Egg Donation & Surrogacy Consulting : Conceptual Options : Theresa Erickson : Embryo Donation, In-Vitro Fertilization

As we approach Mother's Day, I can't help to reflect on my own life.  While I am a mother, my thoughts always go to my mother, not myself.  I think about the many times throughout my life she held my hand or helped me through difficult situations.  The unconditional love that always presented itself is worth acknowledging.   

As a surrogate it brings a feeling of fulfillment to be able to reflect on the hand you played in allowing another woman to celebrate this day.   I find that this is a great time to make a call or send an e-mail to just say hi. 

Take the time to acknowledge the special woman in your life.  Enjoy your day.

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I found a website with the top Baby Names for 2007.  This is just fun to look at and look through.

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In Europe there is a blood test that has been used to test the AMH (Anti-Mullierian Hormone) levels in women.  Michael Alper, Chief Medical Officer of Boston IVF believes this test is an excellent predictor of a woman's egg count.  The test is done from a blood sample.

At this time the FDA has not approved this for use in the United States, however it is possible that your doctor can provide the test.  You would need to consult with your phsycian.

So if you are anxious about the ticking of your biological clock - This could be the test for you. 

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So many people have an idea of whether they would prefer to have a boy or girl when talking about having a baby.  Searchers have found that you can increase your chances for having a boy by simply changing your breakfast habits.

Women who eat a breakfast made of high-energy foods dramatically increase their odds of getting pregnant with a boy. Fiona Mathews, of the University of Exeter, said eating high-calorie breakfasts seemed to be the best guarantee of influencing the gender of a baby in favor of boys before conception. 

The discovery of a link between calories and gender may explain why it is that in the past 40 years there has been a small but steady decline in the proportion of boys born in the developed world.

Up to 59% of women who get pregnant after eating high-energy breakfasts end up giving birth to a son.  Researchers have found only 43% of women who always skipped breakfast before conceiving managed to produce boys.

So if you are interested in trying to conceive a boy, let me suggest you stick to your "Wheaties".

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Science and Technology is always growing in the field of infertility.  I found this article which I thoughht you might enjoy reading.

It just amazes me what we are able to do.

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With summer fast approaching I would like to just remind those of you who are pregnant or are soon to become pregnant the importance of water. 

It is very important not to let yourself get dehydrated.  A pregnant woman should drink 8 eight ounce glasses (64 ounces) of water each day.  I am certain at least one person is thinking "I will be at the bathroom every hour".  While this may be true, it is better to be in the bathroom then in the hospital.

The summer sun can drain your body of it's fluids quickly.  Plan ahead to be certain you will have enough to drink if you are going to be outside for any length of time.  Cooling your body temperature can help you to retain fluids more effectively, however it is not a solution to overcoming dehydration.

Dehydration can cause pre-term labor, miscarriage and hemoraging.  These are serious conditions that could harm the baby inside.  Some of the signs of dehydration include:

• Dark yellow urine
• More frequent Braxton Hicks Contractions
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Dry skin

If you begin to experience any of these symptoms you should be certain to drink more and consult your physician.  

Have a safe summer. 

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I found a website today that I really enjoyed reading.  It is written by a Reproductive Endocrinologist about his experiences.  It has an a question and answer area as well as an area with true stories.

In the story that I was reading, the women who was going through the ovary stimulation was the Intended Mother.  As I was reading it, it dawned on me that this would be excellent information for my intended parents and donors alike to know.

The benefit to using an experienced donor is not just simply that they understand the commitment and the medications.  It is that once the medical records are forwarded to the IVF Physician you are using, they know from past experience what medication and how much works to get the best results from that donor. 

I hope you enjoy reading this sight as much as I did.  I will returning to read more in the future.

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I was in a "Match Meeting" with the Intended Parents and a first time surrogate.  The surrogate's husband sat at her side, with a look like he wasn't sure why he was there.  When I asked the husband if he was prepared to support his wife through the pregnancy he shrugged and said "I'm not sure what to expect".

That is when it dawned on me that while we spend a lot of time counseling and educating the surrogate what to expect, we don't say much to her spouse/partner.  I would like to take a stand for the spouses/partners out there.

Surrogacy is a long process.  The surrogate will be in a relationship with the Intended Parents for at least a year.  It is important that you feel comfortable about who the Intended Parents are.  I would always recommend that you take an interest in getting to know the Intended Parents.  Read their profile and prepare a list of questions for the match meeting.  If there is any information you would like to know, this is the time to ask.

Once the match is made the pregnancy moves forward.  You will the one who is called on when your wife is tired.  You will need to be understanding to the fact that this pregnancy isn't something she can just put aside.  Your extra compassion and understanding will be appreciated whether she verbally tells you or not.

For what ever it is worth, the pregnancy will not last forever.  In time, you will have your wife back.  So take a deep breath and roll with the punches.

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We are coming up to the dreaded "Income Tax Deadline".  By midnight tonight, many of us will know if we owe Uncle Sam or if he will be lining our pockets with a little something.

Some states allow you to use the medical costs of IVF and/or surrogacy as a tax write-off.  While this won't be the interest on your mortgage, it is better than nothing.  I would suggest that you contact your Tax Consultant or CPA to ask what the specifics are for the area where you live.

If you are just getting started down the road of treatment or surrogacy, you will want to be sure to save every receipt and invoice.  I know when I was a surrogate, I would fax the invoices to my agency and then mail the original to my Intended Parents.  The agency always took care of getting the invoice paid, while the parents had the documentation for the following years taxes.

And remember, by this time next year you will have a dependent to add!

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