Q and A: Answers Pt. 2

Here is Part Two if the Surrogacy Q & A Answers!!

What advice would you give someone just starting out?

Definitely educate yourself on surrogacy and the process. Apply to a few agencies and definitely go with your gut feeling. If you are not getting good vibes from one agency, but great vibes from another, definitely go with the good feeling agency. Know that this is a "hurry up and wait" process. They will want you to hurry with forms and then you will have to wait until each party reviews it before proceeding to the next step. Just try to be patient and it will a work out! 

What kind of Meds did you have to take and what did they do?

I took a total of 6 different medications from the very beginning of my journey up to 11 weeks pregnant. 

Birth Control Pills – Sync cycles with the Intended Parent or Egg Donor. Only Active Pills.
Lupron - Lupron temporarily suppresses pituitary and ovarian hormone production and prevents ovulation from occurring prior to oocyte retrieval. This medication is generally started one week before the next expected period and continued until two days prior to the egg retrieval.
Delestrogen - Estradiol is a form of estrogen. Estrogen is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.
Endometrin – Vaginal Progesterone. Once placed inside the vagina, progesterone is absorbed quickly by the local vessels and brought to the uterus where it prepares the endometrium for the implantation process. The level of progesterone within the endometrium is highest with vaginal progesterone.
PIO - Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone in the body. In women, the hormone is produced in the ovaries, the adrenal glands and in the placenta during pregnancy, and it is stored in the fat tissue. Progesterone is involved in a woman's menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy. It will help keep the pregnancy viable until the body can start producing it on its own around 10 weeks. 
Doxycycline - Doxycycline is an antibiotic to prevent infection from the retrieval and to ensure that the uterus is free of bacteria before embryo transfer.
Medrol - Medrol is a light steroid that is used to prevent ‘inflammation’ of the uterine lining that can cause it to reject the embryo.
Valium - Muscle Relaxer taken before transfer. It helps relax the body and uterus.

Were you nervous about how many embryos were transferred?

We had planned to transfer 3 embryos since the quality wasn’t that great. After the transfer, I found out that my RE placed all 4 embryos. 1 was good, 2 were okay and 1 was poor. I was really nervous after that. After everything was said and done, I had confidence in my RE and figured that he knew what he was doing.

How did you tell people about you wanting to be a surrogate?

With close family, I called/emailed and told them what we were planning on doing. With friends, I decided to start this blog and also a Facebook page. A lot of people were surprised and a few were definitely not on board, but we ultimately did what we thought would be better for us and our family.

Would you ever consider donating your eggs?

No. It would just feel weird knowing that I have potential kids out there. This is just my opinion on egg donation. I have had friends who have donated eggs, but could never be a surrogate. It’s just someone’s preference. I just could never do it.

How much does Surrogacy cost?

There are a lot of factors with the price of IVF/Surrogacy. Intended Parents can pay anywhere from $75,000 up to $250,000. Meds, Dr Visits, Lawyer Fees, Flights, etc.

Was it weird having everyone in the room when you delivered?

Absolutely not! With all of my deliveries, I have had friends and family in the room. With this delivery, I had my husband, the parents, my case manager and photographer. Once it was time to push, I honestly didn’t even realize they were in the room. I was in my own world and concentrated on getting this little girl earth side. A lot of people are different and feel like this is a very personal experience and only want their spouse/partner or mother in there with them and that’s perfectly fine also!

Do the parents still keep in contact with you? Do you get to see pictures of “Surro Babe?”

Yes! I get to see pictures of C almost daily, which I absolutely love! My family and I get to watch her grow and its great! We try to email each other monthly, but sometimes life gets in the way.

How did you pick the Agency you went with?

When my husband and I finally decided to start this, I googled “California Surrogacy Agencies” and got a lot of websites. I applied to 4-5 different agencies and West Coast Surrogacy was the first agency that actually called me. It was about 2 hours after I had submitted my application. From the very beginning of that phone call, I felt in my gut that this was the agency for me. I loved the family feel of the agency and it didn’t feel like I was going in for a job interview. I would definitely recommend them if you are in search for an agency, whether it be Surrogacy or Egg Donation!

