Open Arms Consultants

2011-12-16T06:28:00.000-08:00

We've been so busy this past year we've forgotten to update our blog! To catch you up, below are the births we had 2011:

· Vicente was born on March 1st at 8:00 PM weighing 7lbs 9 oz. and 19'' long by our lovely surrogate Trish.

· Aiden & Austin were born Friday March 4th at 3:30 PM and 3:34 PM weighing at 4 lbs. 9 oz. and 6 lbs. 2 oz.

· Baby "C" (name not used to respect privacy) was born on May 13th at 5:42 PM EST. He weighed 7.2 oz. and was 20.75 inches long.

· Baby Liam was born May 20th at 11:24 AM EST. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 19 inches long!

· C&C (names not used to respect privacy) were born on June 13th. The first baby was born at 10:17 AM EST and then the second one came shortly after at 10:25 AM weighing in at 6.5 and 6.6 and vaginally delivered.

· On June 24th, Christian made his big debut at 5:35pm weighing 4.62 lbs. and 19.3 inches, not long after at 5:37 pm baby Anna was born weighing 5.04 lbs. and 18 inches.

· Romain who was delivered on June 25th @ 7:30 AM EST weighing over 9 lbs.!

· Another set of twins delivered via C-section on July 16th made the intended parents dreams come true! Baby A was born at 2 lb. 10 oz. and her sister Baby B shortly after weighing 2 lb.11 oz. both babies are doing well!

· A second set of twins were also born via C-section on July 22nd. Baby A weighed in 5lbs 70z arriving at 8:07 AM EST and Baby B weighed 5 lbs. 2oz arriving shortly after baby A.

· July brought another set of twins on the 31st! Madelyn was born at 7:10 AM weighing 5 lbs. 11 oz. and 19.5 inches and her brother Joshua was born at 7:11 AM weighing 5 lbs. 3oz. measuring 19.2 inches!

· On August 3rd another set of twins was delivered. They weighed in at 6 lbs. 13oz and 6 lbs. 14 oz. and were delivered via C-section.

· Following the twins was a singleton birth, a beautiful boy named Hugo born on August 30th at 3:48 PM weighing 8 lbs. 3oz and 21 inches long!

· Stacy naturally delivered a healthy girl named Julie on October 14th at 3:34 PM. She weighed 6 lbs. and 5 oz. and was 19 inches long. Baby Julie is doing great and we are happy to have another surrogate mother bring such a blessing to our happy intended parents!

· Next we had twins delivered via C-section on October 16th. Baby Olivia was born at 9:00 AM weighing 6 lbs. and 3 oz. following that baby Jack was born at 9:02 AM weighing 6 lbs. and 3 oz. as well. Both babies are doing well and thanks to Amy our surrogate mother!

· The last October 2011 birth was a healthy baby boy named Marcel. He was born on October 22nd at 1:30 PM and was delivered naturally. He weighed 6 lbs 4 oz.

· Baby A was born on November 1, at 11:56 pm weighing 5 lbs. 6 ounces. Then her sister Baby B arrived on Nov 2, at 12:09 am also at 5 lbs. 6 ounces. The twins were born vaginally by our wonderful surrogate Chellee! Twins with different birth dates how neat is that?

· Then on November 30^th at 2:12 PM, our wonderful surrogate Liz delivered a singleton girl weighing 5 lbs. 11 oz. via C-section.

So as you can see 2011 was a great year and we are so excited to be in 2012 and for everything that is going to come to us this year! We wish you all a happy and prosperous new year! Stay tuned one our resolutions is to update our blog more often this year...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

We hope that you are enjoying your 2011 so far and that you are having a great month!

Happy 2011 from Open Arms Consultants

2011-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best this day and for the entire new year!

Souad Dreyfus and the Staff at Open Arms Consultants

Open Arms Wishes You All a Happy and Safe Holiday

2010-12-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and yours a warm and wonderful holiday season!

All my best,

Souad Dreyfus and the Staff at Open Arms!

Happy Hanukkah from All of Us at Open Arms

2010-12-02T07:44:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a very Happy

Hanukkah from all of us at Open Arms Consultants!

Souad Dreyfus

Happy Thanksgiving From Open Arms

2010-11-25T07:41:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best from our home to yours!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Souad Dreyfus and the staff at Open Arms Consultants

Open Arms Consultants Welcomes a New Baby Girl!!

2010-11-19T12:51:00.000-08:00

After 2 hours and 24 minutes our wonderful Gestational Surrogate, Edyta, delivered a healthy 9lbs 4oz baby girl on 11/16/10 @ 11:18 a.m.

Thank you Edyta for your hard work and dedication to your IPs and Open Arms! You are an Angel!

Souad Dreyfus and the Staff of Open Arms

Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.

5620 Tara Blvd. Suite #201
Bradenton, FL 34203

Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com

Please join us!
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Check out OAC Blog:
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Souad Dreyfus will be in Attendance at The Fertility Show in London England November 5th and 6th 2010

2010-11-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Open Arms Consultants, Inc. an Egg Donation and Surrogacy Agency located in Sarasota Florida, announced today that Souad Dreyfus, owner, will be in attendance of The Fertility Show in London England November 5th and 6th 2010.

The Fertility Show is backed by Britain's leading fertility support group, Infertility Network UK. It is a dedicated and discreet environment where men and women can learn about their fertility, explore options with experienced and sympathetic professionals and find out how to have the best chance at conceiving and building a family.

Souad Dreyfus will be available to answer any questions concerning traveling to the United States for assistance with building families using Third Party Reproduction. Please contact Mrs. Dreyfus via the information below if you are interested in setting up an appointment while she is in London.

About Open Arms Consultants:
Open Arms Consultants is a Surrogacy and Egg Donation Agency located in Sarasota, Florida (USA) and is fully equipped to gently guide Intended Parents toward uniting with egg donors or surrogates. Open Arms works hand-in-hand with reputable fertility specialists, psychologists, and attorneys —each familiar with the complexities of Surrogacy and egg donation. Open Arms handles all services with determination, dedication, and the wisdom that comes with experience. Open Arms will coordinate every detail—screening potential donors, locating appealing surrogates, arranging introductions, coordinating medical services, arranging travel details—and adding emotional support and compassion at every step. Please contact Open Arms Consultants for more details.

Contact:
Souad Dreyfus
Open Arms Consultants
5620 Tara Blvd. Suite #201
Bradenton, FL 34203
941-741-4994
info@openarmsconsultants.com
http://www.openarmsconsultants.com

Congratulations Kristi~Another Open Arms Angel Gives Birth to TWINS!

2010-10-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Open Arms Consultants Congratulates the newest member of our Team Angel! Gestational Carrier, Kristi, gave birth to Twins on 10-10-10! Eli was born at 9:51 AM (4 lbs 11oz) and his brother, Everette, was born at 9:53 AM (5 lbs 1 oz). Thank you Kristi and Congrats to your IP's!

Heartfelt thanks to everyone!

Souad

The RESOLVE Night of Hope in NYC

2010-09-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be attending RESOLVE'S Night of Hope Gala in New York City on Tuesday Evening, September 28th 2010! I am expecting a wonderful night with colleagues and friends! Below is a list of the Hope Award Recipients. I look forward to seeing YOU there!

Souad

Night of Hope Awardees

2010 RESOLVE Night of Hope Award Recipients are:

Barbara Eck Founder’s Award This prestigious award is named in honor of RESOLVE’s founder. It is presented annually to an individual or group who has demonstrated leadership in the field of infertility or infertility resolution. Howard W. Jones, Jr., MD, Professor Emeritus, EVMS

This year’s recipient is Howard W. Jones, Jr., MD, who is celebrating his 100th birthday in December. Dr. Jones and his late wife Dr. Georgeanna Jones were pioneers in the field of reproductive medicine and were responsible for the first IVF pregnancy success in the United States.

The Hope Award for Achievement Given to an individual and/or organization/corporation whose accomplishments are worthy and whose actions are socially commendable which result in a material contribution to the lives of those diagnosed with infertility.

The View “The View,” recipient of the 2003 Daytime Emmy® Award for “Outstanding Talk Show,” is ABC Daytime’s morning chatfest, featuring a team of dynamic womenof different ages, experiences and backgrounds discussing the most exciting events of the day. “The View” featured a special one-hour show dedicated to infertility. Click here for more information.

The Hope Award for Service Given to an individual and/or organization/corporation whose work has either advanced RESOLVE or its mission in a significant manner.

J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)The Public Affairs office of ASRM has worked alongside RESOLVE for many years on federal policy and state legislative issues. Our joint efforts have made a significant difference in fighting anti-family legislation at the state level the past few years.

The Hope Award for Innovation Given to an individual and/or organization/corporation who have demonstrated the creation and application of an innovative idea, product, service, or medical procedure that has enhanced the lives of those diagnosed with infertility.

The Research and Development team at Church & Dwight, Co., Inc.The R & D team at Church & Dwight, Co., Inc. developed the first over the counter at-home Fertility Test for women, allowing women to take charge of their fertility and seek the help of a specialist sooner.

The Hope Award for Advocacy This award is given to an individual and/or organization/corporation whose work has raised public awareness, advanced a legislative agenda, or prompted change for the benefit of those diagnosed with infertility.

Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center, Rockville, MDFor many years Shady Grove Fertility has fought to either strengthen or protect the insurance mandate for infertility treatment in the state of Maryland. Shady Grove physicians have testified at hearings, recruited patients to testify, and mobilized their patients to take action whenever it was needed. Shady Grove staff has also provided assistance on federal legislation. Lee Rubin Collins Collins is a RESOLVE board member and co-chair of the Advocacy Committee. She has worked tirelessly on federal legislation, federal policy issues, and state legislation that would improve the lives for all women and men diagnosed with infertility. Collins is a sought-after public speaker on infertility, advocacy, and patient support.

Risa A. LevineLevine is spearheading federal advocacy efforts for RESOLVE including passage of The Family Building Act, CDC appropriations, and increased research funding for infertility. Levine served as Chair of RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in 2008 and 2009 and chaired RESOLVE’s Congressional Briefing in 2010.Renee Whitley

Whitley is the co-chair of RESOLVE’s Advocacy Committee. She has volunteered for many years in her home state of Georgia and serves as an invaluable resource for volunteers, professionals, legislators and their staff across the country on issues related to infertility. She was instrumental in stopping passage of S. 169, a bill that would have severely impacted access to infertility treatment in Georgia.

The Hope Award for Nursing The Hope Award for Nursing is given to an individual who has exemplified the field of nursing, specifically in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, providing compassionate and skilled care to all patients.

Sylvia T. Parrett, RN, MSWComplementing her nursing degree from St. Benedict College, Sylvia earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois, Chicago Campus. Her career has demonstrated tenacious devotion as a nurse, as well as relentless advocacy of those who wrestle with uncertainty and tremendous challenges. Ms. Parrett is Clinical Manager at the Acacio Fertility Center, Laguna Niguel, California.

Joanne J. Amato Excellence in Nursing AwardThe Northeast Region of RESOLVE, in partnership with Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey and the Amato Family, present the Joanne J. Amato Excellence in Nursing Award to memorialize Joanne's outstanding clinical skills, compassionate manner, and dedication to patient care.

Joanne Libraro, RN, BSN
Joanne Libraro has been involved in Reproductive Medicine for the last 14 years. Joanne has an extensive background in Women's Health including certification in Prepared Childbirth Instruction, GYN Oncology, and Labor and Delivery. Joanne joined the Division of Reproductive Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in 1995 as a staff nurse. She assumed a Senior Staff position in 1997 and in 2004 became the Director of Patient Care. Click here for more information.

Team RESOLVE Choice Awards The Team RESOLVE Choice Awards were chosen by thousands of RESOLVE constituents across the country who voted online for their favorite Blog and Book.

The Hope Award for Best Blog: “A Little Pregnant”

Vermont writer Julie Robichaux has been blogging since early 2003, when what began as a conventional pregnancy blog turned into a first-person account of infertility and its aftermath. Sharing her story with frankness, irreverence, and humor, she has encouraged the growth of a large, supportive online community of people facing family-building challenges. Seven years, eight IVFs, and two kids later, she's still exploring the infertile experience at A Little Pregnant.

The Hope Award for Best Book: Silent Sorority by Pamela Mahoney Tsigdinos

Pamela Mahoney TsigdinosPamela is an author, blogger and infertility survivor. She wrote Silent Sorority to give voice to the large but little known population of women left to confront the often unpredictable impacts of infertility when nature and science find their limits.

The Inaugural Hope Award for Best Viral Video: Keiko Zoll and those involved with the video “What IF? A portrait of infertility.” To access the video, visit http://www.resolve.org/resources/infertility-2-0.html.
Keiko ZollSince the launch of her short film, What IF: A Portrait of Infertility, in April 2010, Keiko has become a tireless advocate for infertility awareness and research in her free time. She writes regularly for her blog, Hannah Wept, Sarah Laughed, chronicling both her personal journey through infertility as well as her advocacy efforts.

Family Building Employer of the Year – Robins & Morton Co-sponsored by RESOLVE and Conceive Magazine

Robins & Morton is a nationally-ranked general contractor specializing in complex healthcare, commercial, education and industrial projects. This organization tied for the number one spot on the list of “50 Best Companies” for adoption and fertility treatment benefits as published in the summer issue of Conceive.

Family Building Champion Hope Award – Baker & McKenzie and PricewaterhouseCoopers Co-sponsored by RESOLVE and Conceive Magazine
Baker & McKenzie, a national law firm, ranked in the Top Ten on the list of “50 Best Companies” for their adoption and infertility benefits.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the Big Four auditing firms, with 29,000 U.S. employees, ranked in the Top Ten on the list of “50 Best Companies” for their adoption and infertility benefits.

Awards winners will be listed above as they are accepted. Please check back to see who else has won these prestigious awards.
To learn more about these awards, click here.

Stress May Affect Chances of Getting Pregnant as Found in WebMD Health News

2010-09-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

There is now scientific evidence to back up the widely held belief that stress can interfere with fertility.

Women in a newly published study were less likely to conceive when they exhibited higher levels of a stress-related enzyme known as alpha-amylase.

The research is the first of its kind to suggest a biological basis for the long-held notion that stress can reduce a woman's chances of becoming pregnant.

More Stress, Fewer Pregnancies

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health and the UK's University of Oxford followed 274 couples trying to conceive for six months. None of the women in the study had a history of infertility, and all tracked their monthly cycles using at-home fertility kits.

On their sixth cycle day each month, the women provided saliva samples that were tested for alpha-amylase and another stress hormone, cortisol.

Cortisol levels did not appear to influence conception during the six days when pregnancy was most likely to occur. But women with the highest alpha-amylase levels were roughly 12% less likely to get pregnant during each cycle than women with the lowest levels.

The study was published online this week in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

Stress May Slow Egg Passage

Long known as an enzyme that helps the body digest starch, alpha-amylase has only recently been recognized as an indicator of stress, says Germane Buck Louis, PhD, of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Alpha-amylase is secreted when the nervous system produces compounds known as catecholamines in response to the "fight or flight" stress reactions.

Buck Louis says there is early evidence that catecholamines released in response to this type of stress reduce blood flow, which slows the passage of the fertilized egg to the uterus.

"That may mean the egg does not get there in time to implant," she tells WebMD. "This is all very speculative at this point, but we are hoping this research will stimulate scientists who study stress response to explore it more carefully."

Buck Louis' research team is in the final phases of a larger study in which couples trying to conceive were followed for a full year.

One goal is to determine if failure to achieve pregnancy affects stress hormone levels and, if so, how this affects conception rates.

The findings support the idea that taking steps to reduce stress at work or at home may help fertile women achieve a desired pregnancy, study researcher Cecilia Pyper, MS, of the University of Oxford tells WebMD.

While this has not been confirmed in scientific studies, the anecdotal evidence abounds. It seems that just about everyone knows someone who conceived on vacation or at some other time when stress levels were low.

"Relaxing certainly won't do couples trying to conceive any harm," Pyper says. "Reducing stress may be difficult, but meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques might help."

The 6th Annual Paths To Parenthood Conference presented by Fertile Dreams

2010-09-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

The 6th Annual Paths To Parenthood Conference presented by Fertile Dreams
Saturday, September 18, 2010 8am-4pm
Marriott World Center Orlando
The only event in Central Florida featuring information on infertility, treatment and adoption.
Tickets $20 per person or $30 per couple.
Purchase tickets at http://www.fertiledreams.org/ or 321-397-3868.

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-06T01:48:00.000-07:00

I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.~John D. Rockefeller

Mrs. Souad Dreyfus
Managing Director
Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
Please note our new address
5620 Tara Blvd. Suite 201
Bradenton, Florida 34203
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com
Please join us!
http://profile.to/souaddreyfus/ Facebook
http://twitter.com/SouadDreyfus Twitter

2010-09-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

Open Arms Consultants
~Summer Births~

We have had a great summer filled with precious babies. Below are some of our special summer deliveries!

Beautiful Twins Born June 29, 2010

Baby O (Boy) 7 lbs 11 oz, 21 in long @ 10:23 am
Baby D (Girl) 6 lbs 15 oz, 19.5 long @ 10:24 am

Thank you to our amazing Gestational Carrier who gave it her all!!

