single mother by choice

Meredith doesn't like talking finances, but she's going to for your benefit! This week is all about the frustration of not being as prepared as she'd like to be, the privileged position she's in because she's raising this baby with her mother, the cost of each medication prescribed for the upcoming egg retrieval, and a quick rant about the state of the entertainment industry (her given profession).

In this episode, Meredith covers:
00:18 - Personal Finance Woes
04:47 - Privilege & Fertility Stipends at Work
05:58 - Using Health Insurance for Fertility Benefits
10:04 - Cost of Fertility Drugs
13:30 - Frustration with the Entertainment Industry Post-Strike

Read the full blog post for this episode.

CONNECT WITH THE BACKUP PLAN
Website: https://backupplanpod.com
YouTube: https://www.www.youtube.com/@backupplanpod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/backupplanpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@backupplanpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupplanpod

CONNECT WITH MEREDITH
Instagram: https://instagram.com/meredithk8

WORK WITH THE BACKUP PLAN
Visit https://backupplanpod.com/work-with-me for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Support the show
Created, produced and hosted by Meredith Kate, co-produced by Julian Hagins.

@backupplanpod on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.

backupplanpod.com for show notes, transcripts, partner links, and our newsletter.

Created, produced and hosted by Meredith Kate, co-produced by Julian Hagins.

@backupplanpod on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.

backupplanpod.com for show notes, transcripts, partner links, and our newsletter.

It’s a wild time to start IVF right now, so Meredith’s got a stream of consciousness for y’all this week, from rage about Tommy Tuberville’s thoughtlessness to Backup Plan listener reactions.

In this episode, Meredith covers:
00:39 - Where she’s currently at in her conception timeline
05:09 - Personal Feelings on the IVF Ruling in Alabama

Read the full blog post for this episode.

Articles about the ruling...

• The science of IVF: What to know about Alabama's 'extrauterine children' ruling, NPR
• Doctors and patients fearfully proceed with IVF after Alabama court rules embryos are children, NBC News

CONNECT WITH THE BACKUP PLAN
Website: https://backupplanpod.com
YouTube: https://www.www.youtube.com/@backupplanpod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/backupplanpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@backupplanpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupplanpod

CONNECT WITH MEREDITH
Instagram: https://instagram.com/meredithk8

WORK WITH THE BACKUP PLAN
Visit https://backupplanpod.com/work-with-me for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Created, produced and hosted by Meredith Kate, co-produced by Julian Hagins.

@backupplanpod on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.

backupplanpod.com for show notes, transcripts, partner links, and our newsletter.

I didn't mean to take another hiatus, but curveballs were thrown! This week you'll hear about my birthday, an attempted break-in, triangulated travel from LA to Orlando to NYC, and my latest fertility updates: revised sperm results, fluctuating AMH levels, and a timeline for cryopreservation and egg retrieval.

Created, produced and hosted by Meredith Kate, co-produced by Julian Hagins.

@backupplanpod on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.

backupplanpod.com for show notes, transcripts, partner links, and our newsletter.

This is Part II of Donor Dylan's story.

Picture this – you just found out you have 97 biological children. Baffled? So was our guest, Donor Dylan, when he discovered this shocking revelation due to sperm donation. In a heart-to-heart conversation, Dylan unravels his rollercoaster journey of having so many biological children. We dig into his initial reactions, the impact on his family, and how he's been dealing with the emotional maze of these complex relationships. Unraveling the darker side, we bring to light the ethical implications of sperm banks distributing to numerous families beyond the agreed limits and the necessity for tracking such information.

Shifting gears, we touch upon the delicate issues surrounding communication and honesty within these donor-conceived families. How do these children perceive events like Father's Day? What are their experiences of interacting with donor siblings? Dylan shares his poignant instances of parting with the kids after visits and the importance of being open with them. To lighten the mood, we have an interesting segment where Dylan describes himself as a drink - a metaphorical peek into his personality. Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of non-traditional families, their unique challenges, and joys.

