salt bowl at Toronto Mini Retreat

2020 Toronto Mini Retreat

Q & A with Leia Swanberg, CEO and Founder of Sacred Surrogacy and Canadian Fertility Consulting

This year we launched a new model of retreats that provide more opportunities to meet Surrogates located in smaller communities that until now didn’t have access to Retreats. Instead of the Weekend Retreats we have done in the past, we are now hosting one day retreats across Canada. 

Our recent Toronto Mini Retreat was all the magical things, with all the magical people. Thank you ladies for showing up for yourselves, and for the sisterhood. It was epic! We sat in circle. We connected, we honoured one another, and it was everything! Continue reading below to see a Q&A with Leia Swanberg:

Q: How does the retreat enrich the surrogacy experience? 

A: We believe that Surrogacy can be so much more that creating a family for others. We see Surrogacy a beautiful right of passage, a sisterhood, and a unique opportunity to learn deeply about yourself. Pregnancy in itself is the most vulnerable time in any woman’s life, coupled with this unique opportunity, it is a time to go deep, reflect, and honour one’s self. As women this expansion, this personal growth is so amazing, so beautiful to be a part of, and I am so grateful that Anni Daulter allowed me this opportunity through Sacred Surrogacy’s partnership with Sacred Pregnancy, and the Sacred Living Movement.

Q: What types of activities did the surrogates participate in? 

A: During the retreats, we encourage connection through an Opening Circle, Connected Conversations activity, creative arts, whether vision boards, journaling, or other activities. We also of course create an opportunity to honour the participants using ancient traditions from across the world, whether Henna, foot washing, or other ancient practices.

Q: How does a Sacred Surrogacy retreat create a sense of community?

A: Meeting other women in your community is the best!! Making connections, building friendships, and knowing that through these connections you will build this beautiful shared experience. 

Q: How did this mini retreat differ from the previous weekend retreats?

This year we moved to a different model.  We are currently offering one day retreats, but with many more locations on the books. Previously we found that there were many Surrogates unable to attend a full weekend, and so are hopeful to serve many more women with this new format! Here is the full list of 2020 Mini Retreats:

Halifax, NS Registration Now Closed
February 22, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Moncton, NB Registration Now Closed
February 23, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Saskatoon, SK
May 30, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Winnipeg, MB
May 31, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Ottawa, ON
June 13, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Oshawa, ON
June 14, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Edmonton, AB
September 12, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Calgary, AB
September 13, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Duncan, BC
October 3, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Vancouver, BC
October 4, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Sudbury, ON
November 7, 2020 | 10am-6pm

Hamilton, ON

November 8, 2020 | 10am-6pmREGISTER FOR A MINI RETREAT

Q: What is your favourite part of the retreats?

A: My favourite part of the Retreats is watching women who have never met in real life, connect!  Seeing friendship begin, and grow!  The women who participate in Surrogacy are so strong, and so committed, and the connections that we see, are everything!