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The Donor Egg Process: Top 5 Facts You Need to Know

December 1, 2020 by

Thanks to incredible innovations made by doctors and scientists, couples facing infertility now have a wonderful array of family building options available to them. Some of these options include IVF, home insemination, and intrauterine insemination (IUI) – all of which have very different costs. 

Traditional IVF may be a woman’s first option, but this route may not be possible when the issue stems from the quality of her eggs. Fortunately, donor eggs offer the same amazing benefits of conventional IVF (carrying and giving birth to your baby) while removing the potential egg-related complications. 

But what can you expect from the process? 

From helping you understand the differences between fresh and frozen donor eggs to highlighting some of the emotions you may face during your fertility journey, we explore the donor egg process below. 

1. Finding an Egg Donor

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is choosing your egg donor. Frozen egg banks offer access to an expansive pool of diverse potential candidates. You can have peace of mind in your choice since all donors must meet rigorous screening criteria before being accepted. You may choose your donor based on shared physical characteristics or opt for someone who possesses admirable qualities you’d love for your child to inherit. The choice is completely up to you. 

On the other hand, you may opt to choose a close relative or friend as your donor. While, this may initially provide some comfort, it’s worth exploring how your relationship with your donor will be affected once you have your baby. 

2. Choosing Fresh or Frozen Donor Eggs

If you’re using donor eggs to start your family, you’re also given the choice between using fresh or frozen donor eggs. Despite both processes being relatively similar, it’s worth noting the former takes significantly longer than the latter. 

Why? 

Fresh donor eggs require the synchronization of your cycle and your donor’s cycle. This adds to the overall expense, provides a significantly smaller choice of possible candidates and offers less flexibility when it comes to your cycle start date. Overall, this route can take six months or more to complete. 

In comparison, a frozen donor egg cycle can fit into your schedule and happen on your own timeline. There’s no need for cycle synchronization with your donor. Further, you can choose your donor from a much wider range of donor candidates since their eggs have already been retrieved and you don’t need to worry about your donor’s geographical location. With frozen donor eggs, your cycle can be completed within just four weeks. 

3. Understanding the Physical Process

Once you’ve settled on your donor, your body needs to be prepared for your embryo implantation. This involves taking a course of hormones to help prepare your womb. This is followed by the thawing and fertilization of your eggs. After several days in an incubator, one mature embryo will be implanted into your uterus. 

Two weeks after implantation, you’ll return to your clinic for a blood test (to detect the pregnancy hormone, HCG) and an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy. 

4. Preparing for the Emotional Impact of Using Donor Eggs 

Undergoing any fertility treatment can take a huge toll on you physically – but it’s important to appreciate how it can impact your mental health, as well. 

Initially, you may be overwhelmed by your infertility diagnosis and the different options your doctor presents. You may grieve for the natural pregnancy you’ve lost, feel disillusioned, and will probably wonder why this is happening to you. 

All these thoughts and feelings are completely normal. But as you start to explore the new avenues available to you, feelings of hope will start to warm you from within. Then, when you finally receive the news you’ve been waiting for — you’re pregnant! — that warming sensation of elation will wash over you. 

Whatever emotion you feel, high or low, it’s important to acknowledge each one as it comes. Speaking to a professional (a counsellor, your doctor, or someone at your fertility clinic) can help you come to terms with what’s happening, too.

5. Egg donor problems 

After riding a rollercoaster of emotions throughout your infertility journey, you may have some concerns about how you’ll feel after using donor eggs. 

Will you struggle to bond with your baby knowing they don’t share your genes? What kind of relationship will they have with their siblings? Will people be able to tell your baby came from donor eggs? 

Again, these thought processes are entirely normal. Nevertheless, many of the concerns you may have before undergoing a donor egg cycle are likely to vanish once you know your baby is growing inside you. From their first kick to seeing them on the ultrasound, there’s no question this is your baby. 




