Canadian Fertility Awareness Week (CFAW) 2026

April 19–25, 2026
Fertility Unlocked

A national call to action to unlock access, awareness, and policies that support every path to family building.

This week is about unlocking doors toward more compassionate, inclusive, and accessible fertility care in Canada.

Throughout the week, we gather in community to deepen understanding, share stories, and open pathways forward, together.

Events

Sunday, April 19

Unlock Your Joy: A Fertility Support Retreat
Mindful Equine & Sound Bath Retreat

A Fundraiser for the Fertility Friends Foundation 

We’ll kick off the week with an afternoon of rest and joy, offered in collaboration with Mindful Mare Wellness, Caroline Andersen and Alberta Reproductive Centre.

Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sherwood Park (location will be disclosed upon registering)
Cost: $70 + GST
60% of proceeds will be donated to Fertility Friends Foundation, a registered Canadian charity that provides educational resources and financial support for families going through fertility treatments.

An afternoon retreat for people on a fertility journey to rest, reconnect, and be held in community. Featuring a fertility support circle, ceremonial cacao and sound bath, and time with therapy horses in nature.

REGISTER HERE

Thursday, April 23

National Light The Night– Edmonton
Lighting Canada green for fertility awareness

In Canada, green is the official colour of fertility awareness, representing hope, renewal, growth, and resilience.

When monuments light up green, they send a powerful message: You are not alone. 

How to Participate:

Wear green on Thursday, April 23
Share your photo and tag @Fertility_Canada
Use the hashtags: #CFAW2026 #LTN2026 #FertilityUnlocked

Join us in a simple act of collective visibility and support.

The Alberta Legislature will be lit green in honour of Canadian Fertility Awareness Week. We’ll gather together outdoors for a warm, informal meet-up. Come by for a few moments or stay longer. All are welcome.

Details:

• Meet-up: 7:00 PM
• Light-up at sunset: 7:50 PM
• Location: Alberta Legislature Grounds
• Hot chocolate will be available

Sunday, April 26 

Unlocking Creativity and Care from Within
Mindful Expressive Arts Support Gathering

Mindful Calligraphy: Tracing Inner Landscapes

Each participant will create a unique zen brushed calligraphy to take home for inspiration and resourcing on their journey.

A Fundraiser for the Fertility Friends Foundation.

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or not quite like yourself on your fertility journey?

Fertility can be a deeply personal and emotional process, often carrying uncertainty, loss of control, and experiences that are hard to put into words. If you are struggling with fertility challenges, or if you are a supporter of someone going through fertility challenges, join us! This gathering offers a gentle space to pause, reconnect, and explore what’s inside, through mindful creative practice, shared stories, and meaningful conversation. 

Together, we will make space for what’s present, and gently explore what may be ready to soften, shift, or be unlocked within.

Each participant will create a unique zen brushed calligraphy that they can take home for inspiration and resourcing on their journey.

Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: NOTE VENUE CHANGE – Alberta Reproductive Centre  (#201-17203 103 Ave NW, Edmonton)
Cost: $35
All proceeds will be donated to Fertility Friends Foundation, a registered Canadian charity that provides educational resources and financial support for families going through fertility treatments.

Program:

• Welcome & Opening with Dr. Ariana Daniel, ARC Reproductive Endocrinologist
  
• Mindful Calligraphy with Lucy Lu, Art Therapist
  A guided, reflective workshop weaving mindfulness and art therapy. Inviting participants to slow down, connect with their inner experience, and explore personal meaning through simple, meditative calligraphy brushwork.
  
  Each participant will create a unique zen brushed calligraphy that they can take home for inspiration and resourcing on their journey.
  
• Book Reading & Conversation with Linda Hoang @lindork, a Canadian writer, content creator, and social media specialist with a journalism background based in Edmonton, Alberta. Informed by her own fertility journey, her children’s book, Miracle Baby, You’re Finally Here! is a tender celebration of the many different paths families take to welcome a child.
  
• Panel Discussion with Dr. Ariana Daniel, Linda Hoang & moderated by Alda Ngo
  
• Closing by Dr. Ariana Daniel

REGISTER HERE

Fertility Unfiltered: From Reel to Real

Shining a Light on Fertility Struggles

This year, we’re joining the national #FertilityUnfiltered Canadian Fertility Awareness Week (CFAW) led by Fertility Matters Canada (FMC) to change the conversation one story at a time. 