Would you ever do an “Indy” Surrogacy Journey?

I honestly don’t think I would. I like that the agency does the work for us and makes sure everything gets done correctly! Again, some people have better experiences going Indy, I just feel more comfortable with an agency!

Thanks Again!!!! If you have any other questions that were not answered, please don't hesitate to email me!

Surro Babe: Birth Story!

It’s hard to believe that I delivered my Surro Babe 1 week ago, thursday! It was such an amazing experience and I can’t wait to do it again for another couple!

On Wednesday, I had my 39 week appointment. My dr was across the street with a delivery, so I had to wait about 20 minutes. Once she was in the office, she did the usual measuring and listened to the heartbeat. Afterwards, my IP’s went out into the waiting room and my dr checked me. I was between 3-4cm and about 60% effaced. She also swept my membranes. After that, I went into the waiting room with my IP’s while she was deciding on what day was good since I was starting to show signs of Pre-E. They called me up and told me it was going to be the next day! I was shocked, excited and nervous all at the same time. My IP’s got really nervous also! The nurse told me to call in the morning to see if they had a bed for me and then to go in! I called my husband, case manager and photographer and told them that tomorrow would be the big day! After getting home, I got the rest of my bag packed and checked off the last bit of stuff on my to-do list. That night, I slept wonderfully! I thought I would be a ball of nerves, but I was surprisingly calm!

Thursday morning I got up, took a shower and helped my husband get the kids off to school just like a normal day. I called L&D at 7am and they had a bed for me!! So it was a go! I had to be there at 8am for my induction. Since I knew that my husband was coming up, I only brought my purse and Nurse Goody Bags. Once I got up to the L&D Desk, they were ready for me. Once they found out that I was a surrogate, everyone was so excited for everyone involved. My nurse was absolutely amazing and I was so grateful I got a good one!! Once I got settled in, my IP’s arrived but had to leave again.

My husband, son and mom arrived right before they left. They started my iv at 10am and Pitocin soon after. My contractions were moving along about 2-3 minutes apart. They were starting to get pretty intense, so I decided to get some pain meds through my iv. After that, things were pretty good for about an hour. During that time, my dr came in and checked to see how I was doing and then left to do her rounds. Around 3pm, I got another bump of my pain meds and had the nurse check me. I never liked being checked, it’s so painful! I was only a good 4cm and about 70%. I felt pretty defeated since I was having some good contractions for about 3 hours. My IM prayed for a good 2 hours and then took a nap.

At 3:30pm my nurse told me that my dr was going to come in between 4-5pm to break my water. I got really nervous and had been debating on whether or not I wanted to get an epidural. I had horrible experiences with my epidural for my 1^st and 3^rd birth. Finally I told my nurse I wanted one before I had my water broken. So they pumped 3 bags of fluid in me and around 4pm the Epi Cart was in my room. When the anesthesiologist came in, I got really nervous. While he was doing my epidural, I was just concentrating on my breathing and tried to go into a happy place. I just kept telling myself that everything will be okay. Once I got laid back down, I was feeling a lot better. Everyone came back in and we chatted for about 15 minutes and then my dr came in and kicked everyone out so she could break my water.

After she broke my water, I went from 4cm to 6cm. The contractions were rolling in and I could feel that this was going to happen soon! My dr kept checking me during contractions and within a 10 minute period, I went from 6cm to 9cm and 100%. It was go time! I was trying to breathe through the contractions while my dr and nurses were getting things ready. After the bed was set up, they let my husband and IP’s in, that way they could get into position. They then let my case manager and photographer in the room and got them into position. I gave 2 good pushes and out popped baby C’s head. I looked over at my IM and she was smiling from ear to ear. One more good push and out came a tiny 5lb 6oz peanut! I couldn’t get over how small she was! She was over a pound smaller than my tiniest baby. I looked around and there were tears in almost everyone’s eyes. My IF got to cut the cord and after Baby C got cleaned up, my IM got to do skin to skin. At that moment in time, everything was so calm and peaceful. I looked at my husband and he was already updating everyone. I told him to call my friend to come and pick up my placenta. My nurse came up to me and said that this day will forever hold a special place in her heart and that she was so glad that she was able to be a part of this. That definitely made my day!

