Packing list for CARE Surrogacy Mexico Intended Parents

Last week I posted a packing list for your baby.  But we cannot forget about you!

Villahermosa is a tropical monsoon climate.  According to Wikipedia, temperatures during spring and summer seasons reach upwards of 40°C (104 °F), with humidity levels hovering around 30% during the same period (for total humidity-adjusted temperatures in the high forties).  During its short "winter", Villahermosa's climate is very humid but daytime temperatures decrease to around 28°C (82 °F).

It is imperative that you pack cotton clothing…you want something that breathes.  Nylon and polyester are miserable in the tropics.  Also talcum powder.  I live in sleeveless cotton tops, shorts, maxi dresses and linen carpi's. Clothing that dries quickly has become quite popular in the travel market and is key in humid climates.  The clothing can be washed at night in your hotel sink and be dry by morning.  (yes, you will be washing in the sink at least once…I am sure of it!)  Use the hotel laundry service or you can find an inexpensive laundry service near your hotel neighborhood. 

In addition to the clothing you should pack sandals, flip flops and sneakers (with cotton socks).  SPF, hats, sunglasses, swim suit, swim suit cover-up's, a reusable water bottle, mosquito repellent (this place is swarming with them!), hand sanitizer, and not that you would forget…deodorant! LOL!

Keep in mind that you will not be in Villahermosa the entire time.  After you have received your baby's birth certificate you will need to travel to Mexico City to apply for the passport.  The weather is very different in Mexico City.  

According to World Travels, the weather in Mexico City, which is situated at an altitude of 2,300 metres above sea level, is moderate.  Mexico City has a subtropical highland climate, with pleasant summers and mild winters, and an annual average temperature of 64°F (18°C).  Seasonal variations in temperature are small, but May is the warmest month of the year, and January the coldest, when night frosts are possible.  The maximum temperatures of late spring and summer may reach up to 90°F (32°C), and the lowest winter temperatures reach 23°F (-5°C) in low-lying regions.  Mexico City has a high average annual rainfall, most falling in summer, the wettest month being July, and the driest month February.  Even during the summer rainy season, travelers are likely to get plenty of sunshine between showers.  Mexico City suffers from terrible air pollution and the city is often smoggy, with poor visibility.  This air pollution is at its worst during winter.  

For Mexico City it is important that you have a sweater or light jacket and an umbrella with you at all times.  The sun will be shining one minute and then it's pouring down rain the next.  You can definitely wear jeans, closed toed shoes and warmer clothing here.  

I am sure I will add/edit this list in the future.  As always…if you have any CARE Surrogacy related questions for me I am more than happy to chat with you.  

Happy Travels! 
Carmela 








The information provided on this site is general information regarding the surrogacy process in Mexico. The site reserves the right to change, modify, suspend or discontinue any or all parts of the Web Site or any Service at any time. The site does not intend for any of the information on this site to be regarded as medical or legal advice - it is meant as a general understanding or starting point for treatment details and processes before contacting a registered surrogacy provider. This site advises all individuals that surrogacy in Mexico is a complicated process and should not be entered into without the proper legal, medical and birthing support teams. The information you gather from the use of this site should not be used to enter a surrogacy process on your own.

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

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!

My FIRST Mother's Day…Finally!

Someone asked me the other day what I wanted for Mother’s Day and I laughed.  What? LOL!  I bought myself a Mother’s Day present a while ago. And, if there were anything in the world that I wanted right now that I do not already have, it would be one day to sleep in.

This weekend marks my first Mother’s Day.  My first official Mother’s Day with an actual baby in my arms.  My baby Luca!

I have gone through many Mother’s Days as an unofficial mom. Four miscarriages due to a rare blood clotting disease.

But this time, after those four Mother’s Days, I get to be included and my best friends know how much this means to me.

My celebration was not a fancy affair, but it was incredibly special…thanks to my sweet boyfriend.  I didn't get to sleep in.  Or have a day without doing dishes or laundry. I did not get breakfast in bed or the day off.

After all, it’s just Luca and I.

But I get to wake up and pick my baby up out of his crib.

I get to kiss him right where his neck meets his cheeks, which he loves.

I get to cuddle him while he drinks his morning bottle and listens to chakra balancing music.

I get to lay him on the couch, and lean in while he rubs his hands on my face.

I get to pick out his clothes for the day and get him dressed.

I get to put him in his car seat and take him with me to my new favorite restaurant for my first Mother's Day celebration. 

I get to enjoy the compliments all day about how precious he is.

I get to lay on the bed with him while he figures out how to roll over.

I get to run his bath and watch him enjoy the warm water while he sucks on the wash cloth.

I get to rub him down with baby lotion.

I get to find him some soft, comfortable pajamas, and snuggle with him on my lap when he has them on.

I get to wash his bottles and fill them back up so they are ready for the next day.

I get to wash his clothes and make sure they are clean and comfortable for him to wear for the week.

I get to go to bed, knowing that my baby is in the next room sleeping peacefully, and I get to experience all of it again the next day. A day that’s not even Mother’s Day.

I get to do all of that. ME…Finally!

This is what I have been waiting for.  I feel complete.  I feel like I finally found my reason for being here  I am happy, and I am so completely in love that there are days I can’t even handle it.

On Mother’s Day, I will always look back to his birth and remember his first cry.  Touching his face as soon as he was born.  Holding him and looking at that sweet, scrunched up face.  Having our first moments together a lone.  Having our first night together alone. (I didn't sleep the entire night!)

I am so so unbelievably grateful.  So blessed.  So happy.  So complete.  So rich.  So loved.  I mean…how does it ever get any better than this?

Happy Mother’s Day to me!

And Happy Mother’s Day to all of the other moms out there.

The new moms.
The veteran moms.
The pregnant moms.
The adoptive moms.
The moms that experienced loss.
The aunts.
The grandmas.
The sisters.
The nieces.
The cousins.
The guardians.
The godmothers.
The fur moms.

Anyone that experiences that kind of love for someone else…And a special thank you to my Care Surrogacy Mexico Family for making my dreams come true!  I have a beautiful healthy baby boy and a job that I absolutely LOVE!! 

Happy Mother’s Day,

Carmela 

Dreaming of raising a baby

If you have dreamed of raising a baby, but have recently learned that you are unable to 

conceive or carry a child, there's no reason for you to give up on your dreams.  Through 

Care Surrogacy Mexico, you can have your own baby to love and raise from the moment 

he or she is born.  You may still be able to have a baby who is genetically related to you 

or your partner.

I invite you to connect with me so that I may help navigate your surrogacy options here in Mexico.  I am available via email, Skype or telephone. 

With CARE, 

Carmela