From Chronic Illness to Solo Mum: Nelly’s Long Road to Violet

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of miscarriage, fertility challenges, and medical complications during pregnancy.

Season 5 continues with Nelly’s story — one of resilience, persistence, and navigating an incredibly complex path to motherhood.

Nelly didn’t grow up assuming she would have children. With a history of renal failure, transplants, and years of medical treatment, motherhood didn’t feel like a given.

But over time, that quiet desire became impossible to ignore.

In this episode, she shares:

• Living with chronic illness and how that shaped her path to motherhood

• The unexpected discovery of a rare genetic condition during fertility testing

• A long IVF journey with multiple cycles, losses, and setbacks

• The decision to move forward with an egg donor — and how a friend changed everything

• Navigating complex medical care throughout pregnancy

• A sudden and traumatic early birth at 30 weeks

• Life in NICU and the emotional reality of becoming a mum in those circumstances

This episode is raw, honest, and deeply human.

Key Takeaways

• The journey to motherhood can be far more complex than expected.

• Advocating for yourself and asking questions can change everything.

• Support networks can shape your entire experience.

• There is no “perfect” path — only your path.

• Even the hardest journeys can lead to something incredibly meaningful.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

The best support you could ask for when TTC or pregnant as a solo mum-to-be

Trying to conceive or pregnant and want your village? The Bump Membership is your private WhatsApp community + fortnightly Zoom Connection Calls with solo mums-to-be across Australia & New Zealand. Join the Bump here.

Megan’s Solo Mum by Choice Journey: Taking It One Step at a Time

Season 5 continues with Megan’s story — and her journey to becoming a solo mum by choice.

In this episode, Megan shares how she approached this decision step by step instead of focusing on the end result, and how that made the process feel more manageable.

In this episode, she talks about:

• Listening to other solo mums and how that helped her feel less alone

• Taking the process step by step instead of focusing on the end result

• Known donor conversations and why facilitated conversations are important

• Adjusting her relationship with work after becoming a mum

• Living with her mum and raising her son together

• Trusting that you will figure out parenting as you go

This conversation is thoughtful, calm, and very reassuring for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the idea of making such a big decision.

If the idea of solo motherhood feels too big to think about all at once, this episode is a really comforting reminder that you don’t have to make every decision today — you can just take the next step.

Key Takeaways

• Taking the process step by step can make big decisions feel more manageable.

• Facilitated conversations can help when making known donor decisions.

• Motherhood can change your relationship with work and priorities.

• Support can come from family and different living arrangements.

• You may not know what you’re doing at first, but you will figure it out.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

The best support you could ask for when TTC or pregnant as a solo mum-to-be

Trying to conceive or pregnant and want your village? The Bump Membership is your private WhatsApp community + fortnightly Zoom Connection Calls with solo mums-to-be across Australia & New Zealand. Join the Bump here.

Jane’s Solo Mum Journey: IVF, Identical Twins & A Pregnancy That Changed Everything

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of pregnancy complications, pregnancy loss, premature birth, and NICU. Please listen with care and skip this episode if now is not the right time for you.

Season 5 continues with Jane’s story — and this is a story that will stay with you.

Jane always knew she wanted to be a mum, but after years of dating and never finding the right partner, she made the decision at 35 to pursue solo motherhood. What followed was a long IVF journey, big financial decisions, and learning to back herself even when the path felt uncertain.

When Jane finally fell pregnant, she received a surprise she never expected — identical twins.

But her pregnancy quickly became high-risk, and what followed was a rollercoaster of fear, resilience, impossible decisions, and navigating motherhood before her babies had even arrived.

This episode is about:

• IVF and the emotional toll of trying to conceive on your own

• Making big life decisions without a partner

• High-risk pregnancy and how quickly things can change

• Grief, fear, resilience and becoming a mother in very unexpected circumstances

• The reality of doing this without a partner — but not without support

This conversation is raw, honest, and incredibly powerful — and a reminder that solo motherhood doesn’t always look the way you think it will, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it.

Key Takeaways

• You don’t have to have everything figured out to start.

• IVF is often much harder than people expect.

• Support networks matter more than you think.

• Solo motherhood requires courage — but also community.