Welcome Baby Lyla! Born on August 16th (7 lbs 6 oz and 20 inches). Thanks to our wonderful Surro-Angel, Janel! You did an incredible job!

Last but not least:

Lilianna was born on August 24th at 3:40 am. She was 7lbs 9oz 20 inches long...and only 15 minutes labour, 4-5 pushes baby was out! Thanks to first time Gestational Carrier, Becca! You are awesome!

Mrs. Souad Dreyfus
Managing Director
Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
5620 Tara Blvd. Suite 201
Bradenton, Florida 34203
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com
Please join us!
http://profile.to/souaddreyfus/ Facebook
http://twitter.com/SouadDreyfus Twitter

Birth Control Options—Explained by Sarah Jio

2010-08-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Because Open Arms Consultants works with so many Egg Donors and Gestational Carriers we often talk about birth control. Sometimes this conversation takes a turn from what they are using to what else is really available! Read below for some of the most current birth control options!

Souad

Are you confused by all the birth control options out there? In the last 10 years, there have been so many advances in pregnancy prevention that it’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding which one is right for you. To help you determine if any of these newer methods are worth asking your doctor about, we spoke to experts and got the facts. Read on to learn more about what’s new on the market—and if you are interested in trying one out, make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss the pros, cons and risks involved with making the switch.

Hormonal Birth Control: No Longer One-Method-Fits-All

If you’re still taking the same birth control pill pack you started using in college, it may be time for a refresher course on the Pill. In fact, there’s a whole new generation of pills that deliver customized results. Women have all different kinds of needs and preferences, says Shari Brasner, MD, an obstetrician, gynecologist and assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and these days, there’s something for everyone.

1. Pills That Reduce or Get Rid of Your Period

Definitely one of the more surprising options is the class of hormonal contraception that allows women to reduce or even end their monthly periods. You may recognize some of the brand names—Yaz, Loestrin 24, Seasonique—all of which promise longer intervals between periods with the goal of getting shorter, lighter periods and fewer of them each year. But is eradicating your period safe? “Yes,” says Dr. Brasner, who points out that the common fear associated with this type of birth control is that menstrual blood could somehow get backed up and become toxic. “That is absolutely false,” she adds. “It’s a myth, but people still think that if you don’t get a period it must be unhealthy. But there is no medical reason for this.”

2. Pills That Help Reduce PMS or Menstrual Migraines

Next are a group of pills known for their “extended estrogen” properties. “The hormone level in these pills is extended a few days into the week of inactive pills,” explains Delores Kent, MD, a gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon who practices in Los Angeles. In other words, it reduces the “cold turkey” approach many birth control pills have traditionally used. The newly formulated pills, she adds, “can help decrease symptoms of PMS and help prevent menstrual migraines by being gentler on the body.” If you’re interested in this class of birth control pills, ask your doctor about specific types and brands available.

3. Vaginal Rings

Known as the NuvaRing, this form of birth control is becoming increasingly popular, says Dr. Brasner. The one-size-fits-all pliable ring made from a silicone-like material is inserted into the vagina with zero pain and emits hormones that prevent pregnancy. “It’s designed to be used for three weeks in, one week out. When you remove it, it brings on a period. Partners don’t feel it, and it’s great for women who don’t tolerate oral contraceptives or can’t remember to take them.”

4. Patches and Shots

Hormonal patches and the Depo-Provera shot are still available—and while they may have a place in certain contraceptive regimens, the experts we spoke to had serious concerns about the safety and side effects of both. “Evidence shows that there’s an increased risk for blood clots with the patch,” notes Dr. Brasner. “And the shot seems to be associated with irregular bleeding patterns and a longer return to fertility. Not many people are willing to sign up for that.” The risks associated with both, adds Dr. Kent, “may outweigh the benefits.”

Barrier Methods: Thinking Beyond the Condom

Condoms are still an excellent method for birth control, says Dr. Brasner, especially for women who aren’t comfortable with hormonal contraceptives. If you’re worried about the effectiveness of barrier methods, don’t be. “It’s true that in textbook statistics, barrier methods rank lower than hormonal contraception,” says Dr. Brasner. But don’t be fooled by the stats, which often include all sorts of factors that may not be relevant to your usage, she adds. “Out in the real world and in my practice, I see no higher unintended pregnancy rate in real users.” When it comes to barrier methods, condoms aren’t the only effective option.

1. Vaginal Films

“One of my favorite, lesser-known barrier methods,” says Dr. Brasner, “is a spermicidal vaginal film. It’s a 3-inch by 3-inch film that folds in half and wraps around the finger and gets inserted 15 minutes before sex.”

2. Vaginal Suppositories

There are also vaginal suppositories. In the same way a vaginal film is used, the suppository is inserted 15 minutes before sex, “it looks like a little bullet, has a bar soap-like consistency, and melts at body temperature to form a spermicidal barrier. After sex, there’s nothing to remove,” says Dr. Brasner. But, she adds, because some women can be sensitive to the active ingredient in spermicide, nonoxynol-9, she suggests testing any spermicide-based product out on a night when you don’t plan to have sex.

The New Generation of Long-Term, IUD Birth Control (Not good if you want to be an egg donor or surrogate)

Set aside everything you thought you knew about intrauterine devices, or IUDs. “They’re still suffering from their 1970s reputation,” says Dr. Brasner, “but IUDs today have changed, and their benefits are extremely exciting.” The beauty of IUDs, which are small devices that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy, is that they’re a hands-off birth control method. “They’re easily inserted in the doctor’s office,” says Dr. Brasner. “Once it’s in, you don’t have to think about it, and for a lot of couples, this brings on a whole new level of spontaneity.” Another bonus: IUDs are generally associated with an immediate return to fertility, adds Dr. Kent.

1. Copper IUD

The copper IUD, known as ParaGard, is a plastic device that is wrapped in a copper wire and safely protects against pregnancy for short or long periods of time. “They are approved for up to 10 years of use, or less—the amount of time is specified by the woman,” says Dr. Brasner.

2. Mirena IUD

Providing the same long-term protection, Mirena, an IUD that emits the hormone progesterone, “can also give a woman the added bonus of a change in her periods, making them lighter, shorter or maybe even nonexistent,” says Dr. Brasner. This can be an attractive option for women who suffer from extreme PMS, menstrual pain and other period-related ailments.

6 Menstrual Myths Revealed

2010-08-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Find out if girlfriends’ cycles really align, cramps are genetic and more

By Stacey Colino Posted August 06, 2010 from Woman's Day September 2010

By now you’ve probably heard a lot of different things about your period. While some are clearly old wives’ tales, others can be trickier to decipher. Whether you’re wondering if it’s safe to skip the Pill’s placebos or if women in close proximity really do sync up their cycles, we’ve called in the experts to get to the bottom of some of the biggest menstruation myths out there.

1. Your hormones shift every seven years? There’s no such timetable. Your hormones are always shifting because that’s what happens throughout the monthly cycle itself. But big-picture changes are also always going on. “Women’s hormones are always shifting because the ovarian reserve [the supply of remaining eggs] gets lower and lower as we age,” Nanette Santoro, MD, professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado at Denver. The number of eggs in your ovaries in turn affects hormone levels. Specifically, as the number of eggs shrinks, levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)—which helps prompt ovulation—go up. And this can cause your periods to go out of whack.

2. Women who live together often get their periods around the same time? Yes, and it has to do with pheromones, odorless chemicals that women produce and release. The theory is that our bodies detect and respond to the pheromones of the women around us, and gradually this creates a synchronicity of menstrual cycles. Strangely primitive, but true!

3. You can’t get pregnant during your period? It’s unlikely, but not totally impossible. Sperm can, in rare instances, wait for an egg for up to a week. If you have a very short or long cycle, ovulation can happen soon after, or even during, the bleeding phase, which gives sperm the chance to get lucky.

4. It’s not safe to take the Pill without a break? Not true. If you’ve been getting your period regularly and you don’t want to, it’s fine to skip it by taking the Pill continuously (no seven-day gaps). Because the Pill contains progesterone-like hormones, it prevents the growth of the uterine lining, so there’s no buildup and no lining to be shed. That’s why you won’t get a period “There is no need healthwise to physically get a period,” Dr. Santoro says. What is dangerous is if the lining of your uterus builds up and doesn’t shed, since this can put you at risk for a buildup of precancerous cells. So if you’re not getting periods and you’re not on the Pill, menstruation should be induced at least every three months, says Sharon Mass, MD, a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UMDNJ in Newark, New Jersey.

5. Men can get PMS? No. Men do have their own hormonal rhythms, but not monthly ones like women’s. And “their hormones don’t fluctuate significantly until they begin to lose testosterone in their 60s,” says Michele Curtis, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Houston Medical School.

6. If your mother got severe menstrual cramps, you’re likely to get them, too? Possibly. Doctors say they have seen a generational link, but it isn’t clear whether it’s conditioning, genetics or both. For some women, “it may have to do with attitude and expectations,” says Dr. Curtis. So if you grew up hearing your mother complain about cramps and saw her spend days in bed during her period, you might be more attuned to menstrual pain yourself. But there’s no question: “For some women, severe cramping can be very debilitating,” says Dr. Curtis. “It’s almost like they’re going through labor every month.” If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about taking oral contraceptives (they can make your periods lighter and less crampy since they stop the uterine lining from getting so thick) or prescription-strength pain relievers.

Open Arms Consultants Welcomes TWINS!

2010-08-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Our Wonderful First Time Gestational Carrier,Trina, gave birth to twins on August 11th for her Canadian Intended Parents! We all give a warm welcome to: Sean (7.1lbs,20') and Shawntell (6.9LBS, 19.5') via c-section. Congratulations to EVERYONE and We wish you all the best!

Mrs. Souad Dreyfus and Staff
Open Arms Consultants. Inc
5620 Tara Blvd. Suite 201
Bradenton, Florida 34203
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com

5 Questions for Souad Dreyfuss on Surrogacy

2010-08-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

5 Questions......

“We have clients from Portugal"

SOUAD DREYFUSS

Director of Open Arms Consultants

*What kind of people search for your agency?

We have clients from all over the world including Intended Parents from Portugal, Norway and Denmark. In these countries, surrogacy is illegal and, therefore, these people come to us for help.

*Is it possible for your clients to remain isolated from the surrogate mother?

I don't believe in anonymous surrogacy and I don't think it should be offered if the surrogate mother is carrying your baby for nine months, you should knoweverything about her and vice versa. You should be involved as: attendthe embryo transfer, the first ultrasound, the OB visits and, of course, thingsare different when talking about international couples. We always follow up and keep close contact with surrogate mother on behalf of the intended parents, keeping them informed via phone, e-mails, pictures and videos.

*Is it possible to stop the process at any time?

Before the pregnancy takes place, yes, it is possible to stop the process. Once the surrogate mother becomes pregnant, then, it is a little harder. Special health circumstances imply in an abortion. Once one commits to the process and becomes pregnant, it must be carried out to the end.

*Are many single people that resort to this process? Why?

Yes, there are many single fathers and mothers with emotional and financial stability who resort to this method of conception, as they are tired of circumstantial dates, that have no yet found the ideal partner, or that simply do not wish to be married just to have a child.

*How much does this process cost?

The whole process can reach up to €100.000. The amount can vary if the parents are from abroad.

(This article was run in the News Diary on July 7th, 2010. It was originally in Portuguese and has been translated into English.)

Happy Independence Day from All of Us at Open Arms Consultants!

2010-07-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

Americanism means the virtues of courage, honor, justice, truth, sincerity, and hardihood -- the virtues that made America. ~ Teddy Roosevelt

Open Arms Has a NEW Addition!!

2010-06-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

Help Us Welcome: Baby Agnes was born today 06/23 at 10:34 a.m. EST weighing 7 lbs, 2 oz and is 20 inches long...Congratulations to our beautiful Gestational Carrier Cynthia and her intended parents Maria & Henrik. We are thrilled that we could help you achieve your dreams!

Thank YOU!

Souad Dreyfus

5620 Tara Blvd. Suite#201
Bradenton, Florida 34203
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com
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Welcome Baby Jay!! Born June 8th and Doing Great!

2010-06-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

Baby Jay is here!!!! Congratulations to our beautiful Gestational Carrier, Pam and her Intended Parents. The baby was born 06/08 at 11:42 CST weighing 7lbs, 3oz and is 20.5 inches long...so much to celebrate!!! THANK YOU!!!

Open Arms is so proud of you, Pam and we Thank You for all you have done to make this special occasion so memorable! You are the best!

Help Us Welcome Baby Hallie to the Open Arms Family!!

2010-06-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

Tonya (picture left before she delivered) was a Gestational Carrier once before and delivered twins for her previous IPs. She delivered a baby girl on June 5th at 2:54am after 19 hours of labor via C-Section. Baby Hallie weighed 8lbs, 2oz & was 20 1/2'' long. Everyone is doing great!

Thank you SO much, Tonya, for being a Open Arms Angel! What you did for your Intended Parents is unforgettable and truly appreciated!

Welcome Our New Open Arms Consultants Baby Girl....Arrived June 4th!

2010-06-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

First time Gestational Carrier Andrea (picture right) delivered via c-section on 06/04 at 1:17pm: baby girl Alexandra who weighed 6lbs, 3oz & was 18'' long.

Many thanks to our Open Arms Angel, Andrea! You did a wonderful job and we so appreciate your time and dedication!

<----Souad and baby Alexandra

Open Arms Announces the Arrival of Baby Ian!

2010-06-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Baby Ian arrived on May 26th 2010 and weighed 6 lbs, 13 oz thanks to the wonderful care of Mallory, Ian's Gestational Carrier.

Thank you Mallory for all of your dedication to your Intended Parents and your loving care throughout your surrogacy. You are a true angel!

Reminder! Orlando RESOLVE Meeting June 8th! Special Topic: Third Party Reproduction

2010-06-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Please join Souad Dreyfus of Open Arms Consultants and other special guest speakers and learn all about Third Party Reproduction including:
*How to choose an egg donor
*How to find/choose a surrogate
*Legal issues regarding both egg donation and surrogacy
*Medical issues/specifics regarding egg donation and surrogacy
And more!
Location: Dr. P Phillips Hospital, 9400 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819. The room is conference room A which is immediately inside the main entrance. Parking is free in the garage.
For more information or to RSVP please contact Susanna at resolveofcentralflorida@gmail.com.
Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

RESOLVE: Peer-led Support Groups are informal opportunities for women and men experiencing infertility to connect with one another, to discuss their situations and to receive support from others who have had similar experiences or who are struggling with similar issues. Group moderators are volunteers and are not mental health professionals. Attendance is free.

You Are Invited! Souad Dreyfus Will be Speaking at RESOLVE in Orlando June 8th, 2010

2010-06-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Special RESOLVE Topic: Third Party Reproduction

Special guest speakers, including Souad Dreyfus of Open Arms Consultants, will address:
~How to choose an egg donor
~How to find/choose a surrogate
~Legal issues regarding both egg donation and surrogacy
~Medical issues/specifics regarding egg donation and surrogacy
And more!

Location: Dr. P Phillips Hospital, 9400 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819. The room is conference room A which is immediately inside the main entrance. Parking is free in the garage.

For more information or to RSVP please contact Susanna at resolveofcentralflorida@gmail.com.
Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Happy Memorial Day from All of Us at Open Arms Consultants

2010-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

And I'm proud to be an American,where at least I know I'm free.And I won't forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.~Lee Greenwood

Mrs. Souad Dreyfus
Managing Director
Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
Please note our new address
5620 Tara Blvd. Suite 201
Bradenton, Florida 34203
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com
Please join us!
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http://twitter.com/SouadDreyfus Twitter

Stretching when Expecting and Beyond: Yoga Safety for Moms-to-Be

2010-05-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

Our Open Arms Gestational Carriers often ask what is a safe yet effective exercise to do while pregnant. After consulting with their OB's, yoga is often suggested. Please read below for some great advice regarding yoga and pregnancy!

Note: Always ask your doctor before starting any exercise routine!

Souad

Perfect for mind and body rejuvenation, yoga uses meditation and aligning movements to encourage fitness and relaxation. This low-impact fitness alternative allows pregnant women to continue an exercise regimen without putting strain on their heart or harming the baby. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the rewards of basic yoga outweigh the potential physical risks, as long as you take caution and perform the exercises in moderation, according to your individual flexibility level. Executing yoga positions properly is important, especially when pregnant or after giving birth.

“Women who are expecting can benefit greatly from exercise, especially yoga—they just need to be aware of their limitations,” said orthopaedic surgeon and mom-to-be, Rachel Rohde, MD. “A pregnant woman’s body goes through a lot of changes that will alter the way she practices yoga, whether she is a veteran or a beginner.”

Maternal stretching and meditation for expecting mothers gives women an option to be comfortable and healthy during their pregnancy. Yoga is an excellent choice for maintaining strength and flexibility, focusing on breathing techniques, and continued relaxation. Pregnant women and yoga-enthusiasts alike also need to practice yoga properly to avoid muscle or joint injury, especially if weight is not distributed properly or the body feels overworked.

