#DrKolb

Genetic testing, Dr. Bradford Kolb Bring this Couple Their Miracle

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Mary and James had been trying to conceive for eight years before being referred by their OBGYN to Dr. Bradford Kolb. The couple had seen other infertility specialists, including a clinic abroad, and had undergone unsuccessful IUI and IVF cycles–plus a heartbreaking ectopic pregnancy.

By the time they saw Dr. Kolb in fall 2015, the couple was considering surrogacy. “We thought our age was a factor, “recalled 42-year-old Mary. “But Dr. Kolb reviewed our records and ran some tests. He convinced us that everything looked good and was confident we could get pregnant via IVF.”

The couple really liked how Dr. Kolb took the time to listen and was hands on, which was a pleasant departure from their previous physicians. One would only see them a few minutes before handing them off to the staff. They also liked that Dr. Kolb was receptive to Chinese acupuncture, which made them feel less stressful and more relaxed.

At HRC Fertility, Mary and James underwent two cycles of IVF and had their embryos genetically tested. The remaining viable one became their son who was born last June. Every day since, they thank their lucky stars for this gift.

Mary advises other couples to do their homework to see if prospective clinics are a good fit for their needs and personalities. They also encourage others to have a game plan, as they did.

She explained, “We felt stressed during our previous IVF cycles. During our last one at HRC, we felt comforted knowing that we had a backup plan if it didn’t work. That really helped to reduce our stress levels.”

Even though they weathered much disappointment with other fertility clinics, Mary and James are grateful for having found Dr. Kolb–knowing he was the difference in helping them create their family.

Celebrities and Surrogacy

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You’ve probably seen their stories reported in popular magazines and websites. When celebrities choose to publicize their surrogacy journeys, people listen. This spreads awareness and gives the public a greater understanding of the challenges of family building for both same sex and heterosexual celebrities who want to have babies–just like the rest of us!

Turning to Surrogacy

Regardless of their fame, prospective parents may need to use the services of a surrogate mother, also known as a gestational carrier, for a variety of medical and social reasons.

Intended mothers may have been born without a uterus, have a uterine structural abnormality, or needed a hysterectomy due to cancer, all of which make it impossible for them to carry a pregnancy. Some may have medical problems that would make pregnancy dangerous. Surrogacy also may be needed for women who have experienced numerous failed IVF cycles. They can produce healthy, normal-looking embryos, but implantation does not occur, even with IVF.

Of course, same sex individuals and single men who want to have biological children need two, “third parties,” an egg donor and a surrogate mother.

Here are four examples of celebrities who have shone a special light on surrogacy:

GloZell Green

GloZell is a viral social media superstar known for her signature green lipstick, vivacious personality and hilarious YouTube videos. When she wanted to have a baby in her late 30s, her doctor discovered she had endometriosis and a thin uterine lining. He suggested she use a surrogate mother to carry her baby, and with the help of HRC Fertility’s Dr. Bradford Kolb, GloZell and her husband Kevin Simon are now the proud parents of little O’Zell born last August.

In her unique style, GloZell chronicled her surrogacy journey and, in the process, has educated millions of people about infertility and surrogacy.

Elton John and David Furnish

This megastar and his producer/director husband are one of the most famous examples of a gay couple who used surrogacy to build their family. Elton and David are British citizens and commercial surrogacy is not legally recognized in the United Kingdom. They used the services of the same surrogate mother for their sons’ births.

When fashion designers Dolce and Gabbana created a firestorm by calling IVF and surrogacy “unnatural,” Elton John came to the defense of the millions of parents and babies who have used these miraculous technologies.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban needed the help of a surrogate mother for their second daughter. After Ms. Kidman’s struggle to conceive baby number two, she was very open about her secondary infertility and the struggle of undergoing treatment and miscarriage, as well as showing her admiration for her surrogate mother.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin is not only a gay dad via surrogacy, but was a single man who wanted to become a father when his twins Matteo and Valentino were conceived via surrogacy. He is well-known as a “choice dad,” who made a conscious choice to embark on becoming a father.

Ricky’s surrogacy experience is an example of how the desire for parenthood is a universal goal for both men and women, with or without a partner

Thank you to these celebrities and others who have brought awareness to this unique, but increasingly popular, family building option.

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HRC Fertility has one of the largest and most successful third party parenting programs in the world. Click here to read more: http://www.havingbabies.com/infertility-treatment/third-party-reproduction/