Fertility struggles are real, raw, and too often untold. Whether you’re on a fertility journey, supporting a loved one, or advocating for change, your voice matters. 

Join us for this year’s Canadian Fertility Awareness Events to help break the silence, challenge stigma, and amplify the real stories of fertility journeys across Canada.

Events:

Light the Night

Thursday, April 24 at 8 – 9 PM

Location:

High Level Bridge viewed from Kinsmen Park (follow the road past the Kinsmen Sports Centre parking lot and past John Walter Museum to the parking lot by Huskie House)

Details:

Landmarks across Canada will shine green in solidarity.

Find other locations across Canada by clicking here.

On Thursday, April 24th, wear green and gather with us for a hot chocolate, as the sun sets and the High Level Bridge lights up green in support of Canadian Fertility Awareness Week!

In Canada, we wear green to raise awareness, show support, and start important conversations about fertility, pregnancy, infant loss, and family-building.

Show your support to the fertility community with your green shirt on the day! Family, friends and all are welcome.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR!!

Fertility Unfiltered: From Reel to Real

Sunday, April 27 at 2 – 5 PM

Location:

In the Larder (Private Room) at The Butchery by RGE RD

12229 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB

Details:

We’re bringing the conversation From Reel to Real with an afternoon of fertility-focused film, expert insights, and community action. Join us for an afternoon of powerful storytelling, candid conversations, and meaningful action. This event is FREE to attend.

Please bring your loonies, toonies and cash for purchasing refreshments and raffle tickets for some incredible door prizes. All sales and raffle proceeds will go directly to Fertility Alberta to support advocacy, education, and resources for those navigating (in)fertility in our province.

We are grateful to our co-sponsors who are generously providing the refreshments and door prizes – including a year’s worth of acupuncture and self-care packages with a journal, fertility supplements, aromatherapy, healthy snacks, a castor oil kit and more!

Program:

2:00 | Arrive

2:10 | Opening Remarks

2:20 | Special Screening of Joy

• The inspiring true story of the pioneers behind the world’s first IVF baby, overcoming immense challenges to bring hope to millions.

4:20 | Panel Discussion Featuring Leading Voices in Fertility Care and Advocacy:

• Dr. Ariana Daniel, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Medical Director of Alberta Reproductive
  Centre will speak to (in)fertility as a medical issue.
• Caroline Andersen, Registered Psychologist & Fertility Counsellor will speak to the psychological impacts of dealing with fertility challenges.
• Michelle Chidley, Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy & Outreach Association will speak to the importance of funding and accessibility for fertility treatments.

4:50 | Gratitude and closing remarks

We are proud to be among Edmonton’s Fertility Wellness Community partners who are co-sponsoring this event:

Easing Holiday Fertility Stress: A Charity Event to Support You

When: Sunday, December 8, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Where: Alberta Reproductive Centre

How: Register Here (Space is Limited!)

Cost: By Donation (See Information Below)

Donations:

Admission is by donation of unused menstrual products for our holiday pad drive.

All donations will go to No Period Without, a non-profit organization that supplies local shelters with period products and advocates to end period poverty in Edmonton.

Since 2017, No Period Without has provided over 40,000 menstrual hygiene products to those in need.

What to Expect:

Join us for a nurturing afternoon of supportive resources to help alleviate fertility stress during the holiday season. Registration includes participation in all three of the following workshops:

1. In-person Fertility Support Workshop: Navigating Holiday Stress and Gatherings

Join Registered Psychologist and experienced fertility counsellor, Caroline Andersen, for a guided workshop designed to help you navigate holiday stress and family gatherings with greater ease while on your fertility journey. Discover supportive tools and connect with others who understand.

2. Fertility Nutrition Workshop: Taking the Stress Out of Holiday Eating

Join ARC Reproductive Dietitian, Michelle Florence, to learn some tips for mindful eating during a season that embraces feasting and celebration. This workshop will include some festive recipes that support fertility.

3. Community Acupuncture for Stress Reduction

Join Whole Family Health fertility acupuncture specialists for a stress-reducing community acupuncture session in a supportive group setting. Research shows that acupuncture can significantly lower stress and cortisol levels, helping you find calm amidst life’s challenges.

REGISTER HERE

Exciting announcement!

We are collaborating with Alberta Reproductive Centre (ARC) to offer Whole Person CARE Guidance.

At ARC, they understand the importance of personalized and comprehensive support throughout the emotional and medical process of your fertility journey.

