Paths to Parenthub Podcast

In this season finale of season 3 of the Paths to Parenthub Podcast, Becky and Hayley are back from an incredible trip to ESHRE Paris 2025 – one of the biggest reproductive medicine conferences in the world – and they’re sharing all about it!During this special episode, Becky and Hayley discuss what it was like to be surrounded by leading experts, the key conversations that stood out, and how research connects to the real experiences of families created through donation.During this conversation, they also bring you exclusive insights from three leading researchers in the field of donor conception - Professor Vasanti Jadva, Astrid Indekeu and Dr Sophie Zadeh. Through their questions, Becky and Hayley gain unique insight into the researcher’s thoughts and opinions on key donor conception topics, capturing meaningful responses that shine a light on where research is heading and why it matters.It’s a reflective, insightful and inspiring episode that brings together science, story and the heart of what Paths to Parenthub is all about - learning, connection and community.Other mentions in this episode – our free ‘Why Telling Matters’ webinar. You can sign up via our website: www.pathstoparenthub.com/free-resources/If you’d like to find out more about the Paths to Parenthub community membership, head to our website or connect with us on socials.This season is supported by TV Edwards Solicitors. To learn more about their services or to book an appointment with Anest Mathias, visit www.tvedwards.com/person/anest-mathias/

Warning: Discussions of birth trauma during parts of this episodeIn this heartfelt episode of the Paths to Parenthub Podcast, Becvky and Hayley are joined by Akua, who openly shares her family building story as a mum through surrogacy and sperm donation with her husband.Akua talks candidly about the many challenges she and her husband faced along the way, including navigating fertility struggles, choosing a donor who reflected her husband’s heritage, finding a surrogate, and managing the unexpected reality of a cancer diagnosis in the middle of their journey.Today, Akua is the proud mum of three amazing girls. She reflects on the role of support, community, and Paths to Parenthub membership in helping her through the highs and lows of the process. She also shares practical tips for talking with children about surrogacy and donor conception, and why honesty and openness are so important.This is a powerful, moving conversation filled with insight, resilience, and hope, one that will resonate with anyone navigating donor conception, surrogacy, or supporting families who are.Other mentions in this episode – our free ‘Why Telling Matters’ webinar, head over to our website, www.pathstoparenthub.com/free-resources/ to get your link. The Paths to Parenthub community membership, details can be found via our website or checking us out on socials.The season is supported by TV Edwards Solicitors. For more information about the services they provide or to arrange an appointment with Anest Mathias please head over to their website www.tvedwards.com/person/anest-mathias/

In this special episode of the Paths to Parenthub Podcast, Becky and Hayley are joined by not one, but two leading specialists in donor conception. We welcome Anest Mathias, solicitor and legal expert at TV Edwards, and Mr. James Nicolopoulos, consultant gynaecologist at The Lister Clinic, to explore a topic that is often less talked about: using a known egg or sperm donor at a UK HFEA licensed clinic.Together, they unpack:The step by step process of using a known donor in a clinic settingLegal, medical, and emotional considerations for intended parents and donorsThe potential pros and cons of this path to parenthoodWhat needs to be considered if using a known donor outside of a clinic, and how the legal position can differThe wider implications for families and childrenHonest, frank conversations to help bring greater clarity and confidenceIf you’ve ever wondered what this journey looks like, this episode will give you valuable insights from both the legal and medical perspectives, helping you make informed decisions.For more free resources and support see our website www.pathstoparenthub.com or follow us on Instagram @path_to_parenthubFor all your legal advice see Tv Edwards solicitors https://tvedwards.com/person/anest-mathias/

In this bonus episode of the Paths to Parenthub Podcast, Becky and Hayley are back to share something very special – the return of their much-loved in-person event: Donor Conception: Connecting Through Conversations.Now in its 4th year running, this sold-out every time event is designed for:Those considering donor conceptionAnyone currently trying to conceivePeople pregnant after donor conceptionIt’s a whole day dedicated to support, connection, and community, where you’ll meet others who truly understand the journey you’re on.Early bird pricing ends 7th September – don’t wait! Solo, couples and professional tickets available.Find all the details and book your place at pathstoparenthub.com under Events.We cannot wait to see you there!

