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: https://florahealth.com/products/ferritin. Ferritin+™ is a breakthrough plant-based Iron supplement with unparalleled bioavailability, clinically proven to increase ferritin iron levels without irritation or constipation. Visit www.florahealth.com and use code ECOPARENT15 to save 15% off Ferritin+™.

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.