Donor Insemination

Hi all,

This is my first post to this forum :) I guess my situation is a bit complicated. I try and give the shorten version. Previously I had a 5 year marriage. During that marriage I was trying to conceive actively for approximately 2 years.

I found the process of trying to conceive during that marriage very frustrating and upsetting. I remember being very naive, I believed that pretty much as soon as I stopped taking contraception I would fall pregnant...I didn't. My (now ex) husband didn't want to go to a fertility specialist believing that it would just eventually happen. The marriage ended in 2001.

Since then I have been in one other major relationship, for the best part of 12 months in that relationship I did not use any contraception and did not fall pregnant.

I have been desperate for many years now to have a baby. I am not currently in a relationship and nor do I plan to be in one anytime soon. I have made the decision that I feel financially and emotionally secure enough to look at conceiving a child as a sole parent. I realise that the notion of intentionally becoming a sole parent may be somewhat controversial, but I am unswayed by other opinions on the matter.

I began looking at fertility clinics in Sydney to first examine why I have been unable to conceive and then secondly to hopefully attempt donor insemination. I was quite suprised to discover that most of the large ivf/fertility clinics in Sydney do not seem to currently have any donors.

One of the clinics mentioned that one of the reasons that there are so few donors may be due to proposed legislation in NSW. I was wondering if anyone knew what it is about the legislation that has caused such a shortage? Or if the legislation will affect the provision of AC for single women?

I did find a clinic that said that they do have donors and I have made an appointment in the coming week to go and see a doctor there. I am totally new to fertility treatment and AC. I'm really hoping that I am not totally infertile. :crossfingers:

Teagan,

Sorry about your situation. I can understand how frustrating it is to be wanting a baby so badly and wondering why your body won't do what it should. I've long since come to the conclusion that getting pregnant is not the cakewalk we've been led to believe it is for all these years. I for one regretted spending time on the pill when we were first married because after I came off it, we had unprotected sex for three years with no resulting pregnancy.

Without knowing too much about the legislation in NSW, I suspect it may be about making donor identity available to children who result from IVF gamete donation ... a bit like the adoption situation. Hope someone from NSW will correct me if I am wrong.

As far as I know, the clinics in NSW do not discriminate on the basis of marital status or anything else so I don't imagine you will have a problem with that angle of it.

I'm hoping your upcoming appointment will answer a lot of questions for you. Best of luck with everything.

Melissa

Thanks Melissa for your response.

I am looking forward to the appointment :)

That would make sense about the donor identity issues. I remember that Victoria brought in some kind of legislation along those lines (I think).

From what I can gather the main problem for single and lesbian women in NSW is that at some clinics they are not eligible for medicare rebates for AC because they are classed as "socially infertile". But I don't believe that all clinics make this distinction.

