Surrogacy, Advocacy, and Parenthood: A Conversation with Baden Colt

When Baden Colt was told she might never be a mom, she didn't accept it — she built a movement. In this episode, Baden shares her surrogacy journey, how a single social media post turned into a community of 500+ women, and her ongoing fight to reform parental leave policies in Canada. Whether you're navigating infertility, considering surrogacy, or simply want to understand the legal and emotional landscape of alternative family-building, this conversation is full of heart, practical insight, and hard-won wisdom. In this episode: • Baden's experience being told she might never be a mom — and how she defied expectations • The legal and emotional behind-the-scenes of her surrogacy journey • How a viral social media post led to a support community of 500+ women • The legislative fight for extended parental leave for surrogacy and adoption in Canada • Practical tips for finding a surrogate independently through social media • The importance of empathy, community, and open conversation around infertility Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:26 Baden's diagnosis of epilepsy and societal perceptions 01:10 Overcoming limitations and managing her health 02:29 Meeting her husband and choosing surrogacy 03:25 Navigating the legal and community landscape of surrogacy in Canada 05:38 The viral social media campaign and community building 09:52 Online support groups for intended parents 12:13 Advocacy for parental leave reform 15:07 Finding surrogates independently through social media 20:47 The surrogacy process: IVF, embryo creation, and legal steps 30:23 The emotional experience of miscarriage and community support 33:10 Gestational vs. traditional surrogacy 35:26 Parentage and legal registration in surrogacy 39:09 Legislative progress on parental leave policies 45:27 Normalizing conversations about infertility and surrogacy 49:15 Talking to children about their conception story 52:36 The cost of surrogacy in Canada and financial supports 56:17 How her journey shapes her parenting and community work 59:03 Connect with Baden and support her initiatives Resources & Links: NotMyTummy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notmytummy NotMyTummy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notmytummy NotMyTummy Website: https://www.notmytummy.com   ⚠️ Warning — this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones. Disclaimer: All opinions of our guests are their own and in no way represent those of Alana Kayfetz.