The Role of the Surrogate Mother

Surrogacy is first and foremost about sacrifice, both for the surrogate and the intended parents. The involved individuals sacrifice physically and emotionally for a common goal; to bring surrogate babies into the world. 


Surrogacy is an emotional whirlwind, for everyone involved.  Arguments happen, feelings get hurt, and things do go wrong.  It is important that everyone looking into this process understands what can happen and how to overcome a bad situation. 


This process is not something that is right for everyone, be they potential surrogate mothers or intended parents.  For many, the emotions involved in this process are simply too overwhelming.  Simply recognizing this fact goes a long way.  Infertility and surrogacy are not easy journeys. 


They are rough and extremely time consuming roads to follow, but the rewards are wonderful.  At the end of the road is a beautiful child that many people have helped into the world. 



Many of you are curious about my relationship with my surrogate mother.  I met her before the egg transfer but had no contact with her during the pregnancy.  I received weekly/bi-weekly updates about the pregnancy and her health from Care Surrogacy Mexico and the doctor.  I was with her in the hospital for the birth of my son, Luca and visited her during her recovery.  We now stay in contact via email. 


She will always have a huge piece of my heart.  Without her I would not have the greatest blessing in my life.  One day when Luca is old enough and is curious about how he came into our hearts and the world I will bring him back to Villahermosa so that he can meet the woman who gave him life.  It's important to me that he knows about all of the people that helped make is journey a possibility.  After all…Villahermosa is where he spent the first 4 1/2 month of his life.  

Renting a short term apartment in Villahermosa, Mexico City & Merida

When I first came to Villahermosa I thought I would only be here for a few weeks…1 month maximum.  My son; Luca was born 6 weeks early and needed to stay in the NICU for 3 weeks, then MX passed a new law on the requirements for obtaining a birth certificate for babies born via surrogacy/abroad.  This was totally unfair and unfortunately out of my control.
* The requirements were documents from the U.S. and they needed to be translated and certified.


So after one month of living in a hotel with a preemie baby and spending an obscene amount of money every week, I decided it was time to look for an apartment or small house.  I have been very fortunate during my stay here and made incredibly kind friends.  They put in contact with my current landlord who happens to own multiple houses all over Villahermosa.  She offers long and short term leases.  I am happy to share her information with any contracted CARE client.


I am currently renting a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house that is located on a private street and close to everything.  It's nice to be in a house where I can wash my own laundry and able to cook healthy meals.


There are many options to renting in Villahermosa because Tabasco is an oil rich state.  There are expats living here from other countries working.  You definitely will not have a problem finding something suitable for your family.  I suggest staying some what close to the hotel area though because Angeles Hospital; where you baby will be born, is in the same area.  Centro is too congested.

If you decide to rent a place in MX City (this stage is when you are ready to apply for the baby's passport).  I think it is best to stay in the Polanco area, as this is where the embassies are located.  There are also many hotels, but you never know how things will go on your first embassy visit.  And the point of this post is about saving money.  Hotels in MX City can be expensive.  When I traveled to MX City last July for my egg retrieval I rented a short term apartment for 1 month.  It was in Polanco.
This site is super helpful,
https://www.roomorama.com/short-term-rentals/mexico-city/?utf8=✓&search_origin=refine&order=&destination=mexico-city&algo=&d%5B%5D=&d%5B%5D=3327&number_of_rooms=&price_filter_radio=any&min_price=&max_price=&page=1

I love Merida.  Even if you do not decided to go through the Merida embassy I suggest you visit.  It is so beautiful and the people are very kind.  Merida has tons of options.  I am constantly seeing pop-up advertisements on Facebook and I have a few friends who are also renting in Merida.
*I would like to point out that going through the Merida embassy will delay you exiting MX and obtaining your child's passport.
Check out,
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/mexico/yucatan-mayan-riviera/yucatan/merida

Peace, Love & CARE,
Carmela

Pediatricians in Villahermosa

Finding the right pediatrician in your home country is a necessary task.  Trying to find one in a foreign country that speaks English is like playing Where's Waldo!  (some of the websites say the doctors speak English but in reality they know how to say hello and thank you).


I really lucked out though with Luca's pediatrician.  I chose to use the same pediatrician that cared for him in the NICU.  He's amazing!  Really!  This man took care of my son since birth.  He hooked up his oxygen, gave him the proper medications for his tiny lungs, and checked on him 3 times a day.  When the time came to move Luca to a different hospital he rode with us in the ambulance and held Luca's small body in the incubator.  He was in contact with me via phone daily.  Some of you may say, he was doing his job but for me it was much more than that.  I did all of this a lone.  I didn't have anyone with me after Luca's birth and I can barley speak Spanish.  It was an incredibly stressful time for me and the doctors as well as the staff at Care Surrogacy Mexico went above and beyond to help Luca and myself. 

Luca has had all of his tests, check-up's, and shots with Dr. Arenas.  I highly recommend him as a pediatrician for you baby.  Yes, he speaks English! :-) 

Here is his contact information…please let him know how you heard about his services. 

José Arenas Benhumea

Médico Pediatra.

(993)3525735

Villahermosa, Tabasco/ Mexico