Things I wish I knew 👇 1. Your partnership is your foundation. The journey to parenthood can feel like a second full-time job. Before you start, have explicit conversations with your partner about finances, roles, and how you’ll handle stress. Your bond is the most important asset you have. 2. Build your legal fortress first. The laws for LGBTQ+ families can be a complex patchwork. Find a lawyer who specializes in this before you do anything else. They are not a luxury - they are a necessity to protect your family and your rights as parents. 3. It’s okay to grieve the path not taken. You can be immensely grateful for your journey while also feeling a sense of loss for the traditional path you didn’t get. Acknowledging those complicated feelings is not just okay - it’s necessary. 4. Become your own expert. You will become fluent in a new language of medicine and law. No one will care more or advocate harder for your future family than you will. Embrace the role of researcher-in-chi...