Today, we’re excited to share the heartfelt story of Emma and Liam, our first featured couple in a new series celebrating family building through known donors. We asked each family a set of four questions to let their voices shine through, and we hope you find their experiences both enlightening and relatable. A huge thank you to Emma and Liam for sharing their incredible journey!
When did you realize you were ready to start your family?
Emma: From a young age, I envisioned myself as a parent. Growing up, I watched friends and family start their own families, and it inspired me. I had a plan that included finishing college first and finding the right partner. By the time I turned 30, I wanted to have a child, even if it meant going through the process alone. Then I met Liam at a community event, and it was clear to me that he was the one I wanted to build a family with. Liam’s background is quite unique—he was adopted as a child and has several siblings, which made me excited about the prospect of a big family.
Liam: Like Emma, I always knew I wanted to be a parent, but I never had a strict timeline in mind. I focused on education and establishing my career first. Being the second oldest among my siblings, I’ve always felt that nurturing instinct. When I met Emma, I was surprised by her five-year plan, but it quickly became clear that we were on the same page about wanting a family. We got engaged in 2018, married in 2019, and just like that, we found ourselves expecting our first child—what a fantastic surprise!
How did you find your donor? Did it take a long time?
Finding our donor was a year-long journey. Initially, we considered using Liam’s brother, but logistics and travel costs made that option unrealistic. After some research, we discovered a platform called Just A Baby, which operates like a dating app for donors. We created a shared profile to explain our intentions and found a local donor, which made the process much more manageable, especially during my ovulation window.
Any tips on discussing the donor agreement? Was it awkward?
We were upfront about the donor agreement from our first conversation with potential donors to avoid any surprises later. It was a bit awkward at first, meeting someone who could potentially father our child, but over time, we grew comfortable with each other as we discussed everything.
Did you consult a lawyer for your donor agreement?
We didn’t hire a lawyer for our agreement. Instead, we opted to sign it in front of a notary to ensure everything was official.
If you’re thinking about using a known donor, remember that our experiences are anecdotal and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. For more details, check out this article and checklist from Family Equality. It’s also essential to discuss your donor’s health history, including physical and mental well-being, as well as STD testing.
For anyone looking for further resources, you might want to explore our article on nighttime potty training, as it offers a different perspective on family life. Also, to boost your fertility, consider checking out this resource from Make a Mom, which discusses artificial insemination kits. Additionally, if you’re interested in fertility preservation, the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent source of information.
In summary, Emma and Liam’s story is a beautiful example of how love and determination can lead to family building, even when the path isn’t straightforward. Their journey highlights the importance of communication and planning when working with a known donor.