When asked as a child what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always– without hesitation– responded that I wanted to be a mom. Since childhood, I have had the opportunity to travel to six countries, live in four different states in every region of the US, graduate from two masters programs, explore my identity and ambitions, and settle into my career as an OBGYN nurse practitioner. While much has changed, my desire for motherhood has remained steadfast through every season of my life.

People often ask what led me to pursue this journey as a “solo parent.” However, as a queer woman, I knew that my way of building a family would inherently fall outside the traditional norm. I am fortunate to have witnessed a wide variety of family structures which have inspired me on this path. While I will be the sole parent of this child, I am not parenting solo. I have friends, family, rabbis, mentors, neighbors, fellow congregants, and many others who are supporting me every step of the way. These people will be my child’s family.

Overall, I am committed to a vision of parenthood that is founded in my deeply held belief that it truly takes a village to raise a child. My friends are ready to step up as doulas during my birth and aunties to my future child. My Jewish community is ready to provide a spiritual home and a supportive environment for my child to ask the larger questions of life. My mentors are ready to provide wisdom as I navigate life as a first time mother. My donor has provided sperm so people without access to sperm (or healthy sperm) can pursue parenthood. And I am grateful to have the Chicago Coalition for Family Building help to provide financial support necessary to sustain this process.

Brea is a recipient of the Path to Parenthood Grant from the Jewish United Fund – Chicago.