What does donor conception actually feel like from the child’s perspective as they grow into adulthood?
I sit down with Kat Boldt, LPC, to discuss the lifelong journey of donor conception through the unique dual lens of a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an adult donor-conceived person raised by a Single Mother by Choice.
Kat shares her personal experience of growing up knowing her story, how finding 30 genetic half-siblings in adulthood altered her perspective, and what it’s like to process complex identity emotions across a lifespan.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What connecting with genetic half-siblings (or sibling pods) looks like, from varied emotional reactions to forming deep lifelong bonds.
- Moving beyond simplified children's books to normalize all feelings around donor conception—not just "mom wanted me so much".
- Why telling children early and often builds positive identity and avoids the potential trauma of finding out later in adulthood.
- How open donor choices impact mental health outcomes, and why true anonymity is no longer guaranteed in the era of direct-to-consumer DNA testing.
- Letting your child lead language changes over time, finding positive role models, and utilizing therapist resources like the US Donor Conceived Council.
Resources and Additional Information Discussed:
More About Our Guest:
Kat Boldt, LPC, was raised by a single mother by choice and has always known she was donor conceived. As a licensed counselor in Ohio, she specializes in providing affirming care to adult clients exploring sexuality, gender identity, and reproductive technologies, including donor conception. Learn more about Kat at https://northcoastic.com
Your Next Steps:
👩👧👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.
ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.
