Bedrest. This is when you are prescribed to relax and take it easy. Many fertility clinics require surrogates to stay on bed rest for 48-72 hours post transfer to help keep that little embryo safe and snug. Or if you are already pregnant, you may be prescribed to lounge for longer periods of time due to other medical reasons. Bed rest sounds great in theory, but sometimes it can get a little boring. That first day is awesome. You catch up on Facebook, emails, a book you have been meaning to start, you talk with old friends you have been meaning to call… but then what?  It also depends on how long you have to lounge. Here are 10 ideas on how to keep yourself entertained while on bed rest.

1) Netflix

You can watch a ton of shows dating back to the 90’s like Friends or Seinfeld or binge watch some of their award-winning Netflix Original series.

2) FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp

Make sure your lighting is good! If you have friends that live far away or even abroad, FaceTime will keep you from getting lonely! Take the time to catch up, or take the opportunity to tell friends and family about your journey.

3) Food Delivery Apps

Meal-prep is a great idea, pre-transfer. But, if you didn’t have time for meal prep, there are a few apps available that allow you to order food from your favorite local restaurants and have it delivered right to your door! As you are allowed to get up to go to the bathroom, going to the front door and back to bed with one of your favorite foods is usually allowed!

4) Read a Book

Reading is a great way to explore without actually leaving your house. Plus, what is better than settling down with a good book?

5) Your Tablet

This a is guaranteed way to pass the time. Ever hear of the Pinterest hole? You can spend hours (sometimes without even knowing it) browsing through recipes, workouts, design ideas and DIY projects on this one app. On top of the ability to redesign your house in one app, there are also many apps with some great games that help entertain you in your moments of rest.

6) Treat Yourself

Try to treat yourself to a few small treats that you wouldn’t normally indulge in when you are not confined to your sleeping quarters.

7) Nap

Now is the time to do it, but beware! Too much napping during the day can be a recipe for a restless or sleepless night.

8) Online Shopping

Don’t go crazy with online shopping; it can be dangerous. You can also use this as the opportunity to research and compare prices from different online stores for that piece of furniture, jewelry or pair of shoes you have had your heart set on. Also, you can create your children’s Christmas list on Amazon no matter what time of year it is!

However you spend your time, make comfort your priority. If you have any other suggestions about how you spent your time on bedrest, let us know at Shared Conception so we can tell other surrogates!

As a surrogacy agency who consistently works with surrogates, we thought you all would enjoy scenarios of surrogate encounters with the public on an average day.

Many surrogates have had encounters with acquaintances that can be awkward. When you decide to embark on a journey, usually your support system consists of close friends and family, but what about everyone else? The neighbor you only talk about the weather to? Your son or daughter’s sports coach? The supermarket checkout clerk that you see on a weekly basis? Your bank teller?  How will they react?

The topic of surrogacy definitely sparks curiosity but can also raise controversy. Just be aware of your audience. Not everyone is going to agree with your choices, just like agreeing on a political figure or PTA President.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. You can answer questions like, “How are you feeling?” “Is it a boy or a girl?” “When are you due?”, completely honestly without diving into a complete conversation about the intimate details about being a surrogate. Or,you can use these questions as an opportunity to educate someone on the process, but be prepared to answer what sometimes may seem like invasive or probing questions.

At Shared Conception, we have found that people will always amaze you; for better or worse. Our surrogacy agency has found that it’s usually for the better. And what’s more amazing is that surrogacy is becoming more mainstream. People tend to just be more curious these days instead of ignorant or closed minded.  Get in contact with us, we are happy to talk to you about surrogacy!

The history of IVF dates back to the 1930s when a Harvard University Scientist, Gregory Pincus successfully conducted IVF experiments on rabbits. It was not until the 1970s, that the process became available to women when Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards worked with an infertile couple, John and Lesley Brown. Their attempt was successful and on July 25, 1978, Leslie gave birth to Louise Brown, the first “test tube baby.”

The second test tube baby was born shortly after in 1979, a boy named Alastair, and by 1981, the total number of successful attempts at IVF stood at 15. Current day, millions of babies have been born as a result of IVF. Techniques and science have improved over the years. Then, it was more demanding for patients. Women stayed in hospitals for 2 to 3 weeks to have their eggs harvested. Patients had to give a urine sample every 3 hours because that was the only way doctors could monitor hormone levels!

IVF has greatly advanced and has helped many infertile couples conceive when adoption was once their only option to grow their family.

Assisted reproduction is taking off, giving hope to millions of infertile individuals and couples. Our surrogacy agency, Shared Conception, is proud to be a part of this movement. Call us as you think about enhancing your family. We can help you.

