Archive for the ‘Simple Surrogacy’ Category

Why Simple Surrogacy is Like No Other Surrogacy Agency

Posted on: May 1st, 2017 by Pearl Maguire No Comments

Parenthood is a desired dream for many individuals and couples. Whether you started your family the traditional way or started with some assistance, you are a parent no matter what. For those who want to start a family of their own and are thinking about surrogacy, Simple Surrogacy is the right surrogate agency for you. Founded in 2002 we serve to assist couples and individuals that desire to achieve a family through third party assisted reproduction.

We understand that this is an emotional, personal and exciting time for you, and we can promise that choosing our agency for your surrogacy process is the right choice!

What Would Be Your Experience with Simple Surrogacy?

At Simple Surrogacy you are not just a client, you are a friend. We take the time to hear the story of each individual or couple that comes to us and ensure that your experience with us is as personal and special as possible. Being one of the biggest surrogacy and egg donation agencies in the United States, you can ensure that we have the experience, knowledge, and connections for a seamless process.

At Simple Surrogacy, we match recipients and donors quickly. Finding your perfect surrogate match is the first step of your journey with us. We are proud to say that we have one of the largest databases of available surrogates, and with so many applicants it is crucial that we go through the right steps to ensure each potential surrogate meets all of the requirements. At Simple Surrogacy we take finding the perfect candidate very seriously. Each individual is screened, background checked, financial checked, and criminal checked, which includes a psychological screening by a mental health professional.

Simple Surrogacy provides professional coordination throughout your journey with us. We will be with you every step of the way throughout the entire process. We work closely with your medical clinics to ensure that your surrogate and egg donor arrive at their appointments on time and our coordinators check on your surrogates weekly to ensure that the pregnancy is progressing well. You can rest peacefully at night knowing that we are available 24/7 if any problems were to arise, and that we will be there to help resolve them. We will create a very smooth, easy, and stress-free journey.

Working with Simple Surrogacy you can expect a professional relationship with clinics. We have relationships with top IVF clinics in the U.S. and can offer preferred rates at these clinics to clients.

Why Choose Simple Surrogacy

At Simple Surrogacy we have the credibility to back up our agency and services. We have been nationally recognized in the press and have been featured in a number of articles that appeared in USA Today, The LA Times, CBC National news radio, Dallas Child Magazine, and more.

Beyond being a credible agency, we also have an advantage by being located in Dallas, Texas. Being located in Dallas, Texas allows us to work easily across the country. We work with anyone who is located in a state where surrogacy is legal. We also work with international couples or individuals. If you are looking to start a surrogacy journey and are located in another country, we will work with you and guide you throughout the entire process. No matter where you live, with Simple Surrogacy you will have the support, attention, and professional guidance you necessary for a successful surrogacy experience, and will be able to achieve your parenthood dream in any state or country!

We Make your Experience a Positive One

At Simple Surrogacy we understand that every individual or couple has their own unique situation when entering this experience. We promise that we will be there to guide you throughout the whole process, from start to finish. From finding you a surrogate mother, to the final months leading up to the birth, we will provide you with anything and everything that you need.

Tips From Us Before You Start This Journey

Choosing to go through and experience the surrogacy process is an incredible and worthwhile decision. However, before you commit to it, you should prepare yourself for this journey. Here are some things to prepare for:

Keep an open mind about this process. You may have your doubts at first, but that is why there are agencies out there like us to make you feel comfortable about the process, and offer you the proper guidance you will need.
Ask questions. It is important to ask any questions you may have about this process, to fully understand how surrogacy works. Visit our FAQ page to read about some frequently asked questions.
Feel comfortable and confident in knowing that another woman will be carrying your baby, and will be on this journey with you.
Lastly, have trust in your agency. At Simple Surrogacy, we have years of experience and a number of successful surrogacy stories to show that with Simple Surrogacy you will have a positive experience.

Your Surrogate Mother

Choosing surrogacy means that there will be a significant addition to your family. The surrogate mother carrying your child is now the third member of this process, and it is up to you, the Intended Parents, to work as a team. Many Intended Parents find that they do in fact have a positive relationship with their surrogate and that their relationship stays strong even after the journey is over.

