Ashlyn and Jessica, high school friends turned life partners from Houston, share their journey to parenthood. They discuss the challenges of coming out, choosing a sperm donor, and navigating fertility treatments. They delve into their mixed emotions as Ashlyn induces lactation to bond with their baby amid excitement and heteronormative societal pressures. With honesty and vulnerability, Ashlyn and Jessica offer a heartfelt glimpse into their struggles and triumphs as they prepare to welcome their son, highlighting the intentionality and love that define queer family-building.

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🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

• High School Friendship to Life Partnership: Ashlyn and Jessica share their unique journey from being best friends in high school to becoming a loving couple.
• Navigating Fertility Challenges: The couple describes their experience with a known sperm donor, their struggles with conception, and the eventual decision to pursue clinical fertility treatments and a sperm bank.
• Emotional Ups and Downs: Insights into the emotional complexities of failed insemination attempts and the impact of familial reactions to their relationship.
• Induced Lactation Journey: Ashlyn’s steps towards inducing lactation to co-breastfeed alongside Jessica, highlighting a deeper level of involvement and bonding as a non-gestational parent.
• Community Support and Resources: The vital role of supportive communities and educational resources like The Queer Family Podcast in their parenthood journey.

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 Ashlyn and Jessica have navigated the complexities and challenges of queer family building, relying on the generosity of a known sperm donor and later turning to professional fertility services and a sperm bank. Jessica is currently 31 weeks pregnant, and Ashlyn is embarking on an induced lactation journey to co-breastfeed their baby.

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• California Cryobank: Use promo code "loveislove" for a free level two subscription to their donor catalog.
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🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: ⁠⁠⁠Tiffany Topol⁠⁠⁠\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato.

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