“One of the best aspects of yoga is being in control of your body and having the ability to do each movement at your own pace. Poses like ‘downward dog’ that require a lot of pressure on the palm can increase carpal tunnel symptoms by pressing on a major nerve; if you get numbness in your fingers while in one of these positions, move so that the weight is not resting on your hands,” said Rohde. “If you are unable to move into a difficult position, you always have the option to get into a resting pose if experiencing pain.”

*According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2008, more than 5,500 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries related to yoga.

*Common yoga injuries include straining and overstretching of the neck, shoulders, spine, legs and knees.

To reduce yoga-related injuries, the AAOS recommends the following:

*Speak to your doctor before participating in yoga or other exercise during pregnancy. Your doctor may advise you to limit your maximum heart rate during activity at this time.

*Work with a qualified yoga instructor. Ask about his or her experience and credentials. If you choose to use a yoga DVD at home, look for one that comes highly recommended by your physician or other reliable sources.

*Warm up thoroughly before a yoga session--cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. Make sure you cool down as well to relax your muscles and restore your resting heart rate and breathing rhythm.

*Wear appropriate clothing that allows for proper movement. Today, maternity yoga pants are readily available.

*Beginners should start slowly and learn the basics first, focusing on breathing rather than trying to stretch too far. The purpose of this is to make you and baby feel comfortable, strong, and relaxed, not to "win the race."

*If you are unsure of a pose or movement, ask questions. As you enter the third trimester, you will want to focus on poses performed while standing, kneeling, or on your side. Avoid lying on your belly or back, doing backbends, or attempting balance poses on one leg.

Know your limits. Do not try positions beyond your experience or comfort level.

*Learn what type of yoga you are performing. There are many different forms of yoga, some more strenuous than others. Most poses can be modified to be safer and more comfortable during pregnancy.

*It is important to learn which type of yoga will best suit your needs. If pregnant, enrolling in a prenatal yoga class is ideal. If that is not an option, talk to the instructor about your pregnancy and any known "trouble areas" before starting the class.

*It is particularly important for pregnant participants to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

*If pregnant, avoid Bikram or "hot” yoga, which can raise your (and the baby's) body temperature too high.

*Listen to your body. If you experience pain or exhaustion while participating in yoga, stop or take a break. If pain persists, speak with a physician.

Open Arms Consultants Attended the 2010 Resolve Family Building Conference in Atlanta GA

2010-05-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Souad Dreyfus of Open Arms Consultants attended the 2010 Resolve Family Building Conference in Atlanta GA on May 1st. Open Arms had a booth and spoke to many Intended Parents regarding the surrogacy and egg donation process. Other topics that were addressed at the conference were about the newest cutting-edge treatments in the medical field, including the latest treatments for male infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, recurrent pregnancy loss and egg freezing for fertility preservation from top experts in the reproductive endocrinology and infertility field. There were also experts who helped in getting attendees started on the adoption path, navigate the ins and outs of domestic and international adoption and learn about the home study process. Attorneys practicing in the infertility field of medicine made the attendees aware of the laws in this area and how they may affect their family building decisions. A parent panel discussed the realities of families built through different paths: adoption, using a gestational carrier, IVF, IVF with donated eggs and embryo donation. There was also a portion of the conference dedicated to the mind-body connection with complementary treatments and how to strengthen healthy relationships during this time of stress. Budgeting for Infertility author, Dr. Evelina Sterling was on hand to provide tips on how to afford IVF treatments or adoption and the Keynote address was given by author/researcher, Dawn Davenport, winner of the 2009 Congressional Coalition on Adoption’s “Angels in Adoption Award” and Department of Health and Human Services “Excellence in Adoption Award” and founder of Creating a Family.

Open Arms Consultants NEW ADDRESS

2010-05-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce the relocation of Open Arms Consultants offices to:

5620 Tara Blvd. Suite 201
Bradenton, Florida 34203

Please Update Your Address Books!

Phone 941-741-4994 and fax: 941-744-1942
remain unchanged

Mrs. Souad Dreyfus
Managing Director
Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.

http://www.openarmsconsultants.com/

Please join us!
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Question on Surrogacy : Why does a woman have to have her own baby before she is accepted into a surrogacy program?

2010-03-26T01:25:00.000-07:00

A: No matter how healthy and young and ready a woman is to become a Traditional Surrogate or Gestational Carrier she must have first experienced her own pregnancy, labor and birth. This cycle of life actually prepares a woman for surrogacy. She knows that she, herself, is not infertile, she knows that she can carry a pregnancy to term with no major complications, she knows how it feels to have a baby move inside her and how she reacts to her growing and changing body and she knows what it feels like to give birth....that joy and yes, pain. She also is well aware of the value of her gift to another couple because, as a mother, she is experiencing what others can't, having the love of a child and being a parent.

Souad Dreyfus

Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com
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Happy St. Patrick's Day from Open Arms

2010-03-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

We wish all of our Intended Parents, Surrogates and Egg Donors a Very Happy St. Patrick's Day!

From all of us at Open Arms Consultants

Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
3412, Clark Road. #100
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942

The Untold Costs of Endometriosis by Jennifer Austin

2010-03-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to put a price tag on any one disease. The added costs of medication, doctors visits and surgeries only begin to hint at the kind of hefty figure that obesity or heart disease, for example, costs the health care industry and government per year. Add to that societal impacts and opportunity costs, and you've got yourself a very complicated math equation.

Perhaps it is for this reason alone--complexity--that these financial work-ups are hard to come by. This is definitely the case with endometriosis.

A disease of abnormal uterine tissue growth, endometriosis affects roughly one in ten women in the U.S. It is so prevalent and troublesome of a disease that the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center cites it as one of the most common causes of infertility in reproductive-aged women, causing anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of all infertility cases.

It would make sense then that a disease so commonly encountered by physicians would be well-researched, with solid long-term treatment options. This however, is not the case. Like with many other prevalent diseases (other than perhaps diabetes, heart disease, and several cancers), endometriosis research receives little government funding. It's not because the government doesn't care. It's because the health care industry is a giant vacuum of resources, sucking up limited funds, often irresponsibly.

All of this might soon change. Senators are still working hard to pass a health care reform bill and private organizations, like the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) have started taking matters into their own hands.

Last August, WERF assembled an international consortium of researchers to assess the true costs of endometriosis. Their project, "EndoCost" was a combination prospective and retrospective study that used prior limited assessments of endometriosis related costs to calculate direct and indirect costs from a societal perspective. The five-month study wrapped at the end of last year and results are expected to surface by mid 2010.

If the study is anything like previous short-term assessments, endometriosis will surface as a larger money burner than both Crohn's disease (a debilitating inflammatory bowel condition) and migraines. Including annual health care costs and the costs of productivity loss in those afflicted by the disease, endometriosis will likely run $2801 per patient per year. This adds up to $22 billion per year assuming a 10 percent prevalence in the U.S. population.

The consortium however, has not yet released its official data, meaning that the values listed above (projections from a 2007 study in the journal, Human Reproduction) could be over, or even worse, underestimated. With health insurance premiums rising exponentially over the last decade, the latter is more likely true.

(NOTE: The WERF consortium includes major universities in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, the Netherlands, and the U.S. (the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Wisconsin-Madison).
SOURCES:http://www.endometriosisfoundation.org/endocost.php
http://www.endometriosis.org/cost_of_endometriosis.html
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/medical_services/womens_health/fertility...

Jennifer Austin is a medical journalist and 4th year medical student applying to residency in Ob/Gyn. She received her M.S. in Journalism from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and her B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Davis. Please visit her site at http://www.docjenn.wordpress.com/ This article can also be found on EmpowHer.com.

Open Arms Consultants Announces its Newest Addition!

2010-02-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

OPEN ARMS CONSULTANTS Announces it's newest addition: A Healthy Baby Boy born February 22nd, 2010 via C-section!!

Congratulations to B&N on your new bundle of Joy!

Thank you to our Open Arms Angel, April, for all that you have done to help create a new member of B & N's family! We all appreciate your hard work and dedication!

Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
3412, Clark Road. #100
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com
Please join us!
http://profile.to/souaddreyfus/ Facebook
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Check out OAC Blog:
http://openarmsconsultantsblogspot.com/

Souad Dreyfus Speaks at RESOLVE

2010-02-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Souad Dreyfus had the pleasure of speaking at a Resolve meeting on January 13th. The topics of discussion revolved around all aspects of Egg Donation including how to select a donor, what to expect when going through an egg and/or sperm donation cycle and how to deal with the emotional distress that might be experienced when using someone else's genetics to conceive a child. Open Arms believes that support groups, like RESOLVE, are so important when going through the Third Party Reproduction Process!

If you are interested in having Souad speak at your Support Group, Seminar or Conference regarding Surrogacy or Egg Donation, please call the number below.

Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
3412, Clark Road. #100
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
http://www.openarmsconsultants.com/

Another Open Arms Birth! A Beautiful Baby Girl....

2010-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

A huge congratulations to Jennifer and her Intended Parents on the birth of a beautiful baby girl born on January 16th, 2010. She was 8 pounds, 14 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long!

Thank you for being one of our Open Arms Angels! We all appreciate all you have done to bring this precious gift into the world!

Happy Valentines Day from Open Arms Consultants

2010-02-14T01:11:00.000-08:00

To all of our Open Arms Angels and Intended Parents: A Very HAPPY Valentines Day!
From all of us at Open Arms Consultants!

Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
3412, Clark Road. #100
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com

The First Open Arms Consultants Baby Boy of 2010!

2010-02-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much Kristy! She delivered a baby boy for an international couple (China) on 01/08/10: He was 7lbs, 15oz and 18 1/2 inches long!

You have made all the difference to your Intended Parents, Kristy! Thank you and Congratulations to the new Mom and Dad!

All our best,

Open Arms Consultants

Open Arms Consultants will be attending the Art of Donor Oocytes

2010-02-09T17:14:00.001-08:00

Once again Open Arms Consultants will be attending the Art of Donor Oocytes held on Feburary 25th through the 28th at the Charleston Place Hotel in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. The symposium will focus on the technology of oocyte donation and third party reproduction in assisted reproductive technology. A nationally recognized faculty will address the needs of reproductive endocrinologists, fellows, residents, laboratory professionals, nurses and mental health professionals in this rapidly expanding segment of in-vitro fertilization. If you would like to meet with me, Souad Dreyfus, please give me a call and lets set up an appointment!

Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
3412, Clark Road. #100
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
http://www.openarmsconsultants.com/

Happy 2009 from Open Arms Consultants!

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a very happy New Year from Open Arms Consultants! Wishing you all the best! May all your dreams come true!

~Souad Dreyfus~

www.openarmsconsultants.com

Happy Holidays From Open Arms Consultants

2009-12-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Open Arms Consultants!

We wish you all the very best!

~Souad Dreyfus~

Its been a busy Baby Month at Open Arms Consultants!

2009-12-23T01:38:00.000-08:00

Open Arms Consultants has had a VERY busy December! Thank you to all of our Gestational Surrogate Angels and Congratulations to their Intended Parents! This year the holidays will be especially blessed because of the three Gestational Surrogates listed below and for the many others who delivered through out 2009! We Thank YOU!

Quiana delivered triplet boys on 11/2/09

Nicole Delivered a baby girl on 12/15

Rachel Delivered a baby girl on 12/12

Thank you ALL for being an ANGEL and doing such a wonderful job! You are APPRECIATED for all of your hard work and dedication!

Be Blessed!
Souad and everyone a Open Arms Consultants

3412, Clark Road. #100
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com

Open Arms Consultants owner Souad Dreyfus Thanks C.L.A.R.A. for a Rewarding Experience

2009-12-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank Sylvie and Dominique founders of C.L.A.R.A.(Comité de soutien pour la Légalisation de la GPA (Gestation Pour Autrui) et l'Aide à la Reproduction Assistée) for giving Open Arms Consultants the opportunity to be part of this wonderful conference held in Paris on November 14th. I had a chance to meet so many Intended Parents seeking parenthood through Gestational Surrogacy and/or Egg Donation. I listened to stories about their attempts at pregnancy, failures and hopes for the future...it was a wonderful rewarding experience and Open Arms can't wait to be part of it next year!

For those of you not aware of the The Comité de Soutien pour la Légalisation de la GPA et l’Aide à la Reproduction Assistée (C.L.A.R.A.) Symposium held in Paris last month, I am here to say it was a wonderful success! Discussed were the latest developments in the field of Surrogacy and Gamete donation as well as how to insure the children born of "GPA" are recognized along with what access to information of birth for children born by "GPA" and concerns regarding Traditional Surrogacy among other concerns. Legal, psychological and clinical issues were also discussed with infertility professionals from France, Canada, Greece, Great Britain, Belgium, and the United States of America.

Thank you again Sylvie and Dominique!

Souad Dreyfus

Open Arms Consultants Welcomes Baby Morgen Elise

2009-12-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Open Arms Consultants wants to say congratulations to Doug, Sherry and their Gestational Carrier Karen. Baby Morgen Elise was born at 3:53 PM Dec 5, 2009 via C-Section...everyone is doing well.

Thank you, Karen, for being such a wonderful Open Arms Angel! You are appreciated for all you have done!

Best wishes to all!
Souad Dreyfus and everyone here at Open Arms Consultants!

Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
3412, Clark Road. #100
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com

Highlights from ASRM 09: Fertility Preservation Decision Making in Cancer Patients

2009-12-08T01:02:00.000-08:00

Although I wasn't able to attend the ASRM conference this year I wanted to pass along some great information that was posted shortly after the meeting. ~Souad

Atlanta, GA- New research presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (October 28th) highlighted the obstacles facing patients as they make decisions about preserving their reproductive options.

Investigators from Brown University used focus groups to explore the feelings of breast cancer patients about fertility preservation. They found that four main themes emerged for these patients: 1) costs, including time, money and emotional costs, 2) safety of the patient and any offspring, 3) prospects for successful treatment, and 4) having sufficient time to process information about fertility preservation.

Researchers at New York University used a more quantitative methodology to examine similar questions. They enrolled 16 patients in a registry, 11 of whom sought fertility preservation treatments. They found 10 of the 16 felt having a child was the most important thing in their lives. Eleven of them were concerned about the impact of their cancer treatment on their fertility. And 11 were unsure about the level of risks they would undertake to achieve their reproductive goals.

Physicians and nurses have important roles to play in counseling cancer patients about their reproductive options. A team from New York examined the current perceptions and practices of oncology nurses. Using an on-line survey, they found that nurses who were knowledgeable about fertility preservation were more than twice as likely to discus the impact of cancer treatments with their patients. More than 90% of the nurses reported that having guidelines would facilitate better discussion of reproductive issues with their patients.

Physicians’ attitudes about the potential for posthumous parenting were explored by a team from Tampa, Florida. They found a slim majority (50.5%) reported not having a view about posthumous parenting, and only 13% supported it. However, less than a quarter (22.8%) agreed with the statement “Patients with poor prognosis should not pursue fertility preservation.”

“As fertility preservation options for cancer patients continue to improve, the demands for quality information sharing between patients and their doctors and nurses must continue to improve, as well,” said R. Dale McClure, MD, President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

ASRM Issues New Guidelines: Further tightening of embryo transfer guidelines

2009-11-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Atlanta, GA – The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) today (October 26th) released newly revised guidelines on the number of embryos to transfer during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. The guidelines, part of an ongoing effort to reduce the number of multiple births following fertility treatments, were changed in two important ways:

The guidelines now make clear that while exceptions may be allowable for patients with a less favorable prognosis, those exceptions are quite limited. Specifically, regardless of prognosis, only one more embryo than called for in the guidelines should be transferred. The patient must be counseled on the risks of a multi-fetal pregnancy, and both the exception from the guidelines and counseling should be documented in the patient’s medical record.

The fact that the number of embryos transferred is the same for fresh or frozen embryos is now made explicit in the document, as well.

The ASRM first published embryo transfer guidelines more than a decade ago and has seen a reduction of nearly 60% in the number of high order multiple births as a result. This revision is the latest effort to continue to address this problem.

“It is clear that these guidelines have a terrific impact on clinical practice. Over the years we have seen a reduction in the number of high order multiple births while maintaining strong success rates. This latest revision is our most recent effort to help our members provide their patients with the best, safest care possible,” said R. Dale McClure, MD, President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Open Arms Wishes YOU a very Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T01:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at OPEN ARMS CONSULTANTS!!

We are very thankful to each and everyone of you. Thank you for being a part of Open Arms!

Souad Dreyfus

Alcohol reduces IVF success By Ben Jones

2009-11-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Now this shouldn't be new news, however, it's always good to be reminded!
~Souad

A study conducted by researchers at the Harvard Medical School, US, has suggested that consumption of alcohol may be detrimental to chances of success in IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment. Consumption of just six units of alcohol a week by both partners reduced the probability of conception by 26 per cent. The study particularly singled out apparent detrimental effects to drinking white wine in women and drinking beer for the male partners. In those women whose partner drank beer daily, a 30 per cent decrease in the chance of having a baby was identified.

The study, presented at the annual conference of the American Society for Assisted Reproduction (ASRM) in Atlanta, questioned 574 couples who underwent more than 5,300 cycles of IVF. Of these, half of the women questioned drank less than one alcoholic drink a week. The leader of the study, Dr Brooke Rossi, said of the findings that 'there are many factors why IVF fails and most of these patients have no control over. But how much they drink is something that they can change.'

