons to be a surrogate. Shared Conception is one of the best surrogacy agencies in Houston and Dallas that will take you through your surrogacy journey every step of the way!

As a surrogate, you are not only giving the gift of life, but you are giving your family a financial boost as well. Our surrogates all agree that compensation is not the only reason they chose to become a surrogate, but it is a well-deserved benefit of surrogacy. Surrogacy also gives you a new outlook on life. You see the world from a different perspective with a more open mind and understanding of people from different walks of life.

A Shared Conception surrogate is an amazing woman who enjoys pregnancy and wants to do something special for a family in need. If you have had a complication-free pregnancy, but love being pregnant, surrogacy allows you to become pregnant once more time (and sometimes twice). And, with us, you automatically become a part of our surrogate family that includes other amazing women who have chosen to give the gift of life. You are never alone. Our fantastic staff and supportive community of surrogates will give you the support you need throughout your journey.

There are several requirements to become a surrogate, for more information, click here. 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!

 

 

Merry Christmas from Shared Conception!

Merry Christmas from Shared Conception

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This time of year, Shared Conception likes to reflect and take a moment to express our gratitude towards our family of staff, surrogates, and intended parents. Nothing gives us more pleasure than to see the happiness we create.

 

Our surrogates inspire us with their selflessness and commitment to helping families’ dreams become a reality. Being able to bless a family despite infertility, age, sexual orientation, or medical barriers is an unforgettable and empowering experience. We want all our surrogates to walk away from their journey with a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. Shared Conception is proud to guide them throughout their journey(s).

 

Intended parents inspire us with their strength, dedication, and perseverance to build their families despite the struggles they may have faced along the way. We applaud their positive thinking and patience throughout the journey, although we know it’s hard to contain the excitement of what is to come.

 

Our incredible staff has guided many of our clients (surrogates and intended parents) with care and expertise to fulfilling their dreams. Nothing gives us more joy than seeing intended parents hold a child they have longed for in their arms for the first time. This cannot be done without our caring team at Shared Conception.

 

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

–John Bunyan

 

You can also take this opportunity to experience the gift of life and take on this admirable position. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate and would like to learn more, or a hopeful parent interested in speaking with Shared Conception, give us a call or visit www.sharedconception.com for more information. Happy Holidays!

how to be a surrogate mother

Surrogacy Process for IP’s

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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.

Portugal surrogacy laws in the news

Portugal in the News

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Portugal has recently been in the news regarding its surrogacy laws. The Portuguese parliament has adopted a law allowing surrogacy, which received applause from The National Council for Medically Assisted Procreation.

The Portuguese law allows commercial arrangements in which a couple hires a woman to be a gestational carrier. The legislation requires the potential surrogate to be a mother already. The contract must be authorized first by the National Council for Medically Assisted Procreation, the Portuguese branch that oversees the entire process.

Portugal has undergone several modifications regarding this topic in recent years. Initially, on August 22, 2016, surrogacy became authorized and then came into force on August 1, 2017. However, the statute was taken to the Supreme Court in 2018 and was declared unconstitutional until this November (2021).

And, there is still a great deal of controversy surrounding this topic between parties. For example, only the US and Canada allow male couples to have children born through surrogacy, allowing both men to equally have parental rights and both of their names on the child’s birth certificate. These laws are why male couples interested in surrogacy must go the international route.

Surrogacy is a long process, and those who choose international surrogacy can have a more difficult time. Shared Conception has had many successful journeys with our international clients, and our expertise in the process can make a smooth, happy, and beautiful journey for everyone.

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.

 

reasons to use a surrogacy agency

5 Ways an Agency Helps Intended Parents

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If you decide to use a surrogate to expand your family, you must consider whether or not you would like to work with a surrogacy agency or independently. The independent route may be slightly more cost-effective, but it also can be more stressful and uncertain. Many details are involved in a surrogacy arrangement and working with an agency such as Shared Conception can make this process less stressful and confusing.

  1. We are the experts 

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is very complicated. Like a chess game, many moving pieces need to be managed, and often at the same time. A lot of legalities, planning, and coordinating go into a journey. Shared Conception has a professional team full of experts who make dreams come true every day, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience and preparing for your new baby.

  1. Put the pressure on us

Not everything is perfect, even a surrogacy journey, and there are a lot of bumps in the road and other scenarios that can happen. The beauty of using an agency is that we can prevent many problems from arising or take care of any problems if they do occur. We will be by your side every step of the way.

  1. Legal mumbo jumbo

Unless you have a law degree, this part will be difficult. There is a legal side to a surrogacy arrangement with contracts and documents that can be overwhelming. Shared Conception will refer you to a list of highly respected and competent lawyers you can choose to work with. Having a lawyer helps your journey stay on track, and you don’t have to worry about acquiring legal representation.

  1. We are there for you from beginning to end (and beyond)!

Managing a journey is very time-consuming on both the surrogate and intended parent sides. Our services help surrogates and intended parents come together with a lot less stress, pressure, and inconveniences an independent surrogacy can create.

  1. Monetary Benefits

There are a lot of fees and payments that go to different sources during the entire process. We use an escrow company utterly independent of our agency. Your money is deposited into an attorney-controlled interest-bearing escrow account. This way, you or your surrogate will have to worry about bills being paid on time, giving you extra peace of mind.

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.