The mother of a young toddler conceived through donor sperm has described becoming a parent as “the best thing I’ve ever done”. 

Aoife O’Sullivan said having a child had “always [been] on my mind” but by the time she reached her 40s she had yet to find a partner.

Knowing nothing about sperm donation, she gave it a Google and was surprised to learn she could do it in Cork.

Ms O’Sullivan talked it over with her Mum and a few friends and decided to go ahead with it.

She quickly learned there is a “world of information” out there when it comes to picking a sperm donor.

“Every donor gives the same information and I went with the Danish bank because they only allow three births in Ireland before that donor is taken off,” she told Newstalk Breakfast.

During her pregnancy, Ms O’Sullivan had “lots of support” and her son was born two-and-a-half-years ago.

Although he is still only a toddler, she has already explained to him the basics of his conception.

“It is recommended before they’re two, so they always know,” she said.

“I have a couple of books… He’s asking since January, February, ‘Where’s my Dad?’

“He’s surrounded by my four brothers - three of them have children - my sister has four children.”

A monitor showing a intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at the fertility centre. Picture by: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/DPA/PA Images

When her son turns 18 he will have the right to contact the sperm donor - if he choses to - but Ms O’Sullivan assumes it will not be a “traditional relationship” if he does.

Looking back, Ms O’Sullivan is overwhelmingly positive about the experience.

“I don’t regret a second of it,” she said.

“I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done and he’s unreal.

“He’s an amazing little boy and he’s surrounded by lots of love and family and friends.

“He’s a really confident little boy.”

Last year, the State introduced free IVF for people in certain circumstances.

Main image: A mother and her child. Picture by: Alamy.com