EP#08: The Journey to Surrogacy with Nici Shipway

Beyond Beautiful Birth is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network:
https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts

This episode was generously sponsored by Ferritin+ by Flora Health:
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About the Episode:

In this episode we learn about the logistics and beauty of
surrogacy-who is eligible to be a surrogate, who are “intended
parents” and how surrogacy agencies help families through the
surrogacy process. We address legality in both Canada and the U.S.
as well as the more complex issues of commercial (compensation) and
altruistic (reimbursement) arrangements. Nici discusses her work as
a birth doula and how this transitioned to surrogacy work and
eventually how she created an agency of her own. Nici is the
founder of Hive Surrogacy, an agency that helps single parents,
families struggling with infertility, cancer survivors, and those
from the LGBTQ+ community to grow their families. Most importantly,
in this episode, we have the honour of hearing Nici’s own beautiful
surrogacy journey.

Guest Bio & Links:

Nici Shipway is the founder and a senior consultant at Hive
Surrogacy. She is a mother of two and an experienced surrogate.
Surrogacy gave Nici the opportunity to show her children how
selfless acts can change lives and that family isn't defined by
blood. Nici's passion for birth work is what brought her into the
surrogacy field. Nici has worked as a program director and CCO at
two other surrogacy agencies in Canada. She has spoken at
international surrogacy conferences as well as planned and executed
events around the world for both intended parents and surrogates.
Earlier in 2020, Nici took part in Health Canada's round table
discussions, having input into the proposed Assisted Human
Reproductive Act. These experiences along with supporting hundreds
of people through the process has given Nici the time to shape her
care in a way that she feels will be most beneficial for the
families and surrogates going through the process with her.
nici@hivesurrogacy.com
https://www.hivesurrogacy.com
https://www.instagram.com/hivesurr


Host Bio & Links:

Dr Dori Skye Engel is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Birth
Doula practicing family medicine in Toronto with a special interest
in Pregnancy, Pediatrics and Perimenopause. Mama to three
wonderful, intense and dramatically different boys, she believes
strongly in the innate wisdom of the human body and our powerful
ability to heal. She can be found at
http://www.familynaturopathy.ca
http://www.instagram.com/mamadoll
http://www.facebook.com/DrDoriND

Natalie Tregaskiss is a Registered Midwife, a Labour and Delivery
Nurse and a Board Certified Lactation Consultant who has been
supporting families for over 17 years. She has three amazing
children whom she is constantly learning from. Through her unique
breadth of experience she helps parents birth with autonomy and
transition to authentic parenthood. She can be found at
http://www.instagram.com/tregaskiss1

About the EcoParent Podcast Network:

The EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier,
greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy
parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon
footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your
family’s health, the planet and to our children’s future. We offer
raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six
podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids’
nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens.
Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life!
www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts

Partnerships:

Audio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay
Ream-Neal.

This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.