The LIFE Nest

Today, in my time of reflection, I looked where we are at with the 94 Calls to Action and I was shocked! I did so because today, we are supposed to remember July 1, in 1867 the Confederation. But what was really going on during that dark time, really affects me because of my husband and kids being Métis. And ever since May 2021, when the first mass grave was found in BC, my heart, my mind and my soul can never go back. I am committed to learning and being an active participant in the journey towards reconciliation. Did you know that they did not complete not even 1 Call to Action in 2023? And that so far, only 13 have been addressed since the beginning, that's less than 2 per year! That is not acceptable! This is why I am posting this today. I can not be silent.

I am deeply grateful for and I honour the Indigenous peoples of Canada that have lived here and taken care of this beautiful land since the beginning of time. Canada day marks the anniversary of the confederation of Canada, which symbolizes the beginning of a new governance system that systematically marginalized Indigenous peoples, stole their lands, and attempted to eradicate their cultures. For me, today is a day of reflection, mourning and prayer. I truly hope that more and more awareness is brought to the 94 Calls to Action. Please join me in looking into this and finding out what we can do to help this healing process moving forward.

As a positive person that brings light and chooses joy, I do also take the time to acknowledge all that I have been blessed with today. I am thankful to my Creator for giving me the opportunity to live in such a beautiful country. I am blessed every day by the nature that surrounds me. I am thankful for the rich and safe lives that we live, which I will never take for granted. I am thankful for the clean drinking water that my family has access to. I hope and pray that one day soon, this can be the case for everyone in Canada and across the world. I’m grateful to those who have come before me and paved the way, for those who have fought, and died, for the freedoms I now enjoy.

On this day, I pray for peace, for true reconciliation and for hope to be restored in the hearts of those that are hurting. Please God heal our land and keep our land glorious and free!

Love is something that should be spread. If we have a gift, why not share it? Did you enjoy being pregnant but are all done having your own children? Ever wonder about becoming a surro angel? Have questions? We are here to help!

Love is something that should be spread. If we have a gift, why not share it? Did you enjoy being pregnant but are all done having your own children? Ever wonder about becoming a surro angel? Have questions? We are here to help!

For those of you who are new to our page, we would like to reintroduce ourselves as we set out on this brand new year together.

We are a Consultancy that specializes in Surrogacy Support for Surrogates and Intended Parents, emphasizing on Healthy Pregnancy Support, Holistic Birth & Doula Services, Nutrition and Egg Donation Support in Canada.

We are excited for the opportunity to continue supporting women who are ready to embark on their first surrogacy journey in 2024. This year, we are focusing on helping experienced surrogates between ages of 21-49 who want that independent journey feel, with just enough support and a community to help cheer them on. We also look forward to starting to connect with dependable women who have not been pregnant before but are wanting to help a family grow through the gift of surrogacy.

We know that the women we support on these precious journeys come from all walks of life, which is why we create a support plan that best suits each person and we tailor our care based on their needs. At The LIFE Nest, we are here for you, however that might look!

We strive to help create families, however we can't do it without incredible Surrogate Angels! Want more information? Please feel free to email us at [email protected] with any questions that you might have.

We are rebuilding our website so please be patient with us and check back in a few weeks to discover our new look!

On this night before Christmas, we want to share this wonderfully written poem written by M & B, wonderful intended parents from Alberta. They are hoping that someone out there reads this poem, that comes from their hearts, and decides to make their dreams come true. Please reach out if you'd like more info. They truly are an incredible couple that will treat their surrogate like the gift that she is to them.

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas ...
Intended Parents Version 🥰
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
When all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even the noisy fridge they jokingly called ‘The Big Mouse.’
The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care,
In hopes that a surrogate one day
would be there.
You see, normally gifts come from St. Nick.
But this year, the intended parent couple hoped for something beyond that adorable schtick.
They hoped for a surrogate to bring them a very special gift, Not through a chimney, but by birthing a child – that would be so far beyond super ‘nift.’
They’d waited for so long to make their couple a family,
Tried IVF and all kinds of methods to have this dream be;
Their hopes had been dashed, but their dream lived vibrantly on,
And now they looked for that very special someone to be their surrogate mom.
Oh, these IPs know a baby means sleeplessness and lots of dirty nappies;
It means excitement and potty training and tearful, ‘But I have to have that—pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze!’
But it also means a family, a whole lifetime of joys, hopes and dreams come true,
Even if it does sometimes mean occasional ultra-messy (and smelly?) number twos.
Fast forward a year, and here is their IP vision:
A surrogate found, a beloved tot at home – the joyous outcome of a precious mission.
Mommy in Christmas slippers, and Daddy too,
Once again thanking their surrogate, as they hear baby’s sweet coos.
We welcome you, Surrogate, into our lives, whoever you are,
On this night before Christmas as we gaze upon the stars,
We really can’t wait to meet you; excitedly wish the very best for you,
You see, our hearts envision more than just sugar-plums – but a baby, a family beyond just us two.
… And it’s all thanks to you.
So Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
(Oh, and we promise the fridge isn’t that noisy;
We just needed a rhyme that worked out just right! ):)
Hope you enjoyed this poem, and that this holiday and new year bring you special joys!
Best wishes,
M & B

With Christmas approaching, our hearts go out to families who have experienced heartache, loss, and uncertainty in their desire to have children. With infertility on the rise, it's affecting more and more people every year.
Please take one minute to fill out this quick survey and see if you could qualify to be a surrogate to a family in need. This Holiday Season, you may be the hope that they are longing for.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3S3JJQP

For some parents, the thought of taking your baby on your first long 🚗 car 🚗journey can be a bit stressful. But with some helpful tips, you can minimize the stress and maximize the enjoyment of your adventure.