That is why we have teamed up with them to offer fertility care including the following services to all ARC patients.

Introducing WFH’s Alda Ngo, the ARC Whole Person CARE (Coordinator and Reproductive Education) Guide: your Compassionate Coordinator on the Path to Parenthood at ARC.

Embarking on the journey to parenthood can be both exciting and challenging. At ARC, they understand that fertility care is not just a medical process; it is also deeply personal and emotional. That is why they are proud to introduce a dedicated Whole Person CARE Guide, a compassionate coordinator committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Together, ARC and WFH recognize that growing your family is a profoundly meaningful human experience. We are also aware that trying to create a healthy pregnancy can bring up challenging thoughts & emotions, as well as a sense of loss of control.

We want to nurture your sense of agency throughout the process, because we see that you should be in charge of your fertility journey.

Your Personal Advocate:

As your personal advocate and liaison at ARC, Alda brings a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to holistic fertility care. She will ensure that your journey to parenthood is physically supported and emotionally empowered.

Alda is not just a guide; she is your trusted advocate throughout your fertility journey.

Comprehensive Support Tailored to Your Needs:

The Whole Person CARE Guide goes beyond the traditional role. Alda will help you identify your fertility wellness goals as well as explore & navigate all the additional care options that are available to you.  

Tailored Key Services offered by our Whole Person CARE Guide at ARC:

1. Personalized Care Plan: She will work with you to create a personalized fertility plan that addresses all aspects of your unique fertility wellness needs & goals.
2. Information & Education: She will provide clear information about fertility treatments, procedures, and potential challenges, to ensure you are well-informed and empowered to make confident decisions.
3. Wellness Integration: She will provide you with information about curated supportive service options that are accessible to you. For example: counselling, acupuncture, Registered Dietitian, support groups, mindfulness, massage & yoga.
4. Coordination of Care: She will serve as a liaison between you and your holistic medical team, streamlining communication and ensuring a seamless experience throughout your fertility treatment process.
5. Empowering Emotional Support: She will offer a compassionate ear, ensuring you feel heard and supported, while helping you navigate your treatment plan options to create a positive experience.

How to Book

If you are a patient at ARC, please call the front desk at (587) 442-0461 to book a FREE appointment with your Whole Person CARE Guide.

Notice of Fee Increase

Our commitment is to provide you with the highest quality of acupuncture, herbal, massage and yoga therapy available. This includes keeping up to date with the most recent research regarding therapeutic techniques & interventions, and making them available to you.

Staying current with effective techniques and interventions also means keeping up with market demands and standard pricing. In an effort to keep our current rates in line with what is widely considered to be fair market value, we will be making an adjustment to our fee schedule.

Effective November 27th, 2023, regular appointment times will be billed as listed below.

We understand that your resources are both limited and hard earned. As such, we respect the investment you are making in yourself and your loved ones, and remain committed to keeping your treatment sessions both productive and cost-effective.

If you have any questions about this fee increase, or would like further information, please feel free to contact us to discuss your concerns with us.

Sincerely,

The Whole Family Health Team

Service Fees

effective Monday, November 27th, 2023

Free 15-minute phone / video consult

*
Initial General Acupuncture (60-90 mins) $160
Follow-up General Acupuncture (50-60 mins)  $110
+ Herbal prescription fee (when applicable) $30 + GST

*

Initial Fertility Acupuncture  (60-90 mins) $160
Follow-up Fertility Acupuncture  (50-60 mins)  $110
+ Herbal prescription fee (when applicable) $30 + GST

*

On-Site Pre & Post Embryo Transfer Day Acupuncture (at Alberta Reproductive Centre) $210

*

Initial Paediatric Acupuncture (60 mins) $110
Follow-up Paediatric Acupuncture (30 mins) $70
+ Herbal prescription fee (when applicable) $30 + GST

*

Integrated Acupuncture & Yoga (60 mins) $135
Integrated Acupuncture & Yoga (75 mins) $150

*

Personalized One-on-one Katonah Yoga (60 mins) $110 + GST

*

Initial Herbal Consultation (50-60m) $120 + GST
Follow-up Herbal Consultation (30m) $65 + GST
Herbal prescription fee is included in herbal consultation fees

*

Massage Therapy (60 mins) $110 + GST
Massage Therapy (75 mins) $130 + GST
Massage Therapy (90 mins) $155 + GST

