Building a Family with Reciprocal IVF (at the Same Time!)

Building a Family with Reciprocal IVF (at the Same Time!)

Author: Jaimie Kelton – Queer Parenting & LGBTQ Families'. April 7, 2025 Duration: 1:09:31

Two mamas. Two wombs. One donor. In this episode, Ana and Becky share their epic journey of building a family through simultaneous reciprocal IVF—yes, they were both pregnant at the same time. From pandemic sperm shortages to second-parent adoption logistics, this is a deeply lesbian, wildly honest, and beautifully queer tale of love, planning, and two babies born just five weeks apart.

This is a story of planning, spreadsheets, love, and so much queer resilience. Also, sperm selfies. And silk pajamas. You don’t want to miss this one.

🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsor California Cryobank!

Thinking of growing your queer family? Use code LOVEISLOVE at cryobank.com for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!

Check out Everywhere is Queer! IOS l Android

🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Check out our sponsor packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈 Loved this episode?

Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!

🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways

  • Why they chose reciprocal IVF—and why they did it at the same time
  • The donor selection process (including that pandemic sperm shortage!)
  • Their deeply lesbian love story, from U-Hauls to board books
  • Lessons from the postpartum trenches (and why doulas and dog trainers were essential)
  • Second-parent adoption x2—just to be safe
  • And the beauty of watching your two toddlers snuggle up in the same bed at night


🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

Ana and Becky are a married couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area. They’re thoughtful, funny, spreadsheet-loving parents of two, passionate about intentional family building, queer visibility, and silk pajamas.

🏳️‍🌈 Resources Mentioned


🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?

Drop a comment, DM us, or email thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com—we love hearing your stories!


🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!

Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 


🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas

🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol

🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato

🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here

🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website

Photo Credit: Lila Gray Photography

🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!



Our Sponsors:
* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code QUEERFAM for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Queer Family Podcast – LGBTQ Families & Queer Parenting Stories
Podcast Episodes
Queer Parenthood Under Attack: Giuseppe’s Fight for Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:55
As the U.S. ramps up its attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights, it’s hard not to see the parallels with Italy and other conservative countries tightening their grip on queer families. The Queer Family Podcast dives into this realit…
Double the Uteruses, Double the Strength [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:39
Jaimie shares a heartwarming conversation with Sophie and Agnese from London, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of queer families. They detail navigating the NHS fertility system, selecting a sperm donor, and th…
Two Lesbians, a Known Donor & Surprise Grandparents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:50
Jaimie sits down with Caitlin, a lesbian mom who, alongside her wife Ashley, spent six years navigating the path to parenthood with a known donor. They dive into the complexities of donor relationships, legal agreements,…
Gay Grandmas Talk Body Image: When a Mastectomy Redefines Identity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:37
Jaimie welcomes Sarah and Tamara to discuss their journey as queer moms and grandmothers, exploring the complexities of known donor conception, non-biological parenting, and how gender norms influence body image. Sarah s…
The Fight for Trans Rights: Insights from Elle Moxley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:09
Jaimie interviews Elle Moxley, founder of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, to discuss the ongoing fight for gender-affirming care and trans rights amidst political regressions. With a new administration coming into the W…
Replay: Baby Making For Everybody [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:05
Replay Alert: Originally Aired 2023 Jaimie and guest co-host Tom dive into the complexities of known donor dynamics in queer parenting, featuring insights from guests Marea and Ray, midwives sharing their personal journe…
Replay: Connecting Rainbows with Gena Jaffe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:33
Replay Alert: Originally Aired 2020 This episode first aired in 2020, back when the show was called If These Ovaries Could Talk, co-hosted with Jaimie’s co-founder, Robin Hopkins. With the new changes coming to governmen…