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Discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind LGBTQ+ families—your essential guide to queer parenting and love.
Embark on an emotional and informative journey with Allie and Sam Conway, widely recognized as "Mommy and Other Mommy," as they share their transformative path to parenthood. How to Make a Baby is a comprehensive guide tailored for LGBTQ+ families trying to conceive, navigating artificial insemination, IVF, and other fertility options. This inspiring resource combines personal narratives with practical advice, offering a beacon of hope and guidance for those aspiring to build their own families.
From the first steps of lgbtq+ pregnancy to the joys and challenges of queer parenting, this book is an inclusive, science-backed resource for families of all kinds. Whether you’re navigating childbirth lgbt experiences, exploring lgbtq fertility options, or seeking support for lgbtq infertility, you’ll find answers, inspiration, and community within these pages. How to Make a Baby is written for parents, future parents, allies, and anyone curious about the evolving landscape of family.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- Real-life stories and expert insights on lgbtq+ families and parenting for queer people.
- Evidence-based guidance on lgbtq+ pregnancy, childbirth lgbt, and the unique paths to parenthood.
- Practical advice for overcoming lgbtq infertility and understanding lgbtq fertility treatments.
- Resources and support for lesbian family building, plus tips for navigating social and legal challenges.
- Affirming, accessible information on pregnancy and childbirth for lgbtq individuals and couples.
If you’re seeking a comprehensive, compassionate, and empowering guide to queer parenting and lgbtq+ families like It Starts with the Egg, Queer Conception, or Three Makes Baby, then How to Make a Baby is your must-have resource. Whether you’re starting your journey, expanding your family, or supporting loved ones, this book will help you navigate the big questions with confidence, knowledge, and pride.
“How to Make a Baby is a warm, honest, and empowering guide for LGBTQ+ families navigating the fertility journey. Allie and Sam share their personal experience with humor, heart, and clarity, making space for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite belong in the fertility world. This book is the supportive friend and trusted resource we all need.”
—Dr. Aimee D. Eyvazzadeh, MPH, reproductive endocrinologist and host of The Egg Whisperer Show
“Allie and Sam not only share their beautiful path to becoming parents, but do so in a way that is equal parts informative and moving. A must-read for families trying to conceive and for those that want to see parts of their own story represented and reflected.”
—Rachael Lippincott, New York Times bestselling author of She Gets the Girl
“Open, frank, touching, and informative… Allie and Sam Conway are the perfect couple to write this groundbreaking book. Their journey is remarkable. I wish I’d had it when we went through IVF.”
—J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of It’s One of Us
Introduction Trying to Conceive as a Same-Sex Couple
Chapter One Paths to Parenthood: Adoption vs. Fertility Treatments
Chapter Two Finding the Right Fit: Choosing a Fertility Clinic
Chapter Three “Who’s the Dad?”: Picking a Sperm Donor
Chapter Four Two Ladies Make a Baby: TTC Methods for Same-Sex Couples
Chapter Five Whose Bun in Whose Oven?: Choosing Our Roles
Chapter Six A Date with Wanda: Pre-Pregnancy Testing
Chapter Seven It’s Baby Making Time: Our First IUI
Chapter Eight If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again: Our Second and Third IUIs
Chapter Nine Time to Pivot: Transitioning to IVF
Chapter Ten Shots, Shots, Baby: IVF
Chapter Eleven Ovaries the Size of Grapefruit: The Egg Retrieval Process
Chapter Twelve OHSS and Egg Retrieval Results
Chapter Thirteen Transferring a Dream: Our First Embryo Transfer
Chapter Fourteen Continuing to Dream: Our Second Embryo Transfer
Chapter Fifteen DIY Conception: Trying At-Home Insemination
Chapter Sixteen Try, Try Again: Our Third Embryo Transfer
Chapter Seventeen Rainbow Baby: We’re Pregnant!
Chapter Eighteen “I’m Sorry, There’s No Heartbeat”: Experiencing a Missed Miscarriage
Chapter Nineteen A New Direction: Allie’s First Embryo Transfer
Chapter Twenty Hope After Heartbreak: We’re Finally Expecting
Chapter Twenty-One A Double Rainbow: Pregnant…with Twins
Chapter Twenty-Two Pump It Up: Inducing Lactation
Chapter Twenty-Three The Cost of It All: Financing Fertility Treatments
Closing
Commonly Asked Questions: Two-Mom Edition
Glossary of Fertility Terms
Acknowledgments
About the Authors