Smart Tips for Starting a Family on Your Own

As a modern-day woman, you have the option to start a family whether you’re in a relationship or not. While it may be intimidating, it’s possible to have a child by yourself and still support it with the strength of two parents. Single women have options aside from adoption and trying to find “the One” before they’re ready. If you want to learn how to have your own family here are a few smart tips to help you out.

Make sure you’re actually ready. Like, truly ready.

The first step for anyone who’s thinking about having a baby, whether they’re in a relationship or not, is to make sure that they are truly ready to have one. This could mean financially, physically, or emotionally. A baby takes up a lot of time, so it would behoove you to have one when your career is stable and your heart is open to a new life entering yours. Make sure you think straight about this, even if you are showing signs of “baby fever.”

Save money whenever and wherever you can.

It’s no secret that babies are expensive. The United States Department of Agriculture estimated in 2017 that raising a child from birth to the age of 17 costs $233,610. That means before you start your fertility process, you should do everything you can to save or make extra money. One great way to do this is by downgrading on some things you may already have, such as cars. You can buy salvage cars from online or in-person auto auctions that have a clean title and little maintenance issues. And you can get one for far cheaper than you would at a typical dealership. Make sure you run a vehicle history report so that they are no surprises with your salvage car. Even if the car isn’t in running condition immediately, you can find a decent repairable vehicle and still leave the auto shop having spent less money than you would have at a dealership.

Take your time when selecting a sperm donor.

When it comes time to actually go on your fertility journey, it is important that you weigh all your options. Getting a private sperm donor through a fertility clinic is a great way to provide choice and flexibility when it comes to your baby’s life. You can look through a list of sperm donors and learn more about their background, education, and lifestyle, as well as physical traits like eye and hair color, height, and medical history. If you get to know the potential donors, you can do your part in supporting your child by helping them avoid problematic genes and traits that could cause health problems down the road. Getting a sample from the sperm bank is an easier process than you might think. Not only does it not require any sexual intercourse, but there are fertility doctors present to guide you through the process from an anonymous donor to a pregnancy.

Look to your support system when times get tough.

Being a single mother is tough. You don’t have another person to lean on had you went the traditional route and had a child with a boyfriend, husband, or as a lesbian couple. Make sure you utilize your existing network of family and friends. They love you and will absolutely be there for you when times get tough and you need a little extra support or just some time for yourself. Just because you are a single woman does not mean your child only has you to count on. The people in your life will undoubtedly love your child as much as you do.