Hi Teagan
I am currently in the position you hope to be in. Reading your story I felt I was reading my own. =D>
My ex-husband and I tried unsuccessfully TTC from 1990 - 2001. We went our separate ways, he has since remarried. I turned 40 and tripped off overseas for a month. I too have had another relationship but with no future attached to it. I will turn 43 next month. On my 42nd birthday I made the final decision (after giving it serious thought for the 3 years after my separation) to embark on this journey alone. I am financially secure, have a stable job (as stable as any can be), am very comfortable in my own skin and love my life and my home. I could go on about that but won't bore you. I have very strong thoughts on bringing a child into a 'couple's' home where that home is less than happy. :smt062
Anyway, I approached IVF Australia in October last year. They have a clinic on the Central Coast. 15 years ago I was with SIVF and the travelling was difficult. In those days more visits to the clinic were required. I used to have to start work in Gosford at 8am. I'd be on the front door step at their clinic in O'Connel street at 6am and then have to rush for the train to make it to work on time. Anyway, I had done my research on the internet before my appointment with IVF Australia. I too, was told ART for single women is OK but Medicare would not fund it because it was considered I wanted to access ART for "social" reasons. If ever there was a ridiculous expression it's that one. I would have been around $14,000 out of pocket - out of the question for me. I have to be very careful not to get on my :soapbox: here, otherwise this post will take 3 hours to read!!! Anyway, I explained where I stood ie. would the government prefer I go out, sleep around and spread disease etc etc? Dr Frank Quinn put it to their Ethics Cmte and I had a phone call at 6pm that night saying I could claim Medicare as I had a history of infertility and endometriosis. My next step was to attend counselling with Lesley in Chatswood. A lovely lady. That went well. I then sat on my hands until the government starting making noises a few months ago about slashing funding for IVF. Women over 42 being restricted to only 1 attempt (I think). Well, that put a rocket up my undies and I pulled my finger out (so to speak).
At that time, there was only 1 donor. IVF Australia now have 3 - but only 1 who can be accessed as the straws from the other 2 are being kept for previous recipients. I think that's the current status. I have an A4 sheet of paper which describes my donor - eye colour, interests, medical history, family medical history etc. It's only one page but I have to admit, I never knew my ex's family medical history!!! From memory of what Dr Quinn told me, clinics could previously ask donors if they objected to their sperm going to single/lesbian couples. Apparently that caused discrimination problems so that question had to be removed. I think it is considered that a lot of donors only want their sperm to go to couples and because they can no longer request that, they are unwilling to donate at all. That appointment was 12 months ago though so it may have changed. If anyone out there knows more, please let me know.
Anyway, I could go on and on about this subject but won't. I have only told some close friends (3 of which either live overseas or interstate), my sister (who lives 3 hours away) and a couple of very supportive mates here. That's why I am SOOOOO happy to have found this forum. My boss knows but went on leave 2 weeks before my transfer. I've had to sneak out for blood tests, ultrasounds etc by saying I have a medical appointment and getting a very serious look on my face so nobody asks what they're for. My trip to and from the hospital for EPU was an exercise in perserverance. I got there in the end. It is an interesting journey on your own, but it all works out.
My ex and I had 4 ART attempts - it took me 2 years to even get him to an appointment. We also tried many, many natural therapies. He was never a willing participant - I now look back and think it was just nerves and not being able to control the result that got to him. I am much more relaxed this time as there is just me in my home with no added stress. Yes, I'd love to have a partner to share it with but just simply don't have any more time to spend looking for one who will understand!!!
I am on an ICSI cycle. I had my EPU on 11/8, my ET on 13/8 and will have my B/T on 29/8. I am 10 DPO. AF will not set foot on my front doorstep!!!!! I ended up with 2 eggs and 1 embryo - no frosties for me. I have a lot riding on this, with one income, I just don't know if I can afford another shot at it!
Teagan I am always here if you need/want to talk about this. So far, I have not felt totally alone in this journey. You really do need some genuine buddies who do support you and understand. I have 1 friend I considered a close one who has not contacted me at all since I began my cycle. She cannot accept that I want to bring a child into the world who may never know it's father. It's my belief that there are a lot of children in unhappy homes who are worse off. Be very careful who you tell while you are going through your cycle, there are still a lot of people who simply will not understand that undying need to have a child. You don't need to be confronted with ignorant, small-mindedness which may cause you stress during that time. I'm still happy and confident about this decision but I don't know how common this quest of ours is!!!!
Good luck, please let me know how you go???
Sue
:flower:

Hi Sue,

It was awesome to read your story and know that there is someone else in the same position. :D

I'm really hopeful for you that ICSI cycle will be a success! :cheer:

I actually spoke to IVF Australia last week about whether they had sperm donors and as you said they only have one at the moment. They also told me that the particular donor will only be making donations up to 10 families and that his donations where up to about 4 or 5 families so far...maybe your one of them :) (it's a small world).

IVF Australia were also the ones who told me that I'd be considered "socially infertile" and therefore would not receieve the medicare rebate. But honestly given the amount of time I've spent trying to conceive naturally, and even though I'm currently single, I don't believe that my problem is just 'social infertility'.

I also rang clinics such as Next Generation and Sydney IVF but both of those clinics told me that they did not currently have donors.

Finally I rang NSW IVF and it appears as though they do have donors. I have my appointment this thursday.

I hope you don't mind me asking, but as I have not been to a fertility clinic before, I was wondering what type of tests and questions they start you off with? How long did you see the psychlogist for? How long did it take from deciding that you wanted to proceed to the time you started the ICSI cycle? etc. I'm just so curious/nervous/excited.

Gee Teagan, I don't mind questions - I just have to put my memory cap on. That's a bit iffy at the moment - I blame it on the hormones. #-o
I don't think the clinics have a problem with single women having access to donors - they have to comply with the government's medicare funding laws. I'm pretty sure they're not allowed to refuse you access if you are prepared to pay the full amount as that is discrimination etc etc. I also had to sign a form to say I understood I could not try to find the donor. I think the donor has to do the same. Also that I would not make a claim for money etc, he had to agree to similar things. He is allowed to know 5 things (?) - if his sperm is used, if it results in a pregnancy, if that pregnancy goes full-term, if the child has any medical conditions and I forget the other one. Those damn hormones! Trouble is, nobody knows when laws will change so what is true now, may not be true in 18 years if the child wants to find their dad - I don't have a problem with that. :smt102 It's a very complex legal issue. Laws may change inasmuch as recipient's may be told who their donor is by the clinic if they ask. Very tricky. Your clinic will advise you. Monash IVF emailed their donor info to me. Ask them - can't hurt, email them tonight!!