Surrogacy relationships require strong communication and empathy from both parties. The Intended Parents need to show empathy towards the surrogate mother, as she will have worries and questions of her own regarding the process. On the other hand, the surrogate has to understand that the Intended Parents don’t have control over the pregnancy, which may become difficult at times. Trust is very important throughout this journey and if problems do arise, that’s why we are here.

We are here to solve any issues and help both sides. We support Intended Parents in order for them to achieve their dreams of parenthood and we also strive to make this process positive and seamless for the surrogate, in hopes that they would want to take part in a surrogacy process again one day.

A Personal Story

Dr. Evan Goldstein and his partner Andrew Yu are excellent examples of a successful surrogacy journey with Simple Surrogacy. Evan and Andrew have twin boys, Phoenix and Sebastian, who they had through surrogacy. They live in the Upper West Side of Manhattan and could not be happier with their little family. Living in Manhattan, Evan and Andrew knew it was going to be difficult to raise children in such a lively city, and they were right. Not only is it hard to raise kids in a fast paced environment, but raising kids in general is hard work. Just like parents who had their children the traditional way, these parents have the same struggles and parenting hurdles to overcome that all parents have when they become parents and start raising their kids.

Evan and Andrew do an excellent job teaching their children about staying humble, despite their high class lifestyle. They also teach them about proper values and morals, as all parents do. What their story teaches us is that no matter if you started your family the traditional way, or by using surrogacy, your family is still your family despite the path you took to parenthood.

Simple Surrogacy brought Evan and Andrew’s family together and gave them the gift of parenthood and the gift of life. To read more about Evan and Andrew’s family and lifestyle visit Gays with Kids and read their story, “Raising Grounded Kids is Crazy Manhattan”.

Let Simple Surrogacy be your guide on your journey to surrogacy. There is nothing that makes us happier than creating a Family and impacting a couple’s or individual’s life in a positive way.

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Choosing between Egg Donation and Surrogacy

Posted on: January 24th, 2017 by Pearl Maguire No Comments

The decision to donate your eggs, or to become a surrogate mother, is a difficult, but selfless one. Early in the process, it’s natural to be overwhelmed with information. What’s the difference between the two? Which one would be best for you? How do you even begin to make that choice? The first step to choosing between surrogacy and egg donation in Houston is to learn about how the methods differ.

Egg Donation Houston

When you donate an egg, effectively you give your egg to another mother to carry – you will not be pregnant at any point. It starts with a consultation, where you’ll be advised of all of the things egg donation entails. You will undergo a screening process which is an assessment of your physical and mental health. After you’ve passed, you’ll be entered onto a list of potential egg donors.

It may be a while before someone is in contact with you regarding donation. When they do contact you, you will go through a cycle of hormone boosts followed by the retrieval of eggs. You will have to abstain from things like alcohol for the month when you’re preparing to donate, however you will also recover relatively quickly after the donation process is complete.

Surrogacy Houston

If you choose to be a surrogate mother, you will be carrying someone else’s egg. You will be pregnant, and go through everything that entails, so it’s absolutely key that you have a strong support system in place. Surrogacy also starts with a screening process and a background check. There are several surrogacy mother requirements, including that a surrogate mother must have delivered a healthy baby before, and must not be over a certain age.

After you have completed the screening process, you will be entered onto a list, where you will wait for the agency to approach you when the need arises. After you’ve been approached, you will have an opportunity to meet with the couple so you can get to know each other before embarking on this journey. If you’re both satisfied, you will undergo a procedure to implant the fertilized egg and become a surrogate mother.

Making the Decision

There is no right or wrong decision – only you can decide what’s right for you. Consider your options, consult those close to you, then please contact us to learn more about becoming a surrogate mother or donating your eggs.

The Benefits of Becoming a Surrogate Mother

Posted on: January 12th, 2017 by Pearl Maguire No Comments

Choosing surrogacy is a big step, but one many surrogate mothers find to be truly rewarding. Committing to carry life for another person is selfless and generous, providing a way to give back that few others can accomplish. If you’ve ever considered becoming a surrogate, here are six amazing benefits.

