Fertility psychotherapist, Jana Rupnow, interviews parents, donor conceived individuals and professionals about the challenges and dilemmas of assisted reproductive technology baby-making and the expect-able tensions between positive and negative feelings that come along the way when, instead of baby makes three; three makes baby.
Episodes
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Known Sperm Donation Program is Finally Available
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
The future of donor conception is here! This episode features my special guest Danielle of The Seed Scout. She shares her and her wife's path to parenthood, including the challenges they faced with sperm banks.
Danielle and her wife's path to parenthood took them through the maze of sperm banks, encountering impersonal processes that left them feeling disconnected. Fueled by this experience, they opted for a known donor, taking control of their process and creating a better way for others. We explore their challenges, shedding light on the significance of openness in genetic origins and the importance of updated medical histories for donor-conceived individuals and their families.
With a deep understanding of LGBTQ+ needs, Danielle shares invaluable insights into the legal complexities of parental rights in donor conception. She addresses potential parents' concerns about privacy. Sharing how known donors can enrich your family's story without intruding on your personal life.
The Seed Scout leverages their expertise to guide clients through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and informed journey. Connect with them on social media @theeseedscout
Sunday Feb 18, 2024
A Donor Conception Musical
Sunday Feb 18, 2024
Sunday Feb 18, 2024
After taking some time off for several positive life transitions in 2023, Jana returns to her podcast with a bang!
To kick off season 4, she's chatting with the multi-talented Erin Maya – actress, producer, composer, and the brains behind The Complete Picture Musical, a groundbreaking show about donor conception. Together, they unpack the birth of this musical gem and explore the complexities of donor conception, busting myths and shedding light on what it's really like.
Trust is a big theme here, especially when it comes to the bond between parents and donor-conceived kids. Erin shares her own journey, from grappling with her identity to owning it with pride, showing us that trust and open communication are game-changers.
This episode gives us a glimpse into the overlapping themes of those touched by adoption and donor conception. As an adoptee, Jana shares her own story of reconnecting with her biological father, showing us the highs and lows of the experience, including the immense love and loyalty she has for her dad, the one that raised her.
In the end, it's all about the power of honest conversations. Whether you're navigating donor conception yourself or just curious about it, this episode is a must-listen for its invaluable insights and heartfelt storytelling.
If you're interested in watching the entire concert, simply email thecompletepicturemusical@gmail.com for the link. She would appreciate any donations in return. You can send your donations to the musical's Venmo account @thecompletepicturemusical. For more information and updates about The Complete Picture, follow the show on Instagram @thecompletepicturemusical or visit our website at www.thecompletepicturemusical.com. If you'd like to get involved, please reach out to Erin at thecompletepicturemusical@gmail.com.
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Overcoming Secrets
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
April 27, 2023 is International Donor Conception Awareness Day.
Link to IDCAD2023: https://donorconceptionawarenessday.com/
Link to educational courses for parents and CEUs for professionals
CEUS: https://three-makes-baby-preparation-and-parenting.teachable.com/p/home
Fertility challenges can cause intense feelings that make you want to withdraw and hide. It’s important to understand the difference between secrecy and privacy and how the shame of infertility may live on.
Secrecy is when you actively withhold information from others, often out of fear or shame. This can be detrimental to your mental health and relationships as it creates a sense of isolation and can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It takes a lot of effort and energy to maintain a secret, and the longer you keep it, the more it can weigh you down.
On the other hand, privacy is when you choose to keep certain information to yourself or within a trusted circle. This can be a healthy way to protect your personal boundaries and maintain control over your own life. It’s important to remember that you have the right to privacy, and it’s okay to set boundaries around what you share with others.
If you’re struggling with fertility challenges, it’s important to find a support system that you trust and feel comfortable opening up to. This could be a therapist, support group, or trusted friends and family members. By sharing your experiences and feelings with others, you can find a sense of community and support that can help you navigate this difficult time.
While it’s important to protect your privacy, it’s also important to recognize when secrecy is doing more harm than good. By opening up and sharing your struggles with others, you can find the support and understanding you need to overcome fertility challenges and move forward with your life.
#IDCAD2020 #movingtips secrecy #privacy #fertilitychallenges #mentalhealth #relationships #isolation #guilt #shame #personalboundaries #supportsystem #therapist
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Anonymous Egg Donor Wants to Be Known
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
"Alot of times, donors are just viewed as genetic material." Melissa, an egg donor for two years, shares her experience with anonymous donation. Now that she has children she wonders what happened with her donations. She wonders if the kids are alright. She expresses her willingness to be open and connect with the recipient parents and children, while also respecting boundaries.
If you'd like to learn more about how to prepare to connect, I've got some resources for you! Making Contact is a how-to guide to prepare for contact whether you are a donor, donor conceived person or recipient parent. Link for more: https://three-makes-baby-preparation-and-parenting1.teachable.com/p/making-contact
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Recipient Parent and Her ”Unknown” Sperm Donor Meet
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Ever wondered what it would be like to meet the donor you used to conceive? A recipient parent, Romi, and her previously unknown sperm donor, meet and share their experience with Jana Rupnow on this episode of Three Makes Baby.
Saturday May 28, 2022
Saturday May 28, 2022
Sunday May 08, 2022
Ally’s Take on Neverending New Siblings
Sunday May 08, 2022
Sunday May 08, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Lesbian and Donor Conceived, a New Perspective
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Jana Rupnow talks to the woman behind @satricaldonorconception, a lesbian and donor conceived adult. We discussed one of her posts that caused a stir in the LGBTQ community and talk about some of the complex issues about family building using purchased donor gametes. She confronts the idea of a two parent household as being "revolutionary" and challenges new ways of looking at family building to within her community, especially to consider the needs of donor conceived people, like herself.
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Stacy’s Success Story
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Kiara Raised by Single Mom by Choice
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Kiara shares her experienced being raised by a single mom and what it was like being told about her story from the beginning. She found her donor as an adult and has a relationship with siblings conceived using the same donor. She is open and willing to share her story with others. Connect with her on social media: @kiararaeschuh
*I use the terminology the dc person wishes to use.