I’m Single But I Want to Start A Family: What Are My Options?

You love being single, but also want to start a family. Is that even possible? Sure it is! Heterosexual couples once had it easier when it comes to starting a family. However, with all the advancements in reproductive technology, this is no longer true. Single women now have plenty of options when they want to start a family.

More women are choosing to become single mothers all around the world. And, with artificial insemination, IVF, and egg donors, age is no longer a factor either. Do you want a little bundle of joy of your own? Are you ready to start a family, but not sure where to start? Read on to see what options single mothers have to start a family.

Find a support system.

If you’re considering motherhood, first make sure you have a support system. It will help you with advice from the get-go. You can join an online group, or ask friends and family to help you think through your options. Consider signing up for a platform like Truly Mama to find an online support system.

An online community can help you sort through the options before you have a baby. Most online communities have advice, product reviews, and parenting tips as well. As a new mom, you can share everyday experiences with other single mothers on a forum and get the support you need. While these are good for all mothers, they’re particularly helpful for single mothers. A platform like this is invaluable on your journey through motherhood.

Find a sperm donation bank.

You’ve decided to have a baby, but how do you do it alone? A sperm donation can be the answer. If you’re still young enough for natural donor insemination, all you need is a sperm donor. You can find private donors or a free sperm donor through online donor sperm communities. A sperm donation clinic is a safer option if you need artificial insemination.

If you can afford it, a sperm bank is almost always the better option. At a sperm bank, you can check birth certificates and genetic disease risks of potential sperm donors. You can get private sperm donations or an anonymous donor with minimal hassle. Since the sperm bank also has a number of available sperm donors, you can also find a known sperm donor. It can give the biological father some parental rights. It also helps if you want your child to have the opportunity to find their biological father as an adult. Having the sperm bank sort this out can help you avoid any complicated legal issues in the future.

Freeze your eggs.

If you’re not ready for motherhood now—but think you will be in the future— consider freezing your eggs. Single mothers don’t have it easy, so you have to prepare yourself. However, age can affect your ability to conceive after a certain age. You may feel as though you have to decide while you’re young if you want a biological child.

Freezing your eggs comes into the picture here. If you don’t have a partner, freeze your eggs anyway. It’s not always true that you won’t be able to conceive in your thirties. However, freezing your eggs will ease some of the anxiety as you make your decision. Once you’re ready, you can use donor sperm to conceive.

If you’re growing older, don’t worry — you can opt for IVF treatments or surrogate pregnancy. Even if you haven’t frozen your eggs, reproductive technology has advanced enough to help. Options like donor eggs can help you out. Before you make a decision, have ovarian reserve tests to see what your options are.

Consider other options.

Donor insemination, donor eggs, IVF, surrogate pregnancies — there are many options. However, there is another option to consider. Adoption is another way for single mothers to build a family. If circumstances prevent you from conceiving, adoption can be a way to have a first or even second child.

However, it’s a good option, even if you can conceive naturally. You will be able to provide a child with a loving home. It’s a rewarding experience for mothers and children. And, it’s a great way for single women to start a family.