Surrogacy education
Successful surrogacy journeys start with educated Intended Parents
We teach Intended Parents how to do surrogacy independently in Canada.
Independent surrogacy means connecting with a surrogate directly, instead of waiting to be matched through an agency. It isn’t possible (or safe) in every country, but if your journey is taking place in Canada, the altruistic model makes it a valid option for Intended Parents.
You still go through the same legal, medical, and mental health screening every surrogacy journey requires, you just don't have to wait on a list to get started.
Our program teaches you:
How altruistic surrogacy works in practice
A thorough understanding of the reimbursements process and what Intended Parents are responsible for
How to spot common scams and protect yourself
Where to find a surrogate in Canada, and all the questions you should ask them before matching.
Postpartum and transitioning to parenthood as Intended Parents
And more!
Plus: Free surrogate prescreening by an RSW & Psychotherapist, and surrogacy expert to make sure your match is a good one.
Lots of places will tell you what to do.
We’re the ones who teach you how to actually do it.
Hi, we’re Ariel and Ashley.
As registered social workers and psychotherapists with a combined 20 years in the fertility industry, we've lived surrogacy from every side: in the therapy room, the delivery room, and while building our own families. Ariel is a 5x gestational surrogate and 6x egg donor. Ashley is a former Intended Parent who spent years navigating fertility treatments of her own.
We created this because we were tired of watching Intended Parents piece together conflicting, and sometimes just plain wrong information, in an industry where too many people profit when IPs don't have the full picture.
This is the roadmap we wish existed when we needed it. Now, we make sure no one else has to do it the hard way.
How it works
Independent surrogacy, without the risk.
Talk to a surrogacy expert
Independent surrogacy isn’t for everybody, and we want you to be successful! The first step is to book a call with one of our surrogacy experts to see if an independent path is an option for you.
Get educated
Once you join, you’ll have immediate access to our community platform and can begin working through our course modules. Go at your own pace, and learn everything you need to know for the journey ahead.
Begin your search for a surrogate
Using our tools and signature match method, connect with well-qualified surrogates anywhere in Canada. We’ll help you know what questions to ask and how to take the next steps.
Free surrogate pre-screening
When you find a surrogate, we help you make sure she’s both a good candidate for surrogacy, and the right fit for you. Before officially matching, your surrogate gets free implications counselling with our Registered Social Work team, and you get total peace of mind.
Medical/mental health screening
Once you’ve secured a match, you’ll complete medical screening through your fertility clinic. This includes blood work, ultrasound, review of reproductive health history, and mental health assessments to make sure pregnancy is safe and sustainable for her.
Legal contracts
Contracts are one of the most important steps in a surrogacy journey, and protect everyone involved. In Canada, you must have two separate fertility lawyers: one for you, and one for your surrogate.
Our course was developed with the help of a fertility lawyer to help Intended Parents understand their rights and responsibilities.
Embryo transfer
You’ll be prepared for the practical steps through an embryo transfer cycle including all paperwork and instructions on how to reimburse your surrogate.
Pregnancy
While this is an exciting step in the journey, it often brings up mixed feelings for Intended Parents. We make sure you’re supported through the ups and downs so you can build a healthy relationship with your surrogate and experience the pregnancy in a way that’s meaningful to you.
Birth and beyond
Learn how to talk to your future children about their surrogacy story, build healthy attachment and successfully transition to parenthood.
Is independent surrogacy a good fit for you?
Tell us about your journey so far and where you’re stuck, and we’ll help you understand your options.
Not really a phone person? We get it ;) You can also send us a message.
What Intended Parents say
FAQ
Independent surrogacy in Canada
Can’t find the answers you’re looking for?
send us a message
Tell us about your journey and where you’re stuck.
We’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours.
Let’s stay connected: @carried.with.love