Generous Compensation

Surrogacy is a challenging path, requiring several months of preparation, and nine months of pregnancy. As such, compensation for surrogates is extremely generous, due to the responsibility that comes with carrying a child.

The Joy of Giving Life

Millions of families around the country struggle with infertility and illness that can make having children extremely hard. This includes LGBTQ families for whom traditional conception isn’t possible. As a surrogate, you can provide the resources these families need to accomplish their dreams.

Medical Care

As a part of your surrogacy services, medical care will be provided to you throughout your pregnancy, delivery, and recovery. All doctor appointments, prescriptions, procedures, and any potential complications that may arise are covered in full. This provides you with peace of mind as you undergo the journey of surrogacy.

Another Change to Be Pregnant

Many women considering surrogacy find pregnancy to be a wonderful and enjoyable undertaking. For those who loved being pregnant but do not want to add to their families, surrogacy provides an excellent opportunity to carry life once more.

Meeting New People

Through your time as a surrogate, you will have the opportunity to meet many new people, like the family you will be working with. This process allows you to experience different lifestyles and alternative ways to see the world, offering a global perspective that can be both humbling and empowering.

A Strong, Passionate Community

Surrogate motherhood isn’t always easy. However, the support community is vast. This means that you will be provided with a network of caring, committed, and generous women who are also passionate about surrogacy. Many surrogates feel a deep fellowship with one another through their experiences, creating bonds that will last a lifetime.

If you are considering surrogacy, Simple Surrogacy is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about what our program has to offer!

Becoming a Surrogate Mother: How to Tell your Children

Posted on: December 15th, 2016 by Simple Surrogacy No Comments

Giving someone the opportunity to experience parenthood is a wonderful, selfless gift. Making the decision to become a surrogate mother is not easy. Surrogacy is an intense journey with many ups and downs along the way. You’ve probably spent months thinking about what the process entails and have dedicated time to extensive research. What is important to keep in mind however, is the fact that becoming a surrogate will not only affect you, but also your entire family.

One of the biggest concerns women have when considering to become a surrogate mother is how to tell their children. Throughout these nine months a lot of things will change. You and your family will have to make adjustments prior to the arrival of the baby. Many parents often feel uncomfortable discussing birth and conception with their children. Therefore, it’s understandable that having to also talk to your kids about the additional legal, medical, and emotional complexities of surrogacy can actually be quite overwhelming.

Telling your Child About Becoming a Surrogate Mother:

It is recommended that you tell your family once you have made the final decision to become a surrogate. In order to have a healthy relationship with your children, communication is key. Being open, honest and straightforward will enhance the bond you share with your child.

Work through and explain the process of surrogacy to them clearly, without downplaying their feelings. The way your child will take the news is really dependent on their age and personality. Some children are more sensitive than others. Emotions can range from happiness, jealousy and anger to resentment and sadness. They may voice their feelings of abandonment or they may be angry that the baby won’t be staying with the family, and have trouble accepting the fact that they will not get the chance to be an older brother or sister.

At the end of the day, kids like to be involved in the decision-making process so it may be a good idea to keep them in the loop. Inform them about the reproductive cycle and how babies are made. Choosing to delay telling your children about your choice to become a surrogate mother may lead them to resent you and the intended parents. In addition, failing to tell the truth may leave you with feelings of guilt and may cause your children to have a negative view of surrogacy. It may even be a good idea to introduce them to the prospective parents to get a better understanding of the situation.

Present your role as a surrogate mother in a positive light. Explain to your child that making the decision to pursue surrogacy is a rewarding experience. With your help and generosity, you are giving another family an opportunity to expand or create a family of their own. Give your children reassurance and tell them you love them and would never think to give them away. Encourage them to ask questions and allow them to voice their opinions freely. Getting your family on board with the idea and gaining support from your loved ones will make your nine month journey of surrogacy easier.

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If you are still debating becoming a surrogate but not sure what the entire process entails, do not hesitate to contact us today!