The President of the UK's Royal College of Physicians, Professor Ian Gilmore, who is also Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, commented on the study: 'Emerging results from this large cohort of couples undergoing IVF underline the pervasive dangers of alcohol in relation to conception and pregnancy. They lend weight to the importance of giving clear and unambiguous advice to women who are pregnant, or hoping to become so, that they should avoid drinking alcohol. If there are difficulties in achieving conception this advice should apply to their partners as well.

The finding provides further evidence that drinking alcohol may make it harder to conceive for couples even without a specific fertility issue. As Tony Rutherford, President of the British Fertility Society, told the press: 'For any lifestyle factor that affects IVF, it would be unusual for it not to also have an impact on couples trying naturally for a baby.' He added that 'these findings probably reinforce 'good practice' advice to drink no more than one or two drinks a week if you are worried about having a healthy baby. But it may be that if you are trying for a baby with IVF and want to maximise your chances of success, you may want to 'play safe' and not drink at all.' It appears from this study that this advice may apply to both partners.

Relaxation helps the success of IVF By: Will Fletcher

2009-11-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Reducing stress may increase fertility, a new study suggests. At a fertility centre in Boston, US, some women took part in a stress management program in parallel with their IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment whilst others did not. It was found that the program had no effect on how many women conceived at the first try. However, women who failed at the first attempt and were trying to get pregnant a second time, whilst using the stress management techniques,experienced a 160 per cent greater pregnancy rate than those receiving IVF treatment alone. These new findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in Atlanta in October.

'Reproductive health experts have long wondered about the impact that stress may have on fertility, thus impeding a woman's ability to conceive,' said Alice Domar, of the Harvard Medical School, who runs the Boston fertility clinic. 'This study shows that stress management may improve pregnancy rates, minimizing the stress of fertility management itself, improving the success rates of IVF procedures, and ultimately, helping to alleviate the emotional burden for women who are facing challenges trying to conceive,' she added.

Domar and her colleagues randomly designated which of 97 of her patients would participate in a 10-session 'mind/body' program whilst undergoing IVF treatment. The program included relaxation training, cognitive-behavioural strategies and group support sessions. Of the women in the programme, 43 per cent became pregnant at the first attempt, with the additional stress management scheme having no effect. However, those that failed the first time and attempted a second round of IVF treatment apparently benefited from the stress management - with 52 per cent of the mind/body participants falling pregnant versus only 20 per cent of those who did not. The pregnancy rate jumped to 67 per cent for those women that took part in the program and exhibited 'higher baseline symptoms of depression' at the beginning of the study.

'It's clear based on this carefully designed study, that a holistic approach to infertility care leads to better outcomes for patients,' concluded Dr R Dale McClure, president of the ASRM.

IVF insurance coverage yields fewer multiple births, Yale researchers find

2009-11-08T01:40:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting study regarding IVF and Insurance issues. I thought I would post it here for you to read and comment on.
~Souad

By Karen N. Peartkaren.peart@yale.edu203-432-1326Yale University

The proportion of in vitro fertilization (IVF) multiple births was lower in the eight states that provide insurance coverage for couples seeking IVF treatment, primarily due to fewer embryos transferred per cycle, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in an abstract presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, October 17-21.

IVF remains an expensive treatment option for those with infertility, and many cannot afford it. A course of treatment averages about $9,500 dollars, not including medication. As of 2006, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island mandated full insurance coverage for IVF, while another seven states provide infertility coverage, but not for IVF.

J. Ryan Martin, M.D., a researcher in Yale's Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, and Pasquale Patrizio, M.D., director of the Yale Fertility Center, studied whether insurance coverage affected the outcome in IVF. Using data submitted to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, they analyzed outcomes on women aged 35 and younger who underwent IVF. Outcomes from IVF-insurance-mandated states were compared to outcomes from states without such a mandate.

In states without insurance coverage for IVF, the number of live births per cycle and multiple births were significantly higher, likely due to the higher number of embryos being transferred. Patrizio said that in states without coverage for IVF, the higher rate of multiple births ultimately means higher costs for couples, insurance companies, and society at large due to the higher pregnancy rate and birth complications.

"These results suggest that when couples bear the expense of IVF, physicians might feel pressure to transfer more embryos," said Patrizio. "This highlights the delicate balance a physician must strike between obtaining a positive reproductive outcome and avoiding higher order multiple births."

He added, "These results should encourage insurances to provide IVF coverage because it may lower the rate of multiple births, promotes maternal fetal health and is cost-effective in the long run. The lack of IVF coverage in the majority of states also deprives many infertile couples access to effective treatment."

For Obese, Weight Gained in Pregnancy May Not Leave

2009-11-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share this with you...all comments are welcome! Have a great week!
~Souad

Overweight women have tougher time shedding those excess pounds, study finds

By Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter

Obese women who gain more than 15 pounds during pregnancy tend to retain much of it long after delivery, a new U.S. study finds.

Oregon researchers collected data on almost 1,700 obese women (their body mass index was 30 or higher) who gave birth between 2000 and 2005.

"We found that 70 percent of the women were exceeding the recommended weight gain for women in their weight category," said researcher Victor J. Stevens, a senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research. What's more, "these women had a lot of difficulty losing that weight, and on average retained 40 percent of it [a year later]," he said.

"That's a concern as they are already heavy enough to have health problems related to their weight, and retaining significant weight gain after pregnancy just makes it worse," Stevens said.
For an obese woman, gaining too much weight during pregnancy also increases the risk of complications, such as diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, bigger babies, C-sections and birthing injuries.

The research was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and appears in the November issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

In the study, Stevens' team noted the women's starting weight (between six months before conception and 12 weeks after conception), delivery weight and their later weight at eight and 18 months after giving birth.

The researchers defined excess weight gain as more than 15 pounds.
Women who gained 15 to 25 pounds were twice as likely to retain 10 pounds of that weight over the next year and a half, compared to women who had less weight gain. Those who packed on more than 35 pounds were almost eight-times more likely to retain 10 pounds of that extra bulk, the team found.

Younger women and first-time mothers were most likely to put on too much weight, the researchers note.

"We would like to see better services for women to help them manage their weight gain during pregnancy," Stevens said.

Other experts agreed.

Samantha Heller, a registered dietitian, clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist in Fairfield, Conn., said for anyone who is already overweight or obese when she gets pregnant, "it is going to be even more difficult to lose the post-pregnancy weight."

But moms-to-be should not diet during pregnancy, she said. "We don't want a study like this to scare people into doing that. What we want people to do is eat carefully and healthfully when they are pregnant, but not overeat."

Nor should new mothers try to lose the extra weight during the first few months after delivery, Heller said.

"The women are exhausted, their body is still going through huge changes," she said. "If they are breast-feeding, we don't want them restricting calories at a high level, because they need those extra calories to produce breast milk."

Because it is so difficult for many women to control weight gain during and after pregnancy, Heller believes they need more support and education.

To control weight gain during pregnancy, Kaiser Permanente offers these tips:

Watch your diet. Each day have 8 to 12 servings of fruits and vegetables, 3 servings of low-fat dairy, 5 to 9 ounces of protein-rich foods, 6 to 10 servings of whole grains and 3 to 7 teaspoons of fats, such as olive oil and nuts.

Eat regular meals and small healthy snacks between meals.

Cut fat to less than 30 percent of your calories.

Cut back on sweets and sugary drinks.

Keep a food diary to check for nutritional adequacy and portion management.

Have only 100 to 300 calories a day more than you had before you became pregnant.

Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. If you don't exercise, ask your doctor how to start an exercise program.

Tips for the Cold and Flu Season

2009-10-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

The Cold and Flu season is officially here and as important as it is for ALL of us to be healthy, if you are a surrogate or egg donor you NEED to make sure that you are in tip top condition. Read below for a few tips to help yourself and your family make it through the flu season!

Souad

Cold and Flu Season Survival Guide: 10 Easy Steps
by Janelle Sorensen'

Tis the season of sniffles, sneezes, fevers, and flu. And, this year brings an epidemic that has every parent on high alert. At my house, we're in the midst of virus cycle number one and I just pulled out the vaporizer for the first time of the season. As my daughter and I waited for the little engine to warm up after months of sitting idly in the basement, we spoke glumly about how much we despise the string of illness and misery fall and winter inevitably brings. This winter we are fighting back, and you can too. Keep your family in tip-top shape by following these easy tips.

1. Get plenty of Zzzzz

Studies show that sleep deprivation can make you more susceptible to illness by reducing the number of cells in your body dedicated to fighting things like microbes. The average adult needs about 6-8 hours of sleep. A newborn may need up to 18 hours a day, toddlers require 12 to 13 hours, and preschoolers need about 10 hours. If your child doesn't nap, try putting him or her to bed earlier.

2. Bust a family move

Exercising increases your sickness-fighting cells. Get the whole family in the habit of exercising together to improve your health and to enjoy some quality time together. Try walking, hiking, biking, yoga, or just crank up some fun music and have a dance-off.

3. Engage in germ warfare

Make sure everyone washes their hands often with soap. Ditch the antibacterials because research shows plain soap is just as effective. Sing the ABC's while vigorously lathering palms, between fingers, around nail beds, and the backs of hands. Pay particular attention to hand hygiene before and after each meal, after playing outside, using the bathroom, handling pets, blowing noses, and after being anywhere in public.

When you're out and about, carry non-toxic wipes or hand sanitizer with you for quick cleanups. Check out CleanWell's plant-based, biodegradable products, All Terrain Hand Sanz Fragrance Free Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer, or EO Hand Sanitizer.

If someone in the family gets sick, keep his toothbrush separate from everyone else's. Give it a good soak in boiling water or run it through the dishwasher after the illness isn't contagious anymore to get rid of any lingering germs or viruses.

Wash your hand towels in hot water every three or four days during cold and flu season.

Sneeze and cough into your arm or a tissue. Coughing into your hands puts the germs right where you can spread them to any object (or person) you touch.

4. Drink up

You have probably heard how important it is to drink plenty of fluids when you are ill, but it's just as important for preventing illness. Adequate hydration keeps the tissues of the respiratory system moist, which prevents microbes from settling in. Hydration also helps the immune system work properly. Opt for fresh, filtered water.

5. Air out

Open a window or two in your home just a crack for a few minutes each day. You'll let out indoor air pollutants that may be stressing your immune systems as well as chase away germs.

6. Keep it cool

An overheated home promotes dry air, the perfect environment for viruses to thrive. And when your mucous membranes (i.e., nose, mouth, and tonsils) dry out, they can't trap those germs very well. Lowering the heat in your house 5 degrees and using a room humidifier helps maintain a healthier level of humidity in the winter. Buy a hygrometer to measure humidity and keep your home at around 50 percent.

7. Relax

Declare a family time out each day. During these few minutes have everyone close their eyes, breathe deep, and think happy. Meditation reduces stress. Reduced stress means less susceptibility to illness.

8. Pump up with produce

Carrots, kiwis, raisins, green beans, oranges, strawberries: they all contain such immunity-boosting phytonutrients as vitamin C and carotenoids. Cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, are good sources of betacarotene and help protect against free-radical damage. They also contain vitamin C and calcium. Try to get your child to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day. Eat at least half of them raw and when you do cook them, be careful not to overcook. Overcooking destroys the immune enhancing properties. Learn more about feeding your immune system.

9. Go easy on the sweets

Sugar makes the body acidic, just the way pathogens like it (they thrive on sugar). So especially during cold and flu season, reduce sugar intake (that includes corn syrup and HFCS, as well).

10. Take a supplement

According to Dr. Alan Greene, "most kids today do NOT get the micronutrients they need from what they eat. Not by a long shot. By some estimates, only 2% of kids regularly eat the recommended number of servings of different food groups. A daily multivitamin/mineral is more than just a safety net for occasional nutritional shortages, it is an important tool to support healthy growth and a healthy life for your child." Talk to your physician about your child's specific nutritional needs and check out Dr. Greene's Nutritional Supplements.

Open Arms Consultants will be in Paris France Nov. 14, 2009 for the C.L.A.R.A. Symposium

2009-10-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Open Arms Consultants, Inc. Announces That Owner, Souad Dreyfus, and Robert Terenzio, Esquire of Reproductive Alternatives of Orlando, Florida Will Be In Attendance of The Comité de Soutien pour la Légalisation de la GPA et l’Aide à la Reproduction Assistée (C.L.A.R.A.) Symposium Located at the Town Hall of 11th Arrondissement of Paris (Salle des Fêtes)12 Place Léon Blum (metro Voltaire) 75011 Paris, France from 9 am to 6 PM on November 14th, 2009.

October 13th, 2009 -- Sarasota, Florida-- Open Arms Consultants, Inc. an Egg Donation and Surrogacy Agency located in Sarasota Florida, announced today that Souad Dreyfus, owner, along with Robert Terenzio, Reproductive Attorney, will be in Paris, France to participate in the C.L.A.R.A Symposium on November 11th, 2009. The event will take place in two stages, with presentations in the morning and Round Tables throughout the afternoon. In parallel, 'booths' with presentations will be kept outside the Chamber, throughout the day, so that couples may discuss in private with the representatives of the stands (agencies, clinical or other institutions relating to the Third Party Family Building). Discussions will include the latest developments in the field of Surrogacy and Gamete donation, How to insure the children born of "GPA" are recognized, What access to information of birth for children born by "GPA" and concerns regarding Traditional Surrogacy along with legal, psychological and clinical issues discussed with professionals from France, Canada, Greece, Great Britain, Belgium, and the United States of America.

Souad Dreyfus and Robert Terenzio will be available to answer any questions concerning traveling to the United States for assistance with building families using Third Party Reproduction. Please contact Mrs. Dreyfus and Mr. Terenzio via the information below if you are interested in setting up an appointment while they are in Paris.

About Open Arms Consultants: Open Arms Consultants is a Surrogacy and Egg Donation Agency located in Sarasota, Florida (USA) and is totally equipped to gently guide Intended Parents toward uniting with egg donors or surrogates. Open Arms works hand-in-hand with reputable fertility specialists, psychologists, and attorneys —each familiar with the complexities of Surrogacy and egg donation. Open Arms handles all services with determination, dedication, and the wisdom that comes with experience. Open Arms will coordinate every detail—screening potential donors, locating appealing surrogates, arranging introductions, coordinating medical services, arranging travel details—and adding emotional support and compassion at every step. Please contact Open Arms Consultants for more details: Email: info@openarmsconsultants.com or call: 941-741-4994.

About Robert Terenzio, Esquire. Mr. Terenzio is a United States attorney who practices exclusively in the area of assisted reproduction. Robert is a member of the Connecticut and Florida Bars, as well as the Family Law and Health Law Sections of the Florida Bar where he is seeking Board Certification. He is a member of the American Bar Association's Genetics and Reproduction Section, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and is the current Chairman of the Egg Donation and Surrogacy Professional Association. Robert can be reached at 407-992-6600 or info@reproductive-alternatives.

Open Arms celebrates a NEW BIRTH!

2009-10-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Open Arms celebrates a NEW BIRTH!

Congratulations Karen on your second completed surrogacy!
Open Arms Welcomes another baby girl born 09/25 at 6:59am, baby weighed: 4lbs, 12oz, and was 18'' long via C-section
Baby and Karen are doing fine!!!

(The couple choose to be left anonymous)

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), #6 Embryo Freezing

2009-09-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Embryo Freezing is very common as are frozen embryo transfers. Often times there are differences in success rates between a fresh transfer and a frozen transfer, however these are best discussed with your RE as statistics tend to change from clinic to clinic and can depend on the "freezing" technique.

Souad

Embryo freezing

Cryopreservation, also known as "freezing," involves storing embryos at a very low temperature so that they can be thawed and used later. Many fertility clinics now offer patients this option.

There are many reasons for using cryopreservation. It is often done when there are more embryos than are needed for a single (IVF) cycle. The extra embryos are saved and may be used during later cycles.

IVF success rates are generally lower with frozen embryos than with freshly fertilized embryos, although pregnancy rates with frozen embryos have been improving in recent years. The survival rate after thawing often depends on the quality of the embryos at the time of freezing.

Egg and ovarian tissue freezing are experimental techniques being investigated for fertility preservation for women. These techniques have the potential to be helpful for women with cancer, as chemotherapy and radiation treatment can often have a harmful effect on fertility. Egg and ovarian tissue freezing is still in the research stage at this time, and is not widely available at fertility clinics.

To learn more about cryopreservation and its potential uses, talk with your doctor or reproductive endocrinologist (RE).

Reference: Fertility LifeLinesTM

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) #5 PGD

2009-09-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

As this segment states below, PGD is used mostly with couples who have lost pregnancies due to a potential genetic disorder. In some cases "family balancing" has been the reason. (Sex selection) but that is not as common in the USA. This is yet another topic best discussed with your RE or clinic.

Souad

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique that can be used during in-vitro fertilization to test embryos for a variety of genetic disorders. PGD testing is done before the embryo is transferred to the uterus. This would allow you and your partner to decrease the risk of having a child with a serious inherited disorder.

When is PGD used?
PGD is generally used with couples who have lost pregnancies due to genetic disorders, who already have one child with a genetic problem, or who are carriers of a genetic disease. The procedure may detect Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia A, Tay-Sachs disease, and Turner syndrome, along with other disorders.