Where are NSW IVF based? I sent out heaps of emails to just about every IVF clinic in Australia before my initial appt with IVFA. Monash IVF were more than happy to help and were very kind. They have a clinic in Newcastle. Check out their website - they may have one in Sydney too.

What tests? Gee, where do I start???? It's all changed a bit in the 15 years since I first went off the pill (and then unfortunately realised I hadn't needed it in the first place!). When I was 26 I was diagnosed with endo (that was 1988). I had 2 laps to treat me for that. Funnily enough, the gyno who did those procedures was the one who did my ET last week! I hadn't seen him for around 15 years (I changed to another one because at that time we didn't have IVF clinics on the coast and I used to have to sit in a waiting room full of pregnant bellies). He works week on week off with Dr Quinn. It actually was funny, there I was in all my glory, legs where they go on that lovely chair, he with his head right THERE. He says "Hi, have we met?" LOL. :cryinglaugh:

Anyway, I've gone off track, sorry. My ex and I started TTC in 1990. As I knew I had endo (even though I'd been assured it was very mild and wouldn't cause fertility problems.....) I sought treatment after 6 months. I was put on Clomid for 9 months - even though I had perfect cycles. That didn't work. Then after a few more months we finally went to SIVF. I had GIFT (which I didn't want) because my tubes were not blocked and at that time it was considered the best new thing. Had it twice and it didn't work. We also had 2 FET's. In between all of these (I always had around a year's break - wish I hadn't now) I tried many natural therapies. I got a lot healthier but still no bub. You know the rest of my story/journey.

:smt100 What tests will you have? This is where I am relying on memory - please any of you more recent TTCers help out here!!
Of course they'll want your complete medical history/menstrual history. They'll check to see if you ovulate. Usually a B/T. You can get ovulation thermometers from the chemist (ah that brings back memories - taking the temp first thing in the morning then rewaking with it still in position). There are drugs which can correct ovulation problems though. Hopefully, that will be all you need, you may not even need that. You may have perfect cycles and be able to fall by just having IUI. I certainly hope so.
Probably best if I don't try to go into detail about any more tests. I didn't have any this time. Dr Quinn looked at my history and decided ICSI was the only way for me to go - age is of the essence for me. I don't know how old you are but I am sure you have plenty of time left and chances of you being totally infertile will be negligible.

Counselling is part of the process with all IVF recipients. It wasn't hard at all for me. As I said in my previous post, I have given this many years of thought and serious consideration. I think I was with the counsellor for around an hour and a half. It was just like having a chat with a friend really. Don't think of it as a test or whether you will "pass" or not - that's not what it's about.

I wasted another 8 months from when I was accepted to when I finally jumped.

My suggestion, get on the internet and learn all you can before you go for your appointment. There are decisions which were made for me that I would now have questioned. Do as I did, email lots of clinics to see what they say. And, as Melbo said, you'll have a lot of your questions answered this Thursday. Don't be afraid to ask ANYTHING!!! Don't stress about the appointment. I've been with 3 IVF clinics - on the whole, they're a pretty caring lot O:)
Let me know how you go?
Sue
:flower:

Good luck girls. All the best with everything.

Mel

Thanks for your wishes Melbo. =D>
It is a very controversial topic and it helps to know there are some people out there who will at least try to understand where we're coming from... and where we're hoping to be...
Sue
:flower:

Sue & Teagan
I can't begin to understand how painful it is to be your situation and how unfairly the system treats you in trying to achieve your baby dreams.

I admire your courage and strength to got through this journey.

Why is it fine the other end of the spectrum for numerous terminations for those without partners or those who decide (for own reasons to end a pregnancy) but not in beautiful creation of life.

It is discrimination and makes the journey all the more unachievable with prohibitive costs.

I know legislation is there to protect donor and recipient - but if there are so few donors because of legal scarmongering - that is cruel and sad.

I feel for you both and I truly hope you get the chance to be mothers.

