Starting your family with the help of donor eggs and IVF is an emotional, beautiful experience, full of hope and love. After all the longing, planning, and excitement, you finally get to meet the little person who will fill your home with joy. And as many families settle into this new chapter, thoughts of expanding the family often follow.
For those who have grown their family through donor eggs, the idea of giving their child a sibling can feel especially meaningful. Using the same egg donor for another baby can create a connection between siblings, not only with shared genetics but also with a shared story.
Whether you’re planning ahead or need to have another IVF warming cycle later on, Central Egg Bank (CEB) offers options to help you welcome another child with the same donor whenever possible. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how sibling embryos work, the choices available, and how we help families make their dreams of a second baby a reality.
What are sibling embryos?
Sibling embryos are embryos created during your IVF warming cycle that were suitable to be frozen for future use. They’re genetically related to your first child because they come from the same donor eggs and the same sperm source (if applicable).
If you have suitable frozen embryos left over from your warming cycle, you can use them to hopefully achieve a future pregnancy. This is the easiest and most ideal way of growing your family with a full genetic sibling. If you don’t achieve any frozen embryos from your IVF warming cycle, there’s the option of using the same donor again, as she may already have frozen eggs in storage, or be happy to donate again for the chance of giving your child a sibling.
What are my options for having more than one child with the same donor?
If you know your heart is set on more than one child, choosing a program with more donor eggs may help you to achieve the next step. This increases your chances of potentially creating additional embryos for future use.
We have four premium Embryo Guarantee Programs to give you the best chance of having a baby. If your best-matching donor is listed for a specific program, for example, the 10 Egg Program, that’s the program you’ll need to choose to secure that donor. Our team are available to talk you through the details. You should also discuss this with your fertility specialist to determine which egg program is most suitable for you.
Read: What is an Embryo Guarantee, and how does it work?
How can I use the same donor again if I don’t have any more embryos?
If you’ve already completed your IVF warming treatment and are dreaming of another baby, you can explore using the same donor again.
Every donation is completely voluntary. Our donors are never pressured, and our approach is always based on care, respect, and transparency for both donors and families.
Reach out early
As soon as thoughts of a sibling for your child come to mind, get in touch so we can check if your egg donor is available and will agree to commit to another cycle.
Check availability
Some donors may be busy with their own families, studying or have moved on, so contacting us early allows us to check if she is available to donate again if required.
Confirm details and next steps
If your donor is available and happy to donate again, we’ll provide an update on the terms and fees for a new cycle. In some cases, this may be an exclusive cycle just for you. If so, you’ll need to agree to the exclusive donor terms and conditions before we arrange new screening and another egg collection.
Receive treatment at your clinic
Your treatment will take place at your chosen Australian partner clinic while our team manages all the details, like egg transport and coordination, so you can focus on growing your family.
What if the same donor isn’t available?
We always do our very best to help families have another child with the same donor, but sometimes it might not be possible. A donor may be busy with her own family or unable to return for another cycle due to personal reasons, and that’s completely okay. It’s important she feels comfortable and supported. If that happens, we can help you find another donor who is a suitable option.
How to plan for a second child with your donor
If you’re just starting your IVF journey, it’s helpful to think about your family plans for the years ahead. A few simple steps now may make it easier to welcome a sibling for your child later:
- Choose a program with higher egg numbers if you might want another baby in the future.
- Talk to your fertility clinic about storage fees so you understand the ongoing costs.
- Keep in touch with CEB. We’re here to guide and support you whenever you’re ready for the next step.
Bringing your first baby into the world with donor eggs is an unforgettable, life-changing experience. However, for many families, the journey doesn’t end with just one child. Whether you’re thinking about the future or ready to start your next IVF cycle using donor eggs, Central Egg Bank is here to help you grow your family with the same donor if possible. Reach out to us to learn more. We’d love to talk through your options and answer any questions you have.
