2SLGBTQ+ Family Building: Planning to Co-Parent
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
6:30 to 8 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Rae Jardine (she/they), MA, RSSW, CC-PMH
Workshop Description:
Focus: Building shared understanding before (or while) parenting together
This session supports individuals and co-parents who are planning to parent together, romantically partnered or not, or who are early in their co-parenting journey. The workshop focuses on intentional planning, communication and values alignment to support both caregiver wellbeing and child stability.
Participants will:
- explore different models of co-parenting within 2SLGBTQ+ communities
- reflect on personal values, expectations, and non-negotiables in co-parenting
- identify roles, responsibilities, and boundaries related to caregiving, finances, and decision-making
- discuss communication strategies and conflict navigation before challenges arise
- consider how identity, power, legal context, and mental health shape co-parenting dynamics
Starting the Journey: Initial Steps in Surrogacy Planning
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
6 to 8 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Babies Come True
Workshop Description:
Starting a surrogacy journey can feel exciting, overwhelming and full of questions! In this workshop, Babies Come True will guide intended parents through the crucial early stages of the surrogacy journey, offering a clear and grounded introduction to what comes first and why it matters.
This session explores the key legal, medical and emotional considerations involved in planning a surrogacy, with a focus on helping participants navigate the process thoughtfully and with confidence. Topics include understanding roles and responsibilities, setting realistic expectations and addressing foundational elements such as financial planning, medical screening requirements and securing appropriate legal representation.
Parent Pod Mapping: Community Care for 2SLGBTQ+ Families
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
6:30 to 8 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Rae Jardine (she/they), MA, RSSW, CC-PMH
Workshop Description:
This interactive session is designed for 2SLGBTQ+ expectant parents, prospective parents and current parents who want to build strong, sustainable support systems for themselves and their families. Grounded in community care and mental health-informed practice, this workshop introduces Parent Pod Mapping as a practical and empowering tool to identify, strengthen and sustain networks of care beyond the nuclear family.
Recognizing that queer and trans families often parent within systems that were not built for us, this session centres chosen family, mutual aid and collective resilience as essential foundations for thriving families—whether you are preparing to welcome a child or already navigating the realities of parenting.
Participants will:
- Learn what Parent Pod Mapping is and why it matters for 2SLGBTQ+ expectant and current parents
- Explore the unique realities, strengths and barriers queer and trans parents face when building and maintaining support networks
- Reflect on how identity, mental health, capacity, boundaries and life stage shape community care
- Identify key people, resources and roles within their current or envisioned parenting pod
- Gain practical strategies to grow, communicate with and sustain affirming, flexible support systems over time
This is a supportive, identity-affirming space that honors the diversity of 2SLGBTQ+ family structures, caregiving models, and parenting journeys. Participants will leave feeling more connected, resourced and confident in building community-based care—knowing that parenting was never meant to be done alone.
Surrogacy Finance 101: Budgeting, Trust Accounts and Financial Planning
Monday, February 23, 2026
6 to 8 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Babies Come True
Workshop Description:
Wondering about the costs of surrogacy and how to plan for them? This practical, information-rich session is designed to help you better understand the financial realities of building your family through surrogacy.
Together, we’ll break down the full range of costs involved, including budgeting basics, typical expense categories and how trust accounts are used to manage funds throughout the process. The session will also highlight commonly overlooked or unexpected expenses and offer guidance on planning for changes or delays along the way.
Grounded in real-world considerations, this workshop aims to reduce financial uncertainty and support informed decision-making. Participants will leave with greater clarity, practical tools and increased confidence to navigate the financial side of surrogacy and plan thoughtfully for their family-building journey.
World of Options: Exploring International Destination Surrogacy
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
6 to 8 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Babies Come True
Workshop Description:
Considering surrogacy beyond your home country? You’re not alone, and there is a lot to navigate.
Join us for an in-depth, interactive exploration of international destination surrogacy, a family-building option that more intended parents are turning to for a range of personal, legal and practical reasons. This workshop creates space to unpack what it really means to pursue surrogacy abroad, moving beyond surface-level information to focus on real-world experiences and considerations.
Together, we will explore:
- Why intended parents choose international surrogacy and what draws people to specific destinations
- Key benefits and potential challenges, including cost, timelines and emotional considerations
- Legal and ethical frameworks across borders and what they mean for parentage, citizenship and protections
- Practical steps for getting started, from choosing agencies and clinics to planning travel and support
Designed to be informative, affirming and grounded in lived realities, this session offers a supportive environment to ask questions, reflect on your options and strengthen your confidence in navigating international surrogacy as a family-building pathway.
Understanding and Strengthening Parent–Child Attachment: Everyday Practices That Build Trust, Security and Connection
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
7 to 8 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Sam Leeson, Childbirth Educator, Doula, Parenting Coach, Fertility Coach, Infant Feeding Specialist
Workshop Description:
Every moment of connection—especially the messy ones—can become an opportunity to build trust, safety and deep belonging with your child.
Discover practical, everyday ways to nurture a secure and trusting bond with your young child in this inclusive, queer-affirming workshop. Explore how your own attachment history shapes your parenting, learn to recognize and foster secure attachment and gain tools to repair misattunement or conflicts when they arise. We’ll also cover how to honour your own emotional limits while staying deeply connected to your child.
Key messages for parents/guardians:
- Understand attachment in daily life for children from infancy to age five
- Recognize patterns of secure and insecure attachment without judgment
- Build strategies to repair moments of conflict and strengthen trust
- Learn to balance your boundaries with your child’s needs in a trauma-aware, inclusive way
Supporting Fertility with Naturopathy: Holistic Approaches to Reproductive Wellness
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
6 to 7 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Dr. Aida Martinez, Yoga Mamas
Workshop Description:
Ready to explore how naturopathy can support your fertility journey?
This welcoming session looks at how naturopathic care can play a supportive role in reproductive health and family-building. Together, we’ll explore gentle, holistic approaches that centre the whole person and honour the many paths to parenthood.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about:
- how naturopathy approaches fertility and reproductive wellness
- natural therapies that may support hormonal balance and cycle health
- nutrition and lifestyle practices that nourish the body and support fertility
- ways naturopathic care can complement medical fertility treatments or stand on its own as part of a wellness-focused approach
Participants will leave with practical, accessible tools and a deeper understanding of how naturopathic strategies can support both fertility goals and overall well-being, at whatever stage you are in your journey.
Navigating Surrogacy: Beyond the Surrogate or Egg Donor
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Angie Pruim, Nici Shipway, Hive Surrogacy
Workshop Description:
Surrogacy in Canada can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Join Angie and Nici for an informative, candid session on navigating the surrogacy process in Canada. With over 21 years of combined experience, they bring practical insight and real-world perspective to every stage of the journey.
In this session, you will learn about:
- How Canadian surrogacy works, from start to finish
- Building the right team and why it matters
- The key roles involved beyond the Surrogate or Egg Donor
- Common misconceptions and what prospective parents should really expect
- How to move forward with confidence, clarity, and realistic expectations
Designed for intended parents at any stage, this session breaks down a complex process into clear, manageable steps and offers the guidance and support needed to move forward feeling informed and empowered.
Nourish & Thrive: Nutrition and Lifestyle Factors for Fertility
Tuesday, March 10, 17, 24, 30, 2026
6 to 8 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Jennifer Atkins, Dietician, MPH
Workshop Description:
A 4-Week Program for 2SLGBTQ+ Family Building
Are you preparing for your family building journey? Join us for this four-week program designed to help you optimize your health and wellness as you navigate the fertility process. Our expert-led sessions will provide you with the tools, knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions every step of the way.
This program goes beyond nutrition. We’ll address the psychological, financial and physical risks associated with misleading fertility advice, providing a holistic approach to family building. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to support your journey, whether you’re just starting to think about building your family or actively preparing for conception.
We’ll focus on:
- Dietary strategies: Practical advice on how to nourish your body for fertility, including tips on meal planning, lifestyle adjustments and the role of nutrition in reproductive health.
- Essential nutrients: Discover the key vitamins and minerals essential for fertility and how to ensure your diet supports your body’s readiness for conception.
- Identifying false promises: Learn how to spot misleading health claims and nutritional myths often promoted in the fertility space.
- Navigating popular health recommendations safely: Evaluate the latest trends, supplements and advice with a critical eye to ensure you’re making safe, evidence-based choices.
- Mental health and self-care: Acknowledging and giving space for the emotional and physical challenges and setbacks that come with navigating family building options.
Make sure you’re well-prepared and supported as you start your family building journey. Join us and get the tools you need to Nourish & Thrive!
Raising Responsible Kids: Using Age-Appropriate Tasks and Allowances to Build Life Skills
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
7 to 8 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
Guest Facilitator: Sam Leeson, Childbirth Educator, Doula, Parenting Coach, Fertility Coach, Infant Feeding Specialist
Workshop Description:
Helping kids build life skills doesn’t have to feel like a power struggle—it can be a shared, confidence-building process.
Learn how to help your young child develop responsibility, competence and life skills through age-appropriate tasks and thoughtful use of allowances or alternative systems. This inclusive, trauma-aware workshop provides practical strategies to scaffold skills, model tasks and integrate responsibilities into your family dynamics—without shame or pressure.
Key messages for parents/guardians:
- Identify what responsibilities look like for children of all ages
- Learn techniques to teach tasks and provide constructive feedback
- Explore allowances and alternative systems in a values-based, inclusive way—good, bad and otherwise
- Adapt expectations to your child’s temperament, neurodiversity and developmental capacity