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, Becky is joined by actor, celebrant, and motivational speaker Cerith Jones, who shares his and his wife’s ongoing journey to parenthood using donor sperm.After 18 years on stage and screen (with roles in Eastenders, Wolfblood, Hollyoaks and more), Cerith is now telling a different kind of story - his own. Living with male infertility (non-obstructive azoospermia), Cerith opens up about the emotional impact of diagnosis, the reality of life in limbo, and what it means to keep showing up with hope, even when the outcome is still uncertain.With humour, vulnerability, and depth, Cerith breaks the silence around male infertility and donor conception, speaking candidly about identity, partnership, and staying connected through the unknowns.This episode is a must listen for anyone navigating donor conception, feeling stuck in the waiting, or seeking strength in shared stories.For more information about our supportive community at Paths to Parenthub, please see our website www.pathstoparenthub.com or follow us on Instagram @paths_to_parenthubYou can follow Cerith on Instagram too @flinncerithA huge thank you to our podcast supporters for Season 3, TV Edwards Solicitors. You can learn more about their services and book a call with Anest Mathias via their website www.tvedwards.com/person/anest-mathias/

In this powerful episode of Season 3, Becky and Hayley are joined by Alexa, a Canadian based mum whose journey to parenthood through known egg donation is full of unexpected twists, turns and emotional complexity.Alexa shares her experience of navigating fertility treatment with honesty, offering a window into the emotional and practical realities of building a family through egg donation. She offers thoughtful advice and heartfelt insight for would-be parents considering donor conception, speaking with frankness, warmth, and compassionate reflection. Alexa and her husband are now parents to a beautiful baby boy, but the road to get there was far from simple, with some VERY unexpected twists along the way.Later in the episode, UK family law solicitor Anest Mathias from TV Edwards Solicitors returns to offer expert legal insight, this time focusing on the rights of donor conceived people in the UK, a vital area for anyone thinking about the long-term impact of their family building decisions.Whether you’re just beginning to explore donor conception, in the thick of the journey, or supporting others through it, this episode is for you.Mentions in the episode: Dani Shapiro’s memoir ‘Inheritance’.For more information about our Paths to Parenthub membership www.pathstoparenthub.comSupporters of Season 3 – TV Edwards, for more information about their legal services head to www.tvedwards.com/person/anest-mathias/Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @paths_to_parenthub 

Welcome to Season 3 of The Paths to Parenthub Podcast, where we’re diving deeper into the world of donor conception, blending powerful lived experiences with vital legal insight.In this first episode, Becky and Hayley speak with Cristina, a mum who shares her moving journey to parenthood through egg donation as part of a mum-dad family. Cristina opens up with honesty and warmth about what it meant to let go of a genetic connection, how she and her partner navigated the decision together, and how they now embrace openness in telling their child’s story.This episode offers comfort, raw truths, and reassurance for anyone grappling with the complex emotions that often accompany donor conception.In this episode, you’ll hear:Cristina’s path to choosing egg donation and how the decision unfolded as a coupleThe emotional process of having children with her genetics, and then a further child using a donorReflections on identity, love, and what truly makes a parentHow Cristina approaches openness with her childThe importance of finding connection and representation along the wayPlus: Legal Insight from Anest Mathias (TV Edwards)At the end of this episode, specialist family law solicitor Anest Mathias answers a key legal question related to Cristina’s story.TV Edwards are the proud supporters of Season 3 of The Paths to Parenthub Podcast. You can learn more about the family law services Anest and the team at TV Edwards provide here www.tvedwards.com/person/anest-mathias/Paths to Parenthub Resources and MembershipFacebookInstagram

In this mini-episode, listen as Becky and Hayley announce that season three of the podcast is underway and learn more about the upcoming Donor Conception Virtual Summit happening in April - an event not to be missed!Link to get tickets - www.pathstoparenthub.com/virtual-summit

In this episode of the podcast, Becky and Hayley address the upset that was caused by a series of comedy sketches from a UK comedian, which centred around her experience as an egg donor. The sketches sparked widespread upset among our audience, amplifying deeper fears and concerns that are often felt by our community members.  In an attempt to address the issue, Becky and Hayley explore how the sketches, intended as humour, inadvertently tapped into larger, unresolved complexities of donor, recipient and donor conceived relationships. The episode reflects on how comedy can sometimes unintentionally compound sensitive issues, leaving audiences feeling unsettled and vulnerable. Throughout the conversation, Becky and Hayley offer reassurance and provide practical advice for processing these emotions, guiding listeners through how to manage their feelings and navigate these difficult and often triggering topics with care and compassion.  Show notes  *Original recordings of reels taken from Instagram account @holyguacamole97**Note that egg donation compensation levels in the UK are currently £985 per donation cycle not £950 as mentioned in the episode. For more info about UK donation compensation levels please see the HFEA websitewww.hfea.gov.uk FREE RESOURCE – In the episode Becky and Hayley refer to a helpful webinar, “Who is the real Mum/Dad’ click here to get free access https://pathstoparenthub.com/so-whos-the-real-mum-dad/ Paths to Parenthub Membership & Website www.pathstoparenthub.comBecky https://www.instagram.com/definingmum?igsh=c2ZoejR1ZW11Nnk4Hayley https://www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rp?igsh=N2p4dHlpejE1Z3U4Mel https://www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i?igsh=Ynh1cG5nOXMzaHg5Paths to Parenthubhttps://www.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthub?igsh=YTNtdjZxZGF3dHM4