The Texas Advantage

Posted on: December 9th, 2016 by Simple Surrogacy No Comments

There are many advantages to choosing Simple Surrogacy as your surrogacy agency. Beyond the immense list of satisfied clients and our expertly trained and caring staff, we offer the Texas Advantage. The Texas Advantage involves lower costs, a central location, and several legal advantages for our clients.

Cost

There is a cost advantage to surrogacy in Texas. We offer lower rates in comparison to agencies in the east and west. Since we operate in Texas, we have the benefit of no state income tax. This allows us to immediately cut 10% of the competitor’s costs.

The cost of living is also 10-15% lower in Texas, as opposed to other states where surrogacy is legally favorable. We pay less for rent, personnel, utilities, and more. This results in lower overhead and expense costs, which trickles down to our clients.

Since we are centrally located, we are close to both coasts and close to one of the country’s largest airports, saving us a lot of time and money on flights. This helps us remain quick and efficient in our process, saving you both time and money.

Location

Texas is located along the border of Mexico, in the center of the United States of America. This location allows us to work seamlessly with other states to further assist you. We will match our clients with surrogates and donors from other states where surrogacy is legally favorable such as Florida and California. We are also part of the central time zone which makes us available during the working day for most people on the east and west coast.

Legal

Surrogacy is permitted in the state of Texas. There are several legal advantages to this, including:

Married Couples

The advantage of being in Texas for married couples seeking surrogacy is that Texas has strong laws legalizing their Gestational Surrogacy. This means that donor and gestational arrangements are fully protected under Texas law.

Gestational Surrogacy Arrangements

In 2003, Texas enacted laws governing surrogacy called Gestational Arrangements. These arrangements work alongside Gestational Agreements and Egg Donor Agreements to properly protect all those who chose surrogacy. These guidelines outline what gestational arrangements should contain so that a Texas court can recognize and ratify what is written in the arrangement. To learn more in depth about surrogacy laws in Texas, visit our Texas Advantages page.

Simple Surrogacy is a full-service surrogacy agency that assists couples and individuals in achieving a family through surrogacy. If you have any questions about using a surrogacy agency in Texas, please do not hesitate to contact us. One of our friendly and well-trained staff members will be glad to assist you and answer all of your questions.

How an Egg Donor Pregnancy Can Feel Like Your Own

Posted on: December 8th, 2016 by Simple Surrogacy No Comments

At a young age, many girls dream about the day they get to be a mother. Playing ‘house’ with their little baby doll, assuming one day they will be able to have their own children, and begin their family. Many women, however, are not as fortunate and have to face their infertility head on.

When a woman learns she is unable to conceive a child on her own, she is often left at a loss for words, wondering how she will move on from this. If this has happened to you and you have begun for alternatives ways to have your own family, you’ve probably come across egg donation.

Although egg donation is an amazing alternative to starting your own family, a common concern amongst most infertile women is that they fear that their pregnancy experience will not be the same. Many women fear that the absence of a biological connection to their child will dominate how they feel throughout the pregnancy.

You may wonder if the baby will look like you and worry that you’ll find yourself trying to recognize yourself in them. This path to parenthood may not have been what you intended, but nonetheless with egg donation, you’ll get to experience the same nine month pregnancy as other mothers do.

After dealing with the emotional aspects of using an egg donor and finding an ideal match, you’ll start to see how the pregnancy will feel like your own. Regardless of the process being used to conceive, your role as the baby’s mother will not change. You’ll go through the same ups and downs as a biological pregnancy. Carrying a child for nine months, hearing their heartbeat for the first time, and watching them grow, you’ll get to experience the same type of attachment to the child.

At the end of the day, regardless of the biological link, you are still the one giving birth to him/her and raising the child as your own. This special bond with your child is irreplaceable and with the help and generosity of an egg donor, you’ll be able to fulfil your dreams of parenthood.

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If you are interested in learning more about egg donation and egg donor arrangements, do not hesitate to call us. You can contact us toll free at 1-866-41-SURRO, locally at 214-673-9321, or visit Simple Donations to learn more.

