Family Building
Heterosexual Couples, Single Women and LGBTQ+ Adults
When family building is desired, but you face challenges of any sort, it brings stress beyond anything you may have known or expected. Most likely, you were not prepared for the level of distress which builds while trying to get pregnant. The more time that goes by, the harder it is to maintain emotional balance. The goal of becoming a parent begins to take over your life.
It is completely normal to feel anger, frustration or helplessness. Even so, it makes for miserable day-to-day living. As all semblance of “normal life” slips away, your feelings may intensify. Anxiety and depression may interfere with daily functioning. Undergoing fertility treatment can be a long and unpredictable journey. You deserve both clear information AND strong support.
Recommendations:
Add to your toolbox of effective coping strategies
Visit our Resource List for accurate information and support
Schedule a consult with an expert fertility doctor (reproductive endocrinologist)
Dr. Deb Rich is a preferred referral for local fertility clinics. She is a recognized expert in supportive counseling and in providing psychological evaluations for all participants in 3rd party assisted reproduction: intended parents, known and anonymous egg donors, known sperm donors and gestational carriers.
LGBTQ+ Family Planning
The world of assisted reproductive technology has changed dramatically in recent years, and there are many fertility clinics with expertise in working with LGBTQ+ family building. You absolutely do not need to be secretive or sneaky. There are many options for creating biological family if that is what you want.
Recommendations:
Dr. Deb Rich frequently meets with intended parents to explore the range of options for creating family and to recommend welcoming medical practitioners.
Lesbian cis women can arrange insemination with a local midwife or physician. Professional insemination is much more successful than attempting at home, and it is covered by most insurance.
Although it is not yet common in the Twin Cities, pre-surgical female-to-male transgender adults may also arrange insemination should they choose to become pregnant.
Please email or call Shoshana Center (651) 645-5504 for more information or to schedule an appointment.