13 Rounds of IVF and a Baby at 46: Lorena’s Story of Solo Motherhood, Setbacks, and Strength

Lorena always knew she wanted to be a mum—but life had other plans. After navigating difficult relationships, putting her heart back together, and years of unsuccessful IVF, she finally became a solo mum at 46. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Lorena shares the highs and lows of 13 rounds of IVF, how she handled society’s judgment about being an “older mum,” and how motherhood transformed everything.

She also shares what it’s like to raise a donor-conceived child as a solo mum, how she navigates school and social questions, and how she turned her journey into a book, set for release in 2026. This episode is a reminder that no matter how long it takes or how winding the road may be, if motherhood is your dream—it’s worth fighting for.

Key Takeaways:

Knowing She Wanted to Be a Mum, Not a Wife – Lorena always envisioned motherhood but never dreamed of marriage.

The Moment She Chose Solo Motherhood – A quiet night on the couch, a Google search, and a powerful adrenaline rush.

Facing IVF at 38… and Still Going at 45 – What it’s really like to keep going after round after round of failed treatment.

Solo Mum at 46 – Navigating pregnancy, delivery, and the early years as a one-and-done mum with a strong village.

Writing Her Story – Turning a deeply personal fertility journey into a published memoir to inspire others.

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 idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.

The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.

Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

Leah was a career-focused woman who didn’t even know if she wanted kids—until the experience of caring for her niece flipped her world upside down. What started as a spontaneous thought became a fast-tracked journey to solo motherhood, filled with both joy and adversity. From navigating a shock diagnosis of Meniere’s disease during pregnancy to overcoming guilt and building a support system, Leah opens up about what it’s really like raising her daughter, Lily, as a solo mum with a chronic illness.

Whether you’re unsure about motherhood or facing unexpected challenges, this episode will resonate deeply and inspire you to trust your instincts, find your strength, and build the life you dream of.

Key Takeaways:

From Career-Driven to Baby-Focused – How caring for her niece during lockdown shifted Leah’s mindset about motherhood.

Deciding to Fast-Track Solo Motherhood – Why she jumped in quickly after realising she didn’t want to wait for a partner.

Pregnancy and Postpartum with Chronic Illness – Navigating a Meniere’s disease diagnosis while becoming a first-time mum.

Learning to Ask for Help – How Leah overcame guilt and built a support network around her.

One and Done by Choice – Why she’s confident in having one child and what donor siblings mean to her.

Redefining What It Means to Be a Solo Mum – Embracing her unique journey with pride, power, and perspective.

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 idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.

The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.

Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

In this special update episode, we catch up with two beloved past guests—Jaime and Sally—to hear how life has evolved since they last joined the podcast. Jaime opens up about parenting without a village, managing full-time work with daycare, and why she’s happy to be one-and-done. Sally shares her journey from egg donation to welcoming her third child, and the unexpected bowel cancer diagnosis that changed everything. From ADHD diagnoses to donor sibling surprises, this episode is a raw and powerful reminder of how solo motherhood can evolve in extraordinary ways.

Key Takeaways:

Parenting Without a Village – Jaime’s reality check and how daycare became her lifeline.

Solo Mum Time Management – Balancing work, self-care, and quality time with her daughter.

One and Done – Why Jaime decided not to expand her family.

Egg Donation & A New Baby – Sally’s selfless donation and welcoming baby Delaney.

Health Scare & Cancer Diagnosis – Sally’s early-stage bowel cancer and how she advocated for her own health.

Donor Sibling Connection – The unexpected twist: Sally and Alisha now share a donor.

Managing Different Family Structures – Raising kids with different genetic backgrounds and dynamics.

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 idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.

The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.

Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

Kristy never imagined she’d become a solo mum. After spending years in a difficult marriage, she found herself rebuilding her life at 31. But after dating disappointments and a move to Melbourne, she realised she didn’t want to wait any longer. In this episode, Kristy shares how a single conversation changed everything, leading her to IVF, pregnancy at 42, and moving across states while preparing for motherhood.

She opens up about the challenges of fertility treatment, navigating pregnancy alone, and why moving back home was the best decision for her and baby Navy. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to rewrite your own story, this episode is filled with resilience, self-discovery, and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

Walking Away from a Marriage That Wasn’t Right – Kristy’s journey to reclaiming her independence.

How One Conversation Changed Everything – The moment she realised she could have a baby on her own.

Navigating IVF at 41 – Dealing with low AMH, endometriosis, and failed cycles.

Moving Back Home While Pregnant – Preparing for solo motherhood and finding support.

Adjusting to Life as a Solo Mum – From newborn challenges to returning to work.

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 idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.

The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.

Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

From IVF Setbacks to Donor Eggs: Mel’s Journey to Solo Motherhood with Lou

Mel’s path to solo motherhood wasn’t straightforward. After struggling with IVF, enduring multiple failed transfers, and facing the emotional toll of infertility, she had to make a life-changing decision—continuing with her own eggs or moving to donor eggs. In this episode, Mel shares how she navigated the mental, emotional, and financial challenges of fertility treatment, why she ultimately chose to import donor eggs into Australia, and what it was like to finally welcome her son, Lou.

