Myths about Surrogacy

As surrogacy gains more popularity and interest these days, there are many known factors about the process but on the other hand, there are also many misconceptions. Today we will be looking at some of these misconceptions and bringing the truth to the surface.

MYTH: After being a surrogate, I will not be able to have kids of my own

Truth: After a surrogate gives birth and the child is given to their intended parents, and thus completing the surrogacy journey and contract, you will most certainly be able to carry your own child as long as you have your obstetrician’s approval. If you are healthy and of age, there is nothing holding you back from having more little miracles of your own. 

MYTH: Surrogacy is only for the rich and famous

Truth: Surrogacy has lately become very popular among celebrities who cannot carry their own child due to medical reasons. Just because you see surrogacy in the media more and more these days, it is still is a wonderful option for any infertile individual or couple, famous or not! This will not cost the intended parents millions of dollars.

MYTH: Being a surrogate is an easy way to earn money

Truth: You will be earning money as a surrogate mother, but this needs time and dedication to the entire journey and to the intended parents. Anyone who has been pregnant before knows it’s not the easiest thing in the world, but it is by far the most fulfilling when you see the faces of the intended parents light up as they see the little miracle you brought into this world just for them.

MYTH: Surrogates are related to the child they are carrying

Truth: The surrogate mother does not have any genetic relations to the child she is carrying as the embryo is made using the intended parents’ genetic material or donor material. Rest assured that the surrogate will not share DNA with the child to be.

MYTH: Gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy are the same

Truth: Surrogacy agencies only accept gestational surrogates. Gestational surrogacy means the surrogate has zero biological links to the baby that she is carrying. The embryos implanted into the carrier does not have the surrogate’s DNA. The embryos were either created from the intended parent's genetic material or an egg/sperm donor was involved. Donor material cannot be obtained from the surrogate. Traditional surrogacy is a lot less common and not an accepted practice at professional agencies. This is due to the fact that the surrogate uses her own eggs and therefore, she would be related to the baby she is carrying. The surrogate would be the biological mother and she would have parental rights to the child that is born. Gestational and traditional surrogates are completely different.

MYTH: Any women can be a surrogate for a family

Truth: Not all women can be a surrogate as there are a few basic guidelines that need to be met 

  

- Over 21 years old

- Has had one healthy, full-term pregnancy

- Non-Smoker

- No Medical issues 

- No Criminal background

Prevention's Against the Flu & Cold

It's that time of year again when you are buying more and more boxes of tissues, your eyes start watering, your nose starts running, and you need to make multiple cups of hot tea and buy many bottles of water. This is the beginning of the cold and flu season and it hits you right out of nowhere!

For our pregnant ladies out there, we want you to take some extra precautions: Pregnancy causes your immune system to be slightly weakened due to the body working hard to keep the baby strong and healthy!

Here are a few prevention tips to keep clear of the cold and flu:

- The first step to take for both your protection and the baby’s is to get the flu shot: this will only ward off flu germs; therefore, you may still be at risk for catching a cold. The flu shot will help strengthen your immune system to help fight off other germs that might try and catch you.

- Always wash your hands with soap and water! This is highly important and we cannot stress this enough! You will want to wash your hands immediately after coming into contact with germs, for example, after using a public restroom. Many people will be using the facilities and some (dare I say!) do not wash their hands. Always keep in mind that the door handles will have the most germs. For your protection, we would suggest that after washing your hands use an extra paper towel to open the doorknob in order to keep away from direct contact with germs. If there is no soap and water available for you to use, always keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer, this will definitely save your day and help kill those germs. 

-  Keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids; water is the best for hydration because it helps to flush toxins out of your system and keeps you nice and healthy. If you do happen to get sick, staying well-hydrated is just as important for your recovery.

- Avoid people who are already sick. If someone is coughing or sneezing, keep your distance. Likewise, if you are sick and contagious, take time to rest at home so you can get better and not spread germs to those you come in contact with.

- Do not touch your eyes and mouth. The germs can easily infect you through those areas since they are open and will have direct contact with the germs, easily penetrating the body’s defenses. 

- Make sure to get enough sleep! Getting at least 7-9 hours per night will also help strengthen your immune system. If you are sleep deprived, this will have negative effects on your body and will cause your immune system to weaken.

Hospital Bag Check List For Surrogate Mothers

 When packing your bag for the hospital there are a few key items that you do not want to forget!  By pre-packing your hospital bag a couple of weeks before you go into labor, you will have plenty of time to get all your essentials items together for the big day. 

Even though this is not your first rodeo

you can never be too prepared for bringing a little one into this world.

Our team has put together a list of essentials that you should throw into your hospital bag before running out of the house for delivery!

- Your insurance card ID or insurance documentation, this is very important to have once you are at the hospital (even if you have pre-registered).

-Photo ID and/or Drivers License. 

