Your grief belongs to your story, not your child’s story. Key points Upset about not having a genetic tie to your child is your issue alone. Donor conceived or not, your child will see you as their parent. You can grieve over the loss of not having a genetically related child and have a wonderful…

Building your family with fertility treatment can jeopardize relationships. Key points Stress is often high during fertility treatment. When we are stressed, and perhaps hypersensitive, it is natural to gravitate to people who understand. Your fertility journey, and the stress won’t last forever, but your friendships may. Considering ways to maintain some relationships may be…

Donor conception: The importance of choosing the terms “donor” or “parent.” Key points Knowing your donor can have many advantages. The role of parent can include emotional, financial, and other responsibilities. Co-parenting can work well if the child’s needs are primary and the implications for all are considered. Over my decades of practice, seeing thousands…

Stress can cloud decision making in donor conception. Key points Infertility does not discriminate. The struggle to have a baby can be stressful and stress can cloud decision-making. It is important to consider family building goals when using sperm donation to have a child. Choosing a treatment type with donor sperm is often very different…

The right activities can help your body feel calmer and more in control. Key points Common stress reduction activities often don’t work for fertility patients. Shock and overwhelm are common feelings when building your family with reproductive medicine. Helpful stress reduction strategies are often counterintuitive. Finding enjoyable activities where you see a result for your…

Acceptance is the key to staying connected. Key points Transitioning from infertility treatment to donor conception can strain a relationship. Partners often cannot anticipate what each other will feel. Nothing in life prepares you for infertility and using the genetics of someone you don’t know to have a child. Acceptance of a partner’s perspective can…

Embracing donor conception and finding strength in your new path to parenthood. Key points Choosing donor conception can mean grieving over the life you expected. Few people are prepared for parenting a donor-conceived child. Using the genetics of someone you don’t know to build your family can feel uncomfortable. It is possible to grieve what…

Parents’ insights into acceptance and emotional growth. Key points Fears about donor conception typically fade. Embracing donor conception and parenthood often comes with time. Creating a narritive that feels right for you can be comforting. Donor conception will not always be the focal point of your parenting concerns Using the genetics of someone you don’t know to…