*

Online Nutritional Consultation (60 mins)  $155 + GST

*

E-HEALTH SERVICES:
Herbal prescription fees are included in all following consultation fees (when applicable)

Initial General Lifestyle/ Chinese Medicine Consultation
(60 mins) $160 + GST

Follow-up General Lifestyle/ Chinese Medicine Consultation
(30 mins) $110 + GST)

Initial Fertility Lifestyle/ Chinese Medicine Consultation
(60 mins) $160 + GST

Follow-up Fertility Lifestyle/ Chinese Medicine Consultation
(30 mins) $110 + GST

Cortisol and Stress

Many of us have heard that having high cortisol levels can be damaging to our health, but what about having low cortisol levels? Studies show that low cortisol levels, or hypocorticolism, can be linked to long term exposure to stress.

During stress, the body adapts by increasing levels of cortisol to push the body to respond to danger (whether the danger is real or apparent). But if the stress response persists (like in the case of chronic stress), these elevated cortisol levels are unable to fall back within normal range & the body’s cortisol baseline level changes.

Chronic Stress and Hypocorticolism

After prolonged time of elevated cortisol levels, there is a fail-safe mechanism in the midbrain that tries to rebalance the hormone levels. For example, the amygdala and hippocampus can become less responsive, thus lowering levels of cortisol in the body. This negative feedback pattern continues and eventually the body can become less responsive to stress. This might sound good, but any long term imbalance can cause more issues down the road.

The body’s stress response is important & cortisol is designed to protect the body from danger and invasion. So when cortisol levels are chronically low, the body can become less responsive to inflammation and allergies.

Cortisol, Inflammation & Adaptability

Research has linked inflammation to higher levels of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis as well as symptoms like fatigue, stress intolerance, and low blood sugar. Those living with hypocorticolism are often tired, might be intolerant to exercise, overweight, crave sweet and salty flavours, and commonly experience anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Overall, having chronically low cortisol levels reduces the ability to adapt to changes and stressors in life. Finding ways to better manage stress through meditation and yoga, acupuncture, balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help bring the stress response back into balance.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation call to find out more about how we can help you manage stress and balance hormones.

Reference: PMID: 15950390

Summertime is ideal to practice communally. It is a time to get out and spend time with others, teaching and learning from each other through observation and insight. Summertime is joyful and uplifting! This is the polar opposite of winter, which is interpersonal and reflective.

Some postures to incorporate into a summer practice are dynamic movements, standing postures, and pranayama (breathing exercises) to lighten up the heart.

Summertime can bring about bitterness emotionally if one does not allow heat to come in and flow out of the body. Any extra heat in the body has a cascading effect on sleep, digestion, and mood. Using techniques to flush out excess heat will benefit during the summer months, and also prepare the body for autumn.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation call to find out more about how we can support you throughout every season with individualized one-on-one yoga.

What is Katonah Yoga

Katonah Yoga is a formal technique that informs and reforms your yoga practice.

It’s about listening to the body through alignment & measures.

It is a specially designed technique that provides information and insight to your yoga
practice. It focuses on alignment and measures to ensure that you are working through formalized
movement and not falling back into habits that can lead to imbalances in the body.

The reason for moving away from a “feelings” based practice is to get out of your own way. Emotions are wonderful tools to guide and process life’s experiences, but can be biased and full of judgement. By shifting the focus onto the measures and fits within the body, knowing that the body cannot lie, one is better able to access information that is useful and measurable.

The 3 Principles of Katonah Yoga Technique

The Katonah Yoga technique revolves around three principles: all polarities are mediated by trinity; the universe has intelligence implied through pattern; and by virtue of repetition there is potential for
insight.

1. Polarity

First, polarities lie in all worldly things, and the beauty of polarity is when you put yourself in the
center there lies the opportunity to mediate and modulate your experiences.

2. Pattern

Second, pattern provides information about habits and tendencies to lean on strengths, while overlooking weaknesses.

Understanding pattern gives power to the practitioner because the Universe runs on pattern through
seasons, moon cycles, tides, and so much more. By understanding patterns, one can better learn how to align with Universal intelligence and become a more well-rounded human.

3. Practice & Repetition

Finally, the practice of yoga is just that: a practice. It brings about learning to manipulate time by repeating techniques to eventually master one’s own domain. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it makes sense. It guides the practitioner to continue to explore the Self and unravel any narrative threads that no longer serve, thus giving space to rewrite one’s story.

