SanDiego MommyMaker
The Office of Dr. Lila Schmidt
Q. What does the Surrogacy Process include?
A. Our surrogates are usualy sought out by us, however, if you feel you would be a good fit as a surrogate, please let us know so that we may consider working together in helping someone(s) become parent(s). After initial contact, potential surrogates are screened free of charge medically ( by answering questions about you and your family history, giving one sample of blood for testing, and undergoing a history and physical examination by Dr. Schmidt ), and psychologically ( with a combination of a written test and interview conducted by a licensed psychologist). If matched to an intended parent(s), your menstrual cycle is put in synch with the intended parent, possibly with the use of oral contraceptives. Once you and your intended parent begin your next period, you begin medications (usually pills or patches placed on your skin) for approximately ten days. You are monitored by ultrasound and a couple of blood tests during this period. When your uterus is ready to receive the embryo(s), the embryo transfer (ET) is performed. Click here to learn how more about how easy the embryo transfer ET is.
Q. Will going through the surrogacy process make me go into menopause earlier?
A. The answer is NO. Every cycle every woman has a cohort ( collection) of eggs that begin development, but without our medications, your body naturally alllows 1 egg to develope to maturity to be released to cause a single baby. The other eggs that started development that month stop growing before maturity and die. The months that you are a surrogate, does not change the number of eggs that were going to grow ( pre - destined) that month anyway and subsequently die off and be expelled in your next period ( menstrual blood). We are not able to change the number of eggs that are intended for development in any cycle. Menopause is primarily gentically determined and occurs when your body is out of eggs. Surrogacy does NOT change the age at which you will be out of eggs.
Q. Am I giving away my baby?
A. No, you are providing a home " your uterus" for someone elses baby to grow.Q. Am I paid for my surrogacy?
A. You are paid quite well for your services and time. You are not selling your uterus. You are allowing the uterus that you would not be using during that time, to allow the development of the intended parent(s) baby/babies , thus the creation of their dream to become a reality. Hopefully, your inspiration is that of compassion for your fellow human who has a hole in their life that you can help fill with hope, love and dreams lived out.
Q. Will I know the intended parent(s)?
A. That involves you and the intended parent(s). If you both desire you will know as much about each other as you both agree to. Many of our surrogates are the relatives or friends of the intended parent(s).
Q. How long of a process is surrogacy?
A. Once your period is aligned with your intended parent(s), you are finished in about 9 months.