• Even when things don’t go to plan, you can still find your way.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

Sounding Board Sessions

Need to talk through something that’s stressing you out, confusing you, or keeping you stuck? Book a Sounding Board Session — a one-off 60-minute coaching call to get clarity on your next step. Book your call here.

Hayley’s Solo Mum by Choice Journey: From “One Day” to Done

Season 5 continues with Hayley’s story — one that will resonate with so many women sitting in the “I know I want a baby… but when?” stage.

Hayley didn’t wake up one day suddenly certain. Instead, her journey was gradual. Thoughtful. Honest.

In this episode, she shares:

• When she realised motherhood wasn’t something she wanted to gamble on

• The internal shift from “maybe later” to “now”

• Navigating the donor process

• The emotional reality of doing this without a partner

• What surprised her most about stepping into solo motherhood

This conversation isn’t dramatic. It’s grounded. Calm. Clear.

And that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between waiting and moving forward, this episode will feel like someone gently holding up a mirror.

Key Takeaways

• Clarity often builds quietly, not explosively.

• Waiting can feel safe — until it starts costing you time.

• Donor selection is emotional, not just practical.

• You don’t have to feel 100% fearless to move forward.

• Choosing solo motherhood isn’t about rejecting partnership — it’s about prioritising what matters most.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

The best support you could ask for when TTC or pregnant as a solo mum-to-be

Trying to conceive or pregnant and want your village? The Bump Membership is your private WhatsApp community + fortnightly Zoom Connection Calls with solo mums-to-be across Australia & New Zealand. Join the Bump here.

Solo Motherhood at 29, IVF in the USA & Raising a Donor-Conceived Child

Rhiannon didn’t spend years planning to become a solo mum. In fact, for most of her twenties she wasn’t even sure she wanted children at all.

Then one night she had a vivid dream about a baby girl named Beatrix — and the feeling never left. At 29, she decided to pursue motherhood on her own terms, travelling to the United States for IVF and gender selection. She became pregnant on her first embryo transfer and later welcomed her daughter Bunny during the COVID lockdowns.

In this episode, Rhiannon shares the surprising twists of her journey — from choosing treatment overseas, to navigating pregnancy during a global pandemic, to connecting with donor siblings across the world. She also reflects on the unexpected personal growth that came with becoming a parent, including receiving a later-in-life diagnosis of ADHD and autism.

Rhiannon’s story is funny, honest, and refreshingly real. It’s a reminder that motherhood doesn’t always arrive through the path we imagined — but sometimes the unexpected road leads exactly where we were meant to go.

Key Takeaways

• A moment of clarity — how a dream about a baby girl led Rhiannon to pursue solo motherhood at 29.

• IVF overseas and gender selection — why she chose to travel to the United States for treatment.

• Pregnancy during COVID — the unexpected calm of experiencing pregnancy and newborn life during lockdown.

• Donor sibling connections — how meeting families who used the same donor created a global extended family.

• Parenting and self-discovery — how raising Bunny led to a late ADHD and autism diagnosis and a deeper understanding of herself.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

Expecting a baby on your own, or trying to?

Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates

From Car Accident to IVF: Carly’s Solo Mum by Choice Journey

Carly always knew motherhood was non-negotiable. Marriage? Optional. A partner? Nice, but not essential. But children? Absolutely.

After a serious car accident in 2020 forced her to stop and re-evaluate everything, Carly realised she couldn’t keep waiting for “someday.” What followed was a journey through public hospital waitlists, donor shortages, IUI disappointment, IVF pressure, and the emotional intensity of choosing a donor in a system where options are limited and timing is everything.

In this episode, Carly shares:

• The breakup that made her confront her fertility timeline

• The moment her dad said, “There are many ways to have a child.”

• Being hit by a car on the way to a first date

• Why donor selection was far harder than she expected

• The stress of donor availability disappearing in seconds

• Losing “her donor” and getting him back

• The emotional impact of failed IUIs

• Why IVF ultimately changed the trajectory

This episode is honest, grounded, and full of perspective for any woman considering solo motherhood.

Key Takeaways

• Motherhood can be non-negotiable, even when partnership isn’t.

• Public fertility systems can involve long waitlists and limited donor access.

• Donor shortages are real, particularly for Caucasian donors and IUI cycles.