Katonah Yoga Instructor

Working with a Katonah Yoga instructor will provide outside information to help guide your yoga
practice. The instructor can observe where you like to go and where you don’t, and can reorient your
yoga practice with verbal cues and hands-on adjustments.

Many props are also used to help support the postures, provide better framework, and create good boundaries.

I love to incorporate one-on-one individualized Katonah Yoga practice into sessions. Contact us to book a combined yoga and acupuncture session or a free 15-minute discovery call if you have any questions about it!

When it comes to fertility treatment, the emphasis is often on the physical aspects of the process. But we see the Whole You and we realize that your emotional and mental well-being should not be overlooked.

Did you know that research shows the psychological impact of fertility struggles are similar to those associated with conditions like cancer and IVF?

We know that compassionate care & support can make all the difference – helping to create a more positive experience with better outcomes.

A huge multinational study reports that supportive & mental health service offerings have significant positive impacts on achieving pregnancy, because folks actually continue on their fertility treatment journey.

Our Whole Person Fertility Care plans are designed to reduce stress & calm the nervous system while also addressing specific fertility concerns.

We understand that every person’s journey is unique & we’re committed to providing individualized Whole Person Fertility Care that meets the heart of your specific situation.

We want to get to know you, understand your unique circumstances & develop a customized treatment plan for your individual needs.

We aim to be trauma-informed & to build relationships to create a safe, supportive & non-judgmental space for open communication.

We’re here for you & to meet you where you’re at.

In addition to acupuncture and herbs, we offer mindfulness programs, individualized yoga, nutrition, massage & other resources that help you navigate your pathway to parenthood.

We are here to walk every step of the way with you & we’re so honoured to be part of your journey!

Contact us to set up a free 15-minute Connection Call.

One of our fertility experts would love to connect to hear your story & explore how we can support you 💚

References:
PMID: 8142988
PMID: 34756644

beautiful photo from @nushu 

By applying pressure to specific points on the body, it can help to reduce pain and promote relaxation, allowing the birthing parent to focus on the experience of giving birth.

Studies have shown that acupressure can be an effective method for reducing pain during labor and childbirth.

Here are some acupressure points that can offer support during childbirth:

YONG QUAN – Burst of Vibrant Spring Water

Located on the bottom of the foot, Yong Quan is the lowest and most grounding point on the body. This point has a very relaxing and calming effect. It is effective when there are feelings of panic in labour, and is particularly useful during transition.

“This [point] gives our energy strength, a forward thrust and fresh vision. When we learn to tap into this spring it gives us gifts of knowledge and tranquility. By finding this source within we can find our own wisdom and creativity that can refresh our vision so life can flow with power, balance, purity and without fear. In this vibrant spring water we can be bathed in rejuvenating, refreshing and cleansing pure waters.”

NEI GUAN – Inner Gate

Located three of your finger widths above the transverse crease of the inner wrist, directly between the two tendons. It is useful for feelings of nausea as well as vomiting. It is also a very calming point and is helpful for anxiety.

“It can regulate our fire element by giving it warmth when it is cold or taking off a log or two when it is raging out of control and there is hysteria or anxiety. It is like putting a warm caring hand on the heart giving it the love it needs to feel secure. This inner warmth allows the gateway to be opened so we are once again balanced and can give warmth and love to our relationships. It can also give strength to the gateway so the difficulties in life can be handled better and be better protected. ”

It’s important to work with a qualified practitioner who is trained in acupressure to learn the techniques and acupoint locations for effective intervention.

Free Online Acupressure for Labour Support Workshop

Calling all expecting parents! If you’re looking for a natural and gentle approach to managing pain and discomfort during labor and childbirth, join us for our online acupressure event on February 26th 1-2:30PM.

On February 26th, our Registered Acupuncturist Obstetrics Specialists will teach you some helpful acupressure points that can help reduce pain, promote relaxation, and increase feelings of well-being during childbirth. They will guide you through this process, answer any questions you may have, and make sure that you are comfortable with techniques moving forward.

Whether you’re planning a hospital birth or a home birth, acupressure can be a wonderful tool to have in your birthing toolbox. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

To register for the event and receive more information, please contact:
Email: info@wholefamilyhealth.ca
Phone: 780.756.7736.

We can’t wait to see you there!

References

PMID: 21735441

Excerpts From
Characters of Wisdom – Taoist Tales of the Acupuncture Points
Kaatz, Debra