PGD is performed in the laboratory by removing a single cell from each embryo. This cell is then analyzed for the presence of a specific genetic disorder. Once a diagnosis is made, which usually takes about a day, only unaffected embryos are transferred back into a woman's uterus.

If you are considering PGD you should talk with your doctor about potential risks associated with this technique. Not all disorders can be detected with PGD. Furthermore, not all clinics in Canada utilize PGD resources.

To determine if you are a candidate for PGD, talk with your doctor or reproductive endocrinologist.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) #4 Donations

2009-09-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

There are several types of donations that can be available to patients looking to use Assisted Reproductive Technology in completing their family. Be sure to meet with your RE for recommendations for your individual needs.

Souad

Donation

There are several kinds of donation that may be used in assisted reproductive technologies.

Egg donation involves one woman (a donor) "donating" her eggs so that another woman (a recipient) might be able to conceive.

In egg donation, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is performed in the usual manner, with the donor receiving fertility medications to stimulate the production of multiple eggs in her ovaries. At the same time, the recipient may also receive medications so that her cycle mirrors the cycle of the donor and her body is prepared to receive the embryo. The egg is then fertilized in a laboratory and the embryos are implanted in the recipient's uterus.

Generally, egg donation may be an option for a woman if she:

is older and has not succeeded with other therapies
has reached menopause prematurely
may carry a genetic disorder that may have been determined through blood testing
has experienced unexplained and repeated miscarriages
has a sister or close friend who would be willing to act as an egg donor
The success rate for couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with egg donation - even when a woman is over age 40 - is approximately the same as the success rate of IVF in young women.

To learn more about egg donation, or to determine if you are an appropriate candidate, talk to your health care provider.

You and your partner may elect to use donated sperm if the male partner has no sperm or very poor quality sperm, if he has undergone previous radiation or chemotherapy treatment, or if he has a genetic disorder that might be inherited. Single women and same-sex couples who want a child will also use donor insemination. To learn more, talk with your doctor or reproductive endocrinologist (RE).

Embryo donation involves donor eggs that have been fertilized with sperm by the donor's partner or with donor sperm. Some women or couples who undergo IVF may choose to donate the fertilized embryos not used in their cycle. If it is a couple, consent by both parties must be given. The donated embryos are then transferred to the recipient's uterus.

Surrogacy involves one woman carrying a pregnancy for another woman. There are two types of surrogacy: gestational and traditional surrogacy.

Gestational surrogacy involves a woman carrying a pregnancy created by the egg and the sperm of two other people. For instance, in the case of a woman with functioning ovaries but with no (or a malformed) uterus, she and her partner may opt to use IVF, then have the resulting embryos transferred into a gestational surrogate.

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate undergoes IVF with her own eggs, which have been inseminated with the sperm from the male partner of an infertile couple. The female partner or couple must legally adopt the child after birth.

Emotional aspects of donation or surrogacy
Undergoing fertility treatments may be an emotional, frustrating process. Deciding whether or not to use donation or surrogacy can add another emotional layer to your relationship. For this reason, you and your partner may want to seek legal and psychological counselling before undertaking this procedure. There are many resources and organizations available to help.

In addition to emotional and psychological issues, there are often complicated legal issues surrounding donation and surrogacy. It's a good idea to consult an attorney knowledgeable in this area before proceeding with reproductive techniques involving a third party.

To determine if you are a candidate for donation or surrogacy, talk with your doctor.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) #3 Assisted Hatching

2009-09-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Assisted Hatching

Before implanting in the uterus, the embryo must emerge from its membrane (covering) in a process called "hatching." In some women, the membrane seems to harden, particularly as women age. This can interfere with the hatching process. In these cases, the embryo membrane can be thinned with a dilute acidic solution or laser prior to embryo transfer. This may help the hatching process, and increase the chances of pregnancy in older women or those who have not achieved pregnancy after several IVF cycles. Assisted hatching may also be done in some cases following cryopreservation and embryo thawing.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) #2 ICIS

2009-09-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

ICSI is more popular then you might guess in treating male factor infertility! Read below for more information.

Souad

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (pronounced "ICK-see") is a procedure used in conjunction with IVF in which a laboratory technician, using a microscope, attempts to inject a single sperm directly into each egg. To better understand the procedure and steps involved with ICSI, please refer to the steps outlining the IVF procedure, in the last post. The only difference with ICSI is during step three, fertilization. Rather than placing the eggs in a dish surrounded by many sperm, a single sperm is injected into each egg. ICSI is often used if the male partner has very low sperm count, low sperm motility, or poor quality sperm. If fertilization occurs after ICSI, the embryo may then be transferred into the uterus.

In some cases, the health care provider may use other advanced procedures to extract the sperm directly from a man's testicle or epididymis (a section of sperm duct at the back of the testicle).

The use of ICSI and these sperm extraction techniques has greatly improved the ability of reproductive endocrinologists to treat male factor infertility. However, these treatments are not effective for men who do not produce any sperm at all. In these cases, donor sperm would be necessary.

Fertilization of an egg with a single spermduring an ICSI procedure

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) Part #1 IVF

2009-08-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share an article from a Canadian news source what some might find as common knowledge but, for others, this is new information. If you are just starting out on your research for information on Assisted Reproductive Technology, stay tuned as I will be blogging about several educational issues involving ART.

Your comments and shared experiences are welcomed!

Souad

In-vitro fertilization, the most common ART procedure, is used to overcome a variety of fertility difficulties, particularly tubal problems and sperm deficiencies.

During IVF, medications are often used to help stimulate the development and release of a woman's eggs. The eggs and sperm are then collected and placed together in a laboratory dish to fertilize. If the eggs are successfully fertilized, embryos are then formed and start to divide and develop. Once those embryos reach a certain stage in their development, they are then transferred into a woman's uterus. Hopefully, one of the fertilized eggs will implant and develop just as in unassisted conception.

Stage 1: Ovarian stimulation, monitoring, and ovulation triggering

The goal of the first stage is to create a large number of mature follicles to increase the chances of fertilization. Since a woman's body normally releases one mature egg every month, a medication called a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) can be used to stimulate the ovaries to develop more follicles. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs in which eggs mature. Each follicle holds one egg. At the beginning of the cycle, each follicle is approximately 1 mm to 2 mm in diameter.

During this stage, you may also be prescribed other medications used to block, supplement, or even augment your body's natural hormonal cycle. Treatments are individualized and vary significantly. Your fertility specialist is the best person to talk to for more information.

During this stage, your fertility specialist may use ultrasound to monitor the number and size of maturing follicles in your ovaries. Blood tests may also be used to monitor hormone levels, which will help determine the best time to administer medication and to retrieve the eggs. Below is a diagram outlining one possible treatment protocol. Please remember that there are many different protocol options, so don't be concerned if you are doing something different. Your fertility specialist will pick the best protocol for you. See Figure 1 below.

Stage 2: Egg retrieval
In the second stage, another medication called a human choriogonadotropin is used to stimulate the release of mature eggs. Your fertility specialist will identify the mature follicles using ultrasound, and then, with a needle, withdraw as many eggs as possible from both ovaries. At this point, each follicle is approximately 16 mm to 20 mm in diameter. Figure 2 outlines this process, showing how the eggs are retrieved from their follicles

Stage 3: Fertilization
About two hours before the eggs are retrieved, a semen sample is collected, usually from the male partner unless you are using donor sperm. Approximately 50,000 sperm are placed with each egg in the incubator where they will hopefully form an embryo. When only a few sperm are available, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be attempted. In this procedure, a single sperm is injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization. ICSI is outlined in more detail in the following section.

The next day, called "Day 1" in the lab, the eggs will be examined under a microscope to determine whether fertilization has occurred. If it has, the embryos will be ready to transfer into the uterus within 2 to 4 days of "Day 1." Figure 3 outlines the fertilization steps.

Stage 4: Embryo transfer
The embryos are placed in a tube and transferred back into the uterus. The procedure is usually painless, though some women may experience some cramping. The number of embryos transferred depends on a woman's age, cause of infertility, pregnancy history, embryo quality, and other factors. Most fertility clinics will transfer two or three at most, since transferring more embryos can increase the risk of multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets). Your fertility specialist would decide the appropriate number of embryos to transfer for you. Figure 4 in the photo below outlines the embryo transfer steps. The uterine lining is prepared for implantation, often by supplementing with progesterone medication.

Thank YOU and Congratulations!! A New Open Arms Baby Girl Has Arrived!

2009-08-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

Jamie delivered on 08/28/2009 at 2:41pm (induction was scheduled at 6am). The baby girl weighed 7lbs, 15 oz and was 21-inches long. Vaginal delivery..one push!! Amazing!

Jamie~ Another wonderful Open Arms Surrogate!
Thank you for all you have done to make this experience a Special time to remember!

Welcome New BABY GIRL!!!

Jamie holding Surro-Baby Girl

Souad and Open Arms Newest Arrival!

Thank you Jamie and Congratulations to your IP's! We wish you all the best!

Souad and the Open Arms Staff

Open Arms Welcomes a New Baby Girl

2009-08-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

Open Arms would like to announce the birth of a Beautiful Baby Girl!
The Intended Parents and Surrogate would like to keep the details private but we would like to congratulate everyone involved and wish your new little angel all the best!

~Souad~
&
The Open Arms Staff

Part #6 Babies After 40: The Hidden Health Risks of Mid-Life Pregnancy

2009-08-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

There are so many wonderful women over 40 who want to offer themselves to become surrogate mothers for women and couples who can not carry their own baby. However, it is an agency's duty to protect the health of the women who are matched through that particular program. This is why Open Arms Consultants rarely will sign on a woman who is over 40 to become a surrogate. It is for the health and safety not only the baby that the surrogate is carrying but for the woman herself.

~Souad

What women must know

Hallie Levine Sklar

While modern medicine is now able to get you pregnant into your fourth, fifth, or even sixth decade, it can’t guarantee a smooth and safe road to delivery. There are undeniable health risks to pregnancy in the peri- and postmenopausal years, risks that often aren’t revealed to the plus-40 women hoping to get pregnant. If you’re in your 40s and considering pregnancy, it’s critical to be proactive and get a thorough screening to rule out hidden heart disease or diabetes.

“All women in this age group need to get their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels checked, as well as an EKG,” before trying to get pregnant, Dr. Goldberg says. While a borderline or high level on any of these tests doesn’t necessarily rule out pregnancy, you’ll need to undergo even more detailed tests such as an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to “see” any potential damage done already to your heart.

Women with risk factors for breast cancer—such as having a family history of the disease—should also think carefully before proceeding, Dr. Smith advises. Most women over the age of 45 are automatically referred to a high-risk practice. If you’re not, make sure you get a recommendation for a good one.

The bottom line: It is possible to have a baby in midlife. But before you proceed, it’s essential to understand the potential dangers to you and your baby.

“Even if a woman passes all the screening tests with flying colors, she’s still more at risk for health complications,” stresses Miriam Greene, MD, an OB-GYN at New York University Langone Medical Center. “And we just don’t know what the long-term health effects are going to be of all these added hormones on their bodies. If an older woman decides she wants to get pregnant, that’s her decision. But she should have her eyes wide open and make sure she’s fully aware of all the potential risks.”

Please help Open Arms Consultants Welcome baby Jordan!

2009-08-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

It's Been a Busy Year for Open Arms Consultants!

Please Welcome Baby Jordan!

Souad and Gestational Surrogate Alysun

Baby Jordan

Born 8/03/09 to Intended parents D&S, Baby Jordan arrived at 6:17 AM weighing 8lbs,8 oz and 20 inches long.

Thank you Alysun for giving such a wonderful gift to S and D! You are truly an Angel!
Souad

Open Arms Consultants. Inc
Active Member of: ASRM, RESOLVE, AFA.
3412, Clark Road. #100
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
http://www.openarmsconsultants.com/

Part #5 Babies After 40: The Hidden Health Risks of Mid-Life Pregnancy

2009-08-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

One thing that Surrogates or Intended Parents DO NOT want is to risk the life of the growing baby....read below for more details.....

~Souad

The risk of placental problems
By Hallie Levine Sklar

While placental problems are relatively rare during pregnancy, the risk shoots up once you hit the big 4-0. If you get pregnant past that age, you have a 10-fold increased risk, compared with women younger than 30, of placenta previa—a dangerous condition in which the placenta does not move up and away from the opening of the uterus during pregnancy; this can cause severe vaginal bleeding and activate premature labor. The main reason? An older uterus is less hospitable to the drastic bodily changes of pregnancy.

“The uterus is required to grow from the size of a small pear to a huge watermelon in nine months, which requires an enormous level of blood flow,” Dr. Stillman says. “Vascular disease is ubiquitous as people age, whether it’s in the heart or in the vagina, and it gets more and more difficult as a woman gets older for her uterus to keep up with the rapid growth of pregnancy.”
Lauren B. Cohen, a New Jersey lawyer who is the second oldest woman in the United States to give birth to twins, at age 59, spent two months in the hospital before giving birth to her twins at 31 1/2 weeks due to complications from placenta percreta, an incredibly rare condition in which the placenta actually breaks through the walls of the uterus and attaches to another organ such as the bladder.

“My doctors said my uterine walls had been weakened, due to age, a past C-section, and the stress of carrying twins,” Cohen explains. During the C-section, she hemorrhaged so much from her placenta that she required a transfusion of 33 units of blood. The twins—born two months premature at just over 3 pounds each—have suffered no long-term health problems, but they have developmental delays.

The risk to baby

Babies born to over-40 women like Cohen are not only more likely to be born early but also more likely to have birth defects. One Columbia University study found that 2.9% of women older than 40 have babies with birth defects, compared with 1.7% of all women younger than 35. Of these, cardiac issues are the most common: Another study found that heart defects were four times more common in infants of women over 40, compared with those age 20 to 24.

“It could have something to do with egg quality or with the fact that older women may have undiagnosed and untreated diabetes or hypertension, which could affect growth and contribute to birth defects,” explains Randy Fink, MD, a high-risk OB-GYN in Miami.

Part #4 Babies After 40: The Hidden Health Risks of Mid-Life Pregnancy

2009-07-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

Information sharing is key to making a solid decision regarding your health and pregnency. Although many women want to be surrogates well into their 40's these issues that Open Arms has been posting about are very real concerns to Intended Parents and Clinical staff. These are just some of the reasons that older women are often passed over when IP's are searching for a surrogate.

~Souad

The risk to your heart

By Hallie Levine Sklar

The strain of pregnancy, experts say, can be likened to the stress of running a marathon—and the older a woman is, the more likely she is to have complications from it.

Doctors of women in the 40-plus set are most concerned about pregnancy-induced preeclampsia, which generally surfaces in the third trimester. While the incidence of preeclampsia among all moms-to-be is 3 to 4%, that risk increases to 5 to 10% if you’re older than 40 and jumps up to 35% if you’re past 50. Most reputable fertility clinics require patients over the age of 45, especially those with borderline cholesterol or high blood pressure, to undergo more extensive cardiology screening, like an electrocardiogram (EKG) or a stress test, but “these tests can miss women who have borderline heart disease,” Dr. Stillman says. “Sure, they may be fine playing tennis. But the stress of nine months of pregnancy? That’s the equivalent of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.”

In addition, pregnancy can prompt an earlier onset of health problems that would have otherwise developed later in life. “A 50-year-old woman with borderline high blood pressure who might not develop hypertension until she’s 60 may start to have it during her pregnancy,” explains Errol Norwitz, MD, a high-risk OB-GYN at the Yale School of Medicine. And this can set her and her baby up for a host of complications.

Deborah Lake, 50, developed preeclampisa seven years ago (she was 43) while carrying twins, prompting her physician to induce labor. “My blood pressure had always been quite low, but toward the end it began to creep up to the point where my doctor decided to induce me at 36 1/2 weeks,” she recalls. Lake delivered her first daughter, Savannah, vaginally. But her second daughter, Courtney, got stuck in the birth canal, prompting an emergency C-section. Lake was discharged after three days, only to return a few days later when her blood pressure shot up and her whole body swelled, both signs of preeclampsia. “They gave me diuretics, and I peed out about 50 pounds of water weight in three days,” she recalls.

Lake had been trying to get pregnant for almost a decade and finally conceived via donor eggs. “Because of my age and the fact that I was carrying twins, I was so careful—I ate perfectly, I didn’t gain too much weight,” she says. “But even that, ultimately, wasn’t enough to stave off problems.”

There are also heart concerns after pregnancy. “Most women tend to gain weight with each pregnancy and keep those extra 10 pounds around for a while,” Dr. Minkin says. “That extra weight increases an older woman’s risk of developing heart disease.”

Progesterone, a reproductive hormone that’s given to women during IVF and is also present at high levels during pregnancy, causes both blood pressure and cholesterol to temporarily go up, adds Nieca Goldberg, MD, director of the New York University Women’s Heart Center. “This isn’t an issue for a healthy woman with no risk factors for heart disease.

But if you’re going into pregnancy with borderline high blood pressure or cholesterol, which many older women have, it can pose a serious problem,” she says.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy, which Joanna Brody had, is also a potential danger among this group of moms. While Brody emerged unscathed, this condition can cause heart failure—which leads to death in 25 to 50% of cases, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Another huge worry: gestational diabetes, a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It almost always goes away after delivery, but it can be a harbinger of diabetes later in life and puts women at risk for delivering a too-large baby (macrosomia).

