The transition to parenthood constitutes a profound life-changing experience entailing considerable psychological adjustments. For parents of donor-conceived children, this journey introduces added complexities, including issues of infertility and loss, namely the loss of a genetic connection with their child. These intricacies can complicate the perinatal period, rendering parents vulnerable during this crucial phase. This training aims to explore the psychological adjustments required by parents who seek third-party assistance for family building. It will delve into the distinctive implications for parent-child bonding, the disclosure of donor status, and the intricacies of parenting a donor-conceived child.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Identify how infertility and loss influence the perinatal adjustment period for parents of donor-conceived children
• Discuss the framework for disclosure of the child’s donor-conceived status
• List at least two factors that enhance bonding and parenting children who are donor-conceived

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Community Partners FBO Maternal Mental Health NOW is the sponsor of continuing education for this learning module and is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Community Partners FBO Maternal Mental Health NOW as the sponsor maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

SPEAKER:

Dr. Loree Johnson, (she/her), PhD, LMFT

Dr. Loree Johnson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a virtual practice that serves clients in California and Washington. As a result of her reproductive story, Dr. Johnson sought training in fertility counseling and reproductive trauma. Dr. Johnson has been an active member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for over 20 years and has served in various board positions at the state and national levels. Most recently, she served on the Anti-Racism Task Force for the Mental Health Professionals Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. In addition to reproductive mental health, Dr. Johnson is passionate about training therapists and reducing the disparities in the infertility and loss communities that impact access to treatment, care, and outcomes.