Thanks for the post Trish. Am reading it through tears - this is NOT a good day at all so far. And it's only early!

sue and teagon good luck with all the challenges you are facing what wonderful and brave women you both are!

The only people who descriminate against single and lesbian ivf are people who either don't want or fall pregnant at the drop of the hat!

I know if my dh and i where to break up tomorrow my desire for children would only grow stronger and i don't know if i could go through all that meet boy fall in love etc etc and i am only 26!!

So ladies both keep a brave face and know deep down inside that you are both making the right decision and it will all be worth it when you hold that beautiful creation in your arms

Lots of hugs!
Racheal

Sue & Teagan -
More power to you girls!! I'm in awe of you.
I'm amazed that there is such a shortage of donors!
Hope and [-o< that you get there in the end!
Blue

Hi Sue -

Thanks for the info about the donors, I will email monash to find out more about what the sitution is. I bought a book call "Your essential infertility companion". It's a british book, but it's quite good. It has a lot of the medical stuff as well as the dicussions about emotions and ethics. It's kind of amazing how much I didn't know about the human reproductive systems.

I guess one of the main problems for single and lesbian women at the moment is the lack of donors and that clinics like Sydney IVF are not offering anonymous donor insemination. If more clinics go in that direction it's going to be a tough call to start asking friends or family if they wouldn't mind acting as a sperm donor.

IVF NSW is based in Bondi Junction. They don't seem to have a website. But I am wondering if they have an association with IVF Australia. Did you say that Monash IVF had a branch in Newcastle because I had a quick look and I couldn't see any offices in NSW.

How's the 2WW going?

Mel, Trish, Racheal, Blue - Thankyou all so much for your beautiful words, it means a lot.

Hi teagan
where did you get those emoticons ?
very cute
I hope you find heaps of info
will send you a PM

Hi Teagan, have been wondering how you were getting along.
Yes, it's a shame we only really take notice of how our bodies work when something doesn't work quite right!!
Yep, Hunter IVF is affiliated with Monash. Just send an email to the address on their website. Am pretty sure it was a lady from Melb who helped me. They have a couple of clinics in NSW and QLD I think
Bondi's probably a little too far for me to travel unfortunately.
Let me know how you get on tomorrow.
Big :hug: I know how you must be feeling. It really is a very big step to take.

The 2WW? 8-[
Sue
:flower:

Hi Trish,

The emoticons are from another board...when I see cute emoticons I often save them to the hard drive so that I can use them later :)

Thanks for the PM (I can't PM back, need to upgrade membership).

Hi Sue,

I had a look at the Hunter IVF site, it's got really good fact sheets.

How are you travelling?

HI Teagan.
Yep, their fact sheets are quite good.
Please let me know how you get on today...
If you have a quick look at ALT TTC August #4 you'll see where I'm up to. I don't feel like typing it again. Basically, I've crashed and burned, :af: arrived at 3.30am this morning. In a B-I-G way....
I really wish you the best with your journey and, again, please let me know the outcome today.
Sue

Hey Tegan.
How are you?
How was your appointment??
Sue

Hey Sue,

I read your post in the TTC #4 thread. I'm so, so sorry. I know there's nothing I can say to make it better but I'm thinking of you.

The appointment went pretty well. I got a bit flustered and couldn't remember the questions I wanted to ask him, but the good news is we have started doing blood tests. And the other good news is they have lots of donors and because they are a private clnic there won't be a wait should the tests come out ok, etc. The doctor was pretty brief, which on one hand is good - 'cause I was nervous enough, on the other hand I'm still a bit puzzled as to how the whole thing works, but I'll get there. I have to ring and make an appointment in a week when the blood work comes back.

That's great Teagan
It is frustrating when you feel rushed. But, on the other hand, sometimes ignorance can be bliss!! Look at all those women who fall pregnant naturally and have no idea at all how their bodies work.
Heaps of donors????? That's great to hear!
Hmmmm, maybe....... IF I change my mind, I may have to make a trip to Bondi!!!
Keep me posted and good luck
Sue

Hi Teagan
Saw your post in August #5. Getting a bit busy in there and didn't want to add these comments in there atm.
I'm still "mourning and storming" as Trish says. Perfect description.
Have emailed every other clinic in the Hunter and Sydney enquiring about donor insemination for singles.
Have heard back from 3 so far:
SIVF (CC) - no anonymous donors
Westmead fertility centres - no anonymous donors atm, but will do procedure when they have some.
Fertility First (Hurstville) - yes.
Will see how I feel when I turn 43...
Are you still on track? Got any more info yet?
Sue

Hey Sue,

I understand that. The sadness at the end of the month, assisted or not, is very difficult.

