Girls Guide to Baby Makin' - Part 1 

Are you thinking of having a baby?  It seems that once that reproductive instinct kicks in, it's almost impossible to suppress it, but if you're in a lesbian relationship, it's obviously not something you can just leave to fate.  There's a lot of planning involved.

First you need to decide between a known donor or anonymous sperm from a clinic.  There are financial and legal implications, especially since amendments to the Family Law Act came into effect last year, and these are best discussed with your GLBT-friendly lawyer.

On the medical side of things, you need to make sure you're in good health, and any medical conditions you have are being properly managed.  A checkup with your GP is a good start.  They will certainly suggest that you have a booster for rubella and chickenpox if you're not immune, as these infections can be devastating during pregnancy.  Your GP is also the best person to talk to about how to ensure that a known donor is correctly screened for sexually transmitted infections.

If you are on medication you need to ensure that it is safe to take in pregnancy, as there may be an alternative drug that is safer.

You need to start taking a folic acid (folate) supplement a few months before you start trying, as this helps protect your developing baby from spina bifida.

If you want to have a private obstetrician, you will need to have taken out your insurance well in advance, so check with your insurance company about waiting periods.  As a public patient you can have most of your pregnancy care though your GP which many women prefer.  Some women also choose to use a private midwife for pregnancy care.

A good web resource is the Victorian site www.thewomens.org.au/PrideandJoyonline

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article, where we'll get down to the nuts and bolts of how to do it!

Doc Q is an experienced LGBT doctor. She works at the Central Brunswick Medical Centre