5 Tips for Building a Healthy Relationship With Your Surrogate — Before, During & After Pregnancy

Surrogacy is more than a medical process — it’s a relationship built on trust, empathy, and shared purpose. At Willow Roots Fertility Consulting, we see the connection between hopeful parents and surrogates as the heart of every journey.

Here are five meaningful ways to build a positive, grounded, and supportive relationship through each stage.

1. Start With Clarity & Connection (Before Pregnancy)

Before appointments, medications, and milestones begin, focus on building human connection.
Share your stories. Ask about theirs. Discuss values, expectations, communication preferences, and boundaries.

This early foundation creates trust, comfort, and emotional readiness for the journey ahead.

2. Communicate in a Way That Works for Both of You (Before & During Pregnancy)

There is no “one-size-fits-all” communication style in surrogacy.
Some intended parents love weekly check-ins. Others prefer lighter updates. Many surrogates enjoy quick messages, voice notes, or updates following appointments.

The goal is simple:
communication that feels natural, not pressured.

3. Celebrate Each Milestone Along the Way (During Pregnancy)

Surrogacy journeys are filled with meaningful moments, including:

• The first positive beta

• Ultrasound days

• Heartbeat confirmation

• Medication milestones

• Lining checks

Acknowledging these moments together strengthens connection and helps both surrogate and intended parents feel emotionally supported.

4. Offer Support Without Creating Pressure (During Pregnancy)

Your surrogate is carrying something incredibly precious — while still managing their own life, career, and family.

Support should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

Ways to support without pressure:

• Ask how they are feeling, not just for updates

• Trust their medical team

• Respect their boundaries

• Offer empathy when days feel normal or hard

Kindness creates a safer, healthier journey for everyone.

5. Maintain Connection After Birth (Postpartum)

The relationship doesn’t end at delivery.
Every surrogate–parent relationship will look different, and that’s perfectly okay. Some stay close friends. Others exchange occasional updates.

What matters most is that expectations are discussed early and honoured throughout the journey.

Surrogates often think about the baby long after birth — continued connection, even in small ways, honours the experience you shared.

A Journey Rooted in Respect & Ethics

Surrogacy thrives when relationships are grounded in mutual understanding, empathy, and gratitude. At Willow Roots Fertility Consulting, we support both hopeful parents and surrogates through an ethical, transparent, and emotionally informed approach to Canadian surrogacy.

If you’re exploring surrogacy and want guidance that puts people first, Willow Roots is here to support your next steps.

Why Ethics Matter Even More in Canada’s Unregulated Surrogacy Agency Space

One of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of Canadian surrogacy is this:

There are no formal regulations governing surrogacy agencies or consultants.

Unlike clinics, lawyers, or escrow providers, agencies are not licensed, audited, or overseen by any governing body. Anyone can open an agency. Anyone can charge fees. Anyone can speak on behalf of hopeful parents or surrogates—without formal training, standardized practices, or accountability.

This means that in Canada, ethics are not just important - they are the only real safeguard.

What “Unregulated” Really Means

In practice, the lack of regulation creates several challenges:

1. No Financial Oversight

Agencies can choose how much to charge, how to structure fees, or what to bundle into “program costs.”

Without oversight, some agencies may:

• Overcharge families in vulnerable emotional situations

• Prioritize agency revenue over journey readiness

• Add unnecessary layers or upsells

• Mismanage or misrepresent cost expectations

• When hopeful parents are emotionally invested and desperate to begin, unethical practices can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

2. No Standards for Screening or Care

Meaning:

• Surrogates may not be thoroughly screened

• Parents may receive unrealistic timelines

• Critical steps may be bypassed for the sake of “speed”

• Agencies may accept more clients than they can responsibly manage

• In an unregulated landscape, pressure to grow fast can overtake the responsibility to protect the humans involved.

3. No Accountability for Misconduct

• If an agency acts unethically—financially, emotionally, or operationally—there is:

• No governing board to report to

• No licensing body to intervene

• No mandatory review of practices

• No professional consequences

• The only “accountability” becomes public complaint or legal action, which most parents and surrogates never want to engage in.

