Philipp Marx
Founder of RattleStork
Philipp Marx is a founder of RattleStork and a former international sperm donor. He writes from first-hand experience about sperm donation, co-parenting, and alternative paths to parenthood.
Before founding RattleStork, Philipp donated sperm in several countries. That experience showed him how differently people approach donor conception, trust, personal boundaries, and co-parenting.
At RattleStork, he combines that perspective with publicly available sources and practical guidance for donors, recipients, and prospective co-parents. His personal experience is not a substitute for medical or legal advice.
Articles by this author
Total published articles:220
Smoking During Pregnancy: Risks, Effects, Second-hand Smoke, Vapes, and Quitting
Smoking during pregnancy clearly increases risks such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
Cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding: THC, CBD, smoking, vaping, edibles, risks, and support
Cannabis can look like the more manageable option when nausea, sleep trouble, or stress become the main issue.
Breastfeeding in the first week: getting started, colostrum, milk coming in, cluster feeding and common concerns
The first breastfeeding week often feels more intense than expected: very little sleep, a baby who wants to feed very often, and a body that is changing quickly.
Postpartum period after birth: physical changes, recovery, and warning signs
After birth, your body and daily routine are both adjusting.
C-Section: Preparing, What Happens, Recovery, and Red Flags
A C-section is a surgical birth.
Birth injuries: perineal tears, stitches, healing and warning signs
Perineal tears, stitches and other birth injuries usually heal well. This guide helps you understand your recovery and recognize warning signs in time.
Afterpains after childbirth: why they occur and when it's too much
Afterpains are cramp-like lower abdominal pains in the postpartum period caused by the uterus contracting and shrinking back after birth.
Lochia: what is normal, how it smells, how much bleeding is okay, and when to get checked
Lochia is part of normal healing after birth.
Being Sick During Pregnancy: Colds, Fever, Medications, and When to See a Doctor
Getting a cold while pregnant, running a fever, or being wiped out by a stomach bug can feel worse than usual because circulation, sleep, breathing, and hydration are more easily thrown off.
Caffeine in Pregnancy: How Much Coffee Is Safe and What to Watch While Breastfeeding
Coffee in pregnancy is not only about whether you drink it but about how much caffeine builds up across the day.
Blocked milk duct: causes, quick relief and when to get assessed
A blocked milk duct can appear as sudden pressure, pain, and a hard lump in the breast, often right when you want to breastfeed or express milk.Mastitis while breastfeeding: symptoms, treatment, antibiotics, and when to get medical help
Mastitis is more than a painful plugged duct.
First period: what is normal, what makes the start easier, and when to get checked
The first period is called menarche.
Pelvic floor after birth: symptoms, recovery, and when physiotherapy helps
After birth the body often feels different than expected.
Diastasis recti after pregnancy: what is normal, what helps, and when to get support
Diastasis recti is common after pregnancy and birth.
Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression: Differences, Timeframes, and When Help Matters
After childbirth, intense feelings are common and do not automatically mean something is wrong.
Haemorrhoids after birth: what really helps and when to seek help
Haemorrhoids after birth are common and can be sore and annoying in the weeks after delivery, especially when sitting and during bowel movements.
Thyroid and trying to conceive: TSH, symptoms, and sensible testing
Unclear thyroid bloodwork is common when trying to conceive and should be interpreted carefully.
Pain during sex after childbirth: when it may feel better again, why it hurts, and what helps
Sex after childbirth rarely has a fixed restart date.
Stretch marks after pregnancy: causes, what to expect, and what actually helps
Stretch marks are changes in the middle layer of the skin and are very common after pregnancy, but for many they still feel personal.
High blood pressure after birth: warning signs, blood pressure readings, and when to get prompt help
High blood pressure can also start after birth or worsen during the postpartum period.
Vaginismus: causes, symptoms, and what can really help
Vaginismus is an involuntary protective response where muscles around the vaginal opening or pelvic floor tighten when penetration is expected or attempted.