Fertility Source Companies: Holiday Cheer!

Fertility Source Companies excitedly enters the holiday season with proud news regarding the company’s growth in 2008 and beyond.

The Surrogacy Source will be ringing in the New Year on January 1, 2008 with the addition of two new Case Managers.  Trisha Turner, a previous surrogate and egg donor, will assume Case Management responsibilities in Southern California.  Arika Avedano, who has been our egg donor Case Manager in Northern California, will now also assume the role of surrogacy Case Manager in Northern California.  TSS Surrogate Program Director Jamie Williams will continue to be responsible for recruitment of surrogates, development of Intended Parent and clinic relations, and all other administrative and legal matters while Isabel Cienfuegos assists in the role of Surrogate Coordinator.  

Catherine Pateman, who has previously served as our Director of Donor Case Management and also as an egg donor Case Manager, will be dedicated strictly to the job of Director of Donor Marketing and Recruitment as of February 1, 2008.  This change reflects the growing size of the company's donor database and the need to provide dedicated attention to ensure continued significant growth.  The company now has over 500 donors in its donor pool, making it one of the largest in the country!

Susan Le has joined FSC as Administrator.  Susan will be responsible for all administrative and financial matters, as well as for systems and procedures.  Susan previously was responsible for the administration of Coastal Fertility Medical Center in Irvine, Ca for the past 20 years.

Missi Manning, who has been an administrative support person for FSC, will become an egg donor Case Manager as of February 1, 2008.  Missi will fill the Case Management territory of OR, WA and CO, previously covered by Catherine Pateman. 

Kristy Chelgren has also been hired as an egg donor Case Manager assisting with our growing business in Northern California.  

Fertility Source Companies plans substantial geographic expansion as well as market enlargement in 2008.  The new staff organization places FSC in a position to achieve its goals of providing quality egg donor and surrogacy services to the widest possible market. 

We wish you all a very happy holiday season and look forward to continuing to serve your needs in the New Year!

Avoiding the Holiday Blues:
Coping with the Holidays and Your Infertility

By: Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh
Coastal Fertility Medical Center
Originally published in OCPC Magazine

For many, the holidays represent a time of warmth, love and laughter, family and friends. But for those struggling with the life crisis of infertility, they can also be a time of anxiety and emotional stress. An overriding emphasis on children and children’s activities during the holidays can serve as an unwelcome reminder that one is experiencing yet another year of infertility – a roadblock in the quest to start a family.

Couples already entrenched in a fertility treatment program may find that it exacerbates an already stressful season. Appointments can begin to seem tedious and time-consuming. The important thing to remember in this situation, as in others, is that it’s only natural to feel these things during the holidays. After all, there are trips to be planned, activities to be scheduled, food to cook, presents to wrap and work to be done – who can keep up with it all? The reality is that the season brings stress in different forms, but this stress can be managed with several key coping skills, including:

• Taking a “vacation” from infertility treatment.
• Focusing on the good things.
• Trying to maintain healthy habits, like eating a balanced diet and exercising.
• Using relaxation response training.
• Reconnecting with your partner and learning to communicate and telling your spouse how you need to be helped.
• Make sure you are on the same page as your partner when it comes to making decisions, including how you would like to respond to questions and how much information you want to share about your infertility treatment. If asked, “When are you going to have a baby?” remember that it is okay to reply, “Nine months after we get pregnant!”

Insightful “Dos” and “Don’ts” to Help You Through

Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of it all, we forget to take care of ourselves. Although not always readily apparent, this can augment stress. Treat yourself and your partner to something that will release your tension, taking time out for yoga or a relaxing couple’s massage. Be sure to reach out to other childless couples – their parties will be adult-focused. If necessary, shop for gifts on-line so as to avoid all of the mall madness. And most importantly, stay in touch with others who are experiencing the same thing. They need you the way you need them.

You know your limits – and your body – better than anyone, so don’t feel guilty about not participating in traditional family events. Don’t feel guilty about being angry or crying. These are natural, human responses to stressful conditions. Rely on your partner and address each other’s needs.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you are experiencing feelings of sadness, depression, persistent feelings of worthlessness or guilt during the holidays, you may want to see an infertility counselor or therapist. Likewise, feelings of anger, irritation, agitation and constant worry, thoughts of death or dying, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping or loss of interest and motivation may be signs indicating a need for professional help.

Whatever approach you choose, just remember to be aware of your own personal needs and be patient, kind and understanding with your partner. Together you can beat those holiday blues! This column is dedicated to my friend, Jen, and all of the Jens out there. May this help make your holiday season a little easier.

Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh is a nationally recognized specialist in reproductive endocrinology at Coastal Fertility Medical Center (http://www.coastalfertility.com) in Orange County, California.  Double-board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, she is also a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. She has presented at several national and international fertility meetings and authored numerous papers on hormone replacement therapy and age-related female infertility.