In this episode, Becky and Hayley invite Mel Johnson to share her story of how a solo route to parenthood was the right choice for her. Mel candidly shares her experience of solo motherhood, using a sperm donor to conceive, and why she decided to set up the ‘Stork and I’ online community in order to support others on this path. Following on from an exciting announcement earlier this month, Becky, Hayley and Mel share the benefits of the new collaboration between Paths to ParentHub and The Stork and I and explain how solo members can gain access to a wealth of resources and support that’s now available through both platforms. During this episode the trio discuss the nuances of using a donor within different family types, and how we can best provide support and offer community for everyone. Finally, Mel rounds off this insightful episode with her ‘top tips’ when embarking on treatment as a solo parent. She also offers those already parenting some invaluable advice for anyone feeling like they would like more support in this area. Show notes Open to sharing your story?! In preparation for series 3 of the Paths to Parenthub podcast, Becky and Hayley are actively seeking people like you to join them on an episode. If this is something you would like to learn more about send us an email at info@pathstoparenthub.com subject ‘share my story’ Website www.pathstoparenthub.comLink to waitlist page for future Paths to ParentHub Events https://pathstoparenthub.com/event/Instagram profiles Becky https://www.instagram.com/definingmum?igsh=c2ZoejR1ZW11Nnk4Hayley https://www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rp?igsh=N2p4dHlpejE1Z3U4Mel https://www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i?igsh=Ynh1cG5nOXMzaHg5Paths to Parenthubhttps://www.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthub?igsh=YTNtdjZxZGF3dHM4

In this episode Becky and Hayley speak candidly about their interactions and experiences of listening to donor conceived people, particularly within the online space.They discuss what they have learnt from listening to those voices and reflect on why it’s so important to keep an open mind when engaging in these conversations, even when some of those discussions can be challenging. Through thoughtful conversation Becky and Hayley share their tips and advice around how best to navigate spaces that discuss donor conception, and share with their audience alternative ways to gain insight without having to be constantly scrolling on your phone!Young Adults Study (YAS) as mentioned in episodehttps://www.youngadultsstudy.co.uk/project-outputs/yas-reportDonor Conception: Connecting Through Conversations London Event Ticketshttps://pathstoparenthub.com/event/Paths to Parenthub Membership details:https://pathstoparenthub.comFinal Paths to Parenthub event tickets for 2nd November: https://pathstoparenthub.com/eventPaths to Parenthub Instagrampage: www.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthubHayley’s Instagram page: www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rpBecky’s Instagram pages: https://www.instagram.com/definingmum

Disclosing to our children the truth about their conception story is now (thankfully) seen as practice within our communities - however, deciding who else to tell, whether other family members, friends or even our children’s school teacher or caregiver can be a more complex choice. In this episode Becky and Hayley talk about their own personal experiences of talking to others about how they built their families. The decision of who else to tell (and when) and how these conversations can differ depending on your family make up. During this episode Becky and Hayley’s offer some helpful tips and direct to resources that can help families navigate this topic with more confidence and support.Links Links mentioned in the episode are:Friends and Family/Supporting Your Loved One FREE resource https://pathstoparenthub.com/friends-and-family-resource-sign-up/Donor Conception: Connecting Through Conversations London Event Tickets https://pathstoparenthub.com/friends-and-family-resource-sign-up/Paths to Parenthub Membership details: https://pathstoparenthub.comPaths to Parenthub LGBTQ+ Membership details: https://pathstoparenthub.com/lgbtq-paths-to-parenthub/Paths to Parenthub Instagram page: www.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthubHayley’s Instagram page: www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rpBecky’s Instagram pages: https://www.instagram.com/definingmum

