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 seem like the more practical option when nausea, sleep problems, or stress take over.
Breastfeeding in the first week: getting started, colostrum, milk coming in, cluster feeding and common problems
The first breastfeeding week is often more intense than expected: little sleep, a baby who wants to feed very frequently, and a body that is adjusting at the same time.
Postpartum and the time after birth: physical changes, healing, and warning signs
After birth, body and routine are both readjusting.
C-Section: Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, and Warning Signs
A C-section 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 recognize 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 postpartum 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 okay, and when to get checked
Lochia is part of normal healing after birth.
Sick During Pregnancy: Colds, Fever, Medications, and When to See a Doctor
Having a cold, running a fever, or getting flattened by a stomach bug during pregnancy can feel much worse than usual because circulation, sleep, breathing, and hydration are under more strain.
Caffeine in Pregnancy: How Much Coffee Is Safe and What Changes While Breastfeeding
Coffee in pregnancy is not just a yes-or-no issue.
Blocked milk duct: causes, quick relief, and when to get it checked
A blocked milk duct can show up as sudden pressure, pain, and a hard lump in the breast, often right when you want to breastfeed or pump.Mastitis while breastfeeding: symptoms, treatment, antibiotics, and when to get medical help
Mastitis is more than a painful clogged 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 physical therapy is helpful
After childbirth the body often feels different than expected.
Diastasis recti after pregnancy: what is normal, what helps, and when to get help
Diastasis recti is common after pregnancy and birth.
Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression: Differences, Warning Signs, and What Helps Now
After childbirth, strong feelings are common and do not automatically mean something is wrong.
Postpartum hemorrhoids: what really helps and when to get help
Postpartum hemorrhoids are common and can become painful and irritating in the weeks after birth, especially when sitting and during bowel movements.
Thyroid and trying to conceive: TSH, symptoms, and sensible testing
Unclear thyroid labs are common when you are trying to conceive and should be interpreted carefully.
Sex after childbirth: when it can feel good 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 values, and when to get help right away
High blood pressure can also start after birth or worsen during the postpartum period.
Understanding Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms and What Can Actually Help
Vaginismus is an involuntary protective response in which muscles around the vaginal opening or pelvic floor tighten when penetration is expected or attempted.