Blog
We all find out find our hand in the candy bowl around this time of year. And that usually isn’t a problem. Although it is Halloween time, being pregnant does not mean you can gorge yourself on an entire candy bag. A holiday does not change the candy’s nutritional...
Halloween with a Belly!
Let’s be honest, when you’re pregnant, it already feels like you’re wearing a costume—there are definitely times when you don’t feel like you’re in your own skin. But you can transform that beautiful bump into the ultimate Halloween costume! The internet is full of...
The Pregnancy Struggle is Real!
Worry, anxiety, and even depression does not discriminate. Surrogacy is filled with happiness but hitting a rough patch during any pregnancy is not uncommon. Mostly because, life is life…it has its ups and downs, and it is mostly out of our control. Calmness and a...
Pregnancy Falls
Pregnancy definitely changes your body, but it also changes the way you move, get around and walk. Your center of gravity has to adjust, which can cause difficulty with every day movements. Knowing this, it’s no wonder that many pregnant women have experienced a...
Your Own OB
One of the most common questions when inquiring about becoming a surrogate is, “Can I use my own Obstetrician?” The short answer is, yes. Initially, you’re in the care of the fertility doctor who did the IVF transfer. They like to watch over you for majority of the...
Building Self-Esteem in your Child
It’s tough being a parent! We all strive to make our children become polite, kind, and honest individuals, but it’s not always easy. I have two young boys in elementary school and have noticed that I worry too much about what they don’t do rather than focusing on the...
Deciding on a Second Journey
After my first journey, I knew immediately I wanted to have a second. And when I say immediately, I mean it! I had to have a cesarean because of my previous labors. The time spent in the operating room with the Intended Parents was incredible. They sat behind me, and...
5 Reasons to Embark on a Journey
Surrogacy isn’t an avenue people take “just because”. Contrary to popular belief, most people don’t use a surrogate mother to carry their child because they don’t want to ruin their figure, interrupt their life or just don’t want to be pregnant. It’s much more...
Gifts for your Surrogate – Do you have to buy them?
Your surrogate is giving you and your family more than you can ask for. Our intended parents often ask us about gifts for their surrogate. Although gifts are not required, some feel the need to express their gratitude with small tokens of appreciation along the way....
Packing List for Intended Parents
When the baby arrives, it’s an exciting time, but also hectic. They baby can come earlier or later. Your hospital bag should be packed and ready to go at least two weeks before the due date to ensure you have everything you need for the hospital stay. Shared...
The Day Before IVF
This is not an article about all the medications you take before IVF as a surrogate, or the doctor visits before IVF. This is about you and how you feel the day before the IVF procedure. On a personal note, I remember my first day before IVF, as I have had 2 wonderful...
Tips on finding a housekeeper
One of the perks of surrogacy is around 32 weeks, unless differently outlined in your contract, you are blessed with a housekeeping angel! This takes so much stress off of your plate! By this time in your journey, daily tasks are becoming more and more difficult. The...
Pregnancy Pillows
When you are far enough along in your pregnancy, you may discover some aches and pains. It comes with the territory. There are so many support and full body pregnancy pillows on the market. When you are shopping for one, where do you begin? Good news is that you have...
The Taboo Subject: Compensation
Money is rarely the driving reason behind becoming a surrogate. All of our surrogates love the idea of helping a family, enjoy being pregnant and feel that this journey is more of a calling. But that doesn’t mean compensation is not deserved for the intense labor (no...
Surviving the Summer Fashionably
It is in your contract for maternity clothes stipend between your 12th and 15th week. Finding maternity clothes that actually fit and flatter can be challenging for many moms-to-be. But with comfortably fitting maternity clothing, you’ll look—and feel—your best as you...
Surrogacy Escrow Service
Your surrogacy contract includes using an escrow agency. This service allows a third party (the escrow agency) to hold and dispense funds during the surrogacy process. This can continue up to six months after birth. The escrow agency acts on behalf of the intended...
The Truth Behind Pickles and Ice Cream
Not many pregnancy conversations leave out the topic of cravings and how crazy they can become. Needless to say, when you are pregnant, you learn the truth behind pickles and ice cream. Your regular, everyday cravings will stick with you throughout pregnancy. They may...
Surrogacy Financing
With an experienced agency such as, Shared Conception, we have spoken to thousands of people interested in surrogacy. One of the topics that ALWAYS comes up is financing. And that is perfectly normal. There are a lot of costs involved. It is a big financial decision...