In this episode, Hayley and Becky discuss a topic that is currently in the media due to the new Netflix Documentary, 'The Man with 1000 Kids'. This has raised questions and discussions about a number of donor siblings and the differences between worldwide family limits and UK family limits. Hayley, with personal experience dealing with donor sibling groups both as a DCP and RP, is extremely knowledgeable about current practices and what intended parents need to know. Knowledge is power, which is why we've recorded this episode to help you understand what questions to ask your clinic/bank, the implications of larger sibling numbers and to dispel some of the misconceptions that may be out there, particularly in the UK. This is an important listen for anyone involved in donor conception - intended parents, recipient parents, and professionals - including those working in clinics/banks.Join Paths to Parenthub:Paths to Parenthub Membership details: https://pathstoparenthub.comPaths to Parenthub LGBTQ+ Membership details: https://pathstoparenthub.com/lgbtq-paths-to-parenthub/Follow us on Social Media:Paths to Parenthub Instagram page: www.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthubHayley’s Instagram page: www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rpBecky’s Instagram pages: www.instagram.com/definingmumFree resource mentioned in this episode: Top Questions to Ask Your Clinic/Bank - https://pathstoparenthub.com/top-questions-to-ask-about-donors/Donor Siblings: Connect with Confidence https://pathstoparenthub.com/donor-sibling-course/

In this episode, Becky and Hayley dive into the topic of ‘Attachment and Bonding’, a complex subject that many parents of donor-conceived children are understandably concerned about. Questions such as ‘Will I bond with my child born through egg donation?’ or ‘How will I feel about my baby if we don’t share genetics?’ are all addressed in a compassionate and validating way, whilst also offering some practical advice around how to overcome these feelings. Becky and Hayley draw on their own lived experience as parents through donor conception to offer comfort to the listener, whilst simultaneously looking to the research on this fascinating topic to find some answers regarding this commonly held fear.Have a listen to the Top Questions To Ask About Donors Episode hereLinks of note that are mentioned during the episode:Paths to Parenthub Membership detailsPaths to Parenthub LGBTQ+ Membership detailsHayley’s Instagram pageBecky’s Instagram pages: @definingmum@paths_to_parenthubResearch mentioned in the episode:Golombok, S (2011) Children conceived by gamete donation: Psychological adjustment and mother-child relationships at age 7.

Choosing a donor can feel like a huge and momentous decision, with lots of emotions involved, information to consider, and steps to take as you move towards becoming a parent through donor conception. Hayley and Becky talk about their own personal experiences of selecting their donors, the smaller decisions that led them to go ahead with their decisions, and how they feel as they reflect on their choices now. They chat about what they wished they'd have known, and consider the different types of donor options and matching processes, as well as the transparency and support they'd like to see more widely as an industry.Links mentioned in the episode are:Paths to Parenthub LIVE Summit 2024 - Tickets available here: https://pathstoparenthub.com/virtual-summit/Paths to Parenthub Membership details: https://pathstoparenthub.comPaths to Parenthub LGBTQ+ Membership details: https://pathstoparenthub.com/lgbtq-paths-to-parenthub/Paths to Parenthub Instagram page: www.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthubHayley’s Instagram page: www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rpBecky’s Instagram pages: www.instagram.com/definingmum 

Early disclosure within donor-conceived families is thankfully now considered best practice, however, that doesn’t mean that the process of ‘telling’ is as easy as child’s play. In this episode, Becky and Hayley take a closer look into the practicalities of discussing conception stories with our donor-conceived children, whilst also exploring some of the complex emotions that may arise for parents when attempting this process. Becky and Hayley provide some helpful examples of how they have tackled these discussions and share some of their favourites children’s story books, tips, and resources that have helped their families along the way. Links of note that are mentioned during the episode: Paths to Parenthub LIVE Summit 2024  - Tickets available here: https://pathstoparenthub.com/virtual-summit/Paths to Parenthub Membership details: https://members.definingmum.com Paths to Parenthub LGBTQ+ Membership details: https://members.definingmum.com/lgbtq-paths-to-parenthub/ Hayley’s Instagram page: www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rp Becky’s Instagram pages: www.instagram.com/definingmum www.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthub  Book Titles mentioned within the episode: What Makes A Baby https://wwwcorysilverberg.com/ Happy Together  https://www.happytogetherchildrensbook.com/ We Are Family https://www.wearefamilybooks.co.uk/ My Donor Story https://www.mydonorstory.com/ Our Story https://www.dcnetwork.org/our-bookshop/ Robo Babies https://www.owletpress.com/product-page/robo-babies Secret Code Inside of Me https://www.rajanilarocca.com/picture-books/the-secret-code-inside-you/ Research article mentioned in episode Telling donor-conceived children about their conception: Evaluation of the use of the Donor Conception Network children’s books. Harper, J et al (2022) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405661821000150