This is why ethics matter so profoundly.

Why Ethics Are the Foundation at Willow Roots

Because there is no regulatory body, we hold ourselves accountable—to Canadian law, to best practice, and to our own standards of integrity.

We prioritize people, not profit

We limit enrollment intentionally.

We turn away clients when capacity would compromise quality.

We never operate from pressure to “fill” programs.

We refuse to mislead parents with false timelines or promises

Ethics mean telling the truth, even when it’s inconvenient or not what someone hoped to hear.

We refuse to center financial gain over safety

Surrogates are not a commodity.

Parents are not revenue.

Building families is not a competitive sport.

We maintain transparency in all financial practices

No hidden fees.

No inflated “programs.”

No vague line items.

We uphold the purpose of Canadian surrogacy: altruism

This means respecting the law, the heart behind it, and the humans who make it possible.

Ethics Protect the People, Not the Industry

And that distinction matters.

Regulation protects industries.

Ethics protect people.

And in surrogacy—where hope, vulnerability, and trust are the currency—people deserve protection above all else.

In an Unregulated Space, Ethics Are Regulation

Willow Roots chooses to operate as if regulation exists:

• Transparent structures

• Trauma-informed communication

• Clear boundaries

• Surrogate-first safety

• Parent-centered honesty

• Financial clarity

Because when you’re guiding a family-building journey, your responsibility is not just operational—it’s moral.

In Canada, agencies can choose the path of:

profit over people,

speed over safety, or

growth over grounded, ethical care.

At Willow Roots, we choose differently.

We choose ethics because they are the only path that honours the emotional, financial, and human weight of surrogacy.

And we believe that when you build a system rooted in ethics, you build journeys—and families—that grow stronger, steadier, and more supported from day one. 🌿

Why Willow Roots Chooses Ethics Over Grey Lines in Surrogacy

At Willow Roots Fertility Consulting, we believe that how we build families matters just as much as the families we help create. Our commitment to ethical, transparent, and lawful surrogacy practices is at the heart of everything we do — and it’s why we will never operate in the “grey zone” or allow compensated (paid) surrogacy journeys.

The Law Is Clear: Paid Surrogacy Is Illegal in Canada

Under Canada’s Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA), it is a criminal offence to pay a surrogate for their services or to accept payment for arranging or facilitating paid surrogacy. Only reimbursement for verified expenses directly related to the pregnancy is permitted — and even then, it must be carefully documented.

A recent legal opinion by Addario Law Group LLP reinforced that these laws apply not just to Canadians but also to international hopeful parents who try to pay Canadian surrogates. The opinion concluded that:

• Paying or offering to pay a Canadian surrogate is illegal, even if the payment comes from outside Canada.

• Agencies, lawyers, or clinics that facilitate or arrange such payments can face criminal liability and professional discipline.

• There is no loophole that allows compensation simply because funds are moved through other countries or entities.

In other words, the law protects Canadian surrogates from being drawn into for-profit models, and Canada has jurisdiction to prosecute those who cross this line.

The “Grey Area” Isn’t Harmless — It’s Risky and Harmful

Some organizations promote “creative” workarounds or international arrangements that blur the lines of what’s legal. These practices don’t just put hopeful parents and professionals at risk — they also exploit surrogates and undermine the integrity of Canada’s altruistic system.

Operating in this grey area can mean:

• Exposure to criminal charges and financial penalties (up to $500,000 or 10 years in prison).

• Invalid contracts that could leave parents unprotected.

• Emotional and financial trauma for everyone involved if authorities intervene.

At Willow Roots, we refuse to put our clients or surrogates in that position.

We Choose Integrity — Always

Willow Roots was built on a foundation of fairness, compassion, and transparency. We honour the altruistic spirit of Canadian surrogacy by ensuring:

• Every surrogate is supported, respected, and protected — never paid or coerced.

• Every parent’s journey aligns with Canadian law, offering peace of mind and security.

• Every relationship we facilitate is grounded in honesty and care, not financial incentive.

We don’t believe in shortcuts or loopholes — we believe in doing things right. Because ethical surrogacy isn’t just the legal way; it’s the only way to protect the families and surrogates who trust us.