Ever wonder what it's like to walk into a sperm bank, answer some peculiar questions, donate, and then years later discover you have 97 biological children? That's exactly what happened to Donor Dylan, our guest in this riveting discussion. Dylan lets us into his journey of discovery, the shock of learning that he has a multitude of biological children, and the string of lies from the sperm bank that have shaped his life in unimaginable ways. We promise you a front row seat into the complex and often misunderstood world of sperm donation, as Dylan shares his quest to bring humanity into the business of creating humans. 

Dylan doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable bits. He talks about the antiquated laws that hinder gay men from donating, and the uncanny questions thrown his way at the sperm bank. We also tackle the controversial issue of donor anonymity and the weighty responsibilities Dylan grapples with as he navigates ties with numerous biological children. Equally important, Dylan shares his heartwarming experience of being discovered by a group of mothers he donated to, and the profound connections he's formed with his donor-conceived families. Brace yourself for an enlightening and emotive journey that will challenge your understanding of sperm donation and its far-reaching implications.

Meredith's had technical difficulties this week, so it's a shorty episode! The big news? She's going to Washington in less than a week for another DIY-ICI. She covers the fears and concerns that she has as well as her excitement.

Created, produced and hosted by Meredith Kate, co-produced by Julian Hagins.

@backupplanpod on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.

backupplanpod.com for show notes, transcripts, partner links, and our newsletter.

This week we recap on the first week of school and discuss how kid social interactions have changed post pandemic (particularly for kids who were school aged during the height of it). Have you ever considered how remote learning impacted children's social skills? Picture this, a young student, fresh from a year of remote learning, navigating the trials and tribulations of the playground. We travel through this terrain on Seeking Different, delving into the intricacies of making friends in these "post pandemic" times. We examine the pressure kids feel to form friendships quickly upon their return to school and how playtime, a critical component of relationship-building, has changed due to the restrictions imposed by this pandemic.

Now, let's shake it up and zoom in on family structures. Ever thought about the awkwardness a single parent might face in the PTA meetings or the innocent curiosity that comes from a child being raised in a diverse family structure? We face these queries head-on with candid conversations about single-parenting and diverse family structures that break the traditional mold. We share firsthand experiences, like the gaffe of a school principal assuming a random man as a mom's "better half" and a classmate's unique experience of having two moms. We stress the importance of acknowledging and accepting these myriad family structures and discuss how to best navigate conversations about family diversity with children. Join us for this powerful exploration of modern family life.

We're focusing on obtaining sperm, y'all. This is where Meredith is currently at in trying to figure out how to get Michael's bodily fluids from one corner of the country to another.

Check out the website for additional show notes, including links to buy your own DIYICI supplies.

Created, produced and hosted by Meredith Kate, co-produced by Julian Hagins.

@backupplanpod on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.

backupplanpod.com for show notes, transcripts, partner links, and our newsletter.

Remember the buzz of preparing for a new school year? Those summer play dates that were the perfect blend of fun and preparation for the upcoming educational journey? We, Hera and Estela, take you back to those times, sharing personal anecdotes as we navigate the world of play dates - the joy, the inclusion, and the potential challenges. We even touch on the exciting yet nerve-wracking process of transitioning from a carefree summer to a structured school year.

Our conversation dives into the distinction between play dates held for kids starting a new school and parties during the year. We also share our insights about the pros and cons of hosting play dates at public venues versus at home. We discuss how to deal with mean kids and bullying, how to handle birthday party anxieties, and how to strike the balance between having a lively party and avoiding drama. Our regular special guest Isa adds a delightful touch, sharing her favorite play date activities from a 4 year old kid's perspective. Join us for a heartfelt and candid discussion that every parent, and child, can relate to!

Elizabeth wears multiple hats as a postpartum doula, lactation counselor (soon-to-be consultant), infant massage instructor, and infant sleep consultant. After years of dedicated work, she took a courageous step towards single parenthood and welcomed her son in the midst of the pandemic. Join us as we delve into her fascinating journey, exploring her roles as a supportive professional and a mother who embraces the beauty of non-traditional family structures.

We discuss more about…..

• Elizabeth's journey to becoming a single parent.
• Her unique experience of selecting a donor.
• How she’s preparing for baby #2.
• Navigating career paths and growing her skills.
• Balancing professional and personal life as an entrepreneur. 

