Create A Happy Family

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

Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception

Gay Parents To Be

Illume Fertility

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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!

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CCRM Fertility

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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

Who? A 6X Egg Donor & Blake's Mom

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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

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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

International Fertility Law Group

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On this special episode Dr. Ravi Gada warmly shares his journey and passion for reproductive endocrinology, highlighting the ever-changing landscape of the field. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the joy of patient care, drawing from his personal experiences with IVF. Acknowledging the impact of social media on fertility awareness, Dr. Gada delves into the complexities of navigating online information, cautioning against the prevalence of myths and misinformation. Offering guidance to intended parents and potential egg donors, Dr. Gada shares considerations surrounding the use of donor eggs and provides a nuanced understanding of the decision-making process. We also get to hear about the unique attributes of Dallas Fort Worth Fertility Associates, illustrating how they distinguish themselves within the field.  

Takeaways

-Reproductive Endocrinology is an ever changing field

-When considering donor eggs, intended parents should have open and honest conversations with their partners and healthcare providers to make informed decisions.

-Dallas Fort Worth Fertility Associates stands out for its diverse team of physicians, nurses, and staff who provide personalized care and support.

-Choosing the right fertility doctor involves finding someone who makes you feel comfortable and understood.

Links:

www.dallasfertility.com

Dallas Fertility Associates Instagram- @dallasfertility

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On today's special episode we get to hear from Lindsey Tomaszewski, who opens up about her remarkable journey to parenthood, navigating through the highs and lows of infertility treatments, but focusing on the financial hurdles, and the emotional roller coaster of adoption and surrogacy. Through candid storytelling, she shares her personal triumphs of embracing parenthood through adoption and surrogacy, shedding light on the financial strains she encountered along the way. Fueled by her own experiences, Lindsey's creation of the Everyone Deserves a Family Grant has already impacted four families, with plans to extend support further in the future. Tune in as Lindsey advocates for perseverance and faith in the pursuit of parenthood, offering a beacon of hope for all those on a similar path.

Takeaways

-Many families face financial barriers when seeking fertility treatments.

-Surrogacy and egg donor solutions can provide hope for those facing repeated implantation failure.

-The financial burden of adoption and surrogacy can be overwhelming, with costs reaching up to $200,000.

-The Everyone Deserves a Family Grant provides financial assistance to families in Florida pursuing parenthood through adoption, surrogacy, egg donation and fertility treatments.

-Lindsey's personal journey of becoming a parent inspired her to create the grant and help others facing similar challenges.

-Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions will always be here to support you and stay positive as you keep moving forward in the pursuit of parenthood.

Links: 

Everyone Deserves A Family Grant 

Resolve, Financial Resources

Men Having Babies, Financial Resources

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In this episode, we delve into the essence of National Infertility Awareness Week, founded by Resolve, The National Infertility Association, in 1989. It's a platform for sharing stories, raising awareness, and catalyzing change. Our guest, Rebecca Flick, Chief External Affairs Officer for Resolve, shares her journey since joining in 2005, initially motivated by a desire to make a difference. Little did she anticipate that she would become personally impacted by infertility, adding her voice to the chorus advocating for support and change.  We're privileged to hear her story and insights, along with all the amazing happenings taking place during National Infertility Awareness Week.  RESOLVE, from its humble origins around a kitchen table, has evolved into an extraordinary organization, transcending expectations and we are so excited to highlight such their important role in this community. Stay tuned for more highlights during National Infertility Awareness Week!

Takeaways

• Resolve is a national infertility association and the largest patient advocacy group in the United States.
• National Infertility Awareness Week is an initiative of Resolve to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding infertility.
• Resolve focuses on advocacy to ensure access to family building options and fight against anti-family legislation.

Links

National Infertility Awareness Week

RESOLVE- The National Infertility Association

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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

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