Our Promise to You

At Willow Roots, you’ll never be asked to cross a legal or ethical boundary. You’ll be guided by a team that believes integrity is non-negotiable. We’ll walk beside you every step of the way — legally, safely, and compassionately — toward your dream of growing your family.

At Willow Roots, ethics aren’t optional — they’re our foundation.

The First Steps of a Surrogacy Journey: Excitement, Hope, and Waiting

There’s something incredibly powerful about deciding to become a surrogate. It’s the moment your “yes” shifts from a quiet thought in your heart to a step forward on a path that will change lives forever.

For many people, the first part of the journey is filled with excitement. Talking with an agency, creating your profile, and learning more about what’s ahead often feels like the start of a brand-new adventure. The idea of being matched with hopeful parents—people who are waiting and dreaming of their little one, brings a sense of anticipation that’s hard to put into words.

“Who will they be?”
“Will my wants and needs be taken into consideration?”
“What will our connection feel like?”
“How will it feel to tell them I want to help carry their dream?”

The matching process is full of possibility, and it’s easy to imagine the joy on the other side of that first introduction.

But alongside the excitement, there’s also waiting. Waiting for the right match to fall into place. Waiting can feel like standing on the edge of something beautiful, but not quite knowing when the moment will arrive. And that’s okay, it’s almost necessary. You want to be sure. You want to feel confident and excited about the moment you begin talking with a couple or a hopeful parent.

That’s why it’s so important to have an agency that truly listens to you—your wants, your needs, your hopes for this journey. Feeling supported and heard means everything, because this is not just about carrying someone else’s dream. It’s also about making sure your voice matters every step of the way.

Because when the match happens—when you meet the hopeful parents who feel like the right fit—all of that waiting suddenly makes sense.

The surrogacy journey is one of both patience and joy. It’s filled with questions, anticipation, and a kind of hope that grows stronger with every step. And for many surrogates, the beginning is a season they’ll never forget—the moment they said yes, and everything began to change.

At Willow Roots, we’re here to walk with you through every part of that journey—the excitement, the waiting, and the beautiful connections that follow.

Andrea Sawden - Co Founder & Surrogate Services

Surrogacy in Canada: A New Era with Willow Roots Fertility Consulting

Surrogacy in Canada has long been guided by values of compassion, community, and altruism. Canadian laws are unique in that they support altruistic surrogacy—meaning surrogates cannot be paid for carrying a child, only reimbursed for expenses. This ensures that the heart of surrogacy in Canada remains focused on the spirit of helping others create a family.

While the Canadian surrogacy community has thrived on goodwill and strong relationships, hopeful parents and surrogates alike have often found themselves overwhelmed by unclear processes, long wait times, and inconsistent support. For years, families have had to navigate emotional journeys with limited guidance, unclear expectations, and a lack of personalized, trauma-informed care.

That’s why Willow Roots Fertility Consulting was born.

At Willow Roots, we believe that hopeful parents and surrogates deserve more—more transparency, more compassion, and more dedicated support at every stage of the process. Our mission is to set a new industry standard, where ethical practices, organic connection, and honest communication are the cornerstones of every experience.

Here’s how Willow Roots is changing the game:

• Smaller, More Personalized Caseloads:
  We limit the number of hopeful parents we work with at one time, ensuring every client gets the attention, care, and communication they deserve. No long waits. No feeling lost in the system.

• Trauma-Informed Support:
  We recognize that fertility struggles and surrogacies come with emotional complexity. Our team brings over 9 years of experience, offering sensitive, informed care to support each client’s emotional well-being.

• Full-Spectrum Services:
  Willow Roots doesn’t just introduce surrogates and hopeful parents—we guide you through every aspect of your fertility journey, whether you’re navigating IVF, IUI, traditional conception support (TIC), or surrogacy. We even help you understand financial processes and reimbursement guidelines clearly and ethically.

• Ethical and Organic Practices:
  We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, fostering honest, authentic relationships between hopeful parents and surrogates. We never guarantee a baby—but we always guarantee compassionate support and expert guidance.

