Me, You, & Who?! Creating happy families via egg donation and surrogacy Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions

Father's Day is a special occasion, and to celebrate, we're shining a light on dads who became fathers through egg donation. In this episode, Brent and Scott share their heartfelt stories, highlighting the joys and challenges they faced along the way.

Scott and his wife always knew egg donation would be part of their story, but even with that knowledge the journey was filled with emotional ups and downs. Brent and his wife turned to egg donation after many years of struggle. Hear from the perspective of Brent and Scott and how they navigated their unique paths, reflecting on the emotional highs and lows. Brent and Scott discuss the crucial support from their spouses and the importance of finding a community of people on similar journeys. Ultimately, they share the profound joy of finally growing their families.

Join us in celebrating these inspiring fathers and their incredible journeys. Happy Father's Day to all you dads and future dads!



Takeaways

* The decision to pursue egg donation can be emotionally overwhelming, and it is important to have support from partners and loved ones.
* Talking to children conceived through egg donation about their conception will be an ongoing conversation.
* Navigating the process of egg donation involves making numerous decisions and dealing with a large amount of information, but having a clear plan and support can help alleviate some of the overwhelm.
* Each individual's experience with egg donation is unique, and it is important to find a path that feels right for you and your family. Support is crucial throughout the egg donation process, both for the intended mother and the intended father.
* It's important to prioritize what is truly important and not get caught up in minor details.
* Educate yourself about the process and seek advice from others who have been through it.
* The journey may have its challenges, but the joy of finally starting a family makes it all worth it.

Links

Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

On today's episode, I had the privilege and honor to speak with Dr. Mark Leondires, the founder, medical director, and partner in reproductive endocrinology at Illume Fertility, with locations in Connecticut and New York. Dr. Leondires is an esteemed member of RESOLVE's Physician Council and ASRM's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force. In 2012, he founded GayParentsToBe.com, a resource advocating for the LGBTQIA+ family-building community, inspired by his own experience as a gay dad through egg donation and surrogacy.

Dr. Leondires lives in Connecticut with his husband Greg, whom he married in 2010, and their two sons. His personal journey led him to create valuable resources and support for others. He co-authored the book "Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception" with Lisa Schuman, LCSW, highlighting his passion for all aspects of family building, beyond just the medical side.

In our conversation, Dr. Leondires' dedication to representation, kindness, and humanity shines through. We discussed his extensive work and advocacy, making this episode a must-listen whether you are building your family through a third party or supporting someone who is. At Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, we stand by these values and are grateful to partner with voices like Dr. Mark Leondires. Please enjoy!

Takeaways

* LGBTQ+ family building has seen significant improvements, with more reproductive endocrinologists and surrogacy providers offering inclusive services.
* Ways that Fertility clinics can prioritize LGBTQ+ competency and create an inclusive environment for patients.
* The process of donor conception can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps and seeking mental health support throughout the process can help navigate the journey.
* Open and honest communication with children about their donor conception is essential for their future well-being. One way to navigate the emotional aspects of donor conception is by practicing age-appropriate storytelling and being open to discussing the donor with your child.
* Seek reliable resources such as RESOLVE and reputable surrogacy and egg donor websites like Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions for information and support is vital when trying to educate yourself.
* Find a healthcare provider who offers personalized care and makes you feel valued and supported throughout the fertility journey.
* Recognize the importance of kindness and gratitude in the fertility community.

Links: 

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association [https://resolve.org/]

Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception [https://www.amazon.com/Building-Your-Family-Complete-Conception-ebook/dp/B0BQGG4JY4]

Gay Parents To Be [https://www.gayparentstobe.com/]

Illume Fertility [https://www.illumefertility.com/]

Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

May marks Nurse Appreciation Week, a special time to celebrate the incredible contributions of nurses. Our agency works with so many amazing nurses but in this episode, we are shining a spotlight on one extraordinary nurse: Lauren Brown, the Lead Third Party Coordinator at CCRM Houston.

Lauren takes us through a typical day in her life as a third-party coordinator, detailing the steps involved in the process, discussing timelines, and offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the CCRM clinic which you can watch on YouTube channel. Her dedication to helping people build their families with the aid of amazing science and the generosity of others is truly inspiring.

We are immensely grateful for Lauren and the third-party team at CCRM Houston, whose expertise and kindness profoundly impact many lives. Join us in celebrating Lauren and all the amazing nurses who make such a significant difference!