How to Stay Stress-free during your Surrogacy

Posted on: December 2nd, 2016 by Simple Surrogacy No Comments

The surrogacy process can be stressful. From struggling with infertility, to selecting an egg donor or surrogate, even the calmest individual would experience some level of stress during this process.

Stress can take away from the process and the joy that welcoming a child into your life can bring. Here are some techniques you can use to remain stress-free throughout your surrogacy.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a stress relieving technique that is often underrated. Take a break from whatever you are doing and place your hand on your stomach. Breathe in through your nose, focusing on expanding your stomach to make your hand rise. Then, exhale slowly and with control, through your mouth. Repeat for 5 minutes. This technique can be used as many times as necessary throughout the day to decrease stress levels.

Yoga

Yoga is an excellent form of exercise and relaxation. Being active helps to release endorphins in the brain. The release of endorphins can help ease depression, anxiety, and stress. Yoga is also a calming form of exercise in nature. It focuses on self-awareness and breathing which helps further reduce stress levels.

Sleep

Sleep is a part of our everyday lives. We use this time to recharge our minds and for our bodies to rest. Lack of sleep can lead to memory, judgment, and mood alterations. It is imperative that you get a proper night’s sleep if you wish to remain stress-free. Try to achieve 8 hours of sleep a night.

Journal

Writing down all that is worrying you in life is a great way to reduce stress. Try journaling in bed before you go to sleep. This can help ease your mind and improve your sleep. Also, creating lists can be a great way to reduce the stress caused by worrying that you will forget something or miss a deadline.

Visualization

Visualization is a great way to relieve stress. Close your eyes and picture a place that you feel very relaxed in, such as a beach. Think about what it looks, feels, smells, and tastes like. Doing this can actually bring you the same decreased stress levels as if you were in the location you are picturing.

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If you are feeling stressed during your surrogacy process, one of our experts can help. Sometimes just learning more about the process can be enough to decrease your stress level. Contact us today!

What to Consider When Choosing an Egg Donor

Posted on: December 1st, 2016 by Pearl Maguire No Comments

Congratulations on the decision to become parents through surrogacy! We at Simple Surrogacy promise to be with you, and guide you, throughout your journey to parenthood. Now that you have begun your journey, you must select an egg donor. This is a large decision, as this individual will comprise half of your future child’s DNA.

Medical Considerations

Many say that as long as their baby is happy and healthy, nothing else matters. In the case of surrogacy, all egg donors are pre-screened and must meet a list of criteria in order to donate. This helps eliminate some of the concerns associated with the health of the baby. In order to be considered as an egg donor, a woman must:

Be between the ages of 18-30
Have a BMI of 33 or lower
NOT smoke, take illegal drugs, or be alcohol dependent
Have NO sexually transmitted diseases
Have NO psychiatric illnesses
Know at least one half of their genetic make-up
Have minimum of high-school education
Have NO genetically carried medical conditions

There are more requirements to becoming an egg donor, but the above list covers all medical and physical issues. This helps ensure the egg donor is in the best physical shape to provide you with a healthy egg.

Other Considerations

When deciding what you are looking for in an egg donor, you must determine what qualities mean the most to you. If you’re going through surrogacy with a partner, then you must also consider what qualities are most important to them.

We suggest making a list of the qualities that you would like your egg donor to have. Once you have made a list, you can then rank the qualities in order of importance. This way, if none of the donors have all of the qualities you desire, you will know ahead of time which qualities mean the most to you.

Some of the most popular qualities of an egg donor people look for include:

Personality
Eye color
Height
Blood type

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If you have any questions about how to select an egg donor, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our experts will be happy to guide you through the selection process and help you choose an egg donor.

Egg donation: Common Concerns of Egg Donation

Posted on: November 18th, 2016 by Simple Surrogacy No Comments

Whether you are an LGBTQ couple or dealing with infertility issues, having to consider egg donation is typically not the first option on your agenda. This idea can be difficult to wrap your head around and hard to accept, especially for couples struggling to cope with infertility. Oftentimes, these couples may be going through a series of emotions ranging from indecision, fear, to confusion. These are typical concerns and fears that intended parents have in regards to egg donation:

What if I cannot bond with my baby?
Having to deal with the idea that having a baby through the use of another woman’s eggs can often be difficult for intended parents to accept. The chance of this happening is very rare. Couples expecting an egg donor baby are usually very excited and welcoming of the birth of the baby. From the child’s birth, intended parents will embrace the child as their own and a bond is instantly created.

