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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From “I did it on my own” to “I’m doing it again” — this episode brings back two of our previous guests to share where their journeys have unfolded since you last heard from them.

In this episode, Alisha checks back in with Hayley (Season 1) and Maegan (Season 2) — two women who have already taken the leap into solo motherhood… and now return with major updates.

Hayley shares how becoming a solo mum radically shifted her self-belief — and how that shift led her to welcome a second baby on her own. She also opens up about connecting with her children’s donor siblings and what that unfolding has been like for her family.

Maegan returns with her own big news — she’s now pregnant. She talks about what it felt like to start this again, how different this round has been emotionally, and how she’s approaching this pregnancy from a place of deeper confidence and grounded trust in herself.

Their stories are a reminder that this path doesn’t end with “you had the baby.”

Growth Creates More Choice: When you see what you’re capable of for the first time, you stop questioning if you can. You start deciding if you want to.

More Than One Version of Solo Motherhood: For some women, one baby is their vision. For others, it opens the door to building the bigger family they always imagined.

Donor Sibling Connections Can Evolve: When (and if) you choose to connect, it can expand your child’s world and introduce relationships you never expected.

Pregnancy Round Two Feels Different: When you’re already a solo mum, pregnancy isn’t just a possibility anymore. It’s an expansion.

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.

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.

In this inspiring episode, Alisha chats with Rochelle — a solo mum who went from quietly grieving the “traditional family” she once imagined… to owning her choice and becoming a proud solo mