Blog
What is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)?
For many parents pursuing surrogacy and/or egg donation as a family-building method, the term PGD may come up. This reproductive technology is used with an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle and can be used to diagnose genetic disease in early embryos prior to the...
Surrogate Story: From the application to delivery day by Sarah, experienced surrogate mother
Starting out, I didn’t know exactly what to expect— though I could imagine the possible effects. When I first found out I was pregnant with my daughter, it was a complete surprise, and I was initially in shock and did not know what to feel or think about...
6 Ways to Relieve Pregnancy Back Pain
Be it day one or the second trimester, pregnancy often yields a bit of discomfort. And the central point of that discomfort is usually the back. For many surrogates (and expectant mothers everywhere), finding relief can sometimes feel impossible.If you are...
Budgeting during the Holiday Season-yes, it can be done!
It's hard to believe but the holidays are almost upon us! Alas, for many of us, there are a few not-so-joyous holiday sights (our purses crammed with credit card receipts) and the sounds (cha-ching!) of cash registers ringing up our many purchases. It can be even...
4 Ways to Be a Great Surrogate Mother
Surrogate mother, “What makes a great surrogate mother?”We often get this question from surrogates (and intended parents). There's simply no clear cut answer. However, there are several qualities and factors that play into a successful journey as a...
Gems, Stones and Crystals for Increasing Fertility
Which gems, stones and crystals are said to best help boost fertility? Our list of fertility stones includes each gemstone's healing properties. Moonstone is a great gemstone for fertility. It has a reflective and calming energy by balancing...
Gift Ideas for Surrogates
When adding to your family, surrogates become an important part of the equation. How do you even begin to show your gratitude to these women who have given you such a profound gift?Treat your surrogate with these gifts; a small “thank you” for the gift...
Surrogacy Law: State to State Distinctions
In the United States, the law that applies to surrogacy arrangements is controlled by the individual states. Some states regulate surrogacy, some states forbid surrogacy entirely, and some states have little to no body of surrogacy law. In surrogacy...
Great Gift Ideas for Intended Parents
Going the extra mile for your intended parents may form a lasting bond between you. A healthy baby, of course, is the best gift you can give them – but if you want to be extra-nice, personal gifts can go a long way. They need not be expensive; in fact, our...
Talking about Surrogacy: Advice for Gestational Carriers
“When are you due?”“Not for another two months.”“Have you picked out a name?”“Not yet. The parents have a few in mind, though.”Although you’re excited and confident about your decision to become a surrogate, some...
Ensuring a Healthy Surrogate Pregnancy
What an amazing opportunity it is to give the gift of life, especially for another person via surrogacy. This gift comes with a lot of responsibility and expectation to create a healthy baby—and it all begins in pregnancy. During your surrogate pregnancy, you are...
Surrogacy Terms Decoded: 17 Definitions You Should Know
Although rewarding, the surrogacy process and its lingo can be confusing at times. Not to worry as our surrogacy agency, Shared Conception, has defined common terms you’ll come across during your surrogacy journey to make the experience as seamless as...
The Delivery
As a surrogate, when the time comes to deliver the baby, there are so many emotions racing. We want to be sure everything is ready and in place well before the actual delivery day. There will be a cute bundle of joy (or two or three!) that will take center stage, of...
A Brief Look at the History of IVF
• In 1934 at Harvard University, scientist Gregory Pincus conducts IVF experiments on rabbits. Results suggest that similar fertilization is possible in humans.• A few years later, John Rock and Miriam Menkin succeed in the first IVF of human...
Waiting and waiting….patience is important during the Surrogacy process
One of the hardest things to do in surrogacy is wait. This goes for all parties: the IPs, the surrogate, the egg donor, the agency coordinator, etc. It's so hard to wait when something so amazing is almost in your grasp; you just have to put the...
Is there a weight requirement to become a surrogate?
Our surrogacy agency, Shared Conception, loves receiving your questions about surrogacy so please keep them coming. One question that weighs on most people's minds is this: Is there a weight requirement to become a surrogate?There is no weight requirement...
Poll: Vast Majority of Americans Support Surrogacy
A recent YouGov poll asked U.S. citizens what they thought about surrogacy. Our surrogacy agency, Shared Conception, was not surprised to learn that 71 percent of people polled said they approved of surrogacy. To give you a gender breakdown, women approved of...
Teamwork Makes the Surrogacy Dream Work
A successful surrogacy is a team effort. It means the cooperation of surrogates, egg donors, intended parents, doctors, nurses, social workers, attorneys, and coordinators. Focusing on openness, honesty, and communication can help make a good journey great.But we...