To add to your list I think I read that RPA ivf unit has approx 30 donors (but it's public, not sure how they view single women and I don't know about the waiting lists).

And IVF NSW do too.

Keep me posted on how you are thinking/feeling.

As far as things are going...I was suppose to wait for about a week and ring to find out if the blood work was back...then make an appointment. But I was feeling a bit anxious/eager so I rang today...the blood work wasn't back but it will be probably tomorrow, so I made an appointment for thursday anyway :D.

Feel free to email me at tea-gan@hotmail.com if you want to chat.

Hi Teagan
How are you?
How did your appointment go last Thursday?
Have been thinking of you but am back at work and it's getting in the way!!!
Love

Hi Sue,

I'm doing ok.

I went last thursday to the appointment. The blood tests had come back, I have too much free androgen (sp?). The 2nd last cycle I had went for 44 days. Last cycle ended up being only 27 days (ending the night after I saw him)...so the blood test showed that I either hadn't ovulated or it was too late in the cycle. He sent me for a pelvic ultrasound to check for PCOS. I went to see him yesterday for the results of the ultrasound, it doesn't look like PCOS...so that's good. The frustrating thing was that he seemed to have forgotten our first conversation and I had to explain to him again that I would like DI (he tried to give me a script for clomid, and send me on my way - ummm...I don't think the prescription, however good it is, is going to get me pregnant *lol*). And when trying to explain my situation to him I think I left him more confused. But anyway he wrote me a prescription for the clomid and I have to ring and set up an appointment with the counsellor before I begin DI. The counsellor is sick at the moment so I might have to wait a little while, but I'm going to try to find out tommorrow when I can see her. So I guess - heading in the right direction.

How about you? How did your appointment go today?

OMG Teagan.. I have just had my best friend who is 39 years of age on the phone, with the same issues.. she too is trying to go through the public system ... but is still unsure wether to pursue motherhood. She is financial secure, but is desperate to be a mum. She has had two failed marriages and is DESPERATLEY SEEKING SUPPORT FROM OTHER LADIES IN HER SITUATION... If you would like to contact her, could you please email me on leisajane75@yahoo.com.au and I can put you in contact with her.. She lives in Sydney and is at her wits end and dying for support. It would be appreciated if you could help her!!

Kind regards

Firemansgirl xx

Hi Teagan
I posted my appointment info in the "different protocols" post. Too long!!
Hmmmm, your dr not remembering your DI request is a little curious?? Maybe he's just really busy, but that's a very important thing to put in your file!!!! ](*,) Sounds like your appointment was frustrating to say the least. I'd ring to confirm what's what if I were you - just to make sure.
Hopefully, clomid is all you'll need - that's good. The counsellor part is easy. I think the clinic you're with is an affiliate of IVFA. Is the counsellor's name Lesley? If it is, she's just lovely. Good luck and keep me informed!!!
Hi Leisa. I don't mind communicating with your sister if she wants support. You have my email address.
Love
Sue :luck:

hi Suzie Q.. it is actually my best friend.. my sister has two kids.. (first month of the pill with both she falls.... ) My girlfriend would really appreciate that.. thanks..

love leis xx

Firemansgirl - Thankyou :D I sent you an email.

Sue - Yeah, the doctor seemed a little off last appointment. It was a few things really - not remembering about the DI was the main thing, but he also then gave me a sheet to get blood tests - which I had already had done (I sorted that out with the secretary), and when he gave me the script for clomid he gave me very brief instructions on how to use them and then said 'don't worry follow the instructions on the box'...but the chemist read his instructions as take the tablets for 5 out of 7 days each WEEK...and what the doctor had meant was 5 days each CYCLE (i.e. the script was written incorrectly). So I had to sort out between the chemist and the doctor when I was suppose to be taking them. Apart from not remembering the DI the other things weren't big issues it's just that it does become a bit frustrating when you put it all together.

But overall I'm not really that concerned because I know that it's a nurse who performs the DI anyway. And I think I have met her and she seems really nice. If I was going to be doing IVF later down the track I would definately think about doing it somewhere else.

No, the cousellors name is actually Sue :) I rang today but she is still unwell. So hopefull they'll call me back soon.

p.s. I'll go take a read of how your appointment went in the other thread.