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.12.2″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.12.2″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.12.2″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.2″]

A surrogacy contract is a lot of reading but you HAVE TO READ YOUR SURROGACY CONTRACT! It deals with all the financial arrangements. Seriously, we at Shared Conception, cannot over emphasize to our surrogates, how important it is to read the contract. Everything you ever wanted, needed, and even things you never thought about, is in there. It is the Bible of your surrogacy journey and involves everyone- surrogates, egg donors and intended parents alike. If you have any questions whatsoever, you will find the answers in your contract.

Travel plans during your journey? Can you travel at 32 weeks? The answer is in your contract!

These attorneys have thought of nearly every situation and have an answer or solution for all of them and it’s spelled out… in your contract.

It’s crazy how you think of all kinds of questions after signing a legally binding contract. Questions that never would have crossed your mind before this amazing journey began, just simply pop up. Never be afraid to consult or ask your attorney. They will gladly give you the page number of your personalized contract that will tell you all you need to know.

Before you’ve even put pen to paper, your attorney will go over every single page with you. You have the ability to change whatever you would like, so it goes back and forth a bit between yourself and the intended parents. There are a lot of legalities concerning surrogacy and that’s a good thing, even if it is tedious. And you know what? You won’t remember most of it, unless you have a photographic memory. And that’s ok. You’ll have a copy tucked away somewhere that’s available to you when you have a question. It’ll be your own road map of your journey. To avoid extra and unnecessary stress, read your contract!

Knowing your rights and staying well informed from beginning to end makes for such a smoother journey. Trust us, we know. Let’s talk more about surrogacy, give us a call.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.12.2″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.12.2″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.12.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.12.2″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”https://208.109.37.126/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/unknown-3.jpeg” _builder_version=”3.12.2″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.12.2″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.12.2″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.2″]The immediate answer is Yes! As the surrogate mother, you choose the intended parents just as much as they choose you. Keep in mind, Intended Parents are also thoroughly screened to confirm they are safe to work with and ready to commit to a journey. After you are screened and approved, Shared Conception will have intended parents review your profile.  When someone selects you as a potential match, Shared Conception will send you a profile about the intended parents for your own evaluation.

When both you and the Intended Parents show interest in one another, you then have the opportunity to communicate with them on the phone, Skype, Facetime or even a face-to-face meeting with them if all parties are in agreement. For many of our surrogates, talking with potential IP’s can give them that “gut feeling” that this can be the right match. You will have the ultimate decision of whether you wish to work with the prospective intended parents or if you prefer to work with someone else.

If you feel that the selected relationship is not the best fit for you, we will continue to work on matching you with other intended parents that are better suited for you. Our main goal is to match you with intended parents with similar beliefs, philosophies and interests.  Shared Conception is committed to finding the perfect match for both you and the intended parents!  Call us; we are ready to work with you.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”https://208.109.37.126/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/unknown-1-1.jpeg” _builder_version=”3.12.2″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.12.2″][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.12.2″][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.11.1″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.11.1″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.11.1″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.11.1″]

Everyone likes to indulge and spoil themselves every now and again with a spa treatment. It can be a little more difficult when pregnant because of the restrictions for you and your precious cargo. However, a prenatal massage has many benefits and is more than just a “treat”. Not only do you feel much more relaxed afterwards, a prenatal massage can actually help you sleep better! This is a huge bonus, especially during pregnancy when sleep can take a back seat to your comfort level.

What is a prenatal massage and how is it different from a regular massage? A prenatal massage is a specialized technique that is designed for a woman usually in her second trimester up to part way through you third trimester. It’s improves circulation, can give you some energy, and take some of the strain away from your over-worked muscles. A certified massage therapist that specializes in this type of massage uses light pressure as you lay on your sides, as opposed to your back and tummy. Lying on your back is never recommended when you are pregnant. The weight of the baby and uterus can block circulation to the placenta. This can cause complications that no amount of massage can help. It may make you feel light headed, dizzy and other complications.

Prenatal massages also have the same great benefits as a regular massage. Many studies have shown that they relax and loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow. Just remember to drink plenty of water and remain hydrated afterwards. This means that with regular prenatal massages, you should become generally more relaxed. A good massage may help relieve insomnia, alleviate joint pain, and reduce swelling, headaches and even sinus congestion.

Please remember to consult with your doctor before booking your appointment! It is not recommended to have a prenatal massage during your first trimester.  Also, research your masseuse first or ask for recommendations. You want to have a good masseuse that makes this worth it for you. People who specialize in this type of massage, need to be specifically trained. So when booking you’re appointment, please specify that you are pregnant so you can get the right care for you and baby.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.11.1″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”https://208.109.37.126/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/images-3.14.26-pm.jpeg” _builder_version=”3.11.1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]