There are many individuals and couples out there that are struggling with infertility; more than you may know. Whether it is your neighbor, the checkout associate at your grocery store, a personal trainer at your gym or the bank teller that gave you change for that twenty-dollar bill, infertility affects thousands of Americans, but is rarely talked about. For those who have struggled from years of infertility, any reminder of their situation can heighten their sadness.

Family gatherings can be stressful enough, and for those unable to have a child, dodging or answering “family-building questions” may trigger tension and sorrow. A pang of emotional pain could have emerged at the sound of children laughing or at the sight of them scampering.

Those who encountered challenges reproducing do admit that when they were ready to start a family, they thought having and raising the baby would be the hard part; not conceiving.

If you are battling infertility, you are definitely not alone. According to recent statistics, 10 to 15 percent of couples living in the United States have been diagnosed with infertility. Compound this with couples and individuals around the globe suffering from infertility, and those numbers increase astronomically. Although fertility treatments work for some, others do not respond to these various forms of treatment.

Despite the obstacles, it’s important to never lose hope.

Never forget, if one road doesn’t bring about the birth of a child, another will. And a very special way is through surrogacy.

In addition to those dealing with their fertility challenges, there are also same-sex couples who rely on surrogacy, and sperm and egg donation so that they can achieve their dreams of parenthood.

While it’s a different pace for all, intended parents arrive at a point in their lives, when recognizing that their future family is within their reach through surrogacy. They have endured so much to have their baby. Coupled with their compassion, intended parents redefine the meaning of appreciation and patience.

Over time, they come to realize that anything worth the wait is worth waiting for. And that way is through surrogacy. Give us a call at Shared Conception, we can help you.

Yes! It’s possible; it is not a myth and many intended Moms have chosen to do this to promote the bond between themselves and their newborn. Throughout history, women have induced lactation, dating as far back as ancient times.

Prolactin, the milk-making hormone and oxytocin, the milk-releasing hormone, are the two hormones that administer lactation. These hormones are not ovarian hormones; they are pituitary, which means that even without a pregnancy, a woman may lactate.

There are many ways to induce lactation. Hormone therapy such as high doses of estrogen and a regimen of prolactin, is taken to mimic the abrupt changes in hormones levels found during pregnancy and delivery to bring in the milk. Additionally, breast massage and nipple stimulation with a pump or by baby is necessary at this point.

Intended mothers who wish to attempt induced lactation must remember to be informed, supported, educated and guided by a professional. Contact your local La Leche League and consult with your doctor.

There is a lot to consider after making the final decision to use a surrogate. Shared Conception works effortlessly to match you with your most perfect surrogate. Your relationship with your surrogate will be unique and can provide you with the most rewarding outcome. When meeting with potential surrogates, what qualities should you look for in a surrogate mother?

Your average surrogate is a generous and caring woman who values family and has a desire to give the gift of a child and help create a family. Surrogates come from many walks of life. All have had at least one child, most come from medium-income households, and are either single or married. Education levels vary.

Of course you want your surrogate to be healthy and have a lifestyle free from drug/alcohol abuse and smoking. Doctors will require an appropriate Body Mass Index (BMI) and that she has had at least one (uncomplicated) pregnancy. Those are just some of the medical requirements. There are also other requirements such as: What are her feelings towards the important issues that may come up during the surrogacy journey, and do they align with yours? How many times is she willing to go through IVF? Does their spouse, friends and family support them?

Choosing the right surrogate is crucial. The most important advice we can give Intended Parents, is to go with your gut. If you have any reservations – feel free to express your feelings to us and we can introduce you to other surrogates. Give us a call today to set up a free consultation. We will guide you the whole way through!

There may be a time in your journey that you will be asked invasive and sometimes offensive questions about the surrogacy process. Some awkward moments are bound to happen. By choosing to be a surrogate, these awkward moments sometimes come with the territory. It may be an uncomfortable question asked by a relative, or a stranger asking, “How can you give up the baby?” Although you are not obligated to give an answer or justify your decisions, if you do answer, it helps remind the curious of the wonderful gift you are about to give a family.

Sometimes it may be as simple as handling these moments with a giggle or a smile. You may even want to take the opportunity to educate inquiring minds about the surrogacy process. The majority of the public is unaware of what exactly a surrogate does. Surrogacy is relatively new to mainstream America. Take this as an opportunity to show the positive side of surrogacy. You have the ability to direct the discussion to focus on the good side of surrogacy and what your journey provides a family.

There are more good times than bad when you become a surrogate. You are creating families and making the impossible, possible. We would love to support and guide you through your journey. Call Shared Conceptions and become a surrogate with us.

Finding Intended Parents with Shared Conception is the first step to having the perfect match and the best surrogacy experience possible. After you complete your surrogacy profile, Shared Conception will find potential Intended Parents for you to meet. The next step is the initial conversation, usually done over the phone or via Skype. For many surrogates, this initial conversation may give you that gut feeling that you want when finding the perfect match for you.But, what do you ask a potential Intended Parent? You want to find a connection before getting into the personal details and hard to ask questions such as, “how do you feel about selective reduction?”. Below is a list of questions that may help guide you in conversation with possible Intended Parents.

• What brought you to pursue surrogacy?
• What clinic you want to use?
• When do you hope to start the surrogacy process?
• How many transfers will you attempt to achieve a pregnancy? Do you have frozen embryos or are you doing a retrieval first?
• What will you ask of me during the pregnancy? Any food/diet/religious restrictions?
• What are you most looking forward to about being parents?
• What type of contact do you want to have after delivery?
• How many embryos do you intend to transfer?
• Do you have support from friends and family?
• Do you plan to be open about the process with those close to you?
• What would you do if the baby was diagnosed with a medical condition during pregnancy (terminate or continue the pregnancy?)
• What would you do if you got pregnant with three or more babies (selectively reduce or carry)?
• What type of contact do you want during the pregnancy? Do you prefer calls, email, text, etc.?