Though the overall rate of gestational diabetes is 3%, it rises to 7% in women older than 40 and 20% in women older than 50. But while risk factors like a family history of diabetes, borderline blood sugars, being overweight, or having had gestational diabetes in an earlier pregnancy all increase your chances of getting it, many older women with none of these end up developing this dangerous condition.

Not surprisingly, because over-40 women are more at risk for a variety of health problems, their C-section rate is significantly higher than that of younger moms. Almost a third of all women in the United States deliver via C-section, but almost 50% of women having their first child between 40 to 45 and almost 80% in women ages 50 to 63 undergo the procedure.
“Older women have older uteruses, which tend to not contract as well, which can result in abnormal labor” and lead to a C-section, explains Robin Kalish, MD, director of clinical maternal-fetal medicine at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.

Open Arms Consultants Welcoms a New Set of Twins!

2009-07-27T16:04:00.001-07:00

Open Arms Consultants welcomes O and M!!

Congratulations C and H! Open Arms Intended Parents from Denmark and their surrogate Jessica from Orlando delivered twins July 20TH at 6:21pm. O was 4lbs, 15oz, and M was 5lbs, 5oz. the babies were 9 minutes apart. it was a long labor for Jessica, but she did deliver without having a C-section!
Thank you Jessica! You did a fantastic job and we all appreciate your hard work, love and dedication!

All our best!
Souad Dreyfus
Open Arms Consultants

Open Arms Surrogate to Deliver Triplets

2009-07-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

Quiana Bones is just one of the many wonderful surrogates that
Open Arms Consultants represents.

Thank you Quiana!

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- People tell Quiana Bones she has that natural glow."I looove being pregnant," said Bones.Bones is five months along, preparing to deliver triplets. But when the three boys come, she won't be taking them home.Bones is a surrogate and having babies is her job.She gets $30,000 to $40,000 a baby."I'm here to do a job. You have to remember you signed a contract and these people are expecting this," she said.But it isn't easy money and Bones says she doesn't do it for the cash.She carried little Lucas to help a California family. Now, she's carrying triplets to help a Miami couple. To her, she is able to give a stranger the gift of life."They are just so grateful to you when they do it. They just adore you and they're like thank you so much because a lot of people can't have children," she said.Bones lost one of her own children and says she knows how how precious a child's life is."I couldn't imagine somebody not ever being able to feel that, not having children."To Bones, it is a full time job 24 hours, seven days a week. But she knows she's making a difference and giving another mother a miracle. This time, times three.

Part #3 Babies After 40: The Hidden Health Risks of Mid-Life Pregnancy

2009-07-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

We are continuing our series of Mid-Life Pregnancy with segment #3. Your comments are always appreciated!

~Souad

The risk of cancer
Hallie Levine Sklar

One can't help thinking of Elizabeth Edwards, who gave birth to two children at ages 48 and 50 after undergoing fertility treatments—and who was diagnosed four years later, in 2004 at the age of 55, with stage II breast cancer. (In 2007, she revealed that her cancer had recurred and was now at stage IV.)

While she has never publicly discussed whether there could be a link between fertility treatments in older moms and subsequent breast cancer, breast cancer experts speculate that the two could be related.

“It’s a very unsettled question,” says Julia Smith, MD, PhD, director of the Lynne Cohen Breast Cancer Preventive Care Program at the New York University Cancer Institute. “Every time we’ve tampered with the natural cycle of reproductive hormones, we’ve had a problem, as evidenced by research showing a link between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. As women get older, they’re at increased risk for breast cancer, and I’m concerned about giving peri- or postmenopausal women additional sex hormones that could disrupt the natural course of aging of the breast cell.”

Research also shows that older women who have recently given birth are more likely to develop breast cancer in the 15 years following the birth than their peers of the same age who have never had children. One Swedish study followed women after they’d given birth and found that the childbearing women were slightly more likely to be diagnosed with cancer—and women who had their first child after the age of 35 had the highest risk, about 26% higher than women who had never given birth. (This is a transient risk: After 15 years, their odds dropped below that of women who had never given birth.)

“My worry is if an older woman is cooking a really early breast cancer and then is exposed to massive levels of estrogen during her pregnancy, could that accelerate tumor growth?” adds Mary Jane Minkin, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale School of Medicine. “No one’s ever studied it, and it’s a real possibility.”

The other point of concern: “The minute a woman gets pregnant, we can’t screen her for breast cancer. And we can’t do a mammogram until she’s finished breast-feeding, which could be almost two years later,” Dr. Smith points out. “If she’s younger than 40, it’s not a big issue because her overall risk of breast cancer is so low. But if she’s 45 or 50, then I’m worried.”
Cancer experts are less concerned about the risks of other types of reproductive cancers among past-40 women undergoing fertility treatments. In fact, a Danish study published in February in the British Medical Journal followed more than 50,000 women who underwent fertility treatments for 15 years and found no increased risk of ovarian cancer among women who took most types of fertility drugs.

The one exception—women who took clomiphene citrate (Clomid) had an increased risk of a type of ovarian tumor called serous ovarian tumors, which may be more influenced by hormones than other tumors, says Louise Brinton, PhD, chief of the Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch at the National Cancer Institute. Brinton’s own preliminary research has found a possible link between Clomid and endometrial cancer, a treatable cancer of the womb. “Many women in their 40s and 50s are using donor eggs, so they won’t be taking Clomid, which is an ovulation-inducing drug,” she points out. “But for those women who are, they need to be aware that there may be a link.”

The problem is, many women aren’t briefed by their doctors on potential long-term risks. “I talk to fertility specialists all the time and bring up my concerns, and they tell me the same thing they tell their patients—they don’t have any evidence that it is harmful,” Dr. Smith adds. “But it’s not a question of not having evidence proving harm—we don’t have any evidence proving safety.”

Part #2 Babies After 40: The Hidden Health Risks of Mid-Life Pregnancy

2009-07-18T01:04:00.000-07:00

This is part #2 of a six part series. Your comments are welcomed!
~Souad

Success stories

By Hallie Levine Sklar

There’s no official data on how many American women over the age of 54 successfully give birth each year, although there have been plenty of news reports of women in their late 50s and early 60s who have conceived via donor eggs. While older moms have long been the source of biblical legend (think of Sarah, who is said to have given birth to her husband Abraham’s son Isaac at the jaw-dropping age of 90), right now the oldest documented birth mother in the world is Omkari Panwar, a 70-year-old Indian woman who gave birth to 2-pound twins in 2008 via emergency cesarean section.

But the United States has had its share of 60-plus new moms, too, including Frieda Birnbaum of Saddle River, New Jersey, who in 2007 at age 60 set the record for the oldest woman in the country to give birth to twins. (A 62-year-old, Janise Wulf, gave birth to a singleton in 2006.)
While it may seem nothing short of miraculous that cutting-edge IVF technology is enabling older women to get pregnant, experts are concerned about the increased risk of maternal health problems, ranging from cardiac complications to potentially even a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

“A healthy 42-year-old with no medical problems who is in good physical shape and conceives naturally is likely to have just as nice a pregnancy as a woman who is a decade younger,” says Laura Riley, MD, a maternal-fetal-medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and chairwoman of the communications committee of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “But there are a fair number of women in their mid-40s getting pregnant through IVF who have a ‘touch’ of hypertension, are a little overweight, or are prediabetic, and that’s where we start running into problems.”

Older women are increasingly at risk for potentially deadly complications. A 2002 University of Southern California study, for example, found that 26% of women ages 50 to 54 suffered from preeclampsia (a life-threatening condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine), and 13% developed gestational diabetes (a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy)—and that number soared to 60% and 40%, respectively, for those over the age of 55.

While there are no official guidelines from organizations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine on how old is too old, leading fertility experts and high-risk obstetricians are voicing concerns about this brave new world of peri- and postmenopausal pregnancy.

“The age cutoff at our clinic is 54, based on the research that shows a marked increase in complications in women older than 55,” says Richard Paulson, MD, director of the Fertility Program at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and one of the country’s leading researchers on pregnancy in the peri- and postmenopausal years.

Others are more conservative. “We have an age cutoff in our practice of 44 years of age for someone using her own eggs and 51 years of age in someone using donor eggs,” says Robert Stillman, MD, medical director of Shady Grove Fertility Center, one of the country’s largest fertility clinics, with 15 offices in the Washington, D.C., area. “We’ve never had a successful birth in a woman over the age of 44 using her own eggs, and we think it’s unethical to promote treatments in a vulnerable population where there’s not a chance of success. We won’t treat women over the age of 51, period, because we believe there are too many risks involved with carrying the pregnancy, both for the mother and for the fetus.”

But many clinics across the United States—including some of the nation’s leading fertility centers—take women who are well into their 50s. So what are these risks, and what exactly do they mean for older women who are contemplating pregnancy?

Our next post will look at the biggest dangers to older women.

Babies After 40: The Hidden Health Risks of Mid-Life Pregnancy

2009-07-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post this series to share with you some of the effects of pregnancy in the 40's. Open Arms does not usually work with surrogates who are in their 40's because of the issues that may arise although we do make an occasional exception. I will post more on this subject in the days ahead. Your comments are welcomed!

~Souad

Babies After 40: The Hidden Health Risks of Mid-Life Pregnancy

By Hallie Levine Sklar

After years of struggling with repeated miscarriages and fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), Joanna Brody was thrilled when she finally conceived on her own at the age of 43—even considering the increased risk of health problems associated with pregnancy after age 40. Still, the former marathon runner was in good health and exercised throughout her pregnancy, which was uneventful.

But two days after returning home from the hospital after her daughter’s birth (she also had a 6-month-old adopted son), she woke up feeling like she couldn’t breathe. “I thought I was having a panic attack due to the stress of taking care of two infants while building a new home,” Brody, now 45, recalls.

The next day, when she couldn’t catch her breath walking up a flight of stairs, she rushed to the emergency room. There, doctors discovered that her lungs were filled with fluid, a sign of peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when there’s damage to the heart, resulting in a weakened heart muscle that can’t pump blood efficiently. While it occurs in only about 1 in every 1,300 deliveries, it’s most common in older women, especially those, like Brody, who are over the age of 40.

The number of women giving birth into their 40s and 50s and beyond is at record highs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2007, 105,071 women aged 40-44 gave birth, the highest rate since 1968; the birth rate for women 45 to 54 was 7,349, an increase of 5% in just one year.

“The numbers have really skyrocketed over the last two decades, as research has increasingly shown that older women are able to carry pregnancies and deliver babies safely,” says Mark Sauer, MD, chief of reproductive endocrinology at Columbia University Medical Center and a leading researcher in this field.

The Frozen Embryo Dilemma

2009-07-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Embryo donation or "adoption" is so often in news these past few months that you might think that it's a "new" concern. But it's not and many many Intended Parents who have been through IVF have had to deal with their own personal frozen embryo issues. Below is a fact sheet found on the AFA library. I would like to hear how you made your decision regarding embryos that are no longer needed or wanted.

~Souad

The Frozen Embryo Dilemma

A Matter of Privacy, Responsibility and Choice

It’s a private issue gone very public. It’s a complex web of personal philosophy, religious orientation and social conscience about which everybody, and we mean everybody, has a strong opinion. But the fact is, and should be, what you do with the frozen embryos you don’t use is your decision and yours alone.

Of course it never feels like the quite right time to discuss this touchy topic.

Maybe you’re taking your first steps on the infertility treatment path. Along with all the mind-numbingly complicated instructions, you’re handed a form asking you what to do with excess embryos before you have a single one.

Maybe you already beat the odds. With absolute devotion, you danced the assisted reproduction tango, created viable embryos and made a baby. Or two or three. Your family is complete. Your head is bursting with school, soccer, recitals and bedtimes. Frozen embryos?

Or maybe you’ve given up on treatment, leaving behind the heartbreak, the disappointment and possibly, a few fertilized eggs. You’ve moved on.

So chances are pretty good that those embryos, protected in liquid nitrogen, aren’t at the top of your to-do list. None of us who have experienced infertility anticipates having any embryos, let alone extras. After we’re done with ART, we tend to ignore or deny the delicate question of disposition of the unexpected surplus.

At some point, though, all of us with cryopreserved embryos will have to make a final and forever decision about them. It’s not easy. They’re our unique responsibility and our unique burden. Because while our embryos remain suspended in time, we don’t.

Hence, this fact sheet, a guide to anticipating some of the quandaries we confront and exploring the choices we have.

The Options

A good initial cryopresevation consent agreement usually outlines three disposition choices:

Thawing without intent to transfer. Lucinda Veeck, M.L.T.,D.Sc., Director of Embryology at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility in New York City, says at her program, 53% of the 364 patients who have gone through with their choice have elected this option.

Donation for research. While raging controversy and federal limits have restricted directed giving to stem cell research, there are myriad other well-accepted research initiatives, such as staining for DNA and genetic analysis that rely on embryos. And despite the ban on federal funding for stem cell work, privately funded institutions are moving forward. Reports Dr. Michael Alper of Boston IVF, one such center, “There is no shortage of donations. At CRMI, Dr. Veeck reports that about 41% of patients have gone the research route.

Donation to other infertile people. Logistically and emotionally complex, donation for transfer has its own guidelines established by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. It’s a many-layered effort by both the donors and recipients, requiring a six-month quarantine of the embryo, blood and genetic testing and retesting of donors, blood tests for the recipients. Both parties must sign informed consent documents addressing relinquishment and acceptance of parental rights should children result, as well as liability, among other things. Whether or not it is an anonymous transaction, both donors and recipients are strongly urged to get psychological counseling. “We’ve only donated embryos from two patients because of the difficulties inherent to follow-up testing,” remarks Dr. Veeck. “And in the 6% group desiring to donate, most have not actually given away their embryos yet.”

How Was I Supposed To Know?

These days, even before there’s an embryo, there’s the consent form. That daunting document demanding that a patient know, ahead of time, what to do with remaining embryos…if there are any. For infertile people, that’s one incomprehensibly huge “if.”

So hopeful patients fill in the blanks with the best intentions. The rub is that when it actually comes time to act on that initial agreement, people often find that first choice isn’t the one they want after all. It’s important to remember that first consent form is not the actual disposition form. You can shift gears at any time.

Changes of heart happen for a million different reasons: divorce, the death of a spouse, economic hardship, a multiple birth after the first cycle. Sometimes the partners in a relationship simply aren’t on the same page – one may want more children, the other has no interest. One partner may see the embryos as their potential children, the other regards them as left over sperm and eggs.

Inevitably, life’s constant evolution leads to embryos that sit, sometimes for an embarrassingly long time.

“People have them frozen and then forget about them,” says Dr. David Hoffman, Medical Director at IVF Florida/Reproductive Associates in Margate, Florida. “But they still don’t want to get rid of them. I don’t think patients think of a frozen embryo as a person, but it’s tough to let go.”

Dr. Veeck adds, “Many patients respond by doing nothing. They continue paying for storage fees rather than make a decision. And I think that’s the appropriate thing until they’re quite sure what they want to do.”

Behind the Choices

The language of disposition seems straightforward and precise. In fact, most people are sandbagged by how profoundly affected, confused and conflicted they are when it comes time to commit.

So, most elect to do nothing. Make no mistake; doing nothing is making a decision. Endless postponements means someone else-a family member or the clinic—may get stuck on the horns of what is rightfully your dilemma.

Overwhelmingly, frozen embryos are intended for use by the couples that created them. But IVF centers around the country report that the sheer number in storage is putting a squeeze on space, with some embryos in residence for a decade or more. Increasingly, centers are attempting to contact patients who haven’t been active for several years. It can be an onerous and difficult task, and on occasion, pointless.

At CRMI, Dr. Veeck puts the abandonment rate at about 10%. That’s after three registered letters, using search agencies and making countless phone calls.

Not all clinics have the wherewithal or the intention of going to such lengths. But most clinics will not dispose of embryos without an explicit, legal go-ahead from patients. For the most part, says Dr. Hoffman, “couples usually pop up out of nowhere” when they’re notified that unless they respond, the embryos will be discarded.

Contrary to all the hype, Dr. Hoffman notes there are “very few not spoken for. The government thinks there are huge numbers out there. But there aren’t a lot of abandoned embryos at all.”
In other words, the vast majority of us with excess embryos are left to wrestle with our personal convictions and moral codes.

What Gives Meaning

For some people, contributing their embryos to research in an effort to help others gives them a sense that their assisted reproductive efforts have lasting value. “It’s a way of giving back to medicine and it makes them feel good,” says Dr. Alper of Boston IVF.

For others non-viable thawing provides closure. “It’s interesting, but people are very relieved when their embryos are discarded,” observes Adele Kauffman, Ph.D., and program psychologist at Reproductive Science Center in Waltham and Boston. “Embryos in the freezer are unfinished business. Once it’s done, they feel they’ve come full circle.”

Still others, impelled by altruism, empathy, or religious beliefs to help other infertile people, want to offer their frozen fertilized eggs for transfer.

