Considering Becoming a Single Mom

Should you become a single mother? What are your options? How do you raise healthy happy kids as a single parent? Host Dawn Davenport interviewed Lee Varon, a clinical social worker, single adoptive mom of two, and author of two books for single people interested in adopting: Adopting On Your Own: The Complete Guide to Adopting As A Single Parent and Single Adoptive Parents: Our Stories; Dr. Michelle Ottey, the laboratory director for Fairfax Cryobank; and Mikki Morrissette, founder of ChoiceMoms.org, single mom of two by donor sperm, and author of the award-winning Choosing Single Motherhood.

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Hit the Highlights
  • How do you use a sperm bank? What is the procedure and what steps must you take?
  • How do you select a donor? What information is routinely available? What factors do women often consider?
  • What is the difference between anonymous donor, identifying information donor,identified donor, known donor, and directed donor?
  • Do you have to use a doctor to do the actual transfer of sperm or can you do it yourself at home?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages with sleeping with the man you want to be the sperm donor rather than using artificial insemination?
  • Is it harder for a single woman to adopt than for a heterosexual married couple? (Domestic adoption, foster care adoption, international adoption)
  • Suggestions for how single parents can prepare an adoption profile so that it will be more appealing to an expectant parent.
  • What specific things should a single woman consider if she has a roommate?
  • How can single women provide male role models for their children?
  • How to create a sense of community as a single parent?
  • How to handle dating as a single parent?