If you are considering surrogacy, experiencing fertility problems, or you are in a parenting role, you may find this information useful.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy is not a new idea, there are many accounts in history of women who bore children for others. In recent years, surrogacy has become a legal and viable option for infertile couples to have a child that has at least a partial, if not whole, genetic connection to the parents.
Surrogacy is legal in the UK, the main proviso being that no money, other than 'reasonable expenses', should be paid to the surrogate. While there is no strict definition as to what constitutes 'reasonable expenses' it is left up to the individuals involved in a surrogate arrangement to come to an agreement regarding these expenses.
In straight surrogacy, the host mother uses her own egg and is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the intended father. The baby then has a biological and genetic connection to the surrogate mother.
Host surrogacy, also known as full or gestational surrogacy, uses the egg of the intended mother and the sperm of the intended father or an egg or sperm donor if necessary. The embryo is then implanted into the womb of the surrogate mother using IVF. In this case there is no biological or genetic link between the surrogate mother and the baby. This method is the preferred way to have a surrogate birth, despite the fact that it is very costly and difficult to perform.
There are legal implications to surrogacy and there are also emotional implications to be considered before undertaking this journey. There are agencies which specialise in helping connect commissioning couples (parents to be) with surrogate mothers. The agency not only helps with the choosing of a surrogate mother, it should also provide legal help for both the commissioning couple and the surrogate.
COTS is a UK based, voluntary surrogacy organisation. Potential surrogates and intended parents can become members of COTS and benefit from their support and expertise. To find out more call 01549 402777 (Monday to Friday 9am to12 midday) or go to the website www.surrogacy.org.uk where you'll find a wealth of information including details of IVF clinics willing to help in surrogacy.
Infertility
Infertility is when a couple fails to conceive despite having regular unprotected sex. Although one in seven couples has difficulty conceiving, the number of couples who are actually infertile is relatively low. About 85% of couples will conceive naturally within one year if they have regular unprotected sex.
You will only be diagnosed as infertile if you have not managed to have a baby after two years of trying. If you have never conceived a child, it is known as primary infertility. Secondary infertility is when you have had one or more babies in the past, but you are having difficulty conceiving again.
Some women get pregnant very quickly but, for others, it can take longer. Although there is not a cut off point to say when a couple is infertile, it is best to see your GP if you have not conceived after one year of trying.
If you are a woman over the age of 35, or you are already aware that you may have fertility problems, then you should see your GP sooner. They may be able to check for common causes and suggest treatments that could help. If fertility problems are diagnosed, there are many different treatments and procedures that may be available to you.
To find out what both partners can expect when investigating infertility, go the NHS Choices website.
The HFEA Guide to Infertility is written for people who are having, or considering, fertility treatment. You can download a copy from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority - HFEA website.
New Parents
However you start life with your new born baby, there are sure to be times when you could do with some expert advice or support.
Information and advice on postnatal care is available to all parents from The National Childbirth Trust - NCT. The NCT Early Days Groups give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.
These sessions are designed to help you feel confident about the decisions and choices that you make for your baby. The NCT Enquiry Line can help you with any concerns on 0300 33 00 770 (lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). For more about what the NCT has to offer and to find local support groups go to www.nct.org.uk.
Parentline Plus offers help and support to anyone in a parenting role. Call 0808 800 22 22 (free, confidential 24 hours a day). They also provide an email helpline for the times when it's easier to write than talk. Just send to parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk. Find more information on the website at www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Tamba is a nationwide charity providing information and mutual support for families of twins, triplets and more. Their confidential, support, listening and information service Twinline is staffed by trained volunteers who are parents of multiples, and can answer questions on many topics including sleeping, feeding, crying, behaviour, discipline or special needs.
Call free on 0800 138 0509 (free, every day of the year 10am to 1pm, 7pm to 10pm), email asktwinline@tamba.org.uk or go to the website www.tamba.org.uk
Info on call charges
0845: calls cost up to 4p per minute with a max 10p set up charge from a BT land line. Mobile and other network rates may be higher.
0844: calls cost up to 5p per minute with a max 10p set up charge from a BT land line. Mobile and other network rates may be higher.
0800/0808: free from a BT land line.