“Initially, I thought it would be the option everyone would choose,” says Dr. Veeck at CRMI. “But when they think that they might have offspring out there and not know them or how they’re going to be brought up, they usually reconsider.”

In a recently published article, Dr. Craig Syrop at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, notes that of 365 couples with embryos stored after two years, 12% “indicated a willingness to donate to other couples (was) nearly equal to the desire of couples to donate to research.” But, he finds, when faced with the “reality of clinic visits for counseling, STD testing, and informed consent before embryos are donated and utilized” interest wanes and research outstrips donation to others by nearly 2 to 1.

The Donation Drama

Embryo donation for transfer is a media magnet, drawing tremendous attention when some began referring to transfer donation as “embryo adoption.” It is not.
“Adoption is a specific legal framework with specific guidelines around parental rights and obligations and applies to only living children,” says Susan Crockin, a Boston area attorney specializing in reproductive matters. She calls donation for transfer a “positive, but limited” option. She notes that five states have laws on the books dealing with this form of embryo donation, but nowhere is it the legal equivalent of adoption.

While the federal government is on the cusp of launching public education campaign advocating “embryo adoption,” Crockin calls it a misnomer that may make people feel good but “glosses over the legal reality.” At a minimum she recommends a legal agreement between donor and recipient; and consider, in those states without an embryo donation law, that the recipients go to court to have themselves declared the parents of a resulting offspring to avert the risk of custodial claims by the genetic parents or the extended family.

However, things blur on the psychosocial front where, psychologists say, the adoption parallel is stronger.

Embryo donors and recipients should expect that resulting offspring will want information about their genealogy, their genetic makeup, and their biological parents. Donors must be prepared for the possibility of a knock on their door one day even if the transaction was strictly anonymous. As decades of experience with adoption have shown, kids will come searching. Furthermore, laws protecting anonymity are subject to change.

“We’re in uncharted territory here,” said Dr. Elaine Gordon, a Los Angeles psychologist. Dr. Gordon says she’s getting more inquiries about embryo donation for transfer but many go nowhere.

“They find it too complicated and overwhelming in terms of what’s required,” she observes. “If they’re going to do it right, does it mean engaging in a relationship with the recipient couple and do they want to participate in that?”

She suggests that “responsibly done” ovum donation might provide the best model, with both parties entering into a “contract detailing terms of contact, if any, and information disclosed and exchanged. If the two parties can come to a meeting of the minds, the exchange can take place, facilitated by psychological, medical and legal experts.”

Embryo Donation Programs

There are several embryo donation programs, including the Christian faith-based agency, Snowflakes, that promotes “adoption.” At the root, all the programs facilitate matching donors with potential recipients and work through the details of the exchange.

“We’re a private (non-sectarian) agency and we liaise between the recipient and the donor,” explains Eileen Dover, executive director of Genesis Family Services in Holly Pond, Alabama.
Recipients send in a $100 application fee, list their requirements and are put on a waiting list until the right match pops up. The total agency cost to recipients is $1,800 but they’re also responsible for shipping, donor medical testing, notary feels, and a flat $250 attorney fee. Donors, who also can specify requirements for a receiving family, fill in a standard questionnaire, including medical history. Genesis’ simple-language but comprehensive contract requires adherence to the ASRM guidelines, but the agency leaves that to the donor’s doctor.

While Genesis doesn’t require psychological counseling, the contract calls for recipients to pay for up to three sessions for the donor, if the donor chooses. Dover also says, “we ask recipients to get counseling as well, but that’s their responsibility.”

Genesis advocates closed donations but will go with client’s wishes for open ones.
“We try to encourage transferring four embryos,” says Dover. “If you have 10 embryos (eggs that are fertilized, frozen but haven’t started dividing yet), you may get four to six that live through the thawing process. If they’re blastocysts (5-day-old embryos), there’s a darn good chance they’re going to do well and I don’t think any physician would do more than two or three.”

In Fullerton, California, Snowflakes operates on the assumption that this is an adoption. “In our program, we focus on the end result which is the child. That’s the same in all adoptions,” says JoAnn Eiman, a Snowflakes spokesperson.

The Christian faith-based agency requires recipient families undergo a homestudy, a fundamental process in traditional adoption, but controversial in embryo donation for transfer. As Eiman explains it, about 20% of the homestudy is about child abuse and Department of Justice background checks. “The other 80% is preparing the parent for a non-genetically linked child,” she says. The agency does both closed and open donations, depending on the preferences of the parties.

Snowflakes fees to recipients are about $4,000 for the matching, legal contract, shipping, coordination, rematching if required and lifetime support.
Begun in 1997, the first Snowflakes baby was born in 1998. In 1999 there were a couple of matches but no births. But by 2002 there were a total of 18 babies born and this year, Snowflakes expects another 23.

Do donors who’ve gone this far change their minds? “Most don’t but it happens,” said Eiman. “Typically when the donor couple gets a profile on the adoptive family they say ‘Oh my goodness, this is real. They’re going to take them and raise them.’ When they get the packet that’s when it hits them.”

It’s a whole new world, agrees Dover at Genesis. “It remains to be seen whether (donors) really get that they’re going to have children out there. They say, ‘Yes, I understand.’ But what’s going to happen 20 years down the road? I think about that when I’m whiting out the records and I think someday someone might want to look at that.”

When It’s All Too Confusing

Okay. We’re all pretty clear that the “what is to be done” with extra frozen embryos is at best confusing. The American Fertility Association strongly urges that you weigh the following to help ease the strain:

Nobody has control over your embryos but you.

You are not obligated to stick with your first decision or your second or third. The no-turning-back point comes only after you’ve formally and legally relinquished ownership of your embryos.
Know that it is absolutely fine to wait as long as it takes for you to make the decision that feels right for you. No government, social or religious entity should force you into taking an action that, in your gut, you know is a personal mistake. Because you will have to live with this decision forever.

Donating to other couples is a real and generous alternative. The AFA recommends you thoroughly explore the legal, psychological and emotional implications and potential long-term ramifications. You must feel confident that you can deal with the possible outcomes down the road.

Thawing without intent to transfer is a perfectly reasonable option that most couples do choose, finding it provides the unexpected relief of closure. Yes, there may very well be grief and counseling or support that can serve you well.

We at The American Fertility Association will continue to report, write and provide you with as much information about this topic as we can. But, as one of the leading patient advocate groups, The AFA is always available to you, to answer questions, provide support and referrals. Please call our toll-free number (888) 917-3777. It always helps to talk with those who’ve been through it, too.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July from Open Arms Consultants!

So Who's pregnancy is it anyway?

2009-06-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

When a Gestational Carrier is pregnant for her Intended Parents there is sometimes the controversy regarding who is in "control" of the pregnancy. The baby may be biologically the IP's but the Surrogate is the one who is attending all the OB appointments, taking the required medications or multi vitamins, making sure she is eating properly and taking good care of herself, generally speaking. The IP's are paying the bills, attempting to learn about how this whole "pregnancy thing" works and perhaps feeling a little left out.

This is where a good agency comes into play. A lot of the issues that can be controversial should be discussed before the contract is even signed...how the GS feels about the IP's being in the labor room, how she feels about allowing the IP's to be at the OB appointments, how she feels about the possibility of carrying twins or more. Getting to know the expectations of all parties before the pregnancy will reduce the questions surrounding the "what if" factors and help the surrogate lead her IP's through the mystery's of pregnancy....after all, she has been through it all before.

Surrogates: What can your agency do for you?

2009-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Many women who are looking to be surrogates sometimes attempt to find their match independently. Although, for some, it works out quite well and everyone is satisfied with their relationship but, for many others, they find themselves lost and confused and, frankly, put into a situation where they have to read sad story after impossible situation. Honestly it can be a heart wrenching experience. An agency has already prescreened all of their Intended Parents. They already know what the IP's are looking for, what their requirements are and how much they have in their budget for the surrogacy process. Once that same information is gathered from the surrogate, then the matching process can begin. Often surrogates don't need to learn about more then one or two IP cases before they are matched through an agency. All of the leg work is done for both parties by the case manager. Once the actual match is made, the agency can assist with the challenges of contract issues, help with travel arrangements, and relationship questions to name just a few. The agency should be available to share in the journey and support everyone involved.

Agency owners and their staff have been touched by infertility one way or another and often have personal experiences to share. They have assisted several couples and surrogates through the process and can guide you through the many responsibilities that a surrogate is required to fulfill. Call several agency's and see which one fits in with your expectations. You might be very surprised at who you end up talking with on the other end of the line!

Who should handle the money? Escrow Accounts

2009-06-20T01:30:00.000-07:00

One of the huge issues in a surrogacy arrangement is money. Intended parents don't want to feel nickeled and dimed to death and surrogates don't want to appear nit picky or greedy. Although a base fee has been set there are the extra fees that are involved in every surrogacy arrangement: Co-payments for doctors appointments, transfer fees, new prescriptions or over the counter medications, maternity clothing, lost wages, and even gas and parking. Discussing money can be distasteful at best to downright uncomfortable. Resentment can set in on both sides of the table when reimbursements are due and payments are late.

The best way to solve the compensation problems is by having someone holding the surrogates fees in an escrow account. If Intended Parents are working with a first time surrogate with insurance this amount could be between $18,000 and $22,000. Yes, that is a lot of hard earned money to have in an non-interest baring account but it's best to have everyone involved know that if there is a pregnancy the money is there and ready. If, and I mean IF, there is no pregnancy, then any money not used will be returned back to the IP's.

There are several attorney's that specialize in reproductive law that can hold escrow for Intended Parents. Ask your agency or your attorney to suggest a reliable firm and look forward to concentrating on your relationship rather then the money issues with your surrogate.

Open Arms Consultants Announces New Services: A Cost Cutting Relationship Management Program for Intended Parents and Surrogates

2009-06-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

Contact:Mrs. Souad DreyfusManaging Director
Open Arms Consultants. Inc
3412, Clark Road. #100
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Ph: 941 741 4994
Fax: 941 744 1942
www.openarmsconsultants.com

Open Arms Consultants Announces New Services: A Cost Cutting Relationship Management Program for Intended Parents and Surrogates

Sarasota, Florida June 18, 2009 Open Arms Consultants, an Egg Donation and Surrogacy Agency located in Sarasota Florida, announced today a new service aimed at Intended Parents and Surrogates who are in the first stages of Third Party Family Building. The Open Arms Relationship Management Program is an ideal service for those who need the extra support and guidance from a reputable full service agency for less then half the cost. Working with Open Arms Consultants while going through the surrogacy journey will make the process less confusing and allow Intended Parents and Surrogates to enjoy the special bond that comes with helping each other in this very unique way. Because many Intended Parents have already found their own Gestational Carrier in order to cut costs, Open Arms Consultants has developed a Relationship Management Program just for those needing advise, information, guidance and support.

Open Arms Relationship Management Program includes but is not limited to:

-A complete list of references for Medical, Legal and Psychological professionals to work with our Open Arms clients

-Expert advice and guidance regarding surrogacy protocol and procedures. This would include such topics as:

*What fees can be expected for a surrogacy situation
*What are the "normal" surrogate benefits
*What protocol can be expected
*Why should there be an escrow account
*What can be expected with the amount of appointments, testing, travel etc. when this process is started
*What happens at the hospital
*Where does the baby stay?
*Who's insurance pays for the baby after its born?
*What can be expected after the birth

-Open Arms will be available to all parties involved through e-mail, telephone calls, and face to face meetings (if requested) and even attend appointments when possible.

-Open Arms experts will be available throughout the pregnancy to assist in mediating any disagreements or issues that may arise.

Open Arms recognizes that not everyone who needs the assistance of a Surrogate Mother can afford the full agency fees. However, if a family member or friend has offered her help, then the Open Arms Relationship Management Program is available to guide and support all parties through the surrogacy process with minimal cost to the Intended Parents. An added bonus is that if the chosen Surrogate doesn't medically or psychologically qualify, Open Arms can assist Intended Parents in finding a compassionate and dedicated woman to carry their baby for them.

About Open Arms Consultants: Open Arms Consultants is a Surrogacy and Egg Donation Agency located in Sarasota Florida and is totally equipped to gently guide Intended Parents toward uniting with egg donors or surrogates. Open Arms works hand-in-hand with reputable fertility specialists, psychologists, and attorneys —each familiar with the complexities of Surrogacy and egg donation. Open Arms handles all services with determination, dedication, and the wisdom that comes with experience. Open Arms will coordinate every detail—screening potential donors, locating appealing surrogates, arranging introductions, coordinating medical services, arranging travel details—and adding emotional support and compassion at every step. Please contact Open Arms Consultants for more details.

The Wish List: Intended Parents Choosing a Surrogate

2009-06-15T01:30:00.000-07:00

Intended Parents often come to their agency with a list of their perfect candidate. The longer the list the most likely the Intended Parents are going to be disappointed. Location, Religion, Race, First or Second time surrogate, married or single, base fee, thoughts on selective reduction and abortion, willingness to use frozen embryos or fresh cycles, the list goes on. Being realistic is very important when locating a woman to be a surrogate even with the just the health requirements to consider. There truly should be a list but it needs to be realistic and perhaps look a little like this:

** Health and Age Requirements as stated by the RE and Infertility Clinic

** Fits into the monetary budget of the Intended Parents

** Agrees with IP's on selective reduction and abortion issues

** Is flexible, open minded, good communicator and organized

** Location: If local or can travel to the IP's clinic and should live in a surrogate friendly state

Of course there are more items that could be added however these are the most common. If you change your wish list to something that looks a little bit like this one you will be matched faster and pregnant sooner especially if you put location last on your list.

Congratulations L, J and Jenette!

2009-06-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!

Open Arms Consultants is pleased to announce that on June 8th God answered the prayers of Jenette's Intended Parents, L & J, with the arrival of am 8 lb 14oz beautiful baby boy!!

A personal note:
I am so pleased for L & J and their wonderful Gestational Surrogate, Jenette! What a fantastic relationship we all had together! It was a personal pleasure to be invited into the delivery room to witness the birth of L & J's newest family member born after about 4-5 hours of labor. Jenette was amazing!
It was touching to witness "J" cutting the umbilical cord and you can be sure there wasn't a dry eye in the birthing suite!

The photo above is of Jenette satisfying her craving for chicken tenders after all of her LABOR!

Thank you and God Bless Jenette, for all of your hard work and dedication! You are appreciated!

Souad Dreyfus

Open Arms Consultants Receives 2009 Best of Sarasota Award

2009-06-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., March 20, 2009 -- For the second consecutive year, Open Arms Consultants has been selected for the 2009 Best of Sarasota Award in the Business Management Consultants category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Nationwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2008 Award recipients qualified as 2009 Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)

U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business AssociationCONTACT:U.S. Local Business AssociationEmail: PublicRelations@USLocalBusinessAssociation.comURL: http://www.USLocalBusinessAssociation.com

The Dangers of Cost-Cutting: Contracts Are a Must

2009-06-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

In my last blog, I discussed that in order to cut costs, some couples seek surrogates outside of the US; specifically, they seek surrogates in India.

Today I have another blog about the dangers of cost-cutting. Open Arms always has a list of preferred Reproductive Attorneys to insure Intended Parents and Surrogates have appropriate contacts in place before the very first transfer is preformed. This also guarantees that an attorney who is well-versed in the matter of surrogacy and all its related subjects (health insurance, parents’ legal rights, etc) will work with the Intended Parents throughout the cycle. (Surrogates always have their own attorney to explain to them their rights and protect their best interests)

This may not seem important at first glance. After all, what is there to discuss? A gestational surrogate is a woman biologically unrelated to the fetus, who is being paid for her services. But issues arise, and when discussing such a sensitive and emotionally volatile subject as surrogacy, it is important to have these issues ironed out before an embryo transfer is made.

Take, for example, an article on a carrier who changed her mind at the last moment and decided to keep for herself the baby she had agreed to carry for others. The hospital where she delivered was unfamiliar with surrogacy, and allowed the apparent-new-mother to leave the premises with the intended parents’ child.

The article, linked below, tells this particular story and explains the importance of having a legal contract written specifically for the intended parents – anything you find online will not be detailed or specific enough to your case.

Obviously the best surrogate/IP relationship is one in which all parties become comfortable and friendly with one another. But as with anything involving payments or services rendered, it is important to get the legal issues out of the way early on. It may seem awkward to request a contract from someone you trust, or even from a family member (as some IPs choose to use family members as surrogates), but it is imperative to do so in order to make sure everything runs smoothly. To be honest, surrogacy (and pregnancy in general) can be stressful and at times unexpected issues can arise. A contract can certainly help to make sure a pregnancy runs smoothly.

Our advice at Open Arms is to get the contract signed and out of the way as soon the surrogate is matched and is medically and psychologically evaluated. This way everyone is covered and everyone’s rights are looked after. Sign the contract, put it aside, and develop a healthy personal relationship between the surrogate and yourself.

The bottom line is that this process can be stressful enough; make sure that the birth of the child is the happiest day it can be, for everyone involved.

*http://www.reproductive-alternatives.com/the_law_and_gestational_surrogacy

Why Choose a Surrogate in America

2009-06-06T01:38:00.000-07:00

Surrogacy is a costly process, even more-so than egg donation alone, because compensation for surrogates ranges from $18,000 to $29,000. It is understandable that a couple who has lost thousands of dollars on IVF cycles may wish to save some money when they finally come to a decision to choose the usage of a surrogate. One way to do this is by looking to India.

