Surrogacy 101

Looking for That Meaningful Gift to Represent the Unique Relationship Between a Surrogate and Her Intended Family: by Guest Blogger Louma El-Khoury Salloum Owner of Pokidots

The surrogacy journey can be a very draining one. It starts as a positive solution or an opportunity, but it carries with it a load of demands, from medical and legal requirements to psychological and financial responsibilities. The result of this wonderful and tumultuous journey is very much worth the temporary difficulties, though, and the connection that the surrogate and the intended parents end up developing is unlike any other and is one to be treasured forever.

When surrogates look for meaningful gifts for their intended families, the first things that come to mind are baby items to help the intended families in their new path as parents. But do generic gift baskets and baby bundles genuinely represent the true intimate nature of the relationship between the surrogates and their intended families?

How about a special gift that’s meaningful and that serves as a true link between all the parties, including the baby? I am talking about a keepsake—a piece of art that’s made with a birth blanket or one of the very first baby items used at the birth—to mark that special event and the precious relationship that made it happen.

At my Seattle studio, Pokidots!, I take sentimental baby items and make beautiful keepsakes that can be displayed in your home, and that tell the unique and wonderful journey of your family and your baby. A first blanket, a hospital hat, a coming-home outfit, or a favorite onesie become exceptional pieces of art made just for you.

These keepsakes tell stories of long years of infertility that ended with a miracle, stories of grandparents from the 1940s, sleepless nights and grateful days, and everything in between. Choose between 7 styles currently offered and further personalize your keepsake with a first name, an initial, or a short note. Once you send me the outfit or baby item with which you have chosen to have a keepsake made, it will only take a couple of weeks for you to receive it or have it delivered to your recipient.

Parents have described their keepsakes as “more than decorative art [but] treasured heirlooms to pass on” and “unique, wonderfully made pieces of art that are precious and personal to [their] family.” I love taking a small part in the stories of the families with whom I have worked by creating for them a keepsake they can cherish and pass on. The stories and the memories will live forever in these treasured pieces of art.

I would love to create something to capture your unique journey and connection as well. Contact me at [email protected] or visit www.pokidots.com to begin.

Louma El-Khoury Salloum

Artist & owner
www.pokidots.com
Instagram: @pokidots

Please Don't Use This to Prank ANYONE on April Fools Day--The Always Positive Pregnancy Test

Frankly, when I saw this Always Positive Pregnancy Test I thought what a horrible joke to play on anyone. And then I remembered why I was thinking that...because I work with infertile couples all the time! People who have been trying for years to have a baby of their own and now have to go even one step further and work with a surrogate. Or an egg donor. Or both! It will never be the "Right Time" to use this test. (That can be activated by any liquid to show up positive). Please think before you play any pranks like this because it's never fun to be on the is she/isn't she roller coaster ride. 

Bringing Your Baby Home

   
Finally the day has arrived for our Intended Parents to bring their long awaited bundle of joy home!! (IP's, by the way, are no longer 'Intended'...they ARE parents) Whether the baby/babies are brought home directly from the hospital or after a stay in the NIC Unit or even through adoption, it is a major event often dreamed of. Below are a few links that will help prepare the new parents before this big day arrives!

 

• Bringing Your Baby Home 
• A Guide for First-Time Parents 
• Welcoming a New Baby Into Your Family 
• Taking Your Preemie Home
• Baby clothes: The first six weeks - BabyCenter 
• Resources for Moms: - Parenting - Infant readiness - Bringing Baby Home 

 

Although I am a parent and remember the happy times when I brought my own children home from the hospital, I also remember the surrogate babies that I left behind to start their lives with their own loving families. Watching new parents prepare for their babies to come home is so rewarding and I believe it helps everyone, when the time comes, to finally separate and go their own way.

Sharon

www.InfertilityAnswers.net

Maternity Clothes....What Do You Need?

When the contracts are being drawn up the subject of maternity clothing can sometimes become a hot topic. IP's seem to think that if a woman has already had a baby or two or three she should have all the maternity clothing that she will ever need for her subsequent pregnancies. And IF any money is given toward clothes its usually between $500-$750 dollars. Has anyone PRICED maternity clothing lately?

 

Some women, without thinking ahead, may even decide to waive the maternity clothing allowance without even considering that some of their old things will need to be replaced. Please think about what will be needed as a woman grows throughout her  pregnancy months.

 

    Why past maternity clothes may not work for the current pregnancy:

 

*Out of Season/Style Clothing: You may have clothes that are only suitable for Fall and Winter and you may need clothing for Spring and Summer. Not to mention special occasions like Christmas or a wedding and if you are a professional then work clothes are in order.