Make sure you are prepared to answer questions about your views and opinions on the surrogacy process as well. Remember, you choose Intended Parents as much as they choose you. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t choose them. And always go with your gut.

Interviewing potential surrogates is part of the selection process. There are a lot of emotions involved; anxiety, stress, excitement and hope. But, what questions do you ask a woman who will potentially be carrying your baby? At Shared Conception, we do not rest until you find a surrogate you are confident and happy with. It is important to like each other and feel you can get along, but there are some critical questions to ask before choosing a surrogate.

Questionnaire: Getting to know your surrogate

• How many children do you have?
• How were your previous pregnancies?
• Do you want to have more children?
• How long have you been married?
• Why did you decide to become a surrogate?
• How does your family feel about you being a surrogate?
• Describe a typical day for you.
• Do you have a health or exercise routine?
• Have you ever had a miscarriage?
• How many embryos do you feel comfortable with implanting?
• How do you feel about selective reduction and termination?
• Do you feel comfortable with us (the Intended Parents) attending your appointments?
• What kind of contact would you like after birth?
• How do you feel about pumping breast milk?

If you have strong religious beliefs, eat organically and prefer your surrogate to do the same, make sure you include these questions that may affect your choice in a surrogate, especially deal-breakers.

With Shared Conception, you are not in this process alone. We do our best to guide you to your best possible match for the best possible outcome; a precious child of your own!

Interviewing potential surrogates is part of the selection process. There are a lot of emotions involved; anxiety, stress, excitement and hope. But, what questions do you ask a woman who will potentially be carrying your baby? At Shared Conception, we do not rest until you find a surrogate you are confident and happy with. It is important to like each other and feel you can get along, but there are some critical questions to ask before choosing a surrogate.

Questionnaire: Getting to know your surrogate

• How many children do you have?
• How were your previous pregnancies?
• Do you want to have more children?
• How long have you been married?
• Why did you decide to become a surrogate?
• How does your family feel about you being a surrogate?
• Describe a typical day for you.
• Do you have a health or exercise routine?
• Have you ever had a miscarriage?
• How many embryos do you feel comfortable with implanting?
• How do you feel about selective reduction and termination?
• Do you feel comfortable with us (the Intended Parents) attending your appointments?
• What kind of contact would you like after birth?
• How do you feel about pumping breast milk?

If you have strong religious beliefs, eat organically and prefer your surrogate to do the same, make sure you include these questions that may affect your choice in a surrogate, especially deal-breakers.

With Shared Conception, you are not in this process alone. We do our best to guide you to your best possible match for the best possible outcome; a precious child of your own!

There are quite a few medications involved for a gestational carrier cycle. When pregnancy occurs naturally, the body produces a number of hormones that prepare the uterus for pregnancy, and help the embryo grow and develop. For a surrogate to have a successful IVF transfer, the process is recreated using the medications listed below.

Doxycycline – this is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. This drug may be prescribed early in your journey to prevent or treat any existing infections. This medicine is generally taken orally; possibly before and after the transfer.

Estrogen – the ovary produces this hormone during a natural cycle. It thickens the lining of the uterus, which is extremely important for a successful transfer. This medication is usually administered by mouth or in a form of a patch. You begin this medicine before the transfer and usually continue throughout the first trimester.

Progesterone – this hormone is also produced by the ovaries but after ovulation. This medicine works alongside the estrogen medication, to prepare the uterus for the embryo to implant. This medicine is administered through intramuscular injections.

Prenatal Vitamins – doctors encourage surrogates to begin prenatal vitamins before the transfer and throughout the pregnancy. These vitamins make certain that surrogate and baby are getting adequate nutrients and also promote healthy development for the baby.

Each gestational carrier responds to these medicines differently so individual protocols vary. Always consult your doctor regarding questions, side effects or administration of these medications. A healthy diet and low impact to moderate exercise, is also extremely important to maintain a healthy and happy journey.

Do you have questions or want to find out more about the surrogacy process? We’d love to help answer any questions you may have. Connect with us at Shared Conception!

 

If you have opted to pump breast milk for your surrogate baby, you may come across a time where you have to ship your breast milk. Here are some tips to successfully and safely ship breast milk. 

Store your breast milk in quality storage bags. Make sure they are tightly sealed and press as much air possible out of them when sealing.

There are various ways of shipping milk. What is most important, is that the milk is packaged well. First, make sure you have a proper carrier. If you choose to use a Styrofoam cooler, make sure it is at least 2” thick and then place it in a cardboard box, lined with newspaper. With our experience, an insulated cooler is the best but can raise shipping fees because of its weight.

You can use dry ice to ship the milk, but milk will stay frozen without dry ice, as long as it is packaged correctly. Deep-freezing breast milk will make it stay frozen longer. Layer the bottom of your carrier with dry ice and remember to use gloves to avoid being burned. Then place several layers of newspaper on top of the dry ice.

Pack your breast milk in plastic zip lock bags. In case there is a leak, the plastic zip-locked bags will keep the milk contained. To prevent the dry ice from coming in contact with the breast milk bags, wrap the bags in newspaper.

Place a few more layers of newspaper on top of your bagged breast milk and add more dry ice. Poke some holes in the Styrofoam cooler. Dry ice needs to vent or the cooler may break open.

If there is any more room in the box, add more newspaper to keep items from shifting. Close the box and securely tape it closed. Check with your carrier. Labels such as Human Milk, Fragile and/or Perishable may be added to your shipping slip.

Please notify the recipient that there is dry ice in the box to prevent injury.

If you have further questions about this process, contact Shared Conception anytime!