• Extended genetic screening can reduce stress during donor selection.

• IUI success rates are low (around 10–15% per cycle).

• IVF may feel more clinical, but it can provide reassurance through embryo grading and higher success rates.

• Emotional resilience is just as important as medical readiness.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

Free Download: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Solo Mum

If you’re at the very beginning of your journey and wanting clarity, confidence and a calm starting point, this free guide is a must-read. It will save you hours of Googling and help you understand what actually matters when you’re deciding whether to go it alone. Download your copy here.

From IVF Loss to Solo Motherhood: Bec’s Honest Journey to Becoming Liam’s Mum

Season 5 begins with one of the most raw and honest conversations yet.

In this first episode of the new season, Alisha sits down with Bec, who never imagined becoming a solo mum — until fertility timelines, life circumstances, and a quiet realisation changed everything.

Bec shares how a routine fertility check planted the seed that ultimately led her toward donor conception, and the emotional process of choosing motherhood without waiting for the “right” partner.

But this story doesn’t stop at pregnancy success.

Bec opens up about:

• navigating IVF and miscarriage

• the emotional complexity of pregnancy after loss

• an unexpected early birth and emergency caesarean

• the realities of newborn life as a solo parent

• postnatal depression and the bond that took time to grow

• learning to ask for help — and why no one should do this alone

This episode is honest, grounding, and deeply reassuring for anyone wondering whether solo motherhood is possible — or what life actually looks like on the other side.

Season 5 begins with a reminder that there is no single way to become a mother — and no single way to feel once you arrive there.

Key Takeaways

• Solo motherhood is often not a lifelong plan — but a path discovered along the way.

• Fertility conversations and medical guidance can shift life decisions dramatically.

• IVF journeys are rarely linear and often involve emotional resilience.

• Pregnancy after loss can feel anxious rather than joyful.

• The newborn stage doesn’t always bring instant bonding — and that is normal.

• Asking for help is essential, even when choosing solo motherhood.

• Community and support networks are critical for solo parents.

• Motherhood can fundamentally change identity and perspective.

• Many solo mums experience overwhelming strength alongside vulnerability.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

Considering Solo Motherhood?

Feeling overwhelmed about becoming a solo mum? The Considering Solo Motherhood course walks you through everything—from emotional readiness to finances and fertility—so you can make a confident decision. - Find out more

Laura’s Solo Motherhood Journey: Grief, Genetic Testing & Welcoming Baby Celeste

TRIGGER WARNING - This episode of the podcast discusses baby loss.

Laura never expected to walk the path of solo motherhood. After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Emilia due to a chromosomal abnormality, she found herself navigating grief, timelines, donor selection and the pressure of changing legislation around donor sperm.

In this episode, Laura shares how she moved from devastation to determination — pushing through delays, unexpected clinic issues, multiple rounds of IVF, genetic testing, and intense time pressure due to new donor-family limits coming into effect.

She also describes the powerful signs she felt from her daughter Emilia throughout the process, including how the start and end of her IVF cycle aligned with the anniversaries of Emilia’s due date and her father’s passing — and the moment the name “Celeste” arrived unexpectedly, long before she had even confirmed she was pregnant.

It's a deeply emotional, insightful conversation about loss, intuition, timing, and choosing yourself even when the path is nothing like you imagined.

Key Takeaways

• Grief shaped her path — after losing Emilia, Laura needed time before deciding when and how to try again.

• External pressure accelerated her journey — legislation around donor limits forced faster decisions than she’d planned.

• Donor selection was intuitive — despite logistical delays, she kept returning to one donor whose childhood photo felt right.

• Genetic testing became essential — after Emilia’s diagnosis, testing embryos gave her clarity and reduced fear of recurrence.

• Moments of meaning guided her — cycle start dates, anniversaries and the spontaneous arrival of Celeste’s name all felt like signs.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

Solo Mum Bundles

Want the best value? Grab a Solo Mum Society Bundle — curated sets of courses, memberships or resources to support you at your stage — and save when you buy them together. View all bundles here.

Kristi’s Story: Solo Motherhood, Mental Health & Finding Donor Siblings for Imogen

Kristi didn’t follow a traditional path to motherhood. After rebuilding her mental health and reaching 40, believing she had missed her window, she eventually found the courage — and the right medical support team — to pursue solo motherhood.

