What to Expect in Your First Year of Surrogacy in Canada

When families first reach out to us, they often say some version of the same thing: "I don't even know what I don't know." If that's where you are, this is the post for you.

The first year of surrogacy isn't when you have a baby. It's when you learn, prepare, and — if everything goes well — get matched. Understanding that timeline upfront makes the whole journey feel far less overwhelming.

Here's what you can realistically expect.

Months 1–2: Learning and Choosing Your Path

Most families spend their first one to three months doing research. You're reading everything you can find, attending webinars, talking to other parents, and trying to figure out whether surrogacy is actually the right path for your family.

This is also when most families book their first consultation with an agency. That call matters — not because you're signing anything, but because a good consultation will help you understand what you need to know before you sign anything.

At CSO, we offer free 30-minute calls with me personally. We talk about your situation, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you understand the real costs, timelines, and process before you commit to a thing.

Months 2–4: Choosing Your Agency and Getting Started

If you decide to work with an agency (and most families do, for good reason), this is when you formalize that relationship. You'll review and sign an agency agreement, pay your initial fee, and begin the onboarding process.

During this phase you'll also:

• Complete your IP (intended parent) profile — a document that helps surrogates understand your family and why you're pursuing surrogacy
• Begin gathering medical records for your fertility clinic
• Potentially have initial consultations with a reproductive lawyer

This phase is often one of the most emotionally charged. It feels real — because it is.

Months 4–10: The Matching Process

Matching is the part of the journey most families underestimate. Finding the right surrogate — someone who is medically cleared, emotionally prepared, and a genuine fit for your family — takes time.

In Canada, matching can take anywhere from three to twelve months, depending on your agency, your flexibility, and the size of the available surrogate pool. At CSO, our screened surrogate network means most families are matching within the range of three to nine months.

During the matching process, you'll review surrogate profiles, have video calls with potential matches, and — when you find the right person — participate in a formal matching meeting.

There is no template for what makes a good match. Some families know in the first five minutes. Others take a few tries. What matters is that when you do match, it feels right to both of you.

What You're Not Doing Yet

I want to be honest with you: in your first year, you are likely not yet doing IVF, not yet pregnant, and not yet planning a nursery. And that's okay. This phase is the foundation — and it matters enormously that you build it carefully.

The families who struggle most are the ones who rushed the beginning and found themselves without the right legal agreements, the right medical preparation, or the right relationship with their surrogate.

Take the time. Do it properly. The rest of the journey will thank you for it.

If you're just beginning to explore surrogacy and want to talk through what the process looks like for your specific situation, I'd love to connect. Book a free 30-minute call — no commitment, just a conversation.

— Robyn Price, Executive Director, Canadian Surrogacy Options