In the world of surrogacy, knowledge is indeed power. This week, let's talk about the importance of transparent, honest and mature conversations when addressing the rapport and relationship between the surrogate, the intended parents and the surrogacy agency. It is...

Families are the foundation of our society and culture. Many of our endeavors and motivations are fueled by our need to support, enjoy and provide for our families. Competent surrogacy agencies, such as Shared Conception, diligently work hard to ensure that both the...

A woman reports that while visiting some friends who had recently given birth to their new daughter in a Manhattan hospital, she couldn’t resist perusing the institutional paperwork addressed to “Dear Mother, Parent, Person Carrying the Child.” Such a salutation...

As we move into the thick of the holiday season, our staff at Shared Conception wishes you and yours all things good and delightful! In the spirit of the holidays, we are sharing this story of  intended parents who strive to thank their surrogate mother. Written...

It's almost 2015, but we, at Shared Conception, realize that surrogacy can somewhat still be a "mysterious" topic or carries a stigma. People sometimes don't know how to react when their friend or loved one says they used or are currently using a surrogacy.  As a...

Wait, what?! Jimmy Fallon is now a dad of two! The Tonight Show host and wife Nancy Juvonen have shocked the world with the surprising news that another cutie has been added to the family. The pair welcomed their second child on Wednesday, Dec. 3, NBC confirms to E!...

As our surrogacy agency, Shared Conception, prepares for the holiday season, we are thankful and grateful for our family, friends, colleagues, intended parents and surrogate mothers. We are thankful for all of you! We won't keep you long on this Black Friday but we...

Note: As of the writing of this Shared Conception blog, Joan Lunden, a radio and television personality, is battling  breast cancer. She has two sets of twins through the gift of surrogacy and loved both of her experiences (the same surrogate was used for both...

When a family member proposes to become a Surrogate Mother, it may seem like a dream come true for the intended parents. Of course it is more comforting to have personal knowledge of the medical history as well as the background of the surrogate mother! However, such...

Drafting a surrogacy contract is a complicated thing to do, and only qualified lawyers should fulfill such a mission. Shared Conception works with a few highly efficient  attorneys who can assist you on this journey. The below-mentioned checklist of items is...

One often wonders how intended parents deal with the emotions associated with their surrogate suffering a miscarriage. Not only do they have to deal with their own grief and feelings of helplessness but they also have to deal with the surrogate and her feelings of...

Surrogacy relationships require excellent communication and empathy on both sides. The intended parents need empathy for the woman entering surrogate motherhood, but naturally have a lot of worries and questions regarding the pregnancy. The surrogate has to understand...

In what’s used to be a well-kept secret, some women have used surrogates for more social reasons, not for reasons relating to infertility.*“I call these cases designer surrogacy,” says Lori Arnold, MD, a northern San Diego fertility doctor. She says...

Inducing lactation refers to the process of making milk without pregnancy and birth.  In a typical breastfeeding situation, the hormones of pregnancy and the changes that these hormones undergo at birth cause a woman's breasts to start producing milk.  When...

"I breastfed both of my kids until they were almost 3, but I really don't want to breastfeed my surrobabies. I do think colostrum is super important and I am happy to pump & provide at least that initial milk. However, I want the babies to bond to their parents,...

Shared Conception will listen to you, the intended parents, as we work together to help complete your family. Of course, we will immediately refer you to the best and most appropriate physician as we navigate  our way to you all becoming parents.  Your...

Momma cats and dogs do it. Expectant birds do it. And, if you’re like many human moms-to-be, you’re doing it. What are we talking about? Nesting--preparing your "nest" for your soon-to-arrive baby! The difference here is that you are the surrogate mom and so you will...

So you are an intended parent and your family and friends are excited about throwing you a fun-filled and festive baby shower.  Sounds great but for you, there is only one hiccup   Your surrogate mother happens to live relatively close by, you all have...