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, Secondhand 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 start to feel like the easier option when nausea, sleep problems, or stress become the main issue.
Breastfeeding in the first week: starting well, colostrum, milk coming in, cluster feeding and early concerns
The first breastfeeding week often feels more intense than expected: very little sleep, a baby who wants to feed very frequently, and a body that is still settling after birth.
Postnatal recovery after birth: physical changes, healing, and warning signs
After birth, body and routine are adjusting at the same time.
Caesarean Delivery: Preparation, Procedure, Recovery and Warning Signs
A caesarean delivery is a birth by surgery.
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
In India, many people call afterpains the cramp-like lower abdominal pains in the postnatal period caused by the uterus contracting and returning to its pre-pregnancy size after birth.
Lochia: normal pattern, smell, bleeding, and when you should get checked
Lochia is part of normal healing after birth.
Falling Sick During Pregnancy: Colds, Fever, Medicines, and When to See a Doctor
Getting a cold during pregnancy, running a fever, or being laid low by a stomach infection often feels worse than usual because circulation, sleep, breathing, and hydration react more quickly.
Caffeine in Pregnancy: How Much Coffee Is Safe and What to Keep in Mind During Breastfeeding
Coffee in pregnancy is not only about whether you drink it but about the total caffeine that builds up through the day.
Blocked milk duct: causes, quick relief and when you should seek assessment
A blocked milk duct can present as sudden pressure, pain, and a hard lump in the breast, often when you are about to breastfeed or express milk.Mastitis while breastfeeding: symptoms, treatment, antibiotics, and when you should see a doctor
Mastitis is more than a painful blocked milk 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 childbirth: symptoms, recovery and when physiotherapy is useful
After childbirth the body often feels different than expected.
Diastasis recti after pregnancy: what is normal, what helps, and when you should seek care
Diastasis recti is common after pregnancy and delivery.
Baby Blues or Postnatal Depression: Differences, Timeframes, and When Help Matters
After childbirth, strong feelings are common and do not automatically mean something is wrong.
Haemorrhoids after childbirth: what really helps and when to get help
Haemorrhoids after childbirth are common and can be painful and troublesome in the weeks after birth, especially while sitting and during bowel movements.
Thyroid and planning a pregnancy: TSH, symptoms, and practical testing
Thyroid lab reports often look confusing when you are trying to conceive, and they deserve a careful read.
Pain during sex after delivery: when it can feel good again, why it hurts, and what helps
Sex after delivery 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 childbirth: warning signs, blood pressure readings, and when to seek immediate help
High blood pressure can also start after childbirth or worsen during the postnatal period.
Understanding vaginismus: causes, symptoms and what can help in practice
Vaginismus is an involuntary protective response in which muscles around the vaginal opening or pelvic floor tighten when penetration is expected or attempted.