Does anyone know if counseling is required in VA? Specifically at CCRM.

Anonymous wrote:I think it's required by the state of MD, so all clinics will have the counseling requirement. I went into it pretty resentful, but I've come around to the idea that people who are going to be parents of donor-conceived kids should get information about how to talk to their kids about their conception.

OP here. I wondered about that. Thanks for your insight.

Anonymous wrote:Don't have an answer to your question - but where did you go overseas? We are exploring that option now, so anything you can share about that process would be appreciated.

We were in Guatemala. We used Centro Procrea and the labs are at Gestar.gt. Absolutely awesome technicians. I was a poor responder and did multiple egg collection cycles. They were frozen as was my DH’s sperm. They did a melt of everything, ICSi, and a three day transfer, and my DS is perfect. Very affordable.

Your OB can order a day 3 test.

I think it's required by the state of MD, so all clinics will have the counseling requirement. I went into it pretty resentful, but I've come around to the idea that people who are going to be parents of donor-conceived kids should get information about how to talk to their kids about their conception.

I didn’t have to do any counseling at Columbia fertility. I don’t recall having to do anything at Shady Grove until starting the ivf cycle. But not just for the testing.

Don't have an answer to your question - but where did you go overseas? We are exploring that option now, so anything you can share about that process would be appreciated.

We did IVF overseas and our son is about to turn 4. I think I might like to go for a DE baby to have a sibling. What I loved about my overseas experience was small personalized care, and we didn't have to do all the social work / education stuff that Shady Grove was asking us to do before we even came in for a consult. Are there local clinics where you can just get an appointment with an RE without all of the other wrap around stuff? I'd like a three day test to confirm that DE is the only way, and I'd like to get moving.