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This week, we’re chatting with Amanda Bolan, a woman who somehow manages to juggle big life changes, motherhood, and a little bit of chaos — all with a smile. From unexpected turns to heart-led decisions, Amanda’s story is full of love, laughter, and those wild moments that make life beautifully unpredictable.

🎧 Tune in for an honest and uplifting conversation about choosing chaos, finding joy in the curveballs, and saying “yes” to the life you were meant to live.

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Today on Choosing Chaos, I’m chatting with Reema, also known as The Choice Mom Coach. Reema is a certified coach who helps women bring ease, confidence, and clarity to the Single Mother by Choice journey.

Drawing on both personal and professional experience, Reema empowers women to navigate the emotional highs and lows of this path, helping them approach motherhood with confidence, clarity, and meaningful support.

If you’re considering single motherhood, feeling hesitant, or simply curious about what this journey really looks like, Reema shares practical guidance and heartfelt insights to help you move past fear and self-doubt — and embrace the incredible gift that awaits on the other side.

Instagram: Choice Mom Coach

Website: Choice Mom Coach

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You hear my voice every week on Choosing Chaos, but today we’re doing something a little different. So many of you have asked to know more about me — the person behind the mic — and this episode is my chance to share a bit of my story.

I’ve invited the amazing Kristen Caples to take over as host for a special “flip the script” episode where she asks me the questions. We’re diving into my decision to become a solo mother, the realities of a village that sometimes falls short, and the milestones that have defined this first year.

It’s honest, a little vulnerable, and just a glimpse into the chaos that’s shaped who I am — and why this podcast exists.

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In this episode of Choosing Chaos, Erika shares her journey as a single mom by choice — from multiple rounds of IUI to fun “sperm donor parties.” She opens up about the challenges and joys of solo motherhood, meaningful dibling relationships, and how parenting during COVID gave her precious time with Hadley that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. A story about the importance of donor connections and discovering the beauty of raising a daughter in a world of uncertainty.

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Parenthood is full of sleepless nights, constant learning curves, and moments where the right support can change everything. In this episode of Choosing Chaos, newborn care specialist Amanda Dorn, founder of Moonlight Nurturer, joins us to share her perspective on helping families thrive during the newborn stage.

Amanda talks about finding balance in the chaos, setting realistic expectations, and giving yourself grace as a new parent. We also dive into the unique role newborn care specialists play in building a strong support system—and why asking for help is one of the bravest things a parent can do.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create a village that truly supports you and your baby, this conversation will leave you feeling reassured and inspired.

For more newborn care tips, follow Amanda at the following: 

Moonlight Nurturer

@moonlightnurturer

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In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of life, love, and inclusion. Annie Rocchio joins us to share the story of her daughter’s life with Down Syndrome—a journey filled with joy, lessons, and a deeper understanding of what it means to embrace differences. Annie’s story is not only a tribute to her daughter but also a call to practice compassion, celebrate diversity, and teach future generations the importance of acceptance.

Please note: This conversation touches on sensitive topics surrounding choice and the difficult decisions many families face. Listener discretion is advised.

Through Annie’s words, we’re reminded that no one is perfect—and that’s what makes us beautifully human. Together, we can honor every life, celebrate the unique gifts each person brings, and work toward a world that is more inclusive, kind, and open-hearted.

Resources & Inspiration from Annie:

• National Down Syndrome Society: https://ndss.org
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org
• National Down Syndrome Congress: https://ndsccenter.org
• Canadian Down Syndrome Society: https://cdss.ca — These guys do some great campaigns; Annie really loves their work!

Some inspiring families on Instagram:

• @makingmilliestones
• @a_little_extra_jayne
• @the.sofia.sanchez
  
  

Annie’s personal page:

@annielrocchio — She posts a lot of political content in her stories, just a heads-up!

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Sometimes the boldest leaps bring the most beautiful rewards. 🌟 In this episode, Marquita takes us inside her inspiring journey as a single mom by choice—first welcoming her daughter, and now joyfully preparing for baby girl number two! She shares what it’s really like to navigate the ups and downs of fertility, why trusting your provider matters, and how building your own version of a village can make all the difference. Marquita’s story is full of courage, love, and yes—even choosing a little chaos along the way. 💕

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Fertility is rarely simple. For many, it’s a journey that calls for time, patience, and the courage to adjust course—whether that means changing clinics, rethinking treatment options, or finding new sources of hope.

In this episode of Choosing Chaos, we sit down with Lindsay, who was told at just 33 years old that motherhood might not be possible. Years later, after navigating heartbreak, loss, countless rounds of treatment, and the rollercoaster of hope and disappointment, her persistence led to life-changing news.

✨ A gentle note: This episode includes sensitive conversation around pregnancy loss.

Lindsay’s story is a powerful reminder of self-compassion, and the truth that while the fertility journey is often invisible to others, it deserves our empathy, respect, and love.

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What does it mean to embrace motherhood on your own terms? In this episode of Choosing Chaos, we sit down with Kristen Caples, a single mom by choice to twins. After an early arrival landed her babies in the NICU, Kristen navigated the challenges of the hospital, the journey home, and the adventures of raising twins with resilience, joy, and a strong village by her side.

Now, she’s traveling the world with her children, exploring museums, aquariums, and diverse cultures, all while redefining what family can look like. Kristen shares her story of courage, connection, and why she’s passionate about normalizing the many paths women can take into single motherhood.

Follow Kristen and her journey at uncomplicatedmomming.com
.

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What happens when motherhood begins in the unexpected?

In this episode of Choosing Chaos, we sit down with Melissa Whalen, whose journey into motherhood started when her daughter was born at just 29 weeks and six days. After developing preeclampsia that escalated into HELLP syndrome, Melissa faced an early delivery and the challenges of the NICU.

Now, she’s raising her neurodivergent daughter—who is making incredible strides with her skills—with endless love, advocacy, and determination. Melissa shares how she continues to seek out the support her daughter needs to thrive, while navigating the ups and downs of motherhood with honesty and strength.

Melissa's Recommended Resources: 

Medicaid Waiver Programs – Some states provide Medicaid for kids with special needs regardless of parent income. Find your state’s info here: Kids Waivers

Service Coordination – State/county coordinators can connect families to resources and waitlists.

Early Intervention – Early services are available in every state for infants/toddlers with developmental delays.

ABA Therapy – While controversial, neurodiversity-affirming ABA can be helpful for some families.

Education Supports – Explore IEPs and 504 Plans to ensure schools provide needed tools. Advocates are available if schools aren’t meeting a child’s needs.

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