Busy Mom – Stylish Mom! How to Always look good with your Little one in tow

November 26, 2020 by

Being a mom means compromise. The time we once spent on our hair, makeup and wardrobe is now spent dressing our children, getting them ready for school and making sure they have everything they need. While being a parent is incredibly rewarding, it can take its toll on your confidence and your sense of self. 

style

Many mothers confess they struggle to maintain their identity once they become parents. The truth is that your identity isn’t gone, it’s just hidden underneath all those other responsibilities, toys and dirty clothes you have to sort. Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to compromise your style and your sense of self. Here we’ll explore how you can look and feel good with your little one in tow. 

Update your eyewear

You’re a busy mom, which means you don’t have time to mess around with contacts in the morning or in the middle of the night. You need to get up and go. This is where updating your eyewear comes in. Glasses are no longer just a way to correct your vision, they’re also a way for you to express your personality and your style. It’s not easy to look good when you’re covered in milk and poster paints, but a stunning pair of glasses can change that. Striking styles such as these Oakley eyeglasses will highlight your beautiful features and complement your skin tone and your face shape. Designer frames are always made with the wearer in mind, so you can expect comfort and practicality from your eyewear – something which all busy moms need!   

Focus on your skincare routine

Bright, dewy skin looks good on everyone and even though you might be struggling with night feeds and a lack of sleep, giving your skin a helping hand will leave you looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Remember to cleanse, tone and moisturize in the morning and evening. Neglecting to take off your makeup (if any) will clog your pores and leave your skin dull, oily and prone to breakouts. 

Mascara and concealer are your new best friends

There’s very little that these two products can’t cover-up. And as a busy mom, you don’t have time for an extensive makeup routine. A freshly cleansed, toned and moisturized face is the perfect canvas for a little concealer and a quick swipe of mascara. 

Being a mom fun and exhausting

There’s nothing that will drain your time more, than mourning that pair of jeans you can no longer fit into. You don’t have time for this! It’s also incredibly bad for your mental health. Get rid of any clothes that no longer fit, or items that make you feel bad about yourself. Only choose clothes that fit your body shape and boost your confidence! 

And finally, take a moment

We mentioned above that being a mom means compromise, however that shouldn’t come at the cost of your wellbeing. Always remember to eat, keep hydrated and move your body. Reach out for help if you need it and you’ll always look and feel a million dollars.




What essential oils are good for sinus infections

November 23, 2020 by

When it comes to the natural remedies that can help with sinus infections, there are many options available. Jojoba oil is one of those great choices as it has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties which make it a powerful ally in fighting off colds or other viruses that may be causing an infection. Adding peppermint essential oils to your diffuser provides you relief from congestion while helping you breathe easier throughout the day. Eucalyptus oil is another good option for sinuses due to its ability to fight bacteria and fungal growth inside them. Finally, neem oil should not be overlooked because of its antiviral qualities against flu virus strains like H1N1 and others coming on strong this season.




Internal temp of ribs when done

November 23, 2020 by

There are many different opinions on the internal temp of ribs when they’re done. The consensus is that it’s best to cook them at 300 degrees and not let them get too hot, but your personal preference may vary depending on what you want in a rib. We recommend cooking for 20 minutes per pound or until an instant-read thermometer reads 175 degrees Fahrenheit deep into the center of the meat.




When can i rent captain marvel

November 22, 2020 by

It’s a little tricky to find out when you can rent Captain Marvel. The movie is now available on Netflix and HBO, but it will be awhile before it appears elsewhere. If you’re interested in finding more information about the film or want to watch it as soon as possible, take a look at our full list of release dates for any other platforms where Captain Marvel might appear sooner!




How to Dominate Gift Shopping Year-Round

November 20, 2020 by

Do you stress out about gifts for birthdays and various holidays? There’s no reason to let gift pressure ruin any celebration. Most people are truly just happy when you recognize and appreciate them, whatever the occasion. But gift-giving is a significant cultural tradition, so it’s often unavoidable. It can be especially frustrating to feel like the presents you give never match up to those you receive. Give yourself a break by following these tips that can lead you to satisfying success.

DIY

One-Stop-Shop

Don’t waste precious time and energy running around to a different store for each person on your list. There are easier options. Plan ahead and limit yourself to one or two stores for everyone—or even better, do all of your shopping online at one site designed specifically to make these kinds of purchases easier. My Gift Stop knows that even online shopping can be frustrating and complicated if you’re buying everything from different sites. Don’t make this task harder than it has to be. Find somewhere that specializes in gifts so you can knock out your whole list all at once.

