Family Source Consultants

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a LIFE by what we GIVE” - Winston Churchill⁣

Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈 Please join our action-packed webinar featuring the most well-known and trusted professionals in the industry. Family Source Consultants founder and CEO, Staci Swiderski, will be LIVE with Dr. Brian Kaplan, a Fertility Specialist and expert in IVF, Preimplantation Genetic Screening, Egg Donation, Gestational Surrogacy, and Egg Freezing in the global marketplace. Also featured will be fertility law attorney, Rich Vaughn, founder of one of the most successful and best-known international law firms in the world focusing on assisted reproductive technology law. You will have the opportunity to meet former intended fathers via surrogacy, along with an experienced gestational carrier who has carried for a same-sex couple.

This informational event for the LGBTQ+ community is focused towards couples and individuals who are interested in building their family through third party reproduction. The online event is streaming live on June 25th at 5pm CDT via ZOOM.

Mark your calendars and set those reminders because this is an event you certainly do not want to miss!⁣ ⁣ In addition to the online event, FSC is thrilled to extend our support to the LGBTQ+ community by giving away 12 AMAZING prizes to our viewers attending the webinar!🌈💙🙌⁣

RSVP NOW:

Meet TeamFSC Egg Donor #234! It is an amazingly selfless deed to be an Egg Donor. 

Thanks to compassionate women who have stepped forward to assist those who cannot achieve pregnancy otherwise, the dreams of countless parents around the world have been fulfilled. 

-Blackout Tuesday-

We are here to listen.

We are here to learn.

We are here for YOU.

Meet Sarah! “Gestational surrogacy is quite the rewarding experience. I do believe it is most selfless and one of the greatest gifts that can be delivered.” 

Meet H! “I think FSC is responsible agency that is supportive and respectful of donor’s opinion and concerns.”

2020 is the year we will never forget. The COVID-19 global pandemic is taking the world by storm; closing schools, businesses and restaurants. Uncertainty and anxiety are record high as people scramble and try to figure out their next move.

Staci Swiderski, CEO of Family Source Consultants, states “As intended parents have been waiting for this day to finally arrive to meet their son or daughter that they have been longing for, now the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is adding a new layer of anxiety for all parties involved. For our intended parents who are approaching their due date via surrogacy, whether domestic or international, it is essential that everyone is prepared for unexpected processes as every hospital and birthing center will differ as most are taking new measures to protect patients and staff, excluding extra people from the delivery room in an effort to keep the gestational surrogate and baby safe.”

FSC is remaining proactive every day to ensure that our intended parents and surrogates are fully prepared and well informed so that they can focus on their journey, pregnancy and soon to be little miracle.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises pregnant women to follow physical distancing guidelines, and thankfully thus far scientists have found no evidence that pregnant women who test positive for COVID-19 can transmit it to the baby.

COVID-19 has its way of showing us what’s important in life – family. When looking at the bright side, the stay at home order has given thousands of families an opportunity to cherish one another, make up for lost time and develop deeper bonds. Although, we must not forget the superwomen surrogates who are carrying a miracle in midst of the pandemic.

TeamFSC Surrogates Share Their Story

“Pregnancy is never easy. There are so many unforeseen twists and turns. Although you can’t control what is happening inside utero, you usually can control what happens on the outside. Except when there is a worldwide pandemic.

Appointments must be rescheduled or moved to another location. In my case, this has happened more than twice. I’ve had to see my OB in another location due to a high volume of patients in my usual location. Although it is frustrating, I’m glad that my Dr. has taken her pregnant patients’ health into a higher consideration.

Having no control over when this pandemic will end has me worried about my Intended Parents and what the future holds when baby decides to come. It’s out of our control who can be in the delivery room. It’s out of our control when they can hold their baby for the first time. My heart hurts for their unknown future with the family they have been waiting so long to create. Thankfully, they are always optimistic, and I know they will make the best out of whatever situation is thrown at us.

During this pandemic I lost control of my ability to live life how I want it. With my previous pregnancy I was always out doing something with my family. I had plans of being very active with this surro-baby as well, but all I can do now is take a walk down my block. It’s unfortunate, but I know in other countries they can’t even do that.

There as so many things out of our control during this pandemic. There’s a lot of uncertainty and worries, especially while being a surrogate. Yet, there ways to see the positives. I’m blessed to be able to have my family altogether during this time, making new memories at home, and to be carrying healthy baby. ” – TeamFSC Surrogate, Rebecca – IL

“One blessing during this pandemic is that I have gotten much needed rest. I had a rough first trimester with nausea and being able to relax and not be on the hustle everyday was very helpful. I am not due until October, but I am worried that my Intended Parents might have trouble traveling as they are from China. I am also worried about not having them both present for the birth. I’m praying that around the time of October we will have less restrictions and everything will be smooth.” – TeamFSC Surrogate, Amber – TX

“When I came into surrogacy, I knew but also didn’t know the challenges I’d face until I experienced them firsthand. It is been a great journey so far! I have developed a sweet relationship with my Intended Parents and being only three hours apart, we looked forward to spending some quality time getting to know each other’s families.

