Autumn Awareness

As we enter October and the fall season, we also enter National Infertility Awareness Month. This is a time for harvest and a time for giving thanks. It is also during this time that we acknowledge infertility and its effects on those of us and those around us. Infertility affects approximately 13-14% of couples of reproductive age in the United States. This month provides us with an opportunity to reflect on that prevalence and evaluate options available to our society.

It is also during this month that the American Society of Reproductive Medicine has its annual symposium. ASRM is a voluntary, non-profit organization devoted to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine, including infertility, menopause, contraception, and sexuality. Each year they have an annual meeting where clinical staff (doctors, nurses, embryologists, etc), pharmaceutical staff, attorneys and egg donor/surrogacy agency staff join together to discuss advances in the field of reproduction.

This is a very exciting year with many new topics on the agenda including egg freezing, FDA regulations as related to donor eligibility and inspections, recurrent pregnancy loss, donor disclosure, reproductive law, in vitro maturation of oocytes, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), embryo selection for transfer, ovarian aging, and environmental impacts on reproductive health.

Fertility SOURCE Companies to Exhibit at ASRM

Fertility Source Companies will have a booth at this year’s American Society of Reproductive Medicine's (ASRM) symposium to be held in Washington DC from October 13-17. We invite all attendees to come and visit us at booth #722. We will be giving away valuable prizes including gifts for attendees and gifts to pass on to your patients.

Countdown to Baby!

By: Jamie Williams
Program Coordinator
The Surrogacy Source

It is truly remarkable how quickly a surrogacy match can come together and how soon our clients can have a baby! This timeline helps to illustrate a sample match between a new surrogate and her Intended Parents. These dates are all accurate, though names have been changed to respect privacy.

TSS Program Coordinator Jamie Williams pictured with Sam and Tonya’s baby Laura.

July 7, 2006 – The Surrogacy Source received a call from Vanessa, a potential surrogate from California.  She passed her pre-qualification call and was mailed a formal application.  Vanessa’s completed application was received by TSS shortly thereafter.

July 27, 2006 – Program Coordinator Jamie Williams met with Vanessa and her husband in their home for the “in-home interview.”  They were great candidates; they signed on and joined the TSS program.  They both went to their psychological screening that same day.

August 8, 2006 – Psychological clearance was received for both Vanessa and her husband James.  They also both passed their criminal background check. 

August 20, 2006 – TSS received a new client call from Intended Parents Sam and Tonya.  At this point, they were just beginning their search and were researching several surrogate agencies. 

September 22, 2006 – Meeting between Program Coordinator Jamie Williams and Intended Parents Sam and Tonya.  Sam and Tonya reviewed available surrogates and TSS policies.

October 8, 2006 – Sam and Tonya met with two potential surrogates.  They chose surrogate Vanessa as the woman they would trust with their baby for the next nine months.

November 3, 2006 – Vanessa and James had their medical screening.  Upon receiving medical clearance, Vanessa began preparing for the transfer cycle.

December 29, 2006 – Embryo transfer.  It was an anxious New Year’s for everyone as we awaited pregnancy results.

January 8, 2007 - POSITVE PREGNANCY RESULTS!  Sam and Tonya are going to be parents!  This was a very exciting and special time for everyone.  Vanessa began participating in monthly support group meetings with TSS.  Sam and Tonya flew out for each and every one of Vanessa’s monthly OB appointments.  They enjoyed a very close relationship.

April 7, 2007 – Vanessa underwent an amniocentesis.  We were assured that the baby was healthy and that Sam and Tonya were having a baby girl.  

August 27, 2007 – Scheduled labor induction.  Vanessa experienced an uncomplicated labor and delivery. Baby girl, Laura, was born at 5:51 PM.  Intended Mother Tonya was able to assist the doctor with the delivery of her own baby.  Laura was 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 21 inches tall and perfectly healthy.

Less than 14 months after Vanessa’s first call to TSS, she had delivered a darling baby girl.  When asked, “What did you think of this experience?” Vanessa replied, “AMAZING!”  It is as amazing to be able to witness this wonderful process and watch the new parents glowing with pride.  This is an incredible journey for everyone involved.  Surrogate mothers who commit a year of their life for others to experience a lifetime of love and family play a special role in this process.