Intended Mothers who have a child through Surrogacy have an option of being able to breastfeed their child! An Intended Mother can begin producing breast milk with hormone therapy and and a lot of dedication – This is called Induced Lactation.

You will need to speak to your doctor and a lactation consultant about this process. It involves a hormone protocol that can last 2 to 6 months before the birth.

Learn more about the process here:
http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/adoptive_breastfeeding.shtml

The Protocols for Induced Lactation – A Guide for Maximizing Breastmilk Production
http://lghttp.20262.nexcesscdn.net/809A1B/store/media/wysiwyg//pdf/en/induced-lactation.pdf

Panel discussion with Carole LieberWilkins (MFT), Hilary Hanafin (Ph.D.), Carrie Eichberg (Psy.D.), Elaine Gordon (Ph.D.), Cynthia Fruchtman, and Darlene Pinkerton (R.N.) regarding the most challenging ethical problems these professionals have encountered.  Hilary Hanafin stressed the importance of surrogacy being an alternative only when absolutely necessary.  She pointed out that there are Surrogate Mothers who have died or been left in a coma due to pregnancy complications.  Although we all do our best to ensure everyone’s safety, this is a reality and therefore, I agree that surrogacy should be reserved only for those in true need.

Carol with Dr. Rad and Dr. Katherine Ellis-Hernandez enjoying lunch at the Wyndham Hotel during the ASRM – MHPG Conference on March 2.

Unfortunately, terrible people exist and they take advantage of others to their own gain. In 2013, we discovered that the owner of SurroGenesis, Tonya Collins, is one such person. Sadly, there will never be true justice for the defrauded Intended Parents, Gestational Surrogates, and other professionals involved.  The involved Intended Parents experienced a tragedy that is absolutely reprehensible. Collins stole so much more than just their money; through her actions she bankrupted more than their life-savings, but also their hopes and dreams.

MODESTO — A woman who ran a Modesto surrogacy agency has pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud after bilking would-be parents out of millions of dollars, authorities said. Tonya Ann Collins, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court in Fresno, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

She could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced in May.

Court documents show that from November 2006 through March 2009, Collins carried out a scheme to defraud prospective parents, surrogates and banks through her company, SurroGenesis, and the associated Michael Charles Independent Financial Holding Group.

https://www.modbee.com/news/local/article3149582.html

As unfortunate and saddening as this story is, it is a cautionary tale that Intended Parents and Gestational Surrogates are well advised to research agencies prior to any engagement. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is a good place to start that reveals how we think about surrogacy and how we do business. You can also find detailed information about our Intended Parent’s Journey and Surrogate Mother’s Journey.

In 2021, Reproductive Alliance gathered together industry professionals within third-party reproduction to uplift the industry and create well-established standards that protect the interests of Intended Parents as well as other parties involved.

From a proud Mom:

“I thought I would share a proud mother moment. Ryan wrote a paper on being kind. His paper was chosen out of 65 kindergarten students and he then had to read it at a leadership assembly in front of 1,000 people. He did a great job and was first to go.”

“Officials from India’s government announced that gay couples and single individuals from other countries who wish to start a family are prohibited from using the country’s popular surrogate program, New Delhi Television Limited reports.

“The new rules state that only straight couples who have been married for more than two years can use India’s surrogacy program. Notified by the change from a message on the Indian Home Ministry’s website, fertility clinics and LGBT rights activists termed the move ‘discriminatory’.”

Original Article:

http://www.edgeboston.com/news/international/news/140889/india_bars_same-sex_couples_from_using_surrogates

[…]

Anyone looking into Surrogacy can find an agency in the United States that will not discriminate based on sexual orientation, age, color, origin (equal opportunity). In addition, the United States offers the latest medical technology and the best laws to protect the new Parents. The Surrogate Mothers and Couples whose arrangements are in the United States are protected from being exploited when the surrogacy arrangement is done properly.

On 2/17, Jennifer A. delivered twins for an amazing couple.  Jennifer A. is doing great and the new parents are elated with their new bundles of joy! Congratulations to everyone!

Families who banked their children’s cord blood with Cord Blood Registry® (CBR®) now have access to a new clinical trial investigating whether a child’s own cord blood stem cells will help pediatric stroke patients.

Stroke is often thought of as a disease of the elderly. However the second-highest risk period is from 28 weeks gestation to 4 weeks after birth. Stroke occurs when blood flow is interrupted to part of the brain, leading to the destruction of brain cells. Children who have had a pediatric stroke may develop:

• Cerebral palsy
• Seizures
• Low muscle tone and/or alertness

If you think your child may be eligible for this FDA-regulated clinical trial, please visit www.cordblood.com/stroke and complete the form.

Pediatric Stroke Study Details

This first-of-its-kind Phase 1 safety trial is being conducted at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). It will enroll 10 children who have their umbilical cord blood banked with Cord Blood Registry and have experienced a perinatal stroke. Children up to 6 years of age who suffered a perinatal stroke may be eligible for the study.

“Currently there is no treatment for these devastating conditions other than preventative measures,” says Timothy Foster, MD, a pediatric neurologist at UTHealth and principal investigator of the trial. “As a professional who cares for children with these conditions, and as a scientist, I am very excited about stem cell research and this study in particular, as it will pave the way for larger-size studies and more knowledge of the potential of these cells.”

This study marks the fifth such clinical trial where researchers have partnered with CBR to focus on the use of a child’s own CBR-processed cord blood stem cells for study in neurological applications.

For more information about CBR-sponsored clinical trials and research, please visit the CBR Center for Regenerative Medicine.

Sincerely,

Heather Brown, M.S., C.G.C.
Vice President, Scientific & Medical Affairs
Cord Blood Registry