Hi Teagan
He may just have been having a bad day. It's not unusual for doctors to rely on their nurses/receptionists I suppose. If you're happy with the nurse, that's good. You'll be dealing with her most of the time anyway. You probably won't need IVF so no point in even thinking about that.
But, it is frustrating. Especially when you don't really know the procedure yourself. :-s Did they give you a handbook?
I think I mentioned in another post that they are affiliated with SIVF in some way. Maybe you could download SIVF's info from their website? Might give you a better idea of what to expect.
Oh well, if the counsellor's name is Sue, it'll be a breeze. Just pretend she's me!
Keep me posted.
Love
Sue :luck:

Hi Teagan
Has Counsellor Susie come back from leave yet?
How are you feeling about everything?
Sue

Hey Sue,

Yes, I have an appointment for the 29th now...so a couple of weeks. I'm a bit anxious about it but so far everything has been going well :)

How are you going?

Hi
Glad you have an appointment. Don't be nervous about the counsellor.
She's not there to pass, fail or analyse you. For you it will more than likely be the same as my trip with counsellor. Because my (our) circumstances are different, the main focus with me was to check that I'd thought it through - especially long term. Questions such as: What would I do if I met someone I wanted to spend my life with and he couldn't accept my situation. [-X Big deal? Love me - love my circumstances I say. Did I have plenty of friends/family for support. Could I cope with working full-time, be able to afford child care and then being on my own to cope after work. How would I deal with it if my child were teased because of the way they were conceived. :-s Kids can be teased for lots of reasons. My child will know exactly how they came into the world and the reasons why. They'll know how truly special they are because I kept on keeping on until I had them. By the time I have a child who is old enough to have people teasing them - it won't be all that strange. Funny, other parents who have kids the 'normal' way don't have to answer questions like that. Hell, they don't have to answer any!!!
I know you have a confident approach and are comfortable with your decision so you'll be fine. Like I said before, just pretend she's me - with a name like Sue she can't be too bad.
Take it easy.
Love
Sue :luck:

Hi
Sorry to butt into your conversation!! I just wanted to agree with you Sue - I think by the time our kids get to be old enough to be teased that IVF babies will be everywhere!! Hehehe I might make a little t-shirt for my bub: I'm IVF and I'm proud!!
Will butt out now..
cheers
BlueSky

I'd like to come in & say how well you said it all Sue.
We will all be proud just to say we have children!!

Thanks guys - butt in any ole time.

Thankyou Sue et all! :)

Sue, actually this issue of how to tell the child is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I do not want to lie tp the child at all, but I was questioning in my own head what an age appropriate time is to try and explain it. I remember in kindergarden (about 5 years) that I had an argument with another child when I made the observation that it seem to take a man and woman to have a baby (I had absolutely no idea what the connection was though)...I'm so curious in my own mind and to how to explain the di in concepts that a young child can understand.

The other issues are, at least in my mind, rather much non-issues....my responses would be pretty much the same as yours.

Hi - its ole butt head again...
I don't have an opinion on when is appropriate to tell the child (except maybe when you feel that its the right time - think it would depend on whether you think the child's is old/mature enough to understand).
Anyway - the reason I butted in is that I remember seeing a book in my clinic called, "Sometimes it takes three to make a baby" or something along those lines. I think it is designed to help explain to children.
Thought I'd mention it!
cheers
BlueSky

Hi Teagan and Sue,

I wish you both all the best and I say more power to you. You were right in saying there are a lot of kids in unhappy two parent families why can't they be happy in 1 parent families?

I so agree with you both and why shouldn't you be able to be happy and have a baby of your own just because you have been unable to meeet someone you choose to spend your life with. I am now married and 33 weeks pregnant but there was a stage when I thought I would never meet "the one" I would have definately done it on my own as I don't think being married or being in a partnership will make me any better as a parent than either of you.

I will certainly be praying for both of you and I look forward to seeing how you both go please keep us updated as I think this is an inspiring story for single independent strong women !!


Julie

Thanks Julie
It is always comforting to hear kind, supportive comments. As much as I am very determined and comfortable with my decision, it is still a subject which can divide. Thanks again.
As for you Butt-head, I think I saw a brochure with that kind of title on it at my clinic. Will look into it as soon as I get that :bfp:
Love
Sue :luck:

Sorry butting in here... :hug:


I just wanted to wish you the best of luck :D AI is becoming more and more popular and I have known quite a few women in your situation hon :hug:

To me personally as long as the child is loved I dont think anyone could ever ask for more from someone. I am crossing my fingers for you and I hope it works out. Please let us know know how it goes...

You are in my thoughts...

Chloe