When the stay at home order was set in place for COVID -19, all those plans suddenly vanished. There was anxiousness surrounding future appointments, sadness that my Intended Parents could not attend their baby’s 20-week ultrasound and fear of who can be in the delivery room if this whole thing lasts until baby arrives. Although no amount of worry will change the situation, I am thankful and grateful for the love and support from friends and family, my FSC case managers and my sweet intended parents. There’s not a moment of this journey I have felt alone despite the uncertain circumstances.”

–TeamFSC Surrogate, Katie – IN

“No one ever thought any of us would be in the situation the world is in today. Unfortunately, it’s our reality and we are all doing the best we can in this very uncertain and scary time. This is my story about being a Surrogate during this Pandemic.

Our journey started with matching with our amazing Intended Parents back in November 2018. Moving through all the phases of surrogacy we were able to complete the embryo transfer in September 2019. It was a successful double embryo transfer which we were hoping for. Everything was progressing wonderfully, always keeping my IPs up to date on all appointments, any and everything baby related! Never having twins before this was a new process for me in that way too but it everything seemed to go as planned. Fast forward to March 2020 when news started spreading about the Coronavirus and how it was affecting China, Italy and then Spain. Spain is the home of our Intended Parents L&R. When President Trump announced the travel ban it was very hard news to hear. In my mind that was going to make traveling for them extremely difficult if not impossible. But we stayed optimistic and prayed for the best. The Dads have been letting us know how things are going for them and how their dealing with it. We are all just trying to make the best out of this less than ideal situation.

So today I am 33 weeks along with these beautiful little baby girls. I feel so very fortunate to be able to bring these miracles into the world and complete a family. That was the main reason our family decided I would pursue surrogacy. After completing our family with our 3rd child in 2018, I just knew in my heart I had more to give to this world. I do have some reservations, especially now that it’s a very real possibility that the Dads may not be able to be at the hospital for delivery. FSC has been very helpful and extremely reassuring that we will have a solid plan in place for care for the babies if, worst case scenario, the Dads aren’t here in time. Another worry has been due to restrictions at our hospital we will be delivering, I will only be allowed one support person with me during my stay. In addition to that restriction, the support person cannot leave and return to the hospital either. My husband will be my support person which is a change where in my past experiences I was fortunate enough to not only have my husband but my mother and sister as well during delivery. But with keeping a positive attitude, I know we will get us through this. If I was asked again if I would be a surrogate under the same circumstances, I believe I still would. As scary as times are right now, I’m healthy, my family is healthy, the Dads are healthy, and these little miracles are healthy and growing so fast! Before we know it, they will be here with us and I just can’t wait to meet them!” –TeamFSC Surrogate, Lauren – MD

Become a Surrogate Superwoman

They tell you that college is the best 4 years of your life. Now they’ve come and gone but figuring out the next steps can be scary – especially in terms of finances. The majority of us end up selling clothes to resale shops to help with the bills every once in a while, and your side job does what it can, but it’s still not enough. Maybe you haven’t considered all your options, and hey, who’s to blame? You haven’t had to, until now.

Benefits

The personal benefits of egg donation greatly exceed the financial compensation of $7000 or more – you’re also able to gain useful information about your genetic makeup and future fertility. This can be beneficial in this new stage of your life where you might consider starting a family on your own,

or perhaps decide to freeze your own eggs, should the thought of motherhood be in your future.

Not to mention, having the beautiful opportunity to give hope and be of service to a couple or individual who could not conceive otherwise. When being chosen as an egg donor, this is the beginning of a much desired dream for your Recipient Parent/s and a reason for you to feel completely proud and fulfilled that you have shared this most beautiful gift.

Though the thought can be intimidating, the egg retrieval itself is quick and painless. And, despite the risks of egg donation being relatively low, there is no evidence of increased risk of infertility (let alone infertility issues, cancer, or premature menopause). Lastly, FSC’s egg donor, ‘J’ states, “I signed up to be an egg donor when I turned 21. Even though I wasn’t matched for two years, Family Source Consultants still checked in with me every few months. Now at 24, I have just finished my second egg donation with FSC. They have been great at communicating with me every step of the way (no matter who I worked with). I have had to fly for both donations (all expenses paid), and they were great about coordinating everything around my work schedule and preferences. They have been absolutely amazing every step of the way.”

Act Now

Getting a financial boost is nice, but making a couple or individual’s dreams come true is priceless. All together, you will obtain great insight into your own health status, receive generous compensation and help a couple/individual start a family. This would be a great way to embark on your post-graduate journey.

Many people dream of the day they’ll become a mommy or daddy. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with the equipment - or the ingredients - to make or carry a child. 