After delivery, everything went so smoothly. My IM brought Baby C over to me and I got to hold her. To be completely honest, I had no idea how I would feel holding her. I knew everything would be fine, but there was always that “what if” in the back of my mind. Once I had Baby C in my hands, it was like I was holding a friends baby! After everything calmed down, my IP’s went to their private room to start their new lives with their baby girl and I stayed in my room until I got feeling in my legs enough to walk to the bathroom. Once I was able to walk to the bathroom, I was on my way to my private room. After I got settled into my room, my friends came over and we all went to see Baby C. I got a few pictures with her and then it was off to bed for me. I was completely exhausted. The next morning I had a few visitors and my boys got to see Baby C. They were okay with looking at her, but they didn’t want to touch her haha.

At around 3:30 I was being discharged and was so excited to be heading home to MY babies. I missed them so much during my 36 hour stay. So far, my recovery has been pretty good. My milk is finally coming in and my boobs are hurting. I know that will pass soon. Emotionally, I am doing pretty well. I have this overwhelming joy come over me whenever I think of what I did! I can’t wait until I am back to normal 100% and just focusing on my kids and family.

{22hrs Postpartum & 38 weeks}

**All Photos are Copyrighted by myself or Kathleen Galloway Photography.**

Thanks for reading!!!!!

Surro Babe: Week 11

Today is: September 29, 2013

How far along: 11 weeks 2 days (tomorrow is 200 days left!!)

Total weight gain: 2lbs 

Baby is the size of: A Fig

What is going on with this baby: Their baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. His/Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of his/her bones are beginning to harden. He/She's already busy kicking and stretching, and his/her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as his/her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel the baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that his/her diaphragm is forming.

Baby is a: ??? Should find out the middle of November!!

Maternity Clothes: oh yeah...

Sleep: My hips are really starting to bother me. I need to invest in the preggo body pillow. 

Movement: Too soon but I am getting little twinges :)

Symptoms: Nausea is slowly getting better. Zofran, Peppermint Gum and Warm Tea are my friends.

Food Cravings/Aversions: I cant eat or drink anything sweet or I will get sick. Loving Protein, fruits and veggies.

Best moment(s) this week: 
Nausea is slowly subsiding. 

I'm looking forward to:

My OB appt on the 2nd!!

Surro Babe: Week 10 and Update

So there has been a lot going on with the pregnancy within the past few weeks. On September 4th I went in for a routine ultrasound and found out that we lost one of the twins. It was completely gone and there was no signs of it ever being there. We also noticed another sac with 2 amnions and yolk sacs. So that appt was very confusing for not only me, but for my IP's. It was hard to communicate what was going on since I was completely confused. The Dr. thinks it could have been "Vanishing Twin Syndrome," but no one is certain. I went back on the 18th and the baby is doing great! The other chaotic sac is slowly dissolving, so the dr is not concerned. I was also released to my regular ob!! So as of today, I am currently 10w2d with One Precious Baby. We were all sad about losing the twin but we are all so grateful for the little Peanut that is in there and hanging on. 

So, now that things have calmed down a little, I can get back to these weekly posts.

Today is: September 22, 2013

How far along: 10 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain: 2lbs

Baby is the size of: A Kumquat

What is going on with this baby: Though Peanut is barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, their baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature. Peanut's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his/her kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout the pregnancy. If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin. In other developments: Their baby's limbs can bend now. His/Her hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his/her feet may be long enough to meet in front of his/her body. The outline of his/her spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Their baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his/her developing brain and sits very high on his/her head, which measures half the length of his/her body. From crown to rump, he/she is about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, their baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches. 