-Your phone is always glued to your hand but we always forget a charger! Pack one changer inside of your bag and have another on hand in case things get lost in the shuffle.
 

- A list of all important numbers, this is in case your cellphone dies (in case both chargers are MIA) or your phone breaks or you lose it. This list is very helpful to have on hand.

-Bring a few snacks and drinks with you.  Sometimes your favorite treats or snack can be a great pick me up, and keeping hydrated is highly important.  We know the hospital will serve you meals, but sometimes nothing beats your own tasty snacks.

-Pack a few extra comfy clothes, you can never have too many options.  You want to be comfortable throughout your stay at the hospital, you can even pack a nice soft throw blanket to keep you warm and a soft pillow as a reminder of the comfort of home.

-Bring a nice pair of non-skid slippers to walk around the hospital with and a pair of comfy shoes for when you leave.
 

-Along with your clothes, you don't want to forget your personal hygiene items this includes, but is not limited to; 

                                 -Toothbrush

                                 -Tooth Paste

                                 -Mouth Wash

•                                  -Shampoo
•                                  -Conditioner
•                                  -Body Wash
•                                  -Deodorant
•                                  -Lip balm
•                                  -Moisturizer 
•                                  -Hair Ties 
•                                  -Hair Brush
• 
  

-Don't forget about entertainment! Yes the hospital will have a tv, but you may want to bring a tablet or other device with you to stream your favorite shows or listen to music.  You might also want to bring some good old fashioned books and word puzzles along to keep you busy.

- After the birth it might be difficult to sleep with all the noise inside of the hospital, you might want to bring along an eye mask, earplugs and anything else to keep you comfortable through the night.


Have a safe, speedy and awesome delivery!

Happy New Year!

2019 HAS ARRIVED! 

We want to wish you a very happy and healthy NEW YEAR! 

This year came and went in the blink of an eye.

Start this year out on a different note and sign up to be a Surrogate Mother and carry a sweet little bundle of pure joy for Parents who are not able to do so on their own. 

Here are a few basic qualifications that need to be met; 

-Are you between the ages of 21-43 years of age

-Have you delivered at least one healthy pregnancy

-Are you a Non-smoker

-Is your BMI between 21-35

-Do you have a clear criminal background

If you checked off yes to all listed above then you are ready to start your journey to becoming a Surrogate Mother to a family who needs you.

Please click this link to fill out your application to become a Surrogate Mother TODAY!

 Surrogate Mother Application

If you did not meet the criteria to become a surrogate mother, we thank you for taking the time to view our blog. If you are unable to be a surrogate mother, you just might know someone who would love to become a surrogate mother and this is good news for you because...

Right now we are offering a $1000 referral fee!

Have them call our office or drop by our office anytime for a surrogate mother application and make sure that they put your name in the Referral Section of the form!  

They can also visit our website to fill out the application on the link below;  

                                                     Surrogate Mother Application

After they sign a contract with their Intended Parents you will receive half the fee, of $500.00. The remaining $500.00 is paid as soon as the first embryo transfer is complete. Refer as many friends or family as you want. No limit on referrals as long as potential carriers pass all screening and get to the transfer stage.

Make sure they do not forget to put your name on their initial application under the section: Who referred you to our office? This will ensure that the referral fee will go to you 😊

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

4 DIY Gift Wrapping Ideas Your Children Can Create

The gift-giving season is upon us, we all know that wrapping paper and bags cost a lot of money and are not as fun as homemade wrappings. Who would not want to receive a gift that was wrapped in pretty homemade gift wrapping? When your children are wrapping with you, let them get into the spirit of giving, by letting them create their own wrapping materials!

Here are 4 Do It Yourself wrapping gift paper ideas.

Tie Dye Tissue Paper Wrapping 

It is time to get funky with your little ones! You'll need tissue paper on the thicker side, for more absorbency, rubber bands, and food coloring with drip tops. You and your little ones are ready to have a lot of colorful fun! Fold the tissue paper into which every shape you would like, tie the rubber bands around it to separate the colors or get funky and mix them up. There are so many designs to come up with. Once you have added the color, let it completely dry, then take them apart and you are left with an amazing colorful wrapping paper ready to get used. 

Santa Paws 

This will get a little messy but the kids will really enjoy it! For this project, you will need plain gift wrapping paper, safe paints for the kids to use since they will be using their hands, hence the mess that will be made! And some colorful markers. First lay out the wrapping paper flat put some heavy objects on each corner so they do not fold into each other. Once in place, its time to get MESSY! Have your children paint one hand with the color of choice, then place onto the paper wherever they would like. Once dry they can add in all the details and make their handprints into cute little Santas. Then you are ready to wrap up your gifts!

Cookie Cutter Fun

While you might think cookies cutters are only for baking cookies, think again! they can be used to create cute wrapping paper that your kids will have so much joy creating. You will need a few Christmas cookie cutters like Trees, Santa, Snowman, and Reindeer. Along with some plain wrapping paper and different color paints of your liking. Place a small amount of paint onto a paper plate, place the bottom of the cookie cutter into the pain and move it around a little to coat. Then place anywhere on the paper and go crazy!

