Care Surrogacy Mexico was the right choice for us

Every IP (Intended Parent) I speak with asks me the same question at some point during our conversation.  Why did you choose Care Surrogacy Mexico to have a baby?  


My ex-husband and I researched surrogacy agencies across the United States, India, and Mexico.  U.S. was out almost instantly because of the high cost factor, India was extremely too far and risky for us, but Mexico…we had many memories and ties to Mexico.  And for some reason this country doesn't want me to leave but I'll get into that in another post.  


My ex brought me to Playa Del Carmen 3 1/2 years ago and proposed.  A few months later we took a trip to Cancun, made incredible friends, bought a property and started going back every other month.  


We were on our friends boat having a discussion about our surrogacy quest and I said, "what about Mexico?"  We are here all the time, love the country, have friends all over, and it's a quick flight from the U.S.  My ex loved the idea and immediately started researching and found Care Surrogacy Mexico. The very next day he was in contact with Ivan Davydov; Surrogacy and Assisted Reproductive Lawyer.  Ivan was friendly and informative.  He explained the entire process,  CARE's relationship with the hospitals and clinics and insisted that we first meet with our doctor and the CARE team before making a decision.  Of course I did my P.I. work about the company, staff & the doctor's c.v.  I wanted to be sure everything was legit.  


We flew to Mexico City and Ivan picked us up at the airport.  We met the CARE team, toured the clinic where the egg retrieval takes place and met with the doctors.  I also had my exam with the doctor during that first trip.  


By the end of the 3 days we had made our decision.  Care Surrogacy Mexico was the right agency for us.  I liked the fact that they had an in-house attorney because I knew going into this, there may be complications with the governments.  The company has been performing surrogacy in other countries such as Georgia, for many years.  The team literally walked us through every step and we never felt a lone.  


On February 15, 2014, with the help of Care Surrogacy Mexico and the skilled doctors we welcomed our beautiful son Luca Leonidas Steliotes into the world.  We are so proud to be the first American couple to successfully achieve a beautiful surrogacy experience here in Mexico.  

Your Care Surrogacy Mexico Packing List

The magical time has finally arrived for you to welcome your baby into the world!  But first you need to pack.  I get asked many questions regarding what to bring to Villahermosa, MX and what exactly is available here.

First, let me just begin by telling you I did not have time to pack!  Luca was born 6 weeks early.  I received the phone call while having dinner with friends.  The next day I was on a flight to Mexico.  I didn't even have a baby shower!  All I had with me was a car seat and 3 onesies.  (of course they did not fit him because he was so tiny).  I was not able to bring my stroller because I was traveling a lone and couldn't carry everything.  It was one of the most stressful times of my life but I made the journey to welcome my son.

Luca stayed in the hospital for 3 weeks to get stronger and gain weight.  I had some time to prepare for what I needed.  The downside to this was I had to spend a lot of money.  Think of everything you may need for a newborn and then think of buying it all at once.  That's exactly what I had to do!

If you are like me you will be in a hotel.  I was in a hotel for a month and now I have a house. (Because I am working/living here).  One of the biggest downsides to the hotel was not being able to sterilize bottles in my room.  I would send the bottles with the maid twice a day to be sterilized.  Everyone was eager to help me because I had this tiny baby and I was doing it all a lone.

So here is my packing list for Villahermosa…I am sure I will need to add/edit this in the future.

1. Carseat…one that has been tried and tested.  The drivers here are crazy!
2. Stroller
3. Co-sleeper:  http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/babydepot/BABY/Shop-Online-For/Activity/Infant-Sleep-Positioners/By-Your-Side-153-Co-sleeper-Tan-337142465.aspx
4. Receiving blankets (8) you can line the co-sleeper with them too.
5. Bodysuits/Onesies.  You can never have too many of these!
6. Socks
7. Caps/Hats
8. Seasonal Outerwear.  It's cold in the A/C but hot/humid outside every day.
9. Diaper Bag
10. Bibs
11. Burp Cloths
12. Bottles (6) You can always buy more once you get here.
13. Pacifiers (3)
14. Bottle Brush
15. First Aid Kit
16. Baby Nail Clippers
17. A small tupperware container for baby formula
18. Baby Carrie/Wrap

And anything you think you may need you can buy here.  Yes, they have shopping malls, supermarkets, Walmart.  The biggest pain will be sterilizing the bottles…but you have to do it! 

Throw out the plan now.  Trust me it doesn't work!  Your baby will arrive when he/she is ready.  Just have fun with it and take in the moment because trust me, it goes by so fast and they change so quickly from day to day.  

I made this list short because most of you are traveling by plane; some a lone.  With the weight restrictions it's not possible to bring everything.  Set some money a side for when you are here to buy the things you need.  

I did not list diapers or formula because I chose to use what the hospital provided for Luca.  When I learned of his release date I purchased the diapers, wipes, formula, shampoo and creams.  

Buy your formula, diapers, creams, medicines, shampoos at the Ahorro Pharmacy!  It's very inexpensive and they have them all over the city.  Shop at Walmart, Liverpool, and Sanborns to save money on the extras. 

I hope this list helps you and I cannot wait to meet your baby and you in Villahermosa!