Motherhood Maternity Clothes, Maternity Clothing and Maternity Accessories On-Line

Mimi Maternity clothing for the fashion conscious mother-to-be who loves to show her style.

Ann Taylor LOFT : View All Styles

 

*Old under garments: Yes, a delicate subject, but I don't know one woman who has not tossed out her maternity underwear as soon as possible. Naturally those will have to be replaced. Has any one priced a maternity bra lately?? And you need at least 3. What about PJ's? Sometimes your husbands old T-shirt just won't do! (Don't forget the panties as well!)

Motherwear: Breastfeeding and Nursing: Maternity Bras: Ruched Clip Bra from Bella Materna

Motherwear: Breastfeeding and Nursing: Maternity Bras: Wrap N’ Snap ™
Nursing Bra from La Leche League Int’l

 

*Carrying twins or more: If you are pregnant with multiples then you will need to start wearing maternity clothing a lot earlier then usual AND you will grow faster and need much larger sizes then your other pregnancies.  

 

* What about shoes?: Yes, your feet will need attention too...toward the end of a pregnancy, especially with multiples, it is very hard to find something to wear on your feet. Don't be surprised if you have to go out and buy the adjustable Birkinstocks because your ankles have blown up the size of Mrs. Dumbo's!

 HFP Comfort Footwear - Shoes, clogs, sandals by Birkenstock, Finn Comfort, Mephisto, Ecco, Dansko, Think & more...

 

*Under-belly support: Getting bigger then ever? Your back killing you? Then you might consider some belly support. Belly "bras" or a belly belt can really help but they don't come cheap!

BellyBra - we are the manufacturer of this original woman's pregnancy support garment

Buy Prenatal Cradle Pregnancy Support Harness, Medium/Large Online at drugstore.com

Maternity Support Girdle Panty with Belt

 

    Often we forget, perhaps on purpose, that we maybe wearing some of these maternity clothes WELL AFTER the birth, while our bodies are making the brave attempt to get back to "normal". So when thinking about offering a maternity clothing allowance (IP's) or asking for a clothing stipend (surrogates) please keep the above clothing list in mind. Nine months is a long time to be wearing a MuuMuu.  Old Pueblo Traders : intimate : loungewear

 

Sharon

www.InfertilityAnswers.net

Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear and Much, Much More! BY Denise Fields: A LaMothe Book Review

Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear and Much, Much More! compliments the Expecting, Baby, and Toddler 411 books. It is a great resource to have while you are preparing for your baby to arrive and an even greater read after you have brought baby home. If you are setting up your registry for an upcoming baby shower this book will be an exceptional help! You could even ask for it as a shower gift! A word of caution, some items maybe a bit expensive so you will have to shop within your budget. Some things are not 'needed' at all but are 'wants'. You have to decide what your 'must haves' are and not go over board! Baby Bargains also gives new parents tips on items for toddlers, child care options, breastfeeding support and a chapter on maternity and nursing clothing.

 

I recommend Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear and Much, Much More! by Denise Fields and Ari Brown for anyone who needs guidance while shopping for baby!

The Perfect First Gift for a Surrogate or Egg Donor, a Very Special Heart: A LaMothe Product Review

  I received a Very Special Heart Necklace to review and I am very impressed! What's so "special" about this necklace?

Inside each Very Special Heart™lies an incredible feat of engineering, which allows you to carry your complete Personal Health Record. If you choose, you can also carry all of your family’s health records. In an emergency, your Very Special Heart™ gives EMTs or ER doctors immediate access to your critical medical information. You can also carry a dose of emergency medication, secure copies of: passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and all of your important documents. How great is this for Surrogates and Egg Donors, especially those who need to travel. This necklace (or the globe key chain) can be opened and plugged into any computer in the world where Dr's can quickly make medical decisions based on the information found on a "Very Special Heart" and because emergency personal check wallets and purses first, it comes with a special wallet ID card that will tell EMT's where to find the medical information.

My first thought when I heard of a Very Special Heart was for the infertility community. Often times we are cycling, needing to take medication and shots in a timely manner or traveling for medical reasons. Who can remember everything when under the stress of an accident or emergency. It would be a perfect gift for a surrogate or egg donor who, after she has completed her donation or birth, can update the information continue to wear this for her own personal use. This would also be a great gift for the elderly, children or those who travel often. 

Check out the website for yourself and see what I'm talking about! http://www.averyspecialheart.com/index.html If you do buy one please tell me what you think of it! I use mine as a key chain.