• Transparency and Advocacy:
  At Willow Roots, you’ll never be left wondering what’s next. We advocate fiercely for our clients, ensuring that every party involved understands their rights, their options, and their next steps.

Rooted in Experience, Growing Toward Change

Our team’s personal and professional experiences have shaped Willow Roots into what it is: a safe space where families are grown, dreams are nurtured, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We know the industry can do better—and we’re here to lead that change.

Whether you're a hopeful parent ready to begin your path to parenthood or a surrogate looking to help grow a family, Willow Roots is ready to walk beside you—every step of the way.

At Willow Roots, we don’t just help create families—we grow hope.

Becoming a Surrogate in Canada: Empowering, Ethical and Fully Supported by Willow Roots

There’s something extraordinary about the decision to become a surrogate. It’s a choice rooted in compassion, selflessness, and an unwavering desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood. In Canada, where surrogacy is based on altruism rather than profit, this act of generosity carries even deeper meaning.

At Willow Roots Fertility Consulting, we’re here to support surrogates like you—every step of the way—with personalized guidance, transparency, and care that honours your gift.

Why Choose Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is about more than carrying a baby—it’s about carrying hope. For individuals and couples facing infertility, your willingness to help can mean the difference between a dream deferred and a dream fulfilled.

Surrogates often describe the experience as one of the most empowering, purpose-filled things they've ever done. Knowing you played a part in helping someone grow their family is a feeling that stays with you forever.

What About Reimbursement?

Canadian surrogacy law allows for altruistic surrogacy—this means surrogates cannot be paid for carrying a child, but they can (and should) be fully reimbursed for every legitimate expense related to the pregnancy. This includes:

• Maternity clothing

• Medications and supplements

• Travel for appointments

• Lost wages

• Childcare and housekeeping support during medical recovery

• And much more

At Willow Roots, we’ll walk you through exactly what can be reimbursed and ensure your expenses are handled with clarity, fairness, and respect. You’ll never be left guessing what’s covered—we’re here to advocate for you.

Supported Every Step of the Way

Our name says it all—at Willow Roots, we believe in deep support, grounded values, and organic connections. As a surrogate in our program, you’re not just a name on a list. You’re part of something meaningful.

We offer:

• One-on-one guidance through every stage—from matching to postpartum

• Trauma-informed care that puts your emotional well-being first

• Community and connection with other surrogates (you’re never alone!)

• Complete transparency around expectations, timelines, and reimbursements

• A team that truly gets it—we’ve been surrogates, case specialists, and advocates ourselves

We facilitate introductions only with hopeful parents who align with your values, preferences, and comfort levels. No pressure. No fast-tracking. Just genuine, respectful connection.

You’re the Heart of the Journey

At Willow Roots, we believe surrogates are the heart of the surrogacy experience—and we treat you that way. Without you, none of this would be possible. And that’s why we promise to protect your experience, honour your role, and make sure you feel empowered and appreciated from beginning to end.

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a surrogate, we’d love to meet you.
Reach out to learn more, ask your questions, or begin your journey with a team that has your back, always.

Connect with us now!

You’re not just helping to grow families—you’re growing hope.

Surrogacy in Canada: Why Willow Roots Is the Right Choice for Hopeful Parents

Embarking on a surrogacy is one of the most emotional and meaningful decisions you can make. Whether you’ve walked a long road through infertility or are beginning your family-building journey as an LGBTQ+ couple or single parent, you deserve a path that is rooted in compassion, clarity, and unwavering support.

At Willow Roots Fertility Consulting, we’re redefining how Hopeful Parents are cared for in Canada’s surrogacy landscape—through ethical guidance, trauma-informed support, and a deeply inclusive approach that ensures you always have a choice.

Inclusive by Design

Every family looks different, and we believe every Hopeful Parent has the right to build the family of their dreams—regardless of relationship status, gender, sexuality, or cultural background.

At Willow Roots, we proudly support:

• LGBTQ+ individuals and couples

• Single Hopeful Parents

• Married or unmarried couples

• Hopeful Parents from all walks of life

We believe family is love, and our role is to support your unique path—without bias, without gatekeeping, and without delay.