Get What They Want

While some people are excellent at coming up with creative presents to surprise their loved ones, it’s often better to just get people what they’ve asked for. They’ll never be upset to get something that they explicitly said they wanted, so it’s guaranteed success, whereas a creative gift has the potential to miss the mark entirely. You might accidentally buy them something they already have or something they have no interest in. Don’t feel like you have to come up with the perfect idea on your own. Just ask your family and friends what they’d like. They’ll appreciate this conversation because it means they won’t be disappointed. Or, if you enjoy the element of surprise, pay close attention to things they mention in the months preceding the holidays or their birthday and listen for things that they need but won’t buy for themselves.

Unusual gift goods

Your gifts don’t have to be things. While getting stuff can be great, sometimes presents end up cluttering the recipient’s home, unused and taking up space. Or maybe you know someone who is impossible to buy for because they have everything they need and can afford to get themselves anything they want at any time. Instead of trying to find a movie they’d like or buying yet another scented candle, look for experiences they’d enjoy instead—such as concert tickets for their favorite band or a camping trip. Give them the gift of a fun experience and a wonderful memory. These kinds of gifts tend to get a more emotional response and have a more lasting impact on a person. It’s even better if the experience is something you can do together, as you’ll then also be giving them the gift of your time and a memory you both can share for years to come.

Set Limits & Budget

If the holidays stress you out because of how much you spend on presents, try something different this year. Make a budget before you start shopping. It’s okay to talk to friends and family to let them know that you’re being careful about your spending. If you’ve given extravagant gifts in the past, these conversations will help to manage expectations. You can also suggest everyone in your friend group or family stick to a similar budget so that everyone saves money and so that the exchange feels balanced and on the same level. A budget doesn’t have to mean cheap gifts either—consider setting a budget that allows everyone to make things for each other. It may seem cliché, but homemade gifts are especially touching because they represent the time and effort you put into making something for your loved one. Maybe you like to sew, in which case you could find fabric that matches each person’s personality or interests and make pajama pants for them. Or maybe you’re a writer or musician, and you could write a song or poem for someone, or you could learn to play their favorite song and perform it on the occasion.

One thing that all of these suggestions require is a bit of planning. Don’t wait until the last minute to get a gift, regardless of the occasion. Give yourself time and plan ahead to get the most out of these tips for success. Go easy on yourself and don’t make the process harder than it has to be.




What do Russia eat

November 16, 2020 by

It turns out that Russians have a varied diet, with some traditional dishes and many Western influences. They enjoy delicious foods such as borscht, pelmeni dumplings, and caviar in addition to more typical American fare like pizza and burgers. With all these great options there’s no need to be picky!




What do pearls symbolize

November 16, 2020 by

Pearls are a symbol of wealth, elegance and high social status. They’re also a sign that the wearer is married or engaged. This symbolism has persisted for centuries because pearls have always been rare and expensive to produce. The difficulty in harvesting them means they were more costly than other jewelry materials like gold, diamonds or silver–and these days it’s still difficult to find affordable natural pearls! As such, when you see someone wearing black pearl earrings or necklace with their wedding dress on her big day…you’ll know she was worth waiting for!




When to kick your teenager out of the house

November 14, 2020 by

It’s important to remember that all teenagers are different, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. But if your teen has been struggling with substance abuse or behavioral problems for a long time and you’ve tried everything else without success, it may be the right decision. The best way to know when it’s time to kick them out? You should do what feels right in your heart and mind–though we hope our advice will help guide you as well!




When to leave because of stepchild

November 14, 2020 by

You should probably leave if you’re not willing to commit. We can’t all be perfect, but we also don’t want to stay in a situation that’s unhealthy for us either. If your partner has made it clear they cannot commit and doesn’t seem interested in changing their mind, then the best thing you can do is move on so you have time and space to find someone who will love both of these kids as much as you do. It may feel like giving up, but sometimes this is what needs to happen for everyone involved.”




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