In the future, will my child not accept me when they find out I am not the biological mother?
Regardless of the fact that you are an egg donor recipient, you are still the biological mother of your child. The pregnancy process and giving birth are all biological. As long as you are there for your child, love and support them, they will grow to love and respect you as their parents.

My family and friends will judge me
Take your time. If you are worrying about telling your loved ones about your decision to resort to egg donation, you can consider telling them at a later time. Making this decision is not simple, so it is important to get support – you can even ask to speak with a counselor or advisor to aid you in making the decision.

Is there a possibility my child will have a genetic disease or future illness?
At Simple Surrogacy, potential donors go through a series of screenings to ensure they are the best fit for you and your family. Although this is very rare, there is a possibility that health conditions may arise in the future. Make sure you mention your concerns about the donor’s medical history to your Reproductive Attorney.

Will my egg donor have custody rights or be able to contact my child in the future?
Together with the help of a Reproductive and Family Law Attorney, you will draft a contract that will discuss the role of the egg donor in your child’s life. Typically the egg donor receives minimal information in regards to the intended parents. Your egg donor will hand over all parental and custodial rights to the child that is born from the use of their donated eggs.

If you are still unsure and have more questions and concerns about the process of egg donation, please feel free to contact us or visit us today.

Hear from our Surrogates and Intended Families

Posted on: November 17th, 2016 by Simple Surrogacy No Comments

Surrogacy, no matter if you are the surrogate or the intended parent, is a life changing event. Regardless of the method that you chose, the end result is bringing a child into the world, and into your home. There are many things to consider and plenty of research to be done, which can quickly become overwhelming and stressful. We want to take the burden of researching and choosing a Surrogacy Agency off your shoulders. There is no better way to learn about us, our methods and our mission than from the intended parents and the surrogates themselves.

Intended Parents

Nancy and Jim from Massachusetts used Simple Surrogacy to find a surrogate. Nancy and Jim raved that Simple Surrogacy “found us the most amazing surrogate who is now like a member of our family.” Nancy and Jim continue that at Simple Surrogacy “you are not just a “client”…they make you feel as though you are a friend.” Nancy and Jim are now “the proud parents of almost 2 year old twins”.

After several failed attempts at having children, Rochelle and Jake from Denver chose Simple Surrogacy. They now want other parents “to know that there is hope no matter what you have been through trying to have a baby.”

Amy L. from Dallas claims that “Finding Simple Surrogacy was the best thing that could have happened” to her. She was impressed with the service, mentioning that she was contacted “less than an hour after I sent my first email” to discuss her needs. During the phone consultation between her and her surrogate, an expert “stayed on the line to make sure all of our questions were answered and that the conversation moved swiftly.” Amy goes on to say “the entire process of IVF and surrogacy can be a little daunting to say the least.” She however found reassurance and friendship that helped her get through the process and that Simple Surrogacy was “the helping hand that you will surely need along the way.”

Surrogate

Jasmine from Washington chose to become a surrogate through Simple Surrogacy. She “would love to help another family achieve their goals of becoming parents” and plans “to be a surrogate again in the future.” Jasmine also mentioned that she “couldn’t imagine going through any agency other than Simple Surrogacy”

K. from Arizona chose to be a surrogate before she contacted Simple Surrogacy. She “went into surrogacy with the notion that it would just be something I would get through.” K. however found that “Simple Surrogacy gave me a whole new sense of self-worth during my surrogacy.”

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Simple Surrogacy will stop at no lengths to ensure all those who choose to use or services are treated with respect, are educated on the topic, and ultimately feel comfortable at every stage of surrogacy. If you have more questions about Simple Surrogacy, please do not hesitate to contact us! Our educated and eager staff would be happy to assist you!