Surrogacy a wonderful journey, but it’s important to remember that surrogacy is a two-way street. The surrogate has just as much say in the type of match she’s looking for as the intended parents do.

At our surrogacy agency, we understand the importance of finding the right match for both parties. That’s why part of our role is to connect intended parents and surrogates that share the same philosophies on the pregnancy. The surrogate may have specific preferences on what type of intended parents she would like to match with, such as marital status, location, and whether the intended parents already have children. Additionally, the surrogate may have preferences on other items such as the level of communication with the intended parents or what decisions are left to her throughout the pregnancy.

So, how do we ensure a successful match? When exploring a match, both parties have the opportunity to review each other’s profiles and medical records. This helps with an initial assessment before meeting over a Zoom match call and confirming the match. Your first introduction to your surrogate will be through her profile, where she’ll share information on her family, lifestyle, pregnancies, occupation, photos, and more.

But it’s not just about the surrogate’s profile. We also ask that intended parents provide a one-page letter introducing themselves to the surrogate. This is a chance to share more information about yourselves and your family members, including pets. Introduce yourselves, talk about where you live, things you love to do, and share the journey that led you to surrogacy. Don’t forget to include photos! Think of all of the information that you would love to see in a surrogate profile, as the surrogate is also curious about the intended parents she’s potentially going to start her journey with.

The process of finding the right surrogate may seem daunting, but with the help of an agency and careful consideration of preferences, intended parents and surrogates can form a successful partnership. Surrogacy is a journey that’s rooted in trust, mutual respect, and open communication. When both parties are in sync, it creates a supportive and positive environment for the surrogate, intended parents, and ultimately, the baby.

 


As Intended Parents, choosing an egg donor can feel like an overwhelming decision. Not only are you selecting someone who will contribute to your child’s genetic makeup, but you’re also selecting someone who will play a significant role in your child’s life story.

One of the biggest debates in psychology is the role of nature vs nurture. Simply put, nature refers to the genetic and biological factors that influence a person’s development, while nurture refers to the environmental factors, such as upbringing and life experiences, that shape a person’s growth.

When it comes to selecting an egg donor, it’s important to understand the role of both nature and nurture, and how they may impact your child’s development.

Nature: The Role of Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in shaping a person’s physical and mental characteristics. This includes things like eye color, height, and even personality traits. While genetics are only one part of the equation, they can provide valuable insight into what traits your child may inherit from their egg donor.

When selecting an egg donor, it’s important to have a full medical history and genetic testing results. This information can help you identify any potential genetic risks that may impact your child’s health. It’s also important to consider physical traits and other characteristics that may be inherited, such as intelligence, creativity, and athletic ability.

Nurture: The Role of Environment

While genetics play a significant role in shaping a person’s development, environment and upbringing also play a key role. Factors such as family dynamics, socio-economic status, and life experiences can all impact a person’s growth and development.

When selecting an egg donor, you may wish to consider the environmental factors that may impact your child’s development. This includes things like the donor’s education level, cultural background, and values. You may also want to consider the donor’s personality traits and interests, as these can shape your child’s interests and hobbies.

Balancing Nature and Nurture

It’s natural to want to feel connected to your egg donor, and sometimes certain qualities in a donor can help foster that connection. Perhaps you’re drawn to donors who share similarities with you, or maybe you admire a particular quality that the donor possesses, even though it’s not one you possess yourself. Whatever it may be, finding a donor who resonates with you can be a wonderful and meaningful experience.

Remember, selecting an egg donor is a personal decision, and what works for one family may not work for another.


 

If you’re going through in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may have heard the term “mosaic embryo” come up during your journey. While it can be confusing and overwhelming to hear these medical terms, it’s important to understand what they mean for your IVF journey.

What is a Mosaic Embryo?

A mosaic embryo is an embryo that has both normal and abnormal cells. In other words, it has a mixture of normal and abnormal chromosomes. These embryos are called “mosaic” because they have a mosaic-like pattern of normal and abnormal cells.

Mosaic embryos are a type of embryo that can result from IVF treatments. They are not uncommon and can occur in about 20-30% of embryos that are tested.

What Does it Mean for Your IVF Journey?

The discovery of a mosaic embryo can be unexpected and may cause some concern for couples going through IVF. However, the presence of a mosaic embryo does not mean that it cannot be used for a successful pregnancy.

Mosaic embryos have a lower chance of implantation and successful pregnancy compared to normal embryos. However, they still have the potential to result in a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

The decision to transfer a mosaic embryo should be made in consultation with your fertility specialist, who can provide guidance and support based on your specific situation.  Remember that the ultimate goal is to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, and there are many paths to achieving that goal.