The New Normal? What Is That??
    Connect eNewsletter Banner New for 2013
    The New Normal? What's That??                         February 2013
    baby wedding

     

     

    When I was a kid, I struggled with math. I never could master long division, let alone algebra. I wasn't the only one; every few years or so it seemed, the educators that be would conjure up a new and improved way of adding 1+1 called The New Math. Over the course of my years as a frustrated student, The New Math would rear its shiny head, complete with new rules, new algorithms and new confusions. It occurred to me when I was putting this issue of Connect together that The New Family is sort of like The New Math. Just what does it take to be a family in 2013? What is the new normal, anyway? 


    I don't know about you, but I think the new normal is a lot like our country. A patchwork of lots of different types of people, lots of different types of cultures, yet lots of the one constant that holds all different kinds of families together - love. Whether you're a family of two or ten, this month's Connect celebrates families of all shapes, sizes and origins, and the love that holds them together. 

     

    Here's to hopeful moms and dads, sweethearts and surrogates, donors and grandparents and the best friends who love us fiercely. Here's to grandparents who change diapers, aunts, uncles and cousins who lend us the down payment, and our children, especially, our much-worked-for children, may they live, thrive and flourish. 

     

    Here's to family in all its glorious forms. 

     

    Happy Valentine's Day to my AFA family. And happy reading -

    Corey Whelan, The AFA Editor
    Single Fathers Raising, Caring For and Talking to Pre-Teen Daughters About Their Bodies
    by Lisa Marsh
    Dad and daughter 2
    Yes, all you single and gay dads out there, you'll need to talk to your daughter about getting her first period, not to mention her first bra. Wondering what to say about sex? If so, Lisa Marsh's advice is a must-read for you.. 

    Life Has a Deadline, Too
    by Corey Whelan
     
    mum and teens
    Being a single mom isn't easy. This blog, written by The AFA Editor herself three years ago, offers up a poignant glimpse into life with teenagers after infertility is a distant memory. Make sure you read to the bottom and click through to the really cool video link you'll find there. Don't forget the kleenex before you watch this one.  
    Our Kids Aren't Perfect - Nor Are Their Parents
    by Dawn Smith-Pliner
    mom and daughter
    What impacts a life more, genetics or the environment, wonders a mom who adopted two children. If you have ever looked into the face of your child and been filled with worry instead of wonder, this intensely personal glimpse into the life of an American family is a must-read.
    Come Celebrate The New Normal with The AFA!
    AFA Illum LA 2013 STD Version 5

     

     

     
    Reproductive Options for Gay Women
    An AFA Fact Sheet 
    women of color
    Before you ask your best friend from college if he wants to donate sperm to you and your partner, do me a favor and please read this fact sheet. Here's the straight scoop on medical and legal information you should be aware of if you want to conceive quickly and build your family safely. Can you say Marotta? 
    Quick Links

    For information on the Family Act, click here! 

     

     Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago  

    Superior success rates for the past decade.  

    Have a baby from IVF or egg donation- or get your money back.

      

     Centers for Disease Control Annual ART Success Rates Report 

     

     Pens That Communicate  

    Now supplying IVF Clinics in the USA with  

    Custom Color Liquid Sperm Pens for IVF Marketing.

     

     
    OUR SUPPORTERS

    Every month in Connect, The AFA will feature a different list of supporters, professional members, and donors.  This month, we'd like to thank the following:

     

    Platinum Sponsors

    Center for Human Reproduction - North Shore LIJ

    Fertility Centers of Illinois

    Fertility Physicians of Northern California

    HRC Fertility

    IVF Florida Reproductive Associates

    Long Island IVF

    Reproductive Biology Associates

    Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte

    Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York

    Seattle Reproductive Medicine

     

    Gold Sponsors

    California Fertility Partners

    Fertility Center of the Carolinas

    Genesis Fertility & Reproductive Medicine

    Reproductive Science Center of New England

    Reproductive Science Center of the San Francisco Bay Area

     

    Silver Sponsors

    ART Parenting

    California Cryobank

    Carolina Conceptions

    Center for Male Reproductive Medicine

    Cornell Center for Male Reproductive Medicine

    Family Formation Law Offices of Diane Michelsen

    Fertility Source Companies

    Growing Generations

    Heartfelt Egg Donation

    International Fertility Law Group

    Joni Mantell, L.C.S.W.

    Madison Women's Health & Fertility, PC

    Pacific Reproductive Center

    Pacific Reproductive Services Sperm Bank & Fertility Center

    Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group

    Silvia Schneider Fox, Psy.D.

    The Law Office of Judith A. Hoechst

    Tree Of Life Acupuncture

    Victoria Hopewell

     Windy Ezell, M.A., L.P.C.

     
    The AFA's Event Calendar

    feb cal There are events taking place across the country to help educate and support you on your family building journey. Please take a look through our calendar to find classes, discussion groups, workshops and emotional support groups on infertility, adoption, third party reproduction and LGBT family building.

     

    To learn about all of The AFA's support groups, including those for Mind/Body and Over 40 issues,click here.