If you identify as LGBT+ and you want to become a parent, there are many options that could help you. These options can be explored by same sex couples, and single people, so your sexual orientation, or relationship status should not be barrier to becoming a parent.
Donor Insemination
Donor insemination is when donor sperm is inserted into the person who wants to carry a baby. It can be done at home, with sperm from a fertility clinic, sperm bank or someone you know.
If you decide to try donor insemination, it’s always better to go to a licensed fertility clinic. There the sperm is checked for infections, and some inherited conditions. Clinics also have support and legal advice to help you.
If you aren’t using a fertility clinic, the sperm donor can get tested for sexually transmitted infections at a sexual health clinic.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
IUI is when the sperm is put directly into the womb.
The sperm could be donor sperm from a sperm bank, or from someone you know. The insemination is carried out at a licensed fertility clinic. The sperm will be checked before insemination for sexually transmitted infections and inherited conditions.
Adoption Or Fostering
Adoption or fostering are other options to becoming a parent. You can apply through your local authority, or through an agency.
You’ll have to undergo an assessment before a child is placed with you, but there is preparation training available and social workers can help.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy is when someone else carries a baby for people who cannot or choose not to carry a baby themselves.
You can have a donor egg, or donor sperm for surrogacy in the UK, but you can’t have both. You also can’t pay a fee to the surrogate or advertise for surrogates.
Testosterone And Pregnancy
Testosterone therapy, which uses an artificial version of the testosterone hormone, can affect fertility.
It may be possible to get pregnant while taking testosterone, but it isn’t recommended. It can affect the baby’s development. If you want to get pregnant and are taking testosterone, speak with your prescribing doctor.
Testosterone And Chestfeeding
Your milk supply may be affected if you’ve taken testosterone in the past.
If you can chestfeed and start taking testosterone again, your milk will have traces of testosterone in it.
It is currently unclear what, if any, effect this can have on your baby.
Chestfeeding For Trans And Non-Binary Parents
The decision of chestfeeding or formula feeding is yours and only yours. You may decide to try, and then change your mind. This is perfectly fine. A fed baby is best.
If you’ve had top surgery, you may still be able to chestfeed, or express milk. However, it’s impossible to predict how much milk you can produce, so you may need to supplement feed with formula. Your baby may also find it difficult to latch on, so make sure you have support from your midwife.
Binding And Chestfeeding
Binding while you’re feeding can increase the risk of mastitis.
Mastitis is an infection that causes your chest to become hot, swollen and very painful.
You will need to speak to your doctor if you think you may have mastitis.
