Mixed Blessings

I've just been reading a great new booklet from the Donor Conception Network written for anyone who is creating a family that includes children conceived without the help of a donor and also children conceived with donor sperm and/or eggs - hence the booklet title 'Mixed Blessings'.

The Donor Conception Network had seen an increasing number of families in this situation, or considering donor treatment after having a first child either naturally or with treatment such as IVF or ICSI. It was apparent that they wanted specific help and information, and that's the reason the booklet was written.

It has a reassuring common sense tone, and not only gives lots of practical advice and information, but also includes the experiences of a number of parents. Their situations are all very different but their stories help explain the many reasons why people may have a family where their children are conceived both with and without donor gametes.

I'd really recommend this booklet if you're in this situation - you can download it through the Donor Conception Network website here.

No more red-headed donors...

One of the world's largest sperm banks has announced that it can't take any more donations from men with red hair! Apparently, the Cryos sperm bank based in Denmark has seen an increase in donations in recent years and now has more sperm from red-haired men than it can sell despite having customers in more than 65 countries around the world.

It seems that demand for donors with red hair is low, and it's only the sperm bank's customers from Ireland who tend to ask for it. With most of their supplies going to people in Spain, Italy and Greece it's donors with dark hair and eyes who prove the most popular.

Support for single women

If you're a single woman contemplating motherhood alone, you may be interested to know that the Donor Conception Network now has a web page for those in your situation. Not all of the single women in the network have fertility problems, but some do and it may be helpful just to talk to other women who are considering becoming single parents using donor sperm.

The network has contacts around the country and can put you in touch with other women in your area, which can be an invaluable source of support. You can see the new page on the Donor Conception Network website at www.donor-conception-network.org/single_wmen .

You may also be interested in the chapter in my book, The Complete Guide to Female Fertility which considers going it alone to become a mother.