On a personal level, this wonderful woman is making it possible and easier for men/women, like me, to have children in compassionate environment. In this interview, we get to know Erika Tranfield, Co-founder of PrideAngel.com.
A company dedicated to helping parents, of the LGBTQA community, have children.
1.) Tell us a little bit about your background, how you got started in the Fertility support industry, and how and why you created Pride Angel?
Erika: As a same-sex couple, we have a daughter conceived from a known donor and we decided to create Pride Angel in order to help others find their ideal co-parent or donor.
As scientists we also wanted to educate our members about the health screening issues and to ensure that people are keeping themselves safe and protecting their legal rights.
2.) What’s the single-most interesting or surprising thing you’ve seen or learned while working with soon to be parents?
Erika: I think the most interesting observation is how powerful the desire to have children is and how this can apply to men wanting children just as much as women.
Unfortunately, the downside of this biological ticking clock, is that it can sometimes make people rush into decisions without thinking things through carefully.
3.) Can you share something that impacted you most over the years about donor conception that you learned/experienced from the fertility lawyers, clinics, and nutrition specialists?
Erika: The one area that has impacted us the most is that people have the best chance of getting pregnant when they look as their treatment and lifestyle in a holistic manner.
For example, if a couple are going through IVF, they have a far greater chance of success if they combine this with improved nutrition, holistic therapies such as Acupuncture or Reflexology and above all else they have a positive mindset.
4.) Tell us about your seminars and workshops. And how much of an impact has this been for you and your audiences?
Erika: Our seminars are mainly about co-parenting and advantages of using a known/private donor to create a family.
Previously many people felt unsure about finding a donor on the internet and whether it would be safe.
Others felt that they did not want to meet the donor in person and found the idea quite daunting.
Once people have come to our talks, they often feel more reassured and confident about the many benefits of co-parenting or known donors.
5.) What’s the best way to learn how to successfully use the home insemination kit? Is formal training required?
Erika: We only recommend home insemination to those who are co-parenting or if they have a legal donor agreement in place.
In addition, the donor must have had health screening tests prior to trying home insemination.
No, no formal training is required for our kits as the sperm is simply placed near the cervix using a needle-less syringe.
Some people also prefer to use a speculum although this is optional.
All our kits come with instructions on how to use them.
Click the video below to watch: (you will be directed to the Future Learn site, then click play!)
image and video source: Future Learn
6.) What is the meaning behind the Pride Angel logo and how did that come to fruition?
Erika: The logo took us a lot of time to design.
It started off as an angel and then progressed to the current shape which is a combination of an egg and sperm shape with wings.
We are very happy with the design and often get compliments.
7.) Going through my own successful IUI, I had so many questions and went through so many tests (due to my age). What were the most critical questions/concerns for women or men while going through this process?
Erika: The most important area to consider is that whatever fertility treatment or support you are using – It must be the right one for you and your situation, so asking lots of questions and finding a clinic and or therapist you can trust is vital.
8.) How do you teach or convince doubting soon to be parents to trust their own instincts and to have confidence in their decisions with fertility?
Erika: Going through fertility treatment can often feel stressful especially if there are concerns about time running out or escalating treatment costs.
This can, unfortunately, be counterproductive.
Therefore to get the best outcome it is imperative to a develop a trusting relationship with your fertility specialist, to above all stay positive and trust in your own gut instincts, after all, this is nature at its best.
9.) Can you share some tips/advice for women to help improve their health before, during, starting fertility treatment?
Erika: There is so much advice available on the internet regarding what to eat and what not to eat or what exercise is good for you and what isn’t, that it can become confusing.
Our advice would be not to over think or worry too much.
Our tips would be:
- Eat a healthy balanced diet based on real home cooked food, rather than ready meals.
- Avoid alcohol, but don’t worry about the occasional glass of wine.
- Find an exercise that you enjoy, for example, a dance class or yoga, rather than forcing yourself to go to the gym.
- Re-address balance in your life – this may mean working less overtime or spending more time with people who make you feel happy.
- Try meditation and positive visualization. Plan for your future baby by designing the nursery, and have a vision board to look at daily.
10.) Where can people find you if they want more information on beginning their own journey with fertility?
Erika: You can find lots more information at our website www.prideangel.com.
Its free to register and search thousands of co-parents and donors worldwide.
If you upgrade to a premium membership you can also contact one of the Pride Angel team for personal advice along with your fertility journey!
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