Your Right to Choose

This is your journey—and your choices matter. From the type of surrogate you’d like to match with, to your comfort level with contact and shared values, you have a voice in every decision.

We never pressure Hopeful Parents into introductions or relationships that don’t feel right. Instead, we take the time to understand your goals and only present surrogates who align with your values and vision. You’re encouraged to ask questions, express preferences, and make educated, empowered choices every step of the way.

Honesty. Transparency. Always.

Surrogacy is complex—but it shouldn’t feel confusing. At Willow Roots, we believe that honest, transparent communication isn’t optional—it’s essential.

From day one, you’ll receive:

• Clear, realistic timelines (no false promises)

• Upfront education about costs, risks, legalities, and next steps

• Consistent communication—you’ll never be left wondering where things stand

• Ongoing support from a small, experienced team who knows your name, your story, and your goals

We never guarantee a baby—but we do guarantee that you’ll be supported with integrity and compassion through every stage of your journey.

Rooted in Experience, Growing With You

With over 9 years of experience supporting thousands of Hopeful Parents and surrogates, our team brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the table. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what’s needed—and Willow Roots was built to fill the gaps with care that’s ethical, personalized, and deeply human.

We keep our caseloads small on purpose. It allows us to focus on you—your needs, your match, your timeline. You won’t be a number here. You’ll be a part of a community that truly sees and supports you.

Ready to Start?

If you’re looking for a surrogacy agency that puts honesty over hype, relationships over rush, and people over process, you’ve found the right place.

At Willow Roots, we don’t just help build families—we walk alongside you as yours grows.

Apply today!

Let’s grow something beautiful—together.

Andrea - Why I Became a Surrogate – and How It Inspired Me to Do More!

Building families with compassion, transparency, and love.

When I first became a surrogate, I didn't know exactly what the journey would look like—I just knew that I wanted to help someone become a parent.

Over the course of two journeys, I carried two babies for two incredible families. These weren't just "intended parents." They were people who had spent years waiting, dreaming, walking through loss—but most importantly, they were unwavering in their goal of becoming parents. They became my friends and my extended family.

I was able to walk alongside them—through every high and low—sharing, learning, and being vulnerable with one another. The time we spent getting to know one another changed me in ways I'm still uncovering. It's an experience that changed the way I see love, connection, and purpose.

Both of my journeys were full of beauty, but they weren't without challenges. I faced setbacks, unexpected roadblocks, and even a late-term loss. Nothing prepares you for moments like that. But through it all, I held onto the belief that my heart had the space—space to be open, patient, strong, and willing. I always knew that this was something I could do and, more importantly, something I wanted to do.

Becoming a surrogate didn't just allow me to help people become parents—it helped entire families. I got to witness grandparents meet their grandchild for the first time, watch siblings become aunts and uncles, and see love expand in every direction. That ripple is why I believe in this work.

After my first experience as a surrogate, I took a job at a surrogacy agency. I wanted to support others going through this same life-changing process. But over time, I saw how things could be done differently—better. I saw gaps. I saw how easily things could become transactional when they should have been personal. And I knew, in my gut, that there had to be a better way.

That's why Willow Roots Fertility Consulting was born.

Together with my dear friend and now business partner—someone who shares my values, vision, and lived experience—we created Willow Roots with a mission to do things differently. We built the agency we wished had existed during our own journeys: one grounded in honesty, ethics, and deep care.

At Willow Roots, we believe in connection before contracts. In listening before planning. In showing up not just when things go smoothly, but especially when they don't. We support all families - LGBTQ+ parents, single parents, and those in traditional and non-traditional family structures—because love makes a family, and everyone deserves the chance to build theirs.

We also advocate fiercely for surrogates. I know what it feels like to carry a child for someone else. I know the emotions, the physical toll, the vulnerability. And I know how critical it is to feel respected, empowered, and supported. Willow Roots is more than a consulting agency—it's a community. A space where real stories matter, and where every journey is met with care, honesty, and respect.

This work is deeply personal to me, and I’m grateful to walk alongside others as they build the families they’ve dreamed of.