Helping You Navigate Fertility & Family Building
About Fertility and Family Building Services
Often in our family building journeys, we feel alone or uncertain about the next steps. We don’t know what questions to ask, who to ask them to, or what options are available to us.
Family Start offers client-centred fertility support:
From evidence-based research to system navigation and emotional support. Our job is to help you gain the knowledge and tools you need in order to advocate for your choices, identify your preferences and plan your next steps.
Through education, one-on-one support, and a network of care providers and referrals, Family Start works with you to feel more secure in identifying your preferences, coping with stress, and communicating your needs.
Services
Consultation Preparation
Prior to your consultation with a fertility clinic, we will discuss questions to ask nurses or doctors to determine best fit for you.
Fertility Counselling
Integrating both education and emotional support, together we will review fertility options and interventions and strategize next steps in your journey.
Donor Selection
Assistance in reviewing donor options, selecting donors (known or unknown), and preparing communication strategies (known donor).
Fertility Education
Educational sessions focus on a range of elements in the reproductive journey, taking an evidence-based approach to understanding our bodies and fertility processes, and procedures.
Why Book with Family Start
Evidence-based approach to care
Focus on equity, inclusion, and Supporting all family structures
Full-Spectrum Doula Care & Fertility Support Practitioner
Sliding-scale available for one-on-one sessions
Packages offered
Single Session
Fertility Counselling Session
$110 (1-hour meeting)
Ongoing sessions
Fertility Support Package
$400 (4 meetings)
Educational Content
Workshops & Lectures
Please contact
About me
I am a certified fertility support practitioner and full spectrum doula helping people navigate all stages of their perinatal journeys. Currently, as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Victoria in the School of Public Health and Social Policy, I work on community-engaged cross-disciplinary projects related to reproductive health equity and access to care. I also lecture at the University of Toronto and have taught at various universities across Canada in the humanities and public health.
My eclectic background in research and community support has provided me with unique tools for exploring sexual and reproductive health equity, 2SLGBTQ+ culture, and barriers to accessing reproductive care in Canada. I have published two collected volumes (Women and Popular Culture in Canada and Queerly Canadian) and my third book, Conceivable: A Guide to Making 2SLGBTQ+ Family will be released in November 2024. I also facilitate a free family building support group for queer and transgender people with Birth Mark called Planting the Seed.
In addition to one-on-one supports, I deliver workshops and lectures for healthcare providers, clinics, and universities on inclusive fertility and family building practices.
Conceivable
Pre-Order a copy of my new book with Fernwood publishing
Get in touch
Please email me if you are interested in booking a consultation or finding out more about services.
info@lainehalpernzisman.com
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