Handling life’s transitions while maintaining her empowering roles. 

Connect with Elizabeth!
www.empoweringmama.com
Follow her on social media! Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
Enroll now for The Thriving Postpartum Course!

Mentioned Resources
Big Brother Learns All About Babies by Itty Bitty Newborn
 

More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

Join us in Sedona December 29 - January 2!

www.singlegreatestchoice.com/retreats-sedona-2024

In the second episode of Season two - Hera and Estela sit down to chat with Melissa Lindsey, the founder and director of The Donor Conceived Community (DCC). DCC provides peer support, education, and resources for people navigating donor conception and DNA discoveries. Melissa shares her story, why she started the organization, and some tips for both parents of Donor Conceived People as well as children who are Donor Conceived. 

In this episode, Hera and Estela review the new Barbie movie. They discuss the parallels between Barbie and real life as well as review the movie from the perspective of a mom and of a kid. Hera also breaks down the parts of the movie that were likely not meant for kids and Estela highlights the parts she understood more than her mom realized. 

In the first episode of season two, Hera and Estela and joined by little sister Isa as they give a quick summer camp recap and discuss the topic of consent. Hera explains to the girls how everything from touching hair to hugs and kisses are things that require permission. 

Throughout her career, Jamie Hansen would often find herself at a juncture where a leap was necessary. She first needed to navigate a start in the start-up world on the wrong coast and then got to the Bay Area just before the dotcom bust. She then needed to navigate her way from web development roles to solutions engineering to find more stability. But the stability afforded by a big company didn’t fit with her personality and so she took another leap into food entrepreneurship.

Along the way, where some people would see high risk, she just saw something to navigate through. Eventually, that outlook prepared her for what she'd face in her personal life, too.

In this episode, find out how from Jamie how defining risk is all in the eye of the beholder…on today's Roads Taken, with me, Leslie Jennings Rowley.

About This Episode’s Guest

Jamie Hansenan experienced solutions leader currently working to help a startup in the procurement space, Zip, move to the next level. She has worked at companies companies large—including Salesforce—and small—including her own wholesale bakery business. She lives in the San Diego area with her twin girls, living it up by the water and basking in the sunshine.

For another story about leaping across careers with baked goods and family in the middle, listen to our episode with Chesley Homan Flotten.

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com

In the final episode of season one for Seeking Different, Hera and Estela sit down with Angela Stepancic (founder of Reproductive Village Cryobank) to discuss her plans to open the first Black owned cryobank that's specifically focused on helping Black families by sourcing Black donors. Angela talks through her journey to opening (coming summer 2023) to include why she was called to start this business, her thoughts around regulations in the sperm industry, and some of the things her bank is looking to do to revolutionize the way we think about sperm donation and improve access for Black families. 

In this episode, Estela dishes about what it was like becoming a big sister and Hera shares her thoughts on the differences between having one child as an SMC and having two. They also discuss how their family was built on top of the tragedy of losing Estela's brother and Hera's son Prince. 

In this episode, Hera and Estela discuss traveling as an SMC family to Cartagena, Colombia. Highlights include a scary bus incident in Playa Blanca and the incredible experience they had in the Afro-Colombian Village of Palenque. They share the highlights as well as some savvy tips for traveling with kids.

In this mini episode, Estela and Hera look back on the first season thus far to talk about favorite moments, things they learned, and Estela discusses how ignorance about non-traditional family can play out in the school setting. Isa makes an appearance at the end of the episode to give her definition of a donor as well as a hilarious look into the mind of a four year old. 

In this episode, Hera and Estela discuss recess and the playground where ALL the drama goes down. From navigating bullies to the evolution of kid conversations. The littlest McLeod - Isa - also makes a special appearance in this episode and reveals her understanding of "donor" as well as her feelings about heroes and Orange Juice. 

In this episode of "Seeking Different", Hera and Estela interview Mom Denise and her Son Sawyer. Sawyer explains how he feels his family is "normal" in their progressive town in the suburbs of Tampa, Florida. They also discuss what it's like to move between two parental homes, favorite books, and a love affair with Boba Tea.