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 in Pregnancy: Risks, Effects, Second-hand Smoke, Vapes and Stopping
Smoking in pregnancy clearly increases risks such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding: THC, CBD, smoking, vaping, edibles, risks and support
Cannabis can feel like the easier option when nausea, sleep problems or stress take over.
Breastfeeding in the first week: getting started, colostrum, milk coming in, cluster feeding and common issues
The first breastfeeding week is often more intense than expected: very little sleep, a baby who wants to feed frequently, and a body that is still adjusting.
Postnatal period after birth: physical changes, recovery, and warning signs
After the birth, body and routine are both resetting.
Caesarean Section: Preparation, What Happens, Recovery and Warning Signs
A caesarean section is a birth by operation.
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 recognise warning signs in time.
Afterpains after birth: why they happen and when it's too much
Afterpains are cramp-like lower abdominal pains in the postnatal period caused by the uterus contracting and returning to its pre-pregnancy size after birth.
Lochia: what is normal, how it smells, how much bleeding is alright, and when to get it checked
Lochia is part of normal healing after birth.
Being Ill During Pregnancy: Colds, Fever, Medicines, and When to See a Doctor
Catching a cold in pregnancy, running a temperature, or being knocked flat by a stomach bug often feels worse than usual because circulation, sleep, breathing, and fluid balance are more easily unsettled.
Caffeine in Pregnancy: How Much Coffee Is Safe and What Changes When You Are Breastfeeding
Coffee in pregnancy is not simply a matter of yes or no.
Blocked milk duct (milk stasis): causes, quick relief and when to get it checked
A blocked milk duct can feel like sudden pressure, pain, and a hard lump in the breast, often right when you want to breastfeed or express.Mastitis while breastfeeding: symptoms, treatment, antibiotics, and when to get medical help
Mastitis is more than a painful blocked 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 is helpful
After birth the body often feels different from what you expected.
Diastasis recti after pregnancy: what is normal, what helps, and when to seek help
Diastasis recti is common after pregnancy and birth.
Baby Blues or Postnatal Depression: Differences, Warning Signs, and What Helps Now
After childbirth, strong emotions are common and do not automatically mean something is wrong.
Haemorrhoids in the postnatal period: what really helps and when to get help
Haemorrhoids after birth are common and can be sore and irritating in the weeks after delivery, especially when sitting and during bowel motions.
Thyroid and trying to conceive: TSH, symptoms, and sensible testing
Unclear thyroid blood tests are common when trying to conceive and should be interpreted carefully.
Pain during sex after birth: when it can feel good again, why it hurts, and what helps
Sex after birth rarely has a fixed restart date.
Stretch marks after pregnancy: causes, what to expect, and what genuinely 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 childbirth: warning signs, blood pressure readings, and when to seek urgent help
High blood pressure can also start after childbirth or worsen during the postnatal period.
Vaginismus explained: causes, symptoms and what tends to help
Vaginismus is an involuntary protective response in which muscles around the vaginal opening or the pelvic floor tighten when penetration is expected or attempted.