11 Weeks Today!!

Well, we are 11 weeks today, YAY!!! We are so happy and excited that we are fast approaching 12 weeks. I think we will then give a huge sigh of relief to be out of the first trimester.

We received an email from Margarida, on Saturday, requesting that we speak to a potential IP couple about our experience. We agreed and I emailed them and we set up an appointment to speak on the phone yesterday. They were a lovely couple from New York and they had all of the same questions and concerns all potential IP's have going into this process. For those considering surrogacy with SCI, here are a few of the questions asked and the answers, according to our experience.

Why did we choose SCI?

 For several reasons. Dr. Shivani is amazing. She has produced the same number of babies as Dr. Patel's clinic is much less time. Her prices are better and she is located in Delhi, which means no traveling back to Delhi for FRRO paperwork (Dr. Patel is in Gujarat and FRRO is in Delhi), most importantly, Delhi is a large city and has specialized hospitals in the rare event the baby needed specialized intensive care. Her clinic is state of the art and up to western standards. You won't regret choosing her!!

Did we ever feel unsafe in India? Never! Rahul's Taxi Service works closely with SCI and these drivers make certain you are taken to safe areas for shopping, tourism, etc. and they stay with the car and provide instruction and guidance. I am certain there are unsafe areas in every city of the world, but we never experienced such things. We were well taken care of! Additionally, the cost of Rahul for the week was very reasonable.

Were we allowed to meet our surrogate? Yes. She is a lovely woman. She was a bit shy, but that was to be expected. Nabanita translated and we had a nice conversation. I feel good knowing that our surrogate is taking great care of our baby.

How do we know that our genetic material isn't given to another family? Embryos are created at time of our arrival and those that aren't transferred are frozen. The baby must have a genetic link to at least one intended parent, so this ensures no one else will receive your embryos.

How long does it take for preliminary procedures to get started? Usually 2-3 months as you will have to produce copies of passports, a letter from doctor showing medical necessity for surrogacy, a letter from someone that will pick up baby if you both passed (highly unlikely) and a few other docs I can't remember.

Please know that your passport must be mailed in to have the medical visa place in the passport, so if travel is required while your passport is gone, you will have to apply for a duplicate passport to use while the other is gone.

Have you received negative comments since telling everyone? NO!! Quite the opposite!! We have had nothing but positive comments and well-wishes. I think those involved in infertility treatment feed ourselves so many possible negative scenarios. You will more than likely have nothing but positive experiences, but my theory is that should someone be negative, then they are jealous or hateful and not really my friend anyway and they have now identified themselves so I can make certain to end the "friendship"!!!

Are you friends with any other IP's that are pregnant with SCI? YES!! We have a forum for SCI clients and I have made some lifelong friends that are currently pregnant as well. We talk on the forum, but I also talk to them on the phone. I live in the US and one friend is in Canada and the other is in Australia. It amazing to discuss our baby pick up plans, nursery colors, baby gear, baby clothes, possible pick up scenarios, etc. and to have others that understand what we are going through. We love SCI and all of the friends we have made.

Is the staff thorough and responsive? YES!! They are amazing!! Whatever day you are o expect scans, test results, etc., they show up on the exact day. A report from the doctor is included and is clear and concise. The SCI staff is kind, courteous and detail oriented. They are all amazing!! Dr. Shivani chose well!!

Would Dr. Shivani reject me because of my cause for infertility? Dr. Shivani truly wants to help all involved. If there is a way to help you, I know she will!! She is so kind and friendly! She is young and beautiful and I am even friends with her on facebook. She is down to earth and accessible.

Well, I know these questions barely made a dent in the possible questions potential IP's have, but I hope these helped. We will update last week when we receive the next scan.