Baby is a: ??? Should find out the middle of November!!

Maternity Clothes: oh yeah...

Sleep: It's getting better...

Movement: Too soon!

Symptoms: Nausea is slowly getting better. Zofran, Peppermint Gum and Warm Tea are my friends.

Food Cravings/Aversions: I cant eat or drink anything sweet or I will get sick. Loving Protein, fruits and veggies.

Best moment(s) this week: 
Seeing Peanut on the 18th! He/She is growing great and has a great heartbeat of 164, which is up from 159 from the 4th. Stopping some of my meds!!

I'm looking forward to: 

Seeing my regular OB on October 2nd!!
Stopping my Meds!!


Have a great week!!!!

Surro Twins: Week 7

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, then you know that my IP's are going to have TWINS!! If you don't follow me, well now you know!! I had my first ultrasound appt on tuesday and we instantly saw 2 babies!! We noticed that there was a 3rd sac, but it was empty. All in all, the babies are doing great and measuring on time!! Baby A's hb was 104 and Baby B's hb was 114. I am going back on wednesday for another ultrasound :)

Today is: August 30, 2013

How far along:  7 Weeks

Total weight gain: 2lbs

The Twins are the size of: Blueberries!! 

What is going on with the Twins: Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, the twins are still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of their tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Their Twins have doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry.

If you could see inside your womb, you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of their nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of their babies brains are growing, and their livers are churning out red blood cells until their bone marrow forms and takes over this role. They also have an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in their baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from their tiny bodies.

What is going on with me: I'm still pretty nauseous and really tired. The belly bloat is in full effect. Zofran is keeping the food in my belly. 

.

Babies are: ???

Maternity Clothes: Yes.

Sleep: It's getting better but I am still tossing and turning. My hips are aching.

Movement: Too soon.

Symptoms: Nausea, Fatigue, Achy Hips, Frequent Restroom Trips.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Slowly, I am able to start eating more. 

Best moment(s) this week: 
Finding out that my IP's are going to be parents to TWINS!!

I'm looking forward to: 

- Another ultrasound on wednesday!
- Being done with all of these shots!

Surro Babe: Week 6

Yes, I know I am a day late... I also had to recalculate my due date since it was wrong. I guess I am 2 days farther along than I thought!

Today is: August 26, 2013

How far along:  6 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain: none!

Baby is the size of: a Sweet Pea.

What is going on with this baby: The nose, mouth, and ears that they'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where their baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, their baby is a quarter of an inch long.

What is going on with me: I'm still pretty nauseous and really tired. The belly bloat is in full effect. I was prescribed Zofran for my nausea. It is keeping me from getting sick but I still have the worst nausea.

.

Baby is a: ???

Maternity Clothes: Yes.

Sleep: It's getting better but I am still tossing and turning. My hips are aching.

Movement: Too soon.

Symptoms: Nausea, Fatigue, Achy Hips, Frequent Restroom Trips.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Anything really. The only thing that I can somewhat keep down, is instant potatoes. Everything else comes right back up :(

Best moment(s) this week: 
Scheduling our U/S!!

I'm looking forward to: 

The Ultrasound tomorrow!!!!

Surro Babe: 5 weeks

First off, my second beta came in at 10,135!!! I personally think that there is definitely more than one in there!!!

Today is: August 18, 2013

How far along: 5 weeks

Total weight gain: none!

Baby is the size of: A Sesame Seed!

What is going on with this baby: At this point, your baby-to-be is about the size of a sesame seed and looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. The embryo is made up of three layers –the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm –which will later form all of the organs and tissues. In the top layer, called the ectoderm, the neural tube is starting to develop. Eventually your baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout from here. This ectoderm will also give rise to skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel. Your baby's heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week,in fact, the heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue. The third layer, or endoderm, will house the lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as the thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already on the job.

