About the Egg Donation Process
The egg donation process can feel complex, overwhelming, and difficult to navigate without clear guidance. The Gift She Gives was founded to support intended parents through this journey with transparency, compassion, and personalized care.
This work is deeply personal. Helping individuals and families build their families through egg donation is both a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously. My approach is grounded in empathy, open communication, and respect for everyone involved in the process.
As an independent consultant, I work closely with intended parents to provide education, guidance, and support from the very first conversation through key decision points along the way. My goal is to help you understand your options, feel confident in your choices, and move forward with clarity.
Initial consultation calls and access to donor profile resources are offered at no cost, allowing you to explore the egg donation process and determine the best path forward without pressure or obligation.
Choosing an Egg Donor & Understanding the Process
If you’ve decided to pursue egg donation, the process begins with identifying a donor who aligns with your medical needs, personal preferences, and family-building goals. This decision is deeply personal, and having the right guidance can make all the difference.
Step 1: Donor Exploration & Guidance
I work with intended parents to thoughtfully review egg donor profiles from reputable programs and clinics. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss the qualities and considerations that matter most to you—such as medical history, genetic factors, physical traits, and clinic requirements.
All donors whose profiles are reviewed have completed thorough medical, psychological, and genetic screening through established programs prior to being made available. I help you understand screening results and how they relate to your specific situation.
Step 2: Legal Preparation & Agreements
Once a donor has been selected, a legal agreement is prepared between the intended parents and the egg donor. While I do not provide legal services, I help you understand the purpose of the contract and coordinate with experienced reproductive attorneys who specialize in egg donation arrangements.
These agreements typically address roles, responsibilities, compensation, and the intended parents’ rights related to the eggs and resulting embryos.
Step 3: Cycle Planning & Coordination
Egg donation may involve either a fresh or frozen cycle. Each option comes with different timing, logistics, and considerations.
-
Fresh cycles require coordination between the donor and recipient (or gestational carrier), including hormonal preparation to align medical timelines.
-
Frozen egg cycles allow for greater flexibility, as eggs have already been retrieved and preserved, eliminating the need for synchronization.
I help intended parents understand the practical differences between these options and prepare for next steps in collaboration with their fertility clinic.
Step 4: Egg Retrieval & Fertilization
In fresh cycles, eggs are retrieved from the donor during a brief outpatient medical procedure performed by the fertility clinic. In frozen cycles, eggs are thawed once sperm is ready.
Your fertility specialist then fertilizes the eggs in the laboratory, allowing embryos to develop under careful observation using advanced reproductive technology.
Step 5: Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy Testing
Once an embryo is selected, it is transferred to the intended mother or gestational carrier. Approximately two weeks later, a pregnancy test is performed to determine whether implantation was successful.
An Ethical, Personalized Approach
As a consultant, I work independently and without quotas or pressure. My focus is on:
Honest, unbiased guidance
Respect for all parties involved
Clear communication and realistic expectations
Protecting your time, investment, and emotional well-being
Who I Work With
I support intended parents of all family structures, including individuals and couples pursuing egg donation for medical, genetic, or family-planning reasons.
Getting Started
Our work begins with a consultation to discuss your goals, timeline, clinic preferences, and where you are in the process. From there, I tailor my support to meet your specific needs.
If you’re seeking an experienced, compassionate guide through egg donation, I would be honored to support your journey.
Information
Name: Catherine Rodriguez
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
337-884-6646
For Intended Parents
Choosing egg donation is a meaningful step toward building your family, and it often comes with complex decisions and many moving parts. As an independent consultant, my role is to provide personalized guidance, education, and support—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
I work alongside intended parents to help navigate the egg donation process thoughtfully, transparently, and at your pace. goals.
Education & Process Clarity
Egg donation can feel overwhelming. I provide clear explanations of each step of the process, including timelines, requirements, and what to expect—so there are no surprises along the way.
Fresh vs. Frozen Egg Consultation
I help you understand the differences between fresh and frozen egg options, including considerations around timing, logistics, and clinic preferences, so you can choose the path that best fits your needs.
Advocacy & Ongoing Support
I serve as a steady point of support throughout your journey—helping you prepare questions,
interpret information, and make decisions during key moments in the process.