For our second ‘Big Question’ webinar, we wanted to explore a topic that comes up a lot for our members. The word ‘real’ can feel particularly emotive in the donor conception community where the loss of a genetic connection to a child, usually an expectation for parenthood, can make people question their role and even their legitimacy. Parents worry that it will be thrown back at them by their children, picturing a scene where a child says “You’re not my real mum/dad” and struggling to know how to respond. All this made us decide to pose ‘How can I feel like the real parent?’ as the next question in our webinar series. We’ve invited Jana Rupnow to help us try to answer the question, and to reflect on how parents and prospective parents can navigate the complex thoughts and emotions around this topic. Jana is an international author, speaker and counsellor, based in the US. She has a wealth of knowledge about donor conception, built over the years by hearing from both parents and donor conceived people themselves. In 2018 she published her best-selling book ‘Three Makes Baby’ (available in the DCN bookshop as we consider it such a valuable resource). Since 2010, Jana has helped thousands of people facing the psychological and social challenges of infertility as well as those preparing for third-party family building and adoption. She knows what it’s like to be in a non-biological family herself, as both an adoptee and adoptive mum. She has personal experience of infertility as she and her husband had male-factor secondary infertility. This led to them adopting their daughter from China which means she also has experience of being a culturally diverse family. All of this puts her in a great position to consider the topic with us. The conversation will explore themes such as: • Why does that word ‘real’ hold such power? • What role does biology play in feeling like a parent? • How do we define ‘mum’ or ‘dad’? • How can couples feel equally ‘real’ as parents when their genetic connection to the child may be different You can also join in the conversation. We’ll be open to written comments and questions from members, either when you register or live during the event. We’ll be recording the conversation and will put the video in the members’ area on the website shortly after the event. Anyone registered for the webinar will get notified when the recording is available. Finally, as if all that wasn’t enough, one lucky attendee will be selected to receive a free signed copy of Jana’s book. [Link to Jana Rupnow’s website](https://www.janarupnow.com) [Jana’s bio](https://www.janarupnowtherapy.com/category-s/1886.htm)

We’re really excited to announce that tickets are on sale for our annual DCN members’ conference in North London on Sunday 27 April 2025. The event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and to hear from knowledgeable and inspiring speakers. __Programme for the day__ We have a full day planned and it’s been exciting putting the programme together. You’ll hear from parents and donor conceived adults speaking about their feelings and experiences. We have invited Debbie Kennett to talk about home DNA testing. Debbie is an expert and author on genetic genealogy. She’ll explain about what home DNA testing is, how people are using it and the impact and implications for donor conception families. We’re excited to have Dr Vasanti Jadva from University of London presenting her research, aiming to shed light on the complexity of searching for donor connections and the different feelings that people can have towards those they are connected to. Aside from the main presentations, you’ll have the option to join a small group to focus discussion on specific topics (more details about that session will come in a few weeks). The breaks and final hour will provide some relaxed time for conversations and connections with other members, making the day social as well as informative and supportive. 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁? * Parents of donor conceived children: If you’ve had children this is a chance to meet other parents, to share experiences and get support. This is a family event so we provide childcare and activities for children up to 12 to make it possible for you all to attend the day. * DC teens and adults: this is an opportunity for children 13-17 and DC adults 18+ to join us for the day and meet with others. * Professionals in the field: Please do join us for an informative and thought-provoking event. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝘁? If you haven’t had children yet, you’re welcome to join us at this conference but do be aware that the content is aimed mostly at parents. Also, we’d like you to be aware that there will be babies and children present. If you do decide to book, we’ll make sure we connect you with any other prospective parents who are there on the day, but you might find our [Getting Started](https://www.dcnetwork.org/events/getting-started/) event on 29 March more suitable and valuable. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 You can find more details about the conference in the following documents: * [Information summary](https://www.dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2025/01/General-Information-London-conference-2025.pdf) * [Childcare and activities for children](https://www.dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2025/01/Babies-Children-Teens-London-conference-2025.pdf) * Programme for the day: we’re still finalising the exact timings but will load a programme soon * Childcare and children’s activity places are LIMITED so book soon * Booking deadline is 22 April * Cancellations befor 11 April will be refunded in full but we aren’t able to refund after that date 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗗𝗖𝗡 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿? This event is for DCN members and is one of the many benefits of membership. You can join us for just £7 per month (less if you are a lower income household) and as a member, in addition to being able to book tickets for the conference, you’ll also get access to online chats, WhatsApp groups, exclusive events, and much more. [Join here](https://www.dcnetwork.org/civicrm/contribute/transact/?reset=1&id=7). 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀: it’s really important to us that our conferences and events provide a safe, confidential space for us to discuss what can be very personal matters. We therefore do not allow journalists or media to attend unless they are joining in a personal capacity as a parent or prospective parent via donor conception or are a donor conceived adult. Everything discussed within our events is confidential and may not be reported or shared outside of the event.