Dr. Lotem Schulke, a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor in the metro-Atlanta area joins us on the show today to share her surrogacy journey.  We talk about:

• Her decision to become a surrogate
• The entire process from finding an agency, the criteria for selecting intended parents, and the medical screening and legal clearance phases 
• All of the medical phases involved from taking birth control pills and hormone medication to prepare her uterus for implantation to the process of embryo transfer and the challenges faced during pregnancy.
• She shares her pregnancy journey, which involved hyperemesis gravidarum during the first trimester, hospitalizations due to severe dehydration,irritable uterus diagnosis, and prodromal labor starting at 28 weeks.
•  Despite all the challenges, she shares her birth story, who was on her birth support team, the emotions in the birthing facility with the intended parents and she reflects on her postpartum journey.

Connect with Dr. Lotem

00:00

Embarking on the Surrogacy Journey: Dr. Lotem Schulke's Story

04:16

Finding the Right Agency and Intended Parents

10:50

The Lengthy Process of Medical Screening and Legal Clearance

23:11

Embryo Transfer Process

28:03

Dealing with a Miscarriage

32:51

The Emotional Journey of Being a Surrogate

37:52

Challenges and Complications During Pregnancy

42:48

Navigating Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Dehydration

43:26

Managing an Irritable Uterus and Prodromal Labor

45:19

Monitoring High Amniotic Fluid Levels

48:37

A Successful Induction and Birth

56:10

Recovering from a Cesarean Birth

59:07

The Emotional Journey of Being a Surrogate

Curiosity and Beyond
Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge

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Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.