Navigating the Holidays as a Donor Conceived Person
The holidays can be a joyful time full of connection and tradition, yet for donor conceived people (DCP), this season may also stir up complex feelings around family, identity, and belonging.
The holidays can be a joyful time full of connection and tradition, yet for donor conceived people (DCP), this season may also stir up complex feelings around family, identity, and belonging.
The holidays are fraught with stressors for everyone. As an egg, sperm, or embryo donor, the holidays contain an extra layer of complexity.
Mary Sue Findlater shares her journey of using and selecting an egg donor and explains why she has always been transparent about her son's origins.
I cannot remember a time in my life that I did not know I was donor conceived. I was raised by the most amazing single mother and never lacked anything, but I was constantly reminded I did not have a dad.
Deciding to use donor sperm or eggs is often a result of a fertility complication. In this emotional process, the consideration of how donor conceived people (DCP) will feel about their conception is often overlooked.
The answer is simple: as soon as possible. Donor conceived people (DCP) need to know the truth about their conception from birth, or at the very least, prior to age 3.
Gratitude and grief are not mutually exclusive. It is not necessary to be grateful for your method of conception if it is intertwined with trauma or loss.