ProudParenting.com - Made the decision to have a child ... where to start? - Comments

We use unknown donor from Xytex

my2moms — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:01:45 -0700

We conceived both of our daughters using 2 unknown donors from Xytex. I would suggesting using this route as using a known donor who could potential want rights to his child would scare me too much. We have had great success with IUIs and are planning to try for #3 soon. GL! It is all worth it!
-Sarah

Which Sperm Bank

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:20:20 -0700

We used Xytex because you can look at all the guys' extended profiles for one price. They are also one of the only banks w/adult photos. Believe me, you want adult photos.

Known vs Anon Donors

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:18:56 -0700

The best compromise may be a "knowable" donor. The sperm bank agrees to release the donor's identity (with his prior consent) when the child turns 18. We know a researcher who looked at lesbians who had kids using anonymous or known donors and every couple who used a known donor eventually had a legal or personal problem with him. The sperm banks also do extensive health screenings so it's much safer/healthier to use a sperm bank.

well congatulations on your

mommyzrus917 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:54:29 -0700

well congatulations on your decision. it will be a great one. my partner and i have a 2 year old son and we used a known donor and did an at-home insemination. we were successful and have been blessed with a beautiful little boy. personally after the fact now we wish we would have used a sperm bank (which we are now using to conceive our 2nd child) even though the donor has had and will neevr have any involvement in our sons life it still is a little weird that we KNOW his name and his face. despite the fact that we still only refer to him as "our donor" but in our minds we still know. where as now we have just chosen a donor for me to carry a child and we dont know any of that personal stuff. just the fact that he has all the nationalities and personality traits that we admire. so in my opinion i like using somebody totally anonymous versus a known donor. it is a little more expensive thatway but well worth it i feel. but good luck to you and let me know how it goes.
~*Tracy*~

well congatulations on your

mommyzrus917 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:54:23 -0700

sperm bank versus known donor

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:37 -0700

You can definitely use sperm from a sperm bank for insemination, IVF is not required for most women. I recommend checking out The Sperm Bank of California (www.thespermbankofca.org) they have a lot of information on-line. Also, for good information on thinking about a known donor vs. a sperm bank, I recommend Stephanie Brill's book -- I think it is called The Essential Guide to Lesbian conception, pregnancy and birth" -- available on Amazon. You should also get legal advice if you are considering a known donor.

Good luck!

I have a wonderful child from donor insemination and am so happy I made the decision to become a parent.

Insemination

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:14:30 -0700

My partner and I have been together for 11 years. We had artificial insemination and now have a beautiful 7 year old. Awesome child!

We thought about a donor but decided that we wanted to be the only parents. We are still glad we made that decision.

It is a big responsibility but worth it! No regrets ever!

You got our support!

Made the decision to have a child ... where to start?

2GrlsWantingABaby — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:58:09 -0700

So, here I sit .... sometimes hard to believe that I've gotten this far.

We've been together for six long years, with many more to come. A long life actually. I couldn't have asked for a better partner than the one I'm blessed to have. Treats me good, takes great care of us (our dogs included), lots of love, and all the many mores.