Intended parent

Shannon Stewart

Doing their journey in Canada

About them

Hi! I’m Shannon --- a school psychologist from Toronto, Ontario, outdoor adventurer, lifelong learner, avid reader, amateur gardener, theatre and music lover…and hopeful future mom! ❤️

Today, on the other side of a difficult chapter in my life, I’m healthy, cancer-free, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue parenthood through gestational surrogacy.

I’m hoping to match with a kind, down-to-earth woman who believes, as I do, that the best surrogacy journeys are built on trust, open communication, and genuine partnership.

I look forward to connecting!

Their journey

Home area

169 Boyle Road, Grafton, ON, Canada

Approximate area

Journey country

Canada

Financial preparedness

I've run the numbers, consulted with lawyers, medical clinicians, fertility counsellors and other experts in the field. Part of the delay in getting to this point is related to the years I've tried to save responsibly for the process. I'm well aware of the various costs and am now financially prepared for this journey.

Embryos

Yes.

I have 7 frozen embryos ready to go, including PGT tested.

Clinic

I'm connected with BOTH Twig Fertility and CReATe (open to changing clinics to suit surrogate preference!!)

Agency

Not using an agency

Lawyer

Michelle Flowerday

Other support

Informed Fertility - Toronto

Dara is a wonderful therapist specializing in fertility journeys. She helped me immeasurably during my IVF/cancer/fertility loss and is here to support now through the gestational surrogacy journey!

**Note that, within Dara's practice, there is another excellent therapist who has first-hand experience being a gestational surrogate. If it would be at all helpful, I would be happy to cover costs of a confidential consultation with this other therapist should my surrogate wish.

What they're looking for

Their hopes and requirements for a surrogate

Requirements

These points are are guided by the requirements of my clinic:

Age 21 – 45 years (ideally mid 20s to late 30s)
At least 1 personal, uncomplicated pregnancy
C-sections fine (number/rationale to be examined case by case)
Stable and/or well-managed mental health history
Under 250lbs, clinic-approved BMI
No smoking, heavy alcohol use, or recreational drug use
No serious medical diagnoses/conditions

The relationship we hope to build

Enjoys being pregnant :-)
Strong support network in her partner and/or circle of family and friends
Has completed her own family building
Strong communication skills, willing to have open discussions
Down to earth, emotionally mature, sense of humour ;-)
Has reliable transportation
Every journey is different, and I know every surrogate has her own hopes and comfort level for the relationship. At the end of the day, my goal isn't to fit a particular “cookie cutter” vision in my mind, but to build something that feels genuine, comfortable, and supportive for both of us.

Vaccination information

Up to date on routine adult vaccinations, comfortable following recommendations of our obstetrical team throughout pregnancy, including routine prenatal care.

Views on termination

I believe these are deeply personal decisions that should be discussed openly before a match. In the event of a serious fetal diagnosis or a situation that significantly threatens the health of the surrogate, I would hope we would make decisions together, guided by compassion, current medical evidence, and the recommendations of our physicians. It is important to me that we are well aligned on these issues before beginning our journey.

The intended parent

Shannon Stewart(She/Her)

45 years old

Communicates in

English

Occupation

School Psychologist

Fun facts about me

• Among my friends and family, I'm known for my silly cartoon drawings and handmade cards. I rarely miss an opportunity to make someone smile with a little humour and homespun creativity—no matter how corny or ridiculous.

• I've been super fortunate to travel all over the world. Solo backpacking on a budget has introduced me to incredible places, remarkable people, wild experiences and the countless ways different folks around the world "do life." Best of all, my travels have taught me invaluable lessons in independence and courage; they’ve galvanized my belief in the kindness of strangers and our shared humanity.

• I am physically incapable of driving past a garage sale without stopping to browse... and of course chat with the owner.

• I learned to play tennis as an adult during the pandemic and fell in love with it. I played almost everyday and even served on the Board of Directors of my local tennis club (when I commit to something, I don’t mess around!)

• I'll enthusiastically rally everyone to watch the latest critically-acclaimed horror thriller... then spend 80% of it hiding under a blanket.

• I'm the go-to pet sitter for a surprisingly large network of friends and acquaintances…especially considering it’s not my “day job”! I adore animals of every breed, shape, size, and personality. Walkies and snugs are pretty much my love language.

• My favourite 'reset button' is simple: A walk outside, a bear hug, and a good cup of coffee.

Interests and hobbies

I love being outside! Mountain biking, tennis, backcountry hiking, canoeing, camping, gardening, and exploring new places, whether close to home or halfway around the world. I'm also an avid reader, creative writer (I like to enter writing contests!), and enthusiastic theatre, concert, and music festival-goer. Some of my favourite days end with cooking a meal for family and friends, wandering through a used bookstore, or lingering around a campfire with good conversation.

What friends say

“
The people who know me best would probably describe me as approachable, down-to-earth, funny, creative, and resourceful. Someone once told me I have “we’re all in this together” energy, and I like that :)
I'm an ideas person who values curiosity, kindness, and connection. I don't take myself too seriously, love meeting new people, and I'm usually the first one to get the joke (or blurt out a terrible pun).
”

Their story

Questions & answers

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