If you’re in the trenches of fertility treatment or considering solo motherhood, this episode is packed with insights into IVF realities, donor conception, and how to keep pushing forward when things don’t go as planned.

City Fertility Offer

Looking into IVF or fertility treatment? No Need for Prince Charming listeners can access an exclusive 20% discount on their fertility treatment through City Fertility. Learn more here.

The idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.

The Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence.

Get the clarity you need. Start your journey today. Learn more here.

Your support helps us reach more solo mums and spread empowering stories. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

Miranda always dreamed of being a mother, but life didn’t follow the traditional timeline she expected. After freezing her eggs at 34 and focusing on her career, it wasn’t until COVID lockdowns that she had the space to reflect on what she truly wanted. In this episode, Miranda shares her journey from egg freezing to IVF, dealing with miscarriage, and welcoming her son, Josh, into the world as a solo mum by choice.

She opens up about navigating donor selection, the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments, and the unexpected challenges of solo parenting, from financial pressures to balancing career ambitions. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, IVF, or embracing solo motherhood, this episode is packed with insights, real-life experiences, and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

Egg Freezing at 34 – Why Miranda took this step and how it shaped her future.

Making the Decision – How COVID lockdowns pushed her to finally pursue motherhood.

Navigating IVF & Miscarriage – Overcoming loss and finding the resilience to try again.

Solo Parenting Challenges – Financial pressure, job loss, and finding work-life balance.

Support Systems Matter – How Miranda built a village around her and Josh.

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 idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.

The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.

Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

From Corporate Success to Solo Mum of Three: Charlotte’s Unexpected Journey

Charlotte was thriving in her corporate career, travelling the world and living life on her terms. But at 35, she realised she wanted something more—motherhood. In this episode, Charlotte shares her inspiring journey from a career-driven professional to a solo mum of three, navigating IVF, miscarriages, and an unexpected twin pregnancy.

She opens up about balancing fertility treatments, the challenges of parenting three children alone, and the mindset shifts that helped her embrace solo motherhood. Whether you're considering solo motherhood or already on the journey, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement.

Making the Solo Mum Decision – How Charlotte stopped waiting and took control of her future.

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 motherhood doesn’t mean doing it alone! Connect with like-minded women, share experiences, and find support in the Solo Mum Society Facebook Group. Join here.

Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

From the Film Industry to Motherhood: Betty’s Inspiring Story of Resilience and Vision

Key Takeaways:

How Betty’s career in the film industry influenced her journey to solo motherhood.

The critical role of mindset and visualisation in her decision to become a solo mum.

Navigating donor selection and the challenges of finding the right fertility clinic.

The importance of supportive communities and creating a “village” as a solo mum.

Reflections on raising an independent and resilient child as a solo mum.

SPONSOR OFFER:

We’re thrilled to partner with City Fertility to support your solo motherhood journey. As a special offer for No Need for Prince Charming listeners, you can receive an exclusive 20% discount on fertility services at City Fertility clinics across Australia. Get more information and the discount code here. Terms and conditions apply.

SHARE YOUR STORY:

Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out at to share your journey on the podcast here.

Stories and Advice from Egg Donors and Experts on the Life-Changing Journey of Egg Donation

Key Takeaways:

Personal stories of egg donors, including their motivations, challenges, and the lasting bonds formed with recipients.

Insights from Brooke at City Fertility on the egg donation process, from screening to counseling and creating embryos.

The impact of legislation on donation options, including the altruistic nature of donations in Australia.

Advice for navigating relationships between donors, recipients, and children born from donations.

Encouragement for potential donors, highlighting the life-changing impact their generosity can have on others.

SHARE YOUR STORY:

Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.

From Single Woman to Solo Mum of Two: Shantal’s Story of Family, Resilience, and Independence

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Shantal shares her journey to solo motherhood with her daughters, Esme and Laney. She discusses her experiences with IUI, IVF, and choosing a donor, as well as the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent children as a single mum. Shantal’s story highlights the joy and resilience required in solo parenting, as well as the importance of community and acceptance in navigating life’s unexpected paths. Her reflections offer inspiration and insights for anyone considering solo motherhood or facing similar challenges.

Key Takeaways:

Shantal’s journey through fertility treatments and her choice of international sperm donors.

The joys and challenges of raising two daughters as a solo mum.

Navigating neurodivergent diagnoses and finding support.

The importance of self-belief, resilience, and creating a life on one’s own terms.

SPONSOR OFFER:

Are you considering whether solo motherhood could be the right path for you to start your family? Check out the three week “Considering Solo Motherhood” course to learn all you need to know to make an informed and empowered decision. Find out more here.

SHARE YOUR STORY:

Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out at to share your journey on the podcast here.