As Stephanie and her surrogate enter the two-week wait, listen to her interview on Beat Infertility detailing her journey to surrogacy.

Listen to the podcast here: https://beatinfertility.co/unexplained-recurrent-loss-stephanie-journey/

#beatinfertility #intendedparents #infertilityawareness #buildingfamiliesinc

Our story starts off similar to a typical love story. We met, fell in love, had a beautiful wedding, bought a house, and started planning our family. It wasn’t too long before we realized “trying” for a family wasn’t going according to plan.

We soon found ourselves in a Fertility Clinic. We were so young at the time so naturally, our concerns were becoming more stressful. We spent three years as the youngest patients at the clinic. Finally, after many years, we were pregnant with our first baby! The feeling was indescribable. Amazing enough, my pregnancy was “textbook” so naturally, we tried again! We were blessed with the two amazing kids we were meant to have. Finally, a family of four!

When my daughter was about a year old I told my husband I was interested in becoming a surrogate. I called our Clinic, and spoke directly with my Fertility Dr. to ask who she recommended. Immediately, she said: “Carol Weathers with Building Families”. I made a phone call to Carol and my Surrogacy Journey began! Fast forward and I can proudly say I am a successful 3-time surrogate. All three experiences were different. Each of them was special in their own way. I always say, “ the birth of my surrogate babies, along with my own kids, is the greatest thing I have ever done.” Every year on their birthdays my heart swells with love and pride as I know I’ve given these families the greatest gift in the world.

I loved my Surrogacy’s so much I knew I wanted to stay connected to BFI in some way if possible. Carol was gracious enough to offer me a position as Case Manager in her company. I have loved every moment of being a part of her company. She provides a family feel throughout the company and there is truly nobody out there who does it better. The personal relationships she strives for are unmatched in the industry. I’m proud of my time as Building Families Team member and surrogate. I am grateful for the journey that has brought me here and can’t wait to see all of the beautiful families we are able to help create in the future.

National Infertility Week is April 22-27. ‘Together, we can change how others view infertility. It begins with being part of a national movement, National Infertility Awareness Week®. This week unites millions of Americans who want to remove the stigmas and barriers that stand in the way of building families. – InfertilityAwareness.org

#infertilityuncovered #buildingfamiliesinc #NIAW

You’ve stumbled upon surrogacy and you’re intrigued. But how do you know if being a surrogate mother is right for you? We’ve come up with a short checklist of qualifications to become a surrogate mother.

Is your family complete? To be a surrogate, you must be finished creating your own family. That is not to say that you can never change your mind, as many surrogates go on to have more children for their own families. But, you should be confident that if you were to unexpectedly lose your fertility after a surrogate journey your family would not suffer.

Have your own pregnancies been healthy and uncomplicated? You will need to pass a medical clearance with the reproductive endocrinologists who will facilitate your pregnancy. The first requirement is that you have delivered one or more of your own children. Secondly, all pregnancies must be uncomplicated and healthy. You must also be a non-smoker, between the ages of 21 and 40 years old with an appropriate BMI.

You’re healthy and ready to go, now what? Surrogacy is a personal journey that you should feel strongly about. Does the thought of helping build a family fill you with pride? Do you want to share the joys of parenthood with someone who otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience it? If you’re shouting ‘YES,’ you are the type of woman we’d love to meet! But also consider this, do you have the support of your spouse, family, and friends? Each surrogate mothers’ journey is unique as with all new experiences and it is important to have a strong support system in place. Not only to cheer you on but to help you in the event of mandatory bed rest or to watch your child(ren) during delivery.

Considering to be a surrogate, even if it ends up not being right for your family or medically feasible is a true testament to your character. Every mother who wants to share that joy with another family is a special person to be valued. If you think that this journey is something you’d like to explore, please take a moment to submit an inquiry below. A member of our friendly team will be in contact and available to answer any further questions or concerns you may have.

https://www.buildingfamiliesinc.com/en/i-want-to-be-a-surrogate-mother/

Surrogate Mom, Laura, had the biggest smile while sharing her birth story with us. The highlight – seeing baby placed in his parent’s arms. Within seconds she forgot about her 36hr labor and just focused on the family she helped create!

Spring is the season of rebirth and just look at all these beautiful, growing bumps! We took a few moments to enjoy the sunshine before settling in with our Program Psychologist, Dr. Rad, to check in with all of our Surrogate Mothers. Although every journey is special, we all could not help our excitement as Surrogate Mother, Priscilla, quickly approaches her due date. Keep an eye out for her birth story next month!

One question we are faced with time and time again is “Who are your IPs and why do they choose surrogacy?” While there is no simple answer, we can assure you that we are a need-based agency. What does that mean? It means that infertility knows no discrimination and our intended parents come from all over the world and from various demographics. 1 in 6 couples is affected by this disease. Whether their fertility has been taken from them by illness, decided for them at birth, or is the result of a tragedy, they have all been left in need of our help. We have had our hearts broken time and time again by the stories and struggles of our intended parents. Where once these couples would have to resign themselves to a life without biological children, now, thanks to scientific advancements and the generosity of our surrogate mothers, a dream that was once unimaginable can be achieved. In short, our intended parents are everyday people that for reasons beyond their control, truly need the help of our agency and our surrogates to build their family.

Surrogate Mom, Jeanette, has her transfer today! Although Jeanette has been through this before, she is in for a new treat! She will be having an acupuncture session before, and after the embryo transfer. She is looking forward to relaxation and benefits that this therapy provides. Please join us in sending positive vibes to her and her IPs!!!

At the medical clearance appointment, the doctor will inquire about the Surrogate’s general health and pregnancy history. Basic vitals and a brief assessment of her health will be taken.

We do advise that the Surrogate eat and drink a lot of fluids before the appointment as she will have blood drawn and will also be expected to leave a urine sample. Her blood will be tested for infectious diseases and harmful substances. The doctor may perform a sonohysterogram, which is a procedure where a thin catheter is introduced through the cervix to the uterus. Ultrasound images are taken while the saline solution is injected into the uterus. Although no one has reported pain associated with this procedure, she may consider taking ibuprofen as some mild cramping can occur. An ultrasound is done to look for any intrauterine abnormalities, and also to check the lining of the uterus.

Last, but certainly not least, a nurse will discuss the medical treatment involved with third party reproduction.