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

In this episode, we have the privilege and honor of hearing from Melissa Bornico and Rachel Schiff as they discuss their experiences as donor-conceived individuals and their involvement with the US Donor Conceived Council (USDCC). They share how they learned about their donor conception, the challenges they faced in processing this information, and the impact it had on their identities and relationships. Mel and Rachel highlight the importance of support as they navigated what it means to be donor-conceived and how this led to their advocacy work with the USDCC. They also explain the role of the USDCC in advocating for donor-conceived individuals, promoting legislation, and increasing awareness about donor conception. Some of the topics covered include the importance of accurate and updated information, the significance of known donors, understanding and exploring identity, ID release at 18 and parentage laws, and dispelling myths about donor-conceived persons. This conversation was eye-opening, offering not only the perspectives of donor-conceived individuals but also emphasizing the need for the advocacy work supported by the US Donor Conceived Council.  Takeaways  -Learning about donor conception can be a complex and emotional process, with individuals discovering their donor-conceived status at different stages of life. -Support and understanding from parents and loved ones are crucial for donor-conceived individuals to process their identities and navigate their relationships. -The US Donor Conceived Council (USDCC) is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that advocates for donor-conceived individuals, promotes legislation to protect their rights, and raises awareness about donor conception. -Regulation and record-keeping in the assisted reproductive technology industry are essential to address concerns such as the potential for accidental incest and the lack of information about genetic siblings. Advocacy organizations like the USDCC play a crucial role in ensuring that donor-conceived persons have access to accurate and updated information about their genetic origins. -Knowing the identity of the donor, especially through known donation, can provide DCPs with not only necessary medical information that is important to the understanding of their genetic heritage but can also provide sense of connection as they explore their own identity. -Parents of donor-conceived children should not be afraid to ask questions and seek out the perspectives of donor-conceived adults. -The USDCC provides educational resources and advocates for the donor-conceived community.  Show Notes:  The US Donor Conceived Council (USDCC): https://www.usdcc.org/  Known Donor Program:  https://eggdonorsolutions.com/intended-parents/known-identified-egg-donor-program/  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   Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371   Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO   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 this episode we get to hear amazing stories from some momma's who share their experiences of growing their families through egg donation, the ups and downs they faced, and what it has been like since becoming mothers. They discuss the reasons that led them to choose egg donation, the resources and support they received during the process, including guidance from Egg Donor Solutions. They share surprising aspects of the donation process, such as the limited options for known donors and discuss their experiences and importance of openness and communication about having donor conceived children in their families. This was a beautiful conversation to be a part of and I am so grateful for these amazing woman and their willingness to be vulnerable about their story and families.

Takeaways

-The decision to pursue egg donation can involve a grieving process for the loss of a genetic connection, but ultimately, love and the desire to have a family are what matter most.
-Finding the right agency, like Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, can provide guidance, support, and resources throughout the egg donation process.
-Choosing an egg donor can be a complex decision
-Openness and communication are key in families created through egg donation..
-Telling your donor conceived children early and often is so important and its important to have a community and support and guide

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]

In this episode we have the joy of getting to speak with Dr. Dara Havemann, a wife, mom, and reproductive endocrinologist at Dallas IVF. In this episode Dr. Havemann discusses the evolution of IVF techniques, the intriguing differences between fresh and frozen embryos and explains the many different processes involved in a very understandable way. With empathy and expertise, she navigates the delicate decisions surrounding all the choices when it comes to everyone's unique infertility journey, ensuring the best outcomes for everyone involved.  We dive into discussions on debunking fertility myths, navigating legal landscapes, and the transformative power of education in the fertility journey. We also get to hear what distinguishes Dallas IVF as clinic for hopeful families, where compassion and cutting-edge care converge and discuss how the impact of how her own journey to parenthood has shaped the way she is able to be a support to her patients. From the altruistic marvels of egg donation to the profound emotional landscapes of surrogacy, Dr. Havemann unveils the roadmap to parenthood with grace, wisdom and a little bit of humor. Along the way, she pays homage to the remarkable women who have shaped her journey, all while sharing her enduring love for the simple joys, like a comforting cup of coffee.

