Hi Anney,

Glad we got to say goodbye to DH's stepdad. Hopefully this will lessen DH's stress too.

Starting to feel slightly sane again. Even this cold has died down to a dull roar. Hopefully I'll be ok going back to work.

To answer your question - I am a member of a donor support group, and they have bi-monthly face to face meetings. However this seems to be for parents of children conceived using DI. I may get brave and go one day, but not sure whether this will help. Also, the meetings seem to be over in the north shore and eastern suburbs. I'll think about it...

Hi Leasha

Welcome!! My husband has azoospermia (ie no sperm), so we are also going down the donor route. We initially went with unknown but found the waiting list too long.

We are now using a known donor. Not sure if it's different in your situation, but our donor friend will legally have no parental rights once we receive the sperm. He is also going through counselling so that he understands he has no parental rights. We have all talked about his role, and he will be the equivalent of a godfather/uncle to the child.

However, have great empathy for what your partner is going through in terms of her feelings towards being a non-biological parent. It took my DH a long time to realise that biology has little to do with being a parent. But it's a hard thing to get your head around. I am still a little uncertain at times that we have made the right decision - but these thoughts flit in and out every now and again, particularly when things get tough.

Anyway - enough of my ramblings. Glad to meet you - hope we all learn from each other!!

Marg, Lulu - how are you both?? Hope to hear from you soon...