What happens when your child starts asking about their biological roots—and you realize you don’t have all the answers?

In Part 1 of this thoughtful two-part series, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne explores why donor-conceived children often seek connection to their genetic identity, how families can prepare for these questions, and the pros and cons of platforms like the Donor Sibling Registry (DSR). Whether you're using an egg, sperm, or embryo donor, this episode will help you navigate the emotional, ethical, and practical sides of sharing your child’s origin story.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why biology matters to donor-conceived kids—even if you’re the full-time parent

• How early conversations about origin shape identity and trust

• The difference between anonymous vs. known donors

• What the Donor Sibling Registry is and how it works

• The emotional weight of “finding out” vs. “growing up knowing”

• Why openness now avoids difficult surprises later

• What to expect when connecting with donor siblings or half-sibling families

• Legal limitations around donor tracking

• How to emotionally prepare before searching

• Why this isn’t about replacing you—it’s about completing a part of them
  

Resources Mentioned:

• SMS #26- The Man with 1000 Kids - Safety Precautions for Surrogacy

• Donor Sibling Registry

• Book Your family - a donor kids story: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Family-Donor-Kids-Story/dp/0692106936

• BloomBridge Surrogacy app

Key Takeaways:

• Children often care about their genetic identity more than we expect

• Early openness creates stronger family bonds

• DSR is one of the few platforms that allows intentional, mutual contact

• Parents should emotionally prepare before connecting with donor-linked families