Budgeting for Babies: The True Cost of LGBTQ Family Dreams Part of the mini-series: Nicole and Shannon Want a Baby, or Do They?

Budgeting for Babies: The True Cost of LGBTQ Family Dreams Part of the mini-series: Nicole and Shannon Want a Baby, or Do They?

Author: Jaimie Kelton – Queer Parenting & LGBTQ Families'. October 14, 2024 Duration: 43:56

 Part of the mini-series following Nicole and Shannon’s journey to parenthood, Jaimie and the couple chat with Angela Rastagar from Sunfish about the financial challenges queer families face. They explore the costs of sperm donation, egg donation, IVF, and surrogacy. Listeners are introduced to the resources and support Sunfish provides, including grants, a loan marketplace, and a unique IVF success program, all aimed at facilitating a smoother journey to parenthood.

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🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

  • Angela Rastagar emphasizes the financial challenges of queer family-building, describing the costs associated with sperm and egg donations, IVF, and surrogacy.
  • Sunfish offers a range of resources, including a cost calculator, a searchable grants database, and financial education to help prospective parents plan their financial journey.
  • Angela shares insights on potential financing solutions for those embarking on assisted reproductive journeys through Sunfish's loan marketplace and support services.
  • Nicole and Shannon are encouraged to start by evaluating their fertility as a practical first step in their family planning process.
  • The importance of proactive financial planning is highlighted, 


🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 

  • Angela Rastagar is the co-founder and CEO of Sunfish, an organization dedicated to making assisted reproductive journeys more affordable. With a background in biology and significant experience as a director at one of the largest surrogacy agencies, Angela has committed her career to supporting reproductive rights and family building. Her work focuses on reducing financial barriers in fertility and assisted reproduction through innovative solutions and resources, including education and financial planning assistance.
  • Nicole and Shannon: Nicole is the long-time assistant and right-hand human on The Queer Family Podcast. She has been working on the show for two years, helping to highlight, uplift, and normalize LGBTQIA families. Shannon, Nicole's wife, comes from a background in working with children, particularly in the foster care system. Together, they explore the complexities and considerations of starting a family as a queer couple.


🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

  • Sunfish: For resources and support on assisted reproductive journeys, visit joinsunfish.com.
  • Follow Sunfish: Connect with Sunfish on social media via their handle @joinsunfish for updates and resources.


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The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation!



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Hosted by queer mom Jaimie Kelton, The Queer Family Podcast-LGBTQ Families & Queer Parenting Stories offers a weekly space that is both uproariously funny and deeply genuine. Each episode features conversations with LGBTQIA+ parents, hopeful parents, and their allies, delving into the specific joys and hurdles of building a family outside of traditional frameworks. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of the paths to parenthood-from adoption and fostering to IVF and surrogacy-and the everyday realities of raising kids in a world that can still feel unfamiliar. This podcast moves beyond theory, focusing on lived experiences that cover everything from health and fitness routines that work for queer families to navigating complex conversations about sexuality and society with children. The goal is straightforward: to share stories that normalize these experiences, elevate diverse voices, and celebrate the full spectrum of queer family life. Tuning in means connecting with a community, finding resonance in shared challenges, and gathering a lot of practical wisdom-and laughter-along the way. It’s a resource and a companion for anyone curious about or living within the beautifully expansive definition of a modern family.
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