Nurturing Your Relationship with Your Surrogate – April 15 (VIRTUAL)
April 15, 2025
7-8 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Angie Pruim, Nici Shipway
Join us for a workshop that supports positive family building in dynamic relationships. This session will focus on how to build and maintain a positive, supportive relationship with your surrogate throughout the surrogacy journey. We’ll explore communication strategies, setting expectations, and creating a bond of trust as to ensure a smooth and respectful experience for everyone involved.
Starting Your Family Journey: Fertility Clinics & Egg Donation Basics – April 29 (VIRTUAL)
April 29, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitators: Jill Filippidis, RPN; Fertility Match
Join us for an informative and relaxed session where we’ll guide you through the first steps of your family-building journey. We’ll help you understand key questions to ask fertility clinics, so you feel prepared and confident moving forward. You’ll learn why choosing the right clinic is a crucial first step before diving into egg donation, and why it’s important to get medically screened before selecting your egg donor. We’ll cover what you should know about what to expect along the way and share tips for making the most of your consultations, as well as how choosing the right fertility clinic fits into the bigger picture of surrogacy.
A Doula’s Role in the Family Building Journey – April 30 (VIRTUAL)
April 30, 2025
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Sam Leeson (she/her), babyREADY, Childbirth Educator, Doula, Parenting Coach, Fertility Coach, Infant Feeding Specialist
What is a doula? Who would benefit from working alongside a doula?
Join us for an engaging workshop that explores the essential role of a doula in the perinatal journey. Whether expecting, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the birth process, this session will introduce you to the invaluable support that a doula provides during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Register to learn about the unique ways in which doula care can benefit you.
Navigating the Egg Donor Process & Choosing the Right Donor – May 6 (VIRTUAL)
May 6, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Jill Filippidis, RPN; Fertility Match
This session will walk you through the essential steps of selecting and coordinating the egg donor process. We’ll cover what to expect after your initial consultation, how to sign up for egg donation programs, and how to navigate available databases. You’ll also learn how to coordinate between your fertility clinic, egg donation agency, and Intended Parent (IP) consultations to ensure a seamless experience. We’ll explore the financial aspects of egg donation, from understanding costs to planning for them, and dive into genetic testing and its critical role in the family-building journey. We’ll also address common gaps in knowledge among non-birthing couples about the egg donor and surrogacy process, providing clarity on what to expect during IVF/IUI cycles. The session will touch on the emotional and physical impact on egg donors, including challenges like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), time off work, and the importance of providing support and reimbursement throughout the process.
Interview With a Surrogate: Helpful Tips & Insights in Relationships in Family Building – May 7 (VIRTUAL)
May 7, 2025
6-7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Blair Wexler-Singer, MSW, RSW, Informed Fertility
Join us on this peer-led session that focuses on selecting surrogates for 2SLGBTQ intended parents, focusing on inclusivity, understanding, compatibility and gaining helpful tips to support your family building journey.
Creating an Inclusive & Affirming Birth Space – May 8 (VIRTUAL)
May 8, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Sam Leeson (she/her), babyREADY, Childbirth Educator, Doula, Parenting Coach, Fertility Coach, Infant Feeding Specialist
In this session, we will explore how to create birth spaces, whether at home, in a hospital or birth centre, that are truly welcoming for all gender identities and orientations. We’ll explore practical strategies that ensure every individual feels seen, heard, and respected during the perinatal journey.In this session, we will discuss how to advocate for inclusive care, address common challenges that 2SLGBTQ individuals face in the family building journey, and share tips for creating a safe, affirming environment. This session will give you the tools to make birth spaces more inclusive and supportive for everyone.
Parent Perspectives: Trans Family Building – May 13 (VIRTUAL)
May 13, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Kusha Dadui
The “Parent Perspective” workshops provide an opportunity for individuals to connect and learn from others who have completed their family-building journeys. Participants will learn insights into various aspects of the trans family building process, including working with donors, setting expectations with loved ones, engaging with clinicians, and navigating challenges along the way. This session also focuses on the support needed for non-birthing parents and explores important topics like role division, handling conflicts, and ensuring inclusivity for diverse families.