India has become one of the foremost nations in surrogate mothers, and the surrogates ask for much lower compensation (about $15,000) for their services. But like the adage goes, you pay for what you get. Here are a couple reasons why choosing a surrogate in America, while less cost effective, is ultimately the better choice.

To begin, there is the status of India’s healthcare for children. In an article on BBC News, it has been reported that Indian children, especially girls, often are lacking health care. The number is about 10 million children who die because they are lacking basic healthcare.

A child born by surrogacy in India would not necessarily be raised in India, but those first critical hours – or even days – of life would be in a country who cannot manage to provide healthcare to its own children. If India cannot effectively provide healthcare to its own children, how can we safely assume the country will provide healthcare for the child of non-citizens?

On the legal side of things, a surrogacy in India can go completely awry due to restrictions on their adoption laws. As in the case of Ikufumi Yamada. He and his wife, who are Japanese, used a surrogate in India to bring their daughter into the world. However, during the pregnancy, the couple divorced.

The issue they faced was that the biological mother is uninterested in keeping her daughter; the surrogate mother cannot adopt her, and the biological father, who wanted his daughter, was not allowed to adopt her. Why? Because according to Indian law, a single male cannot adopt a female child. Despite the fact that this child is biologically related to him – Yamada was completely out of luck until the laws could be bent or totally changed in order to help him.

This same situation in America would pan out much differently. For one thing, the biological father would not even have to “adopt” the infant; she would be rightfully his by birth.

The lack of clear laws regarding surrogacy in India muddy the waters, and the lack of proper childhood healthcare is cause for concern. While monetary costs may be reduced from choosing surrogacy outside of the United States, the uncertainty as to the outcome of the birth is raised.

$15,000 for a surrogacy cycle may seem cost-effective, but taking home your own healthy child without any legal issues is truly priceless, and many states in America can guarantee that all measures are taken to ensure such an outcome.

Egg Donors - Qualifications Matter!

2009-06-02T01:35:00.000-07:00

Becoming an egg donor is much harder then what the media leads us to believe and if you read everything out there that has "eggs for sale" on the front page you would think that "selling eggs" is a great money maker! Here is the short version of what an egg donor might go through when applying to the Open Arms program:

In the very beginning of the process, a potential donor sends us a blurb, which we respond to with a more detailed application. In this emailed application we include a list of requirements, as follows:

-1. between the ages of 21 and 29
-2. healthy
-3. Height and weight proportionate
4. Not adopted
-5. does not smoke (if you use to smoke you have to quit smoking 2 years before the donation)
-6. does not use illegal drugs
-7. No history of depression or any mental health disorders
-8. is not alcohol dependant
-9. is not on any form of government assistance
-10. has never been convicted of a crime and is educated, mature, dependable and committed to following through with the process.

Lets discuss two of these requirements in more detail: age, and smoking. It never ceases to amaze me that young women take the time to fill out such a detailed application, when the primary email has already disqualified them. Let me expand on the importance of these qualifications.

Regarding smoking: we ask that potential donors have not smoked for two years. Why? Because habitual smokers are less likely to relapse after two years off cigarettes. Social smoking counts as smoking. Any nicotine in the system is reason to cancel a cycle; and cigarettes lower fertility. Intended parents are working against infertility issues anyway; why would they choose a donor who is damaging her own fertility rate?

Now for age: we ask for 21-29 years of age in donors for a reason. Girls younger than 21 are less likely to follow through on cycles or have the maturity to understand the work and time commitment a cycle can require. Older than 29, and a woman's fertility rate drops dramatically. Yes, we do make exceptions in some cases. That is, if a couple is seeking an egg donor of VERY specific characteristics unmatched in donors of the 21-29 age range, it is at the parents' discretion to choose an older donor. We sometimes list younger donors if they have shown they are mature enough to complete a cycle.

Of course, we appreciate your interest in our program, just be sure to read the blurb of qualifications before taking the time to fill out the extended application.

Surrogacy and Selective Reduction: Being Flexible

2009-05-29T01:25:00.000-07:00

Our application for surrogacy can be slightly more sensitive territory than the donor application. As a surrogate applicant, you are a woman who has completed her own family and is willing to offer a chance to bring another life into this world. But the road to success is paved with difficult decisions, and our application has to address those. The biggest issue on the application tends to be reduction.

Reduction is the process of removing one or more fetuses during a pregnancy for multiple reasons. It may be that an amniocentesis showed a congenital disease the intended parents are not able to deal with. It may be that an implantation of two embryos resulted in three or more fetuses. Our application asks if you, as a surrogate, are willing to 1) carry multiples, and 2) reduce for various reasons if the intended parents wish to do so.

We sometimes hit a bump in the road on these points. The first is an easy bump to explain: reduction is nearly impossible in the case of twins, and when going through IVF, there is a 50/50 chance that the result will be multiples. Flexibility in carrying more than one fetus is important, because we cannot guarantee that a multiple pregnancy will not occur.

The second bump in the road – that tricky issue of reduction – is more difficult to sort out. Some potential surrogates are morally opposed to aborting a fetus, and this belief is understandable and one we must respect. It is important to understand, however, that reduction is never a decision lightly made.

One reason for reduction would be an abnormal amniocentesis result. Intended parents have been through a lot of stress and emotional fatigue, fertility treatments, and spent tens of thousands of dollars, in the search to complete their family. Surrogacy is often a last effort taken, and it is a difficult decision to come to. Imagine knowing you cannot carry your own child. Imagine years of frustration and hard work, and looking forward to a final payoff. Imagine being told your final payoff would arrive in a way that would destroy the quality of life for both the child and yourself.

This is an issue some intended parents have to deal with. It is not an easy decision to abort a pregnancy after years of trying, thousands of dollars spent, and the final heart-wrenching decision to use a surrogate; but sometimes, that is the decision intended parents come to.

Sometimes the decision is less medically-based than that. Intended parents may feel they are not ready for quadruplets, and will want to reduce to twins.

Bear in mind, things like this rarely happen, and it is even rarer that a couple simply changes its mind halfway through a cycle.

So what am I trying to say here, surrogates? I am trying to explain that when filling out our application, please bear in mind that while you are the carrier of the fetus, ultimately the goal is to hand the child over to its rightful parents. Decisions they could make on their own should they be able to have a traditional pregnancy, are suddenly decisions they must run past a third party. They are grateful for your help, your selflessness, and for allowing them to essentially use your body as a warm, healthy incubator for nine months while you bring their child to term. But that means they are giving over some control of the pregnancy to you.

We ask that you be as flexible as possible regarding multiples and reduction. The intended parents regard this pregnancy as theirs, and they appreciate surrogates who are able to leave difficult decisions to them.

At the end of the day, if in filling out the application you cannot feel comfortable with reduction, we respect that decision. At Open Arms we will do our best to match you with intended parents who share similar views. We only ask that you take a moment to step outside your mindset and see this process from the other side; with that understanding, a surrogacy promises to go more smoothly for everyone involved

Open Arms Surrogate Lunch

2009-05-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some great photos of our Open Arms Surrogates at a recent luncheon. Thank you all for making dreams come true!
Souad
Open Arms Consultants

Intended Parents: Welcome to the world of high emotions!

2009-05-26T01:18:00.000-07:00

You have been through a lot to get where you are; there's no need for me to go through the many disappointments, setbacks, and letdowns the majority of you have had to deal with. You are tired, and ready for relief.

And you're almost there! You've chosen a donor – a beautiful, bright young woman seeking to help you become a parent! With this impending end to such a stressful process comes a whole new bout of emotions. Of course, when you are so close to the end, every little bump in the road suddenly seems like a mountain that needs to be mowed down with vigor. Any slight complication, any rescheduling of a doctor's appointment, any test that needs to be redone, is just another barrier separating you from your goal, which is finally so close after such a long journey.

We understand that emotions are running high. We need you to understand that the donor you have chosen is a young woman with a life outside of her egg donation. Yes, she has signed a contract and promised to take her medications, make it to her appointments, and abide by any other guidelines you may have worked into the contract. But please remember that sometimes, things outside of our control happen.

For example, a donor of 22 who has no history of health problems may have an unclear pap test during initial testing. This is a minor setback, easily fixed with a second pap. If that donor falls through due to these reasons, we understand that frustration builds; but sometimes it is best to take a deep breath and let it ride. After all, no one purposely gave the young lady an unclear pap, and no one could have prevented it.

Sometimes donors tell us they are available, and then have to change this availability due to school or work; obviously this can be disappointing, but we cannot strong-arm a donor into doing a cycle. Who would want a reluctant donor anyway?

It is safe to say you ought to expect at least one occurrence of an appointment or lab being pushed back, at least one appointment being missed, at least one lab needing to be redone, at least one delayed flight or overbooked hotel or costly last minute travel arrangements. We at Open Arms try to make this all run as smoothly as possible; your grace at accepting small delays such as these helps us do our job more efficiently. We can help to overcome these hurdles, but we can do it much better if you are working with us to do so.

It is understandable to be frustrated and annoyed, even angry, when bumps in the road come along. But we promise that at the end of the process, you will not even remember the difficulties. The outcome is the ultimate gift: a child of your own. The hard work that goes into having this child makes his or her arrival that much more worth it.

So please, try to be understanding of the setbacks as they come. They will always be there. But if you keep pushing forward with a positive attitude, the outcome of the process is always worth it.

Understanding Their Side - A Note to Donors

2009-05-21T01:12:00.000-07:00

Donors, this is for you. If you have been chosen as a donor, chances are you are booked for multiple doctor's appointments, are on a range of medications to be taken with specific instructions, and are being asked to refrain from sexual activity and are keeping away from smoking environments. We understand that this can be difficult and frustrating.

We understand that you may think that one little mistake isn't going to be a big deal. What you need to understand is that…well, it is a big deal. You are working on this process for 6-8 weeks; your schedule is hectic, filled with last-minute flights and appointments that we're expecting you to get to on time with little notice.

Our expectations of you seem very high, and they are. We are counting on you to be mature enough to stick with the schedule. Here's why:

The intended parents you are working with have most likely been dealing with this process for YEARS. They have most likely multiple times, and failed, to get pregnant using their own eggs. It is a big step, a scary and often disheartening step at first, to choose a donor unrelated to their own family. Intended mothers and fathers are likely undergoing fertility treatments of their own, which, let's be honest, can often cause emotions to run high. Not to mention that the fear of failure is very, very stressful. It's understandable. These parents want everything to run smoothly.

Sometimes things don't. Sometimes, things outside of our control happen. But we ask that you do everything in your power to make this process as easy for intended parents as possible. For you, it's a compensation and 6-8 weeks of inconvenience and some discomfort ; for them, this is the last leg in a very long, strenuous journey toward the ultimate goal: parenthood.

So we ask you, please be on time to appointments. Please don't cancel them, or worse, miss them without prior notice. Please be honest about medical issues or scheduling issues you may have. Please try to be flexible regarding changes in scheduling. Please be organized. Please take your medications.

We are here to support you during this process: we obviously want to hear any frustrations or issues you may be having. But we ask that you try to take a step back and view the process from the other side first.

You are helping to give the ultimate gift; your generosity is overwhelming. Now all we ask is that you give this gift with as much grace and ease as possible, that way, a successful cycle is more likely to happen quickly and efficiently, ultimately making both sides of the equation happy.

The Surrogacy Process

2009-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Surrogacy involves potential risks associated with pregnancy as well as any medical processes required. It is the responsibility of the surrogate to understand and investigate any and all risks, and to discuss the procedures and implications with her physician.

There are two types of surrogacy arrangements: traditional and gestational.

Traditional surrogacy occurs through artificial insemination. This method is used when the intended mother does not have her own, viable eggs. The sperm of the intended father is placed into the vaginal canal or directly into the uterus of the surrogate. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate has a biological relationship with the baby because she uses her own eggs.
Note: Due to the legal issues and other complexities, Open Arms Consultants does not handle traditional surrogacy at this time.

Gestational surrogacy occurs through In Vitro Fertilization / Embryo Transfer (IVF/ET). In this process, the baby can be the complete biological child of the Intended Parents when the eggs are retrieved from the intended mother and fertilized with the sperm of her husband. The embryos are placed into the uterus of the surrogate. If the intended mother is unable to use her own eggs, donated eggs will be used. However, the donated eggs are not from the surrogate.

The Surrogate begin a regimen of birth control pills to align her cycle with the intended mother’s. She will take Lupron to suppress ovulation, estrogen to prepare for implantation and pregnancy, and then progesterone for the health of the baby and to help maintain the pregnancy. During this time, she will be monitored by blood tests and ultrasound to determine hormone levels and the appropriate development of her uterine lining. Three to five days after egg fertilization, a number of embryos are inserted into the surrogate’s uterus. This simple procedure only takes a few minutes, and the surrogate remain at the clinic for an hour or two. A successful pregnancy can be confirmed in two weeks.

Surrogates must understand that injections with a very small needle are involved in the process. She will be taking Lupron by subcutaneous injection, and will need supplemental estrogen and progesterone which may be administered in a variety of ways, determined by the clinic.

Open Arms Consultants cannot be held responsible for the intentional acts of donors, surrogates, Intended Parents or the medical or legal professionals associated with activities arising from assisted reproduction.

The Open Arms Egg Donation Process

2009-05-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Becoming an egg donor is not something to enter into lightly. It requires a high level of maturity and responsibility, and involves taking a regimen of medications and undergoing a minor medical procedure. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks—it is the sole responsibility of the donor to investigate all risks and discuss all medical issues with your physician.
The following outlines an overview of the egg donation process.

• Complete the initial Egg Donor Questionnaire.
• Once we have received your initial questionnaire, we will mail you an extended application. You will need to fill it out, sign, and return it with a few photographs of yourself for our database. (Return to 3412 Clark Road, Suite 100, Sarasota FL 34231.)
• We will review your completed application and screen it for acceptance. Upon acceptance, we will add your profile and picture to our database. No identifying or contact information will be displayed on your online profile.
• If a couple chooses you as a potential match, you will be asked to have genetic, physical, psychological and infectious disease screening. You may be required to travel to the location of the clinic chosen by the Intended Parents. If so, all expenses will be paid for by the Intended Parents, including flights, hotel, meals and medical costs.
• Once you agree to donation, you may not get any tattoos or body piercing until after the process is over. If you have a sexual partner, he must be screened for sexually transmitted diseases and may be required to take a drug test. Be sure to discuss this with your partner.
• We will forward an egg donor agreement to you, drawn by the intended parent’s attorney. We will refer you to an attorney to discuss the contract and any changes you may need. This contract will cover issues such as compensation, legal obligations of the donor, and more. Before the donation can continue, we must receive a legal clearance report from your attorney.
• If you are not already taking oral contraceptives, you may receive a prescription for birth control to help regulate your cycle. This coordinates your cycle with that of the intended mother. You must refrain from sexual intercourse once medications begin. Please discuss your questions regarding sexual activity with your primary physician.
• On approximately day 21 of your cycle, you will begin the first medication: Lupron. Lupron is taken as a daily subcutaneous injection. The needle is a tiny, two-inch insulin type needle, and is very painless. A professional will teach you how to administer the injection yourself. Lupron is not a fertility medication—it is given to keep you from ovulating. An ultrasound will be performed to make sure your ovaries are quiet. Please discuss all potential side effects with your primary physician.
• Once you begin taking the Lupron, our office pays the first installment of your compensation (generally $750).
• The second phase of medication involves follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This medication has many brand names; the most common are Gonal-F, Follistim and Fertinex. This medication is by injection, and will be administrated for 8–10 days to help the eggs grow and mature. Seconds of mild pain are associated with these injections. Typical complaints including bloating and occasional nausea.
• You will be required to have blood work and an ultrasound during the stimulation phase to determine the number and size of the eggs. We will help make all arrangements.
• 35 hours prior to the egg retrieval process, you will be given a medication called Hcg. You will need help administrating this medication. You will then be informed of the retrieval time.
• During the retrieval, the physician will use an ultrasound guidance machine and will insert a thin needle into the vagina and through the back of the vaginal wall to retrieve the eggs. This procedure takes between 20 and 30 minutes, and there are no cuts or incisions. To avoid discomfort, you will be put to sleep by general anesthesia or a tranquilizer before the procedure begins.
• Recovery time varies from person to person. Generally a donor experiences mild discomfort similar to menstrual cramps for few days.
• On the day of the egg retrieval the full balance of your compensation will be paid to you. If we cannot be present at your retrieval, we will overnight your payment as soon as we receive confirmation that the retrieval took place.
As you can see, egg donation involves quite a large commitment on your part. The gift you are offering is beyond measure, and we will do everything we can to make this a positive experience.

Open Arms Consultants cannot be held responsible for the intentional acts of donors, surrogates, Intended Parents or the medical or legal professionals associated with activities arising from assisted reproduction.

Welcome to the Open Arms Blog!

2009-05-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

I hope to offer sound advice, share the most recent and updated information on Assisted Reproductive Technology and answer your questions regarding Surrogacy and Egg Donation. Please feel free to contact me either through this blog or directly at info@openarmsconsultants.com.

Thank you!
Souad