Please note that I do not receive any compensation for my reviews. The products are sent to me with no obligation and I share with you what I think is useful.

Sharon LaMothe
Infertility Answers, Inc.
http://infertilityanswers.org/
LaMothe Services, LLC
http://lamotheservices.com/

Random Links

It's Friday so why not check out these links that you may never have thought to visit before...you might find something interesting that you can share with others!

Have a great weekend!

Sharon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Garden Helper: Gardening, flower and Plant Care Guides  http://www.thegardenhelper.com/

 

 

Explore Cornell - Home Gardening - Introduction

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/

 

 

Allergy Testing, Allergy Tests - allergychannel

http://allergy.healthcommunities.com/allergytesting/index.shtml

 

Earth911.com - Find Recycling Centers and Learn How To Recycle

http://earth911.com/

 

 

Congress.org Home

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/

 

American Film Institute

http://www.afi.com/

http://www.afi.com/tvevents/100years/laughs.aspx

 

KENKEN Puzzles - NYTimes.com

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/crosswords/kenken.html

Invented by Japanese math teacher, Tetsuya Miyamoto, KENKEN® allows you to test your puzzle acumen and improve your math skills at the same time.
Exclusively on NYTimes.com, updated with 6 new puzzles daily.

 

Travel and Tourism Sites for the 50 States and U.S. Territories: USA.gov

http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Travel_Tourism/State_Tourism.shtml

Visit one of the U.S. states or visit them all. You'll see that the U.S. offers some of the most diverse destinations in the world. These state and territorial tourism web sites provide ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.

 

Boat Owner's World for free boating magazines, new boats, boats for sale, sailing, boat supplies, paddling, marinas, diving, ..

http://www.boatowners.com/

 

Ballbug

http://www.ballbug.com/

Ballbug spotlights the most buzzed-about baseball news from thousands of web sites. It auto-generates a summary page every 5 minutes, drawing on local news sites, national sports media, and baseball bloggers of various stripes.

 

Mix Match Shoes

http://www.mixmatchshoes.com/cart.html

Mix Match Shoes is a shoe store that sells shoes one at a time instead of in pairs.  All shoes are priced individually and to order simply click on the details button and select right or left foot, your size and add to the cart.

CVS Caremark Corp is offering discounts of about 30 percent on fertility treatments

If you haven't heard of the new CVS discounts on fertility medications, please read below!

 

Sharon

www.InfertilityAnswers.net

 

CVS Caremark Corp is offering discounts of about 30 percent on fertility treatments

 

 

CHICAGO (Reuters) – CVS Caremark Corp said on Monday it is offering discounts of about 30 percent on fertility treatments to couples struggling with infertility and high medication costs.

The program is aimed at patients who do not have fertility medication health insurance coverage or who have exhausted their benefits for fertility medications.

CVS said about 7.3 million U.S. women and their partners, or about 12 percent of the reproductive-age population, are affected by infertility, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"On average patients will receive about 30 percent off for the cost of their medication," said Joan O'Rourke, vice president of strategic operations at CVS Caremark Specialty Pharmacy.

Patients must pay a $10 fee to enroll in the program, which includes services such as counseling and education.

While the program was launched in February, CVS is promoting it at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine's annual meeting this week.

Under a separate plan launched on Sunday, shoppers can get 90-day prescriptions for more than 400 common generic medications for $9.99 each at CVS drugstores when they pay an annual fee of $10.

About 45.7 million Americans were uninsured in 2007, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

(Reporting by Jessica Wohl; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)

Zazzle: Surrogate Products T-Shirts, Mugs, Hats, Cards, ect.

Zazzle: Fun Surrogate Products

Thought you might like this site if you are looking to "expand" your summer wardrobe to match your expanding belly!

Sharon
www.InfertilityAnswers.net

"Oops, I forgot to have a baby!"

"Oops, I forgot to have a baby!"

Ok...I admit that I saw this featured on another site but didn't believe that THIS could possibly exist...yet once again I am proven wrong. Mugs, Bumper stickers, Apparel...everything you might need if you are forced to live child free and need to be sarcastic about it. I admit that the mug stating something about '18 to Life' has a ring of truth in it and maybe it would go well in my mug collection...right next to the one I picked up in Vancouver....but still...funny?

"A breeder will tell you, "Oh it's all worth it" but notice, they never look you in the eye when they say it. This giant mug will remind you of the duration of the sentence."

I take exception to being referred to as a 'breeder'.....or is it JUST ME?

Sharon

www.InfertilityAnswers.net