⭐️Place your baby’s carseat in the middle of the back seat of the vehicle.
⭐️Plan ahead for keeping the sun off of your baby while driving.
⭐️Plan for plenty of nursing breaks along the way.
⭐️Pack lots of water and snacks, or perhaps meals.
⭐️Try to keep the seat beside your baby’s carseat empty.
⭐️Do not feed your baby in a moving vehicle. Some parents are tempted to unbuckle themselves and lean into the carseat to nurse while the driver keeps going. This is not safe. Planning for extra nursing breaks can help reduce the stress of arriving on time.

Read more:
https://www.lllc.ca/car-journeys-baby

Hello experienced Surrogates! We need your help!
We would love to hear about your previous journeys and the experience you had. We are always looking to improve.

We are a boutique agency and here are a few things we’re known for:

- Healthy Surrogates Program which focuses on Surrogate Health and Wellness throughout the entire journey with our trained professionals for mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Support when dealing with Doctors, Lawyers, Clinics. We advocate for you and ensure everyone is doing their jobs
- Ensure you receive the maximum amount of financial support to cover your expenses
We love hearing your stories and experiences, and would love to connect! We truly appreciate your time.

Please fill in our very quick and easy survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JXD6LX2

Relationships are challenging to manage especially such an intimate relationship between a Surrogate and Intended Parents. Our knowledgeable staff can help you navigate through this incredible journey acting as a liaison ensuring as little tension as possible. Our Surrogate Experience Coordinator and Intended Parent Support Coordinator work together to ensure fairness and respect on both sides.

The process for Egg Donation is significantly shorter than being a Surrogate and can be as equally as rewarding. On average the process is just over a month for the cycle. Prepping can be a month or so as you do some testing and getting your body prepared. If you’re interested or have questions please reach out!

We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that one of the most influencial women in our surrogacy community has passed away, Jennifer Allen, the owner of JA Surrogacy Canada. I had the priviledge of connecting with her on a few occasions. She shared her heart with me and we shared dreams together of where we would like to see the surrogacy community in the future. Her passion for surrogacy, her knowledge and her desire to make positive changes in our community, was evident. We've all heard stories of how she took in surrogates who were with other agencies, or on indepedent journeys, who needed a soft place to land. She supported them with open arms. She was passionate, caring, giving and kind. She will be greatly missed by all. Please join us in thoughts and prayers for her husband and her beautiful children.

Julie and TLN team

We’ve got some exciting news! We’ve added an Egg Donation program to our already stacked list of incredible services.

Do you qualify to be an Egg Donor?
• Are you between 21-35 years of age?
• Healthy? (BMI between 18-28)
• Would like to help others create a family?

The Egg Donation process is less of a time commitment than being a Surrogate but can be as equally rewarding 🏆

Our knowledgeable staff are here to help you navigate through the entire process. We work closely with lawyers, clinics, and reputable resources ensuring an efficient and smooth experience.

Get in touch with us today to become an Egg Donor or to ask any questions. We’re here to help!

The Life Nest offers The Healthy Surrogate Program. This unique program focuses on the health and wellness of the Surrogate before, during and post pregnancy. Our network of wellness professionals work directly with the Surrogate to create an achievable plan to holistically support them to achieve the healthiest pregnancy possible. Healthy Surrogate = healthy baby! 👼🏽

We’re so excited 🤞🏽 because it’s transfer day for our Surrogate Ashley and her IP’s Amberley and Rob! We’re sending all of the sticky vibes and best wishes to them 🤞🏽

SURROGATES WANTED!! 🛍️Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card🛍️ In Canada, there is 1 Surrogate for every 60 Intended Parents in waiting. We need your help!! Follow us, share and tag 3 friends who you think would be interested in being a Surrogate to win a $100 Amazon gift card. If any of those 3 people contact us and sign up you can win a bonus of $100!

We are a boutique agency that prides itself in exceptional support for both Surrogates and Intended Parents through specialized programs, highly knowledgable staff and top notch resources. Our Healthy Surrogates Program aims to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone. Healthy Surrogate = healthy baby!

**please note we will be announcing the winner August 1/23. Be aware of false accounts that may ask for financial or personal info**

Meet Kristen, our new Surrogate Experience Coordinator. Kristen is an experienced surrogate who gives her all to ensure that every surrogate feels welcomed, supported and valued. She will help our surrogates navigate through their journey, while advocating and caring for their needs. Kristen is new to the Niagara area, was recently married and is a mom of 4 girls. She enjoys playing hockey in the winter and camping in the summer. Kristen is a closet chef and absolutely loves cooking 🧑🏼‍🍳

Today is not just a time to honour and celebrate the strength, resilience and wisdom of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. It is a reminder to commit to supporting Indigenous people’s right to self determination, support their work, their calls to action, and show up to educate ourselves and to listen. Our actions matter more than words

🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Month! We “pride” ourselves on being an inclusive agency. We welcome gay couples to join us as we also have surrogates who prefer working with marginalized groups. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, we’re happy to help 🏳️‍🌈

We are excited to announce our new Intended Parent Support Coordinator, Sarah Jarvis. Sarah has been involved in the world of surrogacy since 2003. She is a proud surrogate mom to two healthy children and has remained very active in the field. She has created chat boards, advocated in the media through interviews and articles, and has served as a mediator between IP’s and Surrogates. Sarah has owned and operated several businesses and personally is passionate about health and wellness and is studying Psychology in her spare time. She loves helping create families and feels this is a legacy she is proud to leave behind.