Shaun - The Male Perspective

Paths to Parenthub Podcast

In this episode, Becky chats with Shaun, a dad to one-year-old twins conceived using donor sperm following a diagnosis of azoospermia. They focus on Shaun and Jenna's journey to conceive from the male perspective, such as how at the time he didn't realise his grief was presenting as anger and how it impacted his identity as a man. He shares how he started to process his feelings of grief and started to question whether he really needed to share genetics to be a father, leading him to where he is today - a proud dad who in his words is now a stronger version of himself as a result of his journey. This is such an eye-opening and emotive listen from the male perspective which I'm sure many men will relate to.

Following their chat Becky and Julianne, Perinatal Psychologist at Parenthood in Mind, pick up on the theme of how men and women can differ in their reactions to infertility as well as the hidden challenges that men can face in their role, which can often leave them feeling detached from the process itself.

This is a great episode to listen to for a rare insight into what may go through the mind of the male partner in this process and one to share with your partner if you're struggling to get them to open up, one which will hopefully help them feel less alone.

You can find Shaun @knackered_knackers on Instagram and his website

Shaun is also a connection and support group host for Becky's donor conception support platform Paths to Parenthub offering a chance for men and those going down the donor sperm route to connect.

You can find Julianne @parenthoodinmind on Instagram or at her website

Your host, Becky can be found at @DefiningMum on Instagram or through her blog . Paths to Parenthub is designed for support and connection for donor conception where you can find out more here or follow on Instagram @paths_to_parenthub.

This podcast was supported by a grant provided by Ferring Pharmaceuticals.