What is going on with me: I'm still pretty nauseous and really tired. The belly bloat is in full effect.

Baby is a: ???

Maternity Clothes: Just about!

Sleep: It's getting better...

Movement: Too soon!

Symptoms: sore boobs, nausea, waves of morning sickness, exhausted, moody.

Food Cravings/Aversions: I've been craving ice cold chocolate milk and fruits and veggies.

Best moment(s) this week:
Getting our second beta results - 10,135

I'm looking forward to:
Our first ultrasound on the 27th!!!

Betas are in!

My clinic called me with my first set of Betas!!

562

I am beyond thrilled with that number!! We definitely believe that I am carrying Twins!! We will find out in about 2 1/2 weeks!! I should be getting an u/s at 6 1/2 weeks! I need to stay at the same dose of meds and go in next friday for my 2nd beta!

My IP's are Officially going to be Parents!!!!

Big Fat Positive!!!

My IP's are going to be Parents!!!

And I'm Back!!

First off, My IP's are absolutely amazing!!!

My flight to LA was a breeze and it was nice that the flight was less than half full! I was able to lay down and take a nap since no one was next to me! My IP's picked me up from the airport and we immediately hugged and it was like we were old friends. We went to my hotel The Crescent in Beverly Hills and I got all checked in... Then it was off to dinner!! They took me to a Curry place called Curry House CoCo Ichibanya. I have never had curry before so I was a little nervous. We looked at the menu and they picked out some pretty tasty plates.. After everything was brought over, my IM dished me up and omg it was pretty amazing! She kept giving me more and I told her that if I ate anymore, they would have to roll me out of the restaurant haha.. I gave my IM her Origami Owl Locket at dinner and they brought me a lot of treats from their country and a few things that she personally made. It was so heartwarming :) After dinner, they took me to my hotel and I went to bed since we had a BIG DAY on Sunday!!

Sunday morning I ordered room service and got some yummy fruit and oj :) I got ready, took my meds and had my caseworker give me my 2 shots and then it was off to our TRANSFER!!!!

When we got to CFP, I had to go back and give blood. I swear they use the same spot over and over again. After that, they were ready for me! They take me back to the room and I have to get undressed from the waist down. By that time, my IP's have arrived! Everyone crowds into the tiny transfer room and then they wheel in the precious cargo in an incubator :) My IP's got to look at them and I got to take a picture of these precious embies!!

My Dr decided to put all 4 embryos in considering my IM's age and the quality of the embryos. I was a little nervous but I knew that I was in good hands. 1 Embryo was a 9 cell, 2 were 7 cells and one was 5 cells. After the transfer, my IM sat down and prayed and I had to lay with pillows under my knees/thighs for about 30 minutes. After that, I was able to get up and get dressed. I was wheeled out since my valium had kicked in and couldn't really walk straight. I got back to my hotel and took a nap :) My IP's brought me lunch and dinner and I was completely stuffed! I also ordered dessert and got a massive brownie and vanilla ice cream :) It was scrumptious!! After that I passed out!

I was so excited to finally be heading home and give my babies big hugs!! All in all this trip was such an amazing one! This will forever be etched in my heart!!! I probably missed a lot, but I got most of it :)


this is what happens in a 3dt : 

1dpt ..embryo is growing and developing 
2dpt... Embryo is now a blastocyst 
3dpt....Blastocyst hatches out of shell on this day 
4dpt.. Blastocyst attaches to a site on the uterine lining 
5dpt.. Implantation begins as the blastocyst begins to bury in the lining 
6dpt.. Implantation process continues and morula buries deeper in the lining 
7dpt.. Morula is completely implanted in the lining and has placenta cells & 
fetal cells 
8dpt...Placenta cells begin to secret HCG in the blood 
9dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops 
10dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops 
11dpt...HCG levels are now high enough to be immediately detected on 
HPT