In this powerful and vulnerable episode, Kristi shares her experience with depression, the fear of postpartum relapse, and the detailed medical advice she received to continue her mental health medications safely through conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

She also opens up about using an overseas donor, how she first located donor siblings, and her evolving views on DNA, family, and chosen connections. Later in the episode, Kristi talks through her cancer journey, how she prepared Imogen for the return of chemotherapy, and why her daughter's resilience and creativity continue to anchor her through every challenge.

This interview is raw, insightful, and full of heart — a testament to strength, self-advocacy and solo motherhood in the real world.

Key Takeaways

• Mental health support is crucial — Kristi’s psychiatrist helped her prepare safely for conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Donor siblings came via online searching — including the DSR and the clinic’s own registry.

• Cancer relapse reshaped everything, but Kristi prioritised protecting Imogen emotionally through each step.

• Chosen family matters — Kristi’s views on DNA vs lived connection have shaped how she talks to Imogen about donor siblings.

• Donor Conceived Families Australia - Kristi is using her skills and passion to support important advocacy for issue impacting donor conceived families - learn more about what she talks about at https://www.donorconceivedfamilies.au

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

Solo Mum Society Private Facebook Group

If you’re in Australia or New Zealand, connect with other women considering, creating or conquering solo mother life in the private Facebook group. Join here.

The Best Books for Donor-Conceived Children: DCP Hub’s Top Recommendations

If you’ve ever wondered which books are the best tools to help your donor-conceived child understand their story, this episode is a goldmine. Alisha is joined by Meike and Fiona from DCP Hub, two solo mums by choice who have built a powerful resource for families navigating donor conception.

Together they share their favourite books across every age group — from baby board books to primary and teen reads — and explain why stories are one of the most effective ways to start, deepen and normalise donor conception conversations at home. You’ll also hear personal reflections, tips for adapting books to your family, and even some adorable special guest reviews.

Whether you’re just starting your solo mum journey or supporting older kids who are forming their own identity, this episode is full of practical, thoughtful recommendations.

Useful Links:

• DCP Hub for their bookshop, events and to join the mailing list

• Download the Solo Mum Society book list for more book reviews (a lot of which are available at DCP Hub)

• Get your own copy of My Perfect Family

Key Takeaways

• Books help start tricky conversations — especially when parents struggle with wording or timing. Books evolve with your child as they grow.

• Representation matters — seeing families like theirs reduces “otherness”, boosts identity, and normalises donor conception in classrooms and communities.

• You can adapt any book — change wording, add details, or personalise to suit your story (kids can’t read early on!).

• There are now great options for older kids & teens — mystery adventures, identity-focused books, and stories written by donor-conceived authors.

• DCP Hub exists to support donor-conceived people — through events, education, and resources that help parents make informed and compassionate decisions.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

How Sammy Created a Second Baby Solo After Separation: A Donor Conception Story

When Sammy’s marriage ended while her daughter was still a toddler, she grieved the future she thought she’d have. But she also knew, deep down, that she still wanted to grow her family — even if that meant doing it alone. In this heartfelt episode, Sammy shares how she moved from heartbreak to empowered action, navigating donor selection, finances, co-parenting, and ultimately conceiving her second daughter, Betty, on her very first IUI.

Her joy is infectious. Her vulnerability, grounding. And her story is a powerful reminder that happy endings can look different — and still be everything you dreamed of.

Key Takeaways

• Grief and hope can coexist — Sammy reflects on separating from her husband and the deep desire to create the sibling relationship she always imagined.

• Choosing donor conception after separation — how she navigated finances, support, and the emotional decision to grow her family solo.

• A successful first-try IUI — why she trusted her intuition (and her sisters!) despite advice to head straight to IVF.

• Healthy co-parenting dynamics — how she built a positive relationship with her ex and his family for Athena’s sake.

• Honest reflections on newborn life as a solo mum — managing guilt, juggling school routines, and finding her rhythm with two children and no partner.

City Fertility offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

Preparing for treatment or TTC solo?

Download 10 Diet & Lifestyle Tips to Boost Your Fertility — created with a fertility dietitian — and get practical, easy ways to support your body for conception. Download your free guide here.