Intended parents

Claire Urbain

Doing their journey in Canada

About them

We are Claire and Martin - second time IPs living in Toronto. We have a son who was born via surrogate. We know first hand how special and life changing surrogacy is.

Prior to surrogacy we struggled for four years to build our family. We could never seem to be able to get over the 6 to 8 week hump until we had a devastating loss at 15 weeks.

We are desperately hoping to be an family of four. Our first surrogate can’t safely carry again and so we are on the path to meeting someone to complete our family.

Relationship status

Married

Ten years ago, we met playing sports (Martin still insists he let me win). 4 years ago, we got married in a small pandemic wedding in my parents’ backyard.

Kids today

Our lives were forever changed when our son was born via surrogate in 2025. During maternity leave, I loved taking him to music classes, baby yoga, and meeting other parents. On weekends, we went for walks as a trio with Martin and so much more. Our son has filled in a missing part in our lives. Martin says he struggles to remember life before our son.

Our son has four active grandparents. We live a 15 minute walk from Claire’s parents and see them most days and then see Martin’s family each Sunday. Our son is very loved.

We offer so much to our son and hope to do the same with a sibling.

Their journey

Home area

114 Pricefield Road, Toronto, ON, Canada

Approximate area

Journey country

Canada

Financial preparedness

We know the financial realities of surrogacy having completed one journey in Canada already. We are financial equipped to do the same again.

Martin and I both have full time jobs that enable us to afford this. As well, family and children are the most important thing for us and so we have financially budgeted and prepared for this. As well, I receive some financial support from my workplace for surrogacy.

Embryos

Yes.

We have four PGT-A tested embryos at twig fertility in Toronto.

Clinic

Twig Fertility

Agency

Not using an agency

What they're looking for

Their hopes and requirements for a surrogate

Requirements

Surrogate is to be Canadian. Under 40 is preferred. Someone who is physically and emotionally healthy. Had smooth pregnancies in the past.

The relationship we hope to build

I am open to discussing further what preferences you have! Open and honest communication is what I hope for.

With our first surrogate we texted all the time and she sent lots of Doppler and baby kicking videos. We remain in touch with her and should you want that, we would love to stay in touch.

Views on termination

There are two reasons for which we would pursue termination: the first is if the surrogate was put at risk and the second is if there were serious medical issues with the baby. We hope to have open discussions with regards to termination with you and make decisions as a group early on.

The intended parents

Claire Urbain

36 years old

Communicates in

English

Occupation

Consultant

Fun facts about me

My closest girlfriends know I have a deep love for the spice girls and even re-wrote the lyrics to a Spice Girls song and sang it to us at our wedding.

Interests and hobbies

I love to garden! We grow many of our own vegetables in a large family garden in Creemore (where we spend most weekends). I still have the sap all over my work pants from last year’s harvest of over 50 butternut squash! I enjoy visiting the many veggie stands from the farmers in the area. Over the past few years, I have also fallen in love with canning. So far, we have stuck to tomato sauce, pickles, and peaches. With the birth of our son, I have made him baby food. Thankfully, Martin has a knack for dish washing and keeping a tidy kitchen!

What friends say

“
I am very devoted to my friends and continue to maintain close friendships from childhood. They would describe me as loving, loyal, empathetic, fun, loves to tell stories, and kind to newcomers joining our group. I love to host my girlfriends for brunch or coffee and have a long needed catch up (Martin conveniently goes for a long bike ride at this time).
My friends were so supportive of us during our infertility struggle and have really stepped into the aunt roles since our son’s birth. I know they will do the same for a sibling.
”

41 years old

Communicates in

English

Occupation

Lawyer

Fun facts about me

I am a small town guy at heart who now lives in the big city of Toronto. I grew up in the village of Midhurst, Ontario, a quaint community of roughly 2,500 residents north of Barrie, Ontario surrounded by woodland with a creek and trails. Spending time in the city and the country is something Claire and I both really value.

Interests and hobbies

I have a deep love of all things cycling (it has really become more of a lifestyle at this point)! I have always been an active person and picked it up during the pandemic as something I could do with friends. The winding dirt roads around Creemore are a cycling paradise. On weekends, I go on bike rides with Claire and her Mom on a former railway track converted to a bike path all the way to Collingwood where we stop for coffees and a broccoli-cheddar scone (our reward for making it half-way). I picture us buying a child-safe bike trailer so that our children can come with us and can’t wait for the day our children learn to ride bikes of their own!

I am the designated maintenance man, taking great satisfaction in a freshly cut lawn (neat rows are everything) and a well-washed car (I’m the only I person I know with both car-wash and bike-wash soap – there is a difference!).

What friends say

“
I am practical, organized, and also a lawyer (don’t hold that against me!), all characteristics (I hope) can be put to good use throughout this process in supporting you.
”

Their story

Questions & answers

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