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

How about putting together these cute little Snowman Bags! Get a few white bags from the dollar store, black, red, orange and red constructions paper and don't forget the glue! Cut out small black squares for the eyes and mouth and some circles for the buttons. Cut out a large carrot-shaped nose, as best as you can, it does not need to be perfect last but not least cut out a large red stripe and 2 little triangles, these will make the scarf and tassels! Let your children add them to create their own cute snowman bags to go!

Winter Season Has Arrived

❄Who doesn't love watching the snow fall?  It creates a beautiful blanket of pure white fluff over every inch it touches! It is such a wonderful time of year. ❄

Now that winter has made its presence know, more cold winter weather will be approaching.

We put together a "Winter Survival Guide" to keeping warm, cozy and safe this winter (especially for pregnant women!).

• Always check the weather before leaving your house so you are not left unprepared, this is very important!

• Make sure to wear appropriate attire that will keep you comfortable and warm but not restricting your movements. Wear layers of natural fabrics like wool, for example, will keep you very warm. 

• Wearing layers will keep you warm and will help regulate your temperature if you are too hot , you can take a layers or two off.

• Find a pair of flat winter boots that are comfortable to walk in, comfort over a fashion statement is best.

• Dont forget your winter accessories! Gloves, hats, scarves and warm socks

• Take the pressure off of your back by carrying less (yes that means lightening the load in your purse!) this will put less strain on your ligaments.

• Avoid winter sports as there is a risk of injury BUT feel free to get out there with your kiddos and enjoy a nice snowball fight or build a snowman or snow angels.  Don't forget to be very mindful of your surroundings and avoid the outdoor play if it is icy.

• Do not shovel or attempt to remove or clear snow, this involves to much stress on your back nd the twisting motion will leave you aching.

• Take frequent naps (mini-hibernation) to keep your energy levels up.

• Make yourself a nice cup of herbal tea or hot cocoa with marshmallows to warm your soul and the baby(s).

• Carry lotions and balms with you to protect your skin, as cold weather causes extreme dry skin as does pregnancy! 

• Applying moisturizer when getting out of the bath or shower will help rehydrate skin to prevent cracking.

• Protect yourself from germs by having hand sanitizer with you and always washing your hands frequently. 

• Last, but not lease, grab a nice cozy blanket, put your feet up, relax and enjoy some holidays movies TV.

Have a wonderful and safe winter season

Thanksgiving Foods & Pregnancy

We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

We hope your day was filled with love and joy and lots of food!

This is the time of year for you to reflect on what you are thankful for in your life right now. 
Whether it is being thankful for your family, friends, furry family members or for being given the opportunity to bring a child into this world for another family to love and be thankful for. It's a great time to remember all that we have.

We want to hear what you are thankful for this year!
Please post what you are thankful on our facebook page, we can't wait to hear from you
https://www.facebook.com/SurrogateChat/

This is also a time to indulge in a variety of homemade Thanksgiving dishes. We have all waited patiently for this day to arrive all year long. Imaging all the intoxicating smells making your mouth water, seeing the entire table full of beautiful, warm, cooked dishes just waiting for you to into.  And let's not forget the leftovers!

There are a few basic food safety tips to keep in mind while being pregnant before indulging in all the wonderful dishes.

1. Turkey-Turkey-Turkey! You want to make sure the turkey is completely cooked and has come up to a temperature of at least 170 Degrees. You do not want to eat an undercooked turkey as you want to avoid the possibility of getting Salmonella or e.colie. These can be found in undercooked meats. 

2. Who doesn't love stuffing! Before jumping in you want to check and see If the stuffing was cooked inside of the turkey. If it was it runs the risk of being contaminated by undercooked meat as well as not getting hot enough on the inside to destroy those germs.

2. Extra Salt? No thank you! To avoid puffy legs, ankles, and fingers; Do not add any extra salt. Sodium intake affects, water retention and blood pressure. Being pregnant you are already being affected by this. By saying no to more salt you will lower this effect. 

3. Make your plate colorful, vegetable dishes deliver so many good nutrients for your pregnant body and the growing baby. For example, you can eat; Yams, green beans, cranberry, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts, pumpkin, apples, turnips. The more colors, the prettier you plate will look and will taste even better.

4. Be mindful when choosing hors-d'oeuvres the cheese platter is a classic, but you need to avoid some soft cheeses, including brie, camembert, chevre, blue cheese, and gorgonzola. The reason why you want to be careful is that some unpasteurized cheese can be dangerous and carry listeria. Which can be dangerous for pregnant women. 

Now that you have these tips under your belt, It is now time for you to enjoy this fantastic holiday with your family and friends and eat all the deliciously cooked foods you want.

Time to get ready for the next holidays!!