A strong network of support is key to a smooth journey and wonderful surrogacy journey for Intended Parents. Circle is excited to share some new opportunities for our Circle Intended Parents with regular online support/networking groups. These groups will provide an opportunity to connect with – and share experiences with – others in the program who are also growing their families through surrogacy.
Intended parents who interested in participating in any of the groups should let their Journey Coordination Team know.
We’re excited to offer the following groups:
Tristate Area IPs Community Building Group
Led by Jen Rachman, LCSW. Parent through surrogacy, living in NY.
Meeting frequency: Monthly, online
Meeting time: Evenings, EST
First scheduled meeting: last week in June, date TBD
This online group connects Intended Parents who live in NY, NJ or CT. The goal of this group is to provide a space where intended parents can support one another, share ideas, and build community.
Intended Mothers with History Medical Condition Networking Group
Led by Jen Rachman, LCSW. Cancer survivor, parent through surrogacy.
Meeting frequency: Monthly, online
Meeting time: Evenings, EST
Next scheduled meeting: June 19th, 8:15 pm EST
This group is for women who came to surrogacy due to a medical or psychological reason. The group provides a safe space for women who have a history of struggles due to illness, who come to surrogacy to help them become parents to connect, find support and share their story. The second group to be offered in the afternoon if needed to accommodate those in different time zones.
Single Intended Parents Group
Led by Alicia Abdella, LICSW. Manager of Intended Parent Support.
Meeting frequency: Five Sessions, online
Meeting time: TBD, depending on participant availability
First scheduled meeting: September
This five-session surrogacy support group is offered to men and women pursuing a surrogacy journey as a single intended parent. The goals of this group are to provide psycho-education and foster discussion around specific topics relevant to a surrogacy journey and build a sense of community and added support during the course of a journey.
Intended Mothers with Primary Infertility
Led by Alicia Abdella, LICSW. Manager of Intended Parent Support.
Meeting frequency: Monthly, online
Meeting time: TBD, depending on participant availability
First scheduled meeting: September
This on-going group is for women who have come to surrogacy for family building following a primary infertility diagnosis. The purpose of this group is to share experiences, provide support and build a sense of community with other women with a similar background.
Intended Mothers with Secondary Infertility
Led by Emily Sonier, LICSW. Director of Clinical and Program Support, Personal Experience with Secondary Infertility
Meeting frequency: Monthly, online
Meeting time: TBD, depending on participant availability
First scheduled meeting: September
Secondary infertility is often a reason that women require the use of a gestational carrier to build their families. Secondary infertility is the inability to carry a pregnancy or remain pregnant following the birth of a child. This on-going surrogacy support group is for women who have come to surrogacy for family building following a secondary infertility diagnosis. The purpose of this group is to share experiences, provide support and build a sense of community among other women with a similar background.
Currently, all of the groups will be conducted in English. If you are interested in a group, and the time doesn’t work with your schedule, please let us know.
If you don’t see a surrogacy support group listed here that you would like to see us provide in the future, please do let us know!
We’re excited to partner with you, and support you on your journey.