For some people, it might be that certain parts of their body aren’t functioning as they should. Others might be missing a vital person or component in the baby-making equation. And sometimes, it’s just that the circumstances aren’t quite right. 

Whatever the case may be, it certainly won’t change your mind about wanting to be a parent. A setback often makes you long for the pitter-patter of little feet even more. 

That’s when it may be time to consider a gestational surrogate.  

Family Source Consultants CEO, Staci Swiderski, says that thousands of individuals and couples today face a variety of issues that can affect their ability to have a family but can find a solution through surrogacy. 

As a former Intended Parent and a known egg donor herself, Staci knows firsthand the joy that having a child via surrogacy has brought to her and her family. 

“Surrogacy allows intended parents to be involved from the very beginning,” she says. “The intended parents can join their surrogate at regular check-ups, be present at ultrasounds, and in many “journeys’, such as ours, be present for the birth of their child to witness his or her very first cry”.

 Who are “intended parents”?

Intended parents are individuals or couples who choose to have a child via surrogacy.

While there are no ‘typical’ intended parents, they all share one wish: to have a baby.   

Because everyone’s circumstances are different, there’s no specific time that someone may choose surrogacy. Of course, it might not be the first option that couples or individuals look to when they can’t bear children themselves. This is understandable. The dream of having a child yourself is a powerful one. It’s why some people might spend years - and thousands of dollars - trying other methods to achieve pregnancy through methods such as in vitro fertilization. It’s often only after multiple rounds of IVF or fertility treatments have failed that a couple will move onto surrogacy. 

Surrogacy is also a wonderful family building option for LGBT individuals or couples.

 Types of surrogacy

There are two types of surrogacy: gestational and traditional.  

With gestational surrogacy, a surrogate carries a pregnancy that was created with an egg and sperm from each of the intended parents, or a donor. This means the gestational surrogate (often referred to as gestational carrier) shares no genetic material at all with the child that she is carrying. 

With traditional surrogacy, the surrogate utilizes her own eggs to be artificially inseminated with the intended father's sperm (or sperm donor). This means she is the baby's biological mother. 

Gestational surrogacy is certainly the preferred option, and the only option available through Family Source Consultants. It’s estimated that more than 750 babies are born each year through gestational surrogacy arrangements.

 Why choose to use a gestational surrogate?

You may be surprised to learn just how many reasons there are for choosing surrogacy. 

If you desire to have a child and any of the below reasons apply to you, you may choose to consider using a gestational surrogate to build your family.

 You or your partner are infertile

Infertility affects approximately 1 in 8 couples in the United States – that is about 6.7 million people each year who have difficulty conceiving. Although this means infertility is common, it’s no less painful. In many cases, women who have been affected by endometriosis or other uterine issues may have difficulties falling pregnant. Congenital abnormalities in a woman’s reproductive system may make pregnancy difficult or impossible. Sometimes, a woman will have lost her uterus to cancer or a medical condition. In other cases, a uterine structural problem may make conception difficult, or simply impossible to carry a child to term. Older women and couples are more likely to face issues with infertility. And about 10% of infertile women may never know why they can’t fall pregnant.  

But it’s not just women who are affected. Around one-third of infertility cases are due to problems with a man’s sperm and reproductive organs.

Additionally, if a woman’s ovaries are functioning and her egg quality is acceptable, she can utilize her genetics to have biological children through surrogacy. 

 You’re a same-sex couple

Celebrities such as Elton John, Neil Patrick Harris and Ricky Martin have helped show the world that surrogacy is a great way for LGBT couples to start a family. The surrogacy process for same-sex couples and individuals is very similar to that of any other intended parent. Gestational surrogacy is a popular option for gay intended parents who wish to be biologically related to their child(ren).

 Some male couples may even choose to fertilize multiple eggs using both partners’ sperm so that either or both can become the biological father.

 You are a single woman or a single man

Gone are the days when someone had to be in a relationship to have a child. If you’re a single woman or man and you desperately want to be a mom or dad, you can - through a surrogate.

A single woman may choose to use a gestational surrogate if she cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy to full-term herself. A single man may also decide to use a surrogate mother if he has no female partner.

You have other medical conditions

Sometimes, a woman may be physically able to carry a pregnancy, but other health issues make it dangerous for her to do so. Heart conditions, autoimmune diseases, psychological issues or certain physical conditions can make her pregnancy potentially harmful to herself or the baby. 

You’re taking certain medications

Some medications are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to simply stop taking your particular medication, especially if you have a medical condition. 

 You can’t (or don’t want to) adopt

While adoption is also a possibility for starting a family, it’s a lengthy process that may not suit everyone. Also - and most importantly - many people might simply wish to have a child that is biologically theirs. 

 How to find out more about surrogacy

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Family Source specializes in matching and facilitating Gestational Surrogacy and Egg Donation arrangements throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. We are proud to work with traditional, gay or lesbian couples and individuals of all races, religious and ethnic backgrounds.