Takeaways

* Infertility can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it is important to seek counseling and support to navigate the challenges.
* The difference between fresh and frozen embryos, the egg retrieval and IVF process.
* Myths surrounding fertility treatments can be debunked through education and understanding.
*  Legal changes can impact fertility treatments, and the importance of education. 
* Getting started on the fertility journey involves seeking information and support from fertility professionals.

LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION

* Link for Resolve - Find a support group [https://resolve.org/get-help/find-a-support-group/]
* Link to Texas Family Code [https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.160.htm]
* Alabama update [https://resolve.org/statement-from-resolve-on-signing-of-alabama-ivf-bill/]
* Dallas IVF [https://dallasivf.com/]
* Dr. Dara Havemann- @drdarahavemann
* 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/]

In this episode Dr. Dorette Noorhasan shares her personal journey through infertility and surrogacy, highlighting the influential women in her life and her passion for reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She discusses the emotional challenges of becoming a patient and navigating fertility treatments and surrogacy. Dr. Noorhasan emphasizes the importance of finding the right surrogate and maintaining a strong support system. You can find more details about her story in her book, Miracle Baby: A Fertility Doctor's Fight for Motherhood [https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Baby-Fertility-Doctors-Motherhood/dp/1612543138] as well as her other book [https://www.amazon.com/Fertility-Manual-Reproductive-Options-Family/dp/1612543286/ref=pd_bxgy_img_d_sccl_1/145-3359189-0897610?pd_rd_w=1obke&content-id=amzn1.sym.2b132e63-5dcd-4ba1-be9f-9e044543d59f&pf_rd_p=2b132e63-5dcd-4ba1-be9f-9e044543d59f&pf_rd_r=75P9ED6NNQV2ZJHZDKDC&pd_rd_wg=N6Xhm&pd_rd_r=e533bb8b-165b-4cf1-bf3d-32cddd441d87&pd_rd_i=1612543286&psc=1].  She also shares insights into her practice at CCRM Dallas and the benefits of her personal experience in understanding and relating to her patients. 

Takeaways

* Never give up and keep trying, no matter the obstacles.
* Find a strong support system and lean on them during the journey.
* Choose a surrogate who shares your views and values on pregnancy.
* Maintain open communication and a positive relationship with your surrogate and the support system around you

Find Us on Social:

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/

In this weeks episode we get to hear from Laura, a mother who used egg donation to create her beautiful family over 10 years ago. Laura talks to us about how she and her husband navigated their journey, how they talk to their children about their story and advice for other intended parents. 

Topics Covered

Personal Journey

* Path to choosing egg donation
* Honoring your donor conceived children
* Navigating telling others

Research

* Agency vs. egg bank
* Personal care with an agency experience

Matching Process

* Relationship with your donor

LINKS

Resources

Children's Book [https://www.amazon.com/Mommy-Was-Your-Tummy-Big/dp/0979276101]

Donor Conception Network - [https://dcnetwork.org/] 

We are Donor Conceived [https://www.wearedonorconceived.com/] - 

Blogs - https://eggdonorsolutions.com/intended-parents/the-donor-sibling-registry/, book recommendations-  [https://eggdonorsolutions.com/intended-parents/the-donor-sibling-registry/,%20book%20recommendations-]

https://eggdonorsolutions.com/intended-parents/resources-for-intended-parents-2/

https://eggdonorsolutions.com/intended-parents/a-parents-perspective-on-the-benefits-of-having-a-known-donor/

Donor Conception Awareness Day: How I talk to my daughter about being donor conceived. [https://eggdonorsolutions.com/intended-parents/donor-conception-awareness-day-how-i-talk-to-my-daughter-about-being-donor-conceived/]

Be sure to follow and tag us Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/surrogatesolutions/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/eggdonorinformation], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/egg-donor-surrogate-solutions/mycompany/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions]!

In this weeks episode we get to listen to two amazing donors reflect on their journeys, talk about their unique but similar experiences, some advice and ultimately their "why" behind helping a family grow through egg donation.


Topics Covered

Personal Journey

* Influences and support
* Reasons for becoming an egg donor

Research

* Agency vs. egg bank
* Personal care with an agency experience

Matching Process

* Known donor vs. anonymous
* Relationship after

LINKS

Be sure to follow and tag us Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/surrogatesolutions/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/eggdonorinformation], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/egg-donor-surrogate-solutions/mycompany/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions]!