Links:

CCRM Fertility [https://www.ccrmivf.com/telehealth/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu8uyBhC6ARIsAKwBGpRHRriFlYgcMkNqH4Fj0voDadNu-ZX8ydIWkceeMIhqxf-8N2B9wToaAjlZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds]

Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

It is the season of Mother's Day which is time of celebration, but can also be a hard day for many. To celebrate where ever you find yourself during this time we want to share some stories of hope and today's episode you will get to hear form Crystal, who's inspiring journey to motherhood is one of hope, resilience and pure joy! She candidly shares her poignant experiences with the loss of her daughter Everly and in the midst of that grief, her courageous decision to pursue surrogacy. Through heartfelt narratives, Crystal reveals the invaluable emotional support she received from therapists, support groups, and online communities and shares her journey with surrogacy and the numerous challenges they faced along the way. Despite encountering several setbacks, their perseverance led to a successful outcome, culminating in the joyous arrival of their baby girl and life long friendship. Reflecting on their extraordinary journey, the parents share invaluable advice for others who have gone through loss, are considering surrogacy, and offer a beacon of hope and guidance for those on similar paths.

Takeaways

· Grief support is crucial for navigating the loss of a child and the journey to motherhood. Therapy and support groups can provide comfort and guidance during difficult times.

· The surrogacy process can be challenging and may involve multiple setbacks, but perseverance can lead to success.

· Celebrating and honoring the lost child can bring healing and create meaningful traditions. The journey to a successful pregnancy can be filled with losses and setbacks, but it's important to remain hopeful and celebrate each milestone along the way.

· Building a close relationship with the surrogate and her family can be a healing experience and create lifelong connections.

· The delivery day can be filled with surprises and emotions, but having a supportive team and being prepared can make the experience more enjoyable.

· Bonding with a baby born through surrogacy is just as strong

· Reflecting on the journey and offering advice to others can help provide support and guidance to those considering surrogacy.

Links

The Morning [https://www.themorning.com/]

Who? A 6X Egg Donor & Blake's Mom [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vwaBiGBby7WE0AozKZASH?si=eda7066221fc4f5b]

 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

It is almost Mother's Day which can be a time of big celebration but also a hard day for many. To celebrate wherever you find yourself during this time we want to share some stories of hope and one of them is that of sweet mama Amy and dad Tim. In their pursuit of starting a family later in life, they encountered hurdles such as a miscarriage, and unsuccessful IVF. However, their determination never wavered. Turning to egg donation became their next step, leading them to a remarkable experience that they love to share. With the support of Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, they found their perfect donor, opting for a known connection. Despite facing challenges along the way even after they found their donor, they persevered, ultimately achieving success in their journey to becoming parents. In sharing their story, Amy and Tim highlight the dedication of their egg donor, the invaluable support from their coordinator, and the significance of maintaining a connection with their donor throughout the process. Their narrative offers insights and advice for others embarking on their fertility journey, underscoring the importance of embracing diverse paths to parenthood. As they reflect on the joys of parenting and the milestones they've celebrated with their daughter, they also offer glimpses into their post-delivery moments and the daily sources of fulfillment that now enrich their lives.

Take aways

* Navigating the decision and choosing an egg donor
* Importance of a Known Donor
* Tim's Perspective
* Importance of Openness and Support
* Overcoming Challenges and Dedication and Determination
* Support from the Coordinator
* Advice for Day One Amy and Tim
* The Journey to Motherhood
* Celebrating Milestones

Links

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO?si=ea42e9c959114566]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

Molly O'Brien, an attorney specializing in art law, shares her journey into the field of surrogacy and egg donation. With grace and compassion, she narrates how her prior experiences in the industry inspired her to pursue a law degree, becoming a passionate advocate for the rights of parents, surrogates, and donors alike. Molly discusses the importance of ethical practices in the surrogacy and egg donation industry and highlights the work of SEEDS (Society of Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy) in setting standards for agencies and industry professionals. She eloquently addresses the ongoing legal landscape, advocating for sustained efforts in legislation to safeguard reproductive rights.  The conversation explores the importance of transparency in the surrogacy process and the benefits it brings to all parties involved. Finally, the discussion lovingly emphasizes the importance of assembling a strong support team when selecting industry professionals to collaborate with, ensuring a nurturing environment for all involved in the journey.

Takeaways

* Molly O'Brien's unique background in the surrogacy and egg donation industry informs her work as an attorney specializing in art law.
* Ethical practices and transparency are crucial in the surrogacy and egg donation industry.
* SEEDS (Society of Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy) sets standards for agencies and industry professionals to ensure ethical practices.
* Advocacy and legislation are necessary to protect reproductive rights and paramount for the surrogacy and egg donation industry. 
* Transparency is crucial in the surrogacy process, both for intended parents and surrogates.
* Social media provides a supportive community for intended parents and surrogates, but caution should be exercised 
* Having a strong support team and listening to one's gut instinct are essential in navigating the surrogacy journey.
* Witnessing successful outcomes and the love shared within the surrogacy community is incredibly rewarding.

Links

Society of Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy [https://seedsethics.org/]

International Fertility Law Group [https://www.iflg.net/]

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]