Parent Perspectives: Navigating Fertility Journey as a Neurodivergent Person – May 14 (VIRTUAL)
May 14, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Jordan Lavoie, Neurodivergent Parent
In this session, Jordan Lavoie (she/her) joins us to discuss navigating fertility as a neurodivergent person. Jordan will delve into neurodivergence and its distinct hurdles throughout pregnancy and fertility journeys. Discover insights and share experiences in a supportive environment. She will discuss discomforts during pregnancy and highlight strategies to support well-being and include celebrating milestones through pregnancy. We’ll cover everything from managing emotions to understanding your own needs, so you can feel empowered and supported every step of the way. It’s all about embracing your experience and finding ways to make the journey more manageable.
Don’t miss out on this session!
Parent Perspectives: Family Building as a Trans Person – May 20 (VIRTUAL)
Date May 20, 2025
6-7:30
Guest Facilitator: Elior
This workshop explores the unique challenges and experiences that trans individuals face when navigating family-building. In this parent-led session, Nelson will share their personal journey as a trans person building a family. We will cover the following topics:
- Discussing your family-building journey with friends and family
- Navigating heteronormative institutions and responding to assumptions
- Celebrating milestones, setbacks, and challenges along the way
- Hidden resources that have been helpful and supportive
- Utilizing mental health supports throughout the process
- Tips for supporting individuals starting their fertility journey as a trans person
This session offers a space to connect, share experiences, and envision what your own family-building path could look like.
Mobility for Fertility: Movement Class – May 21 (IN-PERSON)
May 21, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Anuta Bondarenko, Prenatal Movement Specialist, Birth Doula, BRM® Pro
Did you know that optimal mobility in and around your pelvis can benefit the healthy function of your pelvic floor, your abdominal organs, and improve your fertility? An experienced prenatal movement specialist, a birth doula and a certified Body Ready Method® Pro Anuta Bondarenko from Oma Chiropractic and Wellness will be leading a 90 min movement- based workshop for better hip, low back and pelvic mobility geared towards 2SLGBTQ families who are interested in optimizing their reproductive health.
Navigating Healthcare Systems as a 2SLGBTQ Parent – May 22 (VIRTUAL)
May 22, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Sam Leeson (she/her), babyREADY, Childbirth Educator, Doula, Parenting Coach, Fertility Coach, Infant Feeding Specialist
This workshop is designed to equip prospective 2SLGBTQ parents with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate often unwelcoming healthcare systems with confidence. We’ll focus on strategies for advocating for your rights, ensuring respectful and inclusive care and understanding protections within healthcare settings. Sam will guide you through an empowering discussion that will teach you how to address challenges, effectively communicate your needs, and build positive relationships with healthcare providers who honour your identity and family structure.
Grief, Trauma & Heartache in the Family-Building Journey – May 27 (VIRTUAL)
May 27, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Kieran Powers, Becoln, a certified Grief & Trauma Coach
This virtual workshop provides participants with a supportive space to discuss navigating the emotional challenges of family-building. We’ll discuss managing difficult outcomes, coping with loss, secondary grief, resilience-building, managing overwhelm, and creating a strong “circle of care.” Participants are invited to share in a confidential and respectful environment.
Maintaining Support Networks & Ensuring Safe Spaces – May 28 (VIRTUAL)
May 28, 2025
6-7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Blair Wexler-Singer, MSW, RSW, Informed Fertility
This virtual workshop explores the importance of building and maintaining supportive networks throughout your parenting journey. You’ll learn strategies to create and nurture safe spaces for yourself and your children, ensuring emotional well-being, resilience, and a sense of community.
Navigating the Emotional & Psychological Journey of Fertility Treatment – Strategies, Tools & Actions – June 3 (IN-PERSON)
June 3, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Guest Facilitator: Kieran Powers, Becoln, a certified Grief & Trauma Coach
This in-person workshop will help participants prepare for the emotional ups and downs of fertility treatment and family-building. We’ll explore common feelings and reactions, mindset management, and resilience-building strategies to help you navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.