Managing feelings and emotions around ‘Genetic Loss’ can be a challenge for many parents who have used a donor to build their family. In this episode, Becky and Hayley take a deep dive into the complexities of the emotions surrounding genetic loss, how they can present themselves, and why it’s so important for us to validate and speak up about this often unspoken topic. During this episode Becky and Hayley discuss how Genetic Loss has personally impacted them, both as parents who do not share DNA with their children, and in Hayley’s case as a donor conceived person too. Both hosts offer reassurance, validation and practical advice about how to best tackle this nuanced topic - and also explore how an initial ‘loss’ has also brought about a significant ‘gain’ within their families. As always, we love to hear from you so do feel free to reach out to Hayley or Becky through Instagram, your comments and questions can help us shape future episodes, all designed to open up conversations that previously haven't been openly discussed.Links of note that are mentioned during the episode:Paths to Parenthub Membership details:https://members.definingmum.comPaths to Parenthub LGBTQ+ Membership details:https://members.definingmum.com/lgbtq-paths-to-parenthub/Hayley’s Instagram page:www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rpBecky’s Instagram pages:www.instagram.com/definingmumwww.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthubFamily by Co Article Handling Resemblance Talk  https://www.cofertility.com/family-learn/navigating-comments-about-your-donor-conceived-childs-resemblance-a-guide-to-responding

In a recent social media post Becky talked about 'acceptance' being key as a recipient parent through donor conception, specifically around accepting that there is another person who holds a 'parent' title in the scientific, genetic sense, as opposed to the day-to-day parenting role. This sparked a discussion within the comments thread, which is why Hayley and Becky decided to record a spontaneous podcast to discuss this further, with more content and nuance that this topic needs.In this episode you'll hear our own thoughts and opinions, how we approach terminology with our kids, the thoughts of the community who generously shared their insights with us, and research into terminology from a survey of donor conceived individuals. As always we love to hear from you so do feel free to reach out to Hayley or Becky through instagram, your comments and questions can help us shape future episodes, all designed to open up conversations that previously haven't been openly discussed.Links of note that are mentioned during the episode:Paths to Parenthub Membership details:https://members.definingmum.comPaths to Parenthub LGBTQ+ Membership details:https://members.definingmum.com/lgbtq-paths-to-parenthub/Hayley’s Instagram page:www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rpBecky’s Instagram pages:www.instagram.com/definingmumwww.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthubResearch Study by Donor Sibling Registry: https://dsr-static-files.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/485cc3a945adcfb7

In this episode Hayley and Becky discuss some of the phrases that can be used by recipient parents in speaking to their children, specifically 'You are a gift' and 'You were so wanted'. We discuss how these phrases can sometimes be contentious in social media forums, the different perspectives that people may have, why we as parents might use these phrases, and how important context is when these are shared.With Hayley's experience as a donor-conceived person and both Becky and Hayley's experiences as recipient parents, they explore the nuances, intentions, and potential impacts of using these terms in different scenarios.Links of note that are mentioned during the episode:Paths to Parenthub Membership details:https://members.definingmum.comPaths to Parenthub LGBTQ+ Membership details:https://members.definingmum.com/lgbtq-paths-to-parenthub/Hayley’s Instagram page:www.instagram.com/dcp_journey_2_rpBecky’s Instagram pages:www.instagram.com/definingmumwww.instagram.com/paths_to_parenthub

In this first episode of the new season of The Paths to Parenthub Podcast, Becky and Hayley discuss the complexities of social media within the context of donor conception. Specifically, posting as parents and (in Hayley’s case) a donor-conceived person too, they highlight the struggles and the triumphs that can come from being part of this growing online community.During this episode, the pair also discuss what their current challenges are when it comes to navigating life as parents of donor-conceived children, as well as what their hopes and plans are for the podcast series as they enter into season 2 as co-hosts together.Links of note that are mentioned during the episode:Paths to Parenthub In-person event:Leeds, UK 14th of October 2023 - ticket infohttps://members.definingmum.com/event/Paths to Parenthub Membership details:https://members.definingmum.comPaths to Parenthub LGBTQ+ Membership details:https://members.definingmum.com/lgbtq-paths-to-parenthub/