In-Person Queer Family Planning Event
This was babyREADY's first all inclusive, in-person event and it was a wonderful success.
We are excited to see all of you next month, Saturday, July 20 at The 519, 519 Church Street, Toronto, ON
Family Pride - register by contacting Sharn Peters at The 519
Agenda of Speakers
Dr. Jess Nazareth, ND (she/her)
From 9:00 a.m. - 9:25 a.m.
Dr. Jessica Nazareth, ND (she/her) is a Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto focused on all things reproductive health. In her session, she will be discussing a more holistic approach to fertility support. We will delve into evidence-informed naturopathic strategies to optimize fertility and support a healthy pregnancy. Whether you're considering conception, navigating assisted reproductive technologies, or seeking to enhance overall fertility health, this talk will focus on empowering you with the tools and information to support a healthy and successful fertility journey.
Myroslava Tyzkyj (she/her)
BA, RVT, RP
From 9:30 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.
The decision to start a family can be an exciting time. It can also be overwhelming, with many things to consider. Even though every person’s experience is different there are some important things to think about when starting out on this journey. I will talk about some of the crucial things that need to be discussed among all those who plan to be involved. We will touch on ideas such as the meaning of family, both in the past and how you want it to look in the future. Genetics is a consideration and it’s important to think about one’s feelings around having a child that may not be biologically related to you. Since this will be a novel journey for you, many things may come up unexpectedly and it will be important to have a community of support in place. Understanding what this could look like for each individual can help make these hurdles manageable and can build resilience.
- Myroslava Tyzkyj, BA, RVT, Registered Psychotherapist (she/her)
From 10:00 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.
Marc Kemerer, Lawyer (he/him) will speak about the legislative regime in Canada and the provinces and the requirement to have legal advice before signing any documents. He will talk about egg, sperm and embryo donation and about surrogacy, what to look for and what to avoid. How to build your family in the context of the fertility law.
Marc Kemerer, Lawyer (he/him)
From 10:35 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
I am Dr. Ravi Dhillon and I'm here to shed some light on the IVF and surrogacy process as a same sex couple, through the perspective of a family doctor. My experiences in primary care allow me to speak about some of the initial screenings you can get done by your family doctor, OHIP funded cycles and medical clearances typically required by health canada for egg donors and surrogates. I will also be sharing my own personal experiences with going through the IVF and surrogacy process and things I wish I knew before I started. Preparing for the negatives and positives of the experiences and financial barriers one typically faces in the process.
Dr. Ravi Dhillon, MD (he/him)
with guest, Dr. Prati Sharma
From 11:05 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
FROM POLLIN FERTILITY CLINIC
Leanne Masewich, RN, Surgery Centre Manager AND Erin MacKenzie, Andrologist, (both with Pollin Fertility Clinic) will be co-presenting what hopeful birthing and/or intended parents can expect to learn when visiting and receiving care within a fertility clinic. Their respective specialties allow them to collaborate with their patients to ensure seamless guidance, care and support with an additional level of understanding as it pertains to working alongside their Queer patients. Come and learn from them just what is involved with becoming patients at Pollin Fertility Clinic.”
Leanne Masewich, RN (she/her)
&
Erin MacKenzie, Andrologist (she/her)
Morgan Sheridan, FA (he/him)
From 11:35 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Morgan Sheridan, FA (he/him) is presenting to us via a pre-recorded Zoom call because Morgan's two daughters (shown here) have dance recital and at babyREADY, it's always "family first."
From his chat with me, attendees will learn about some financial
considerations before even beginning the family creation process as well as potential situations that may come up through the journey and after the baby/babies are born. Morgan reminds us to plan for every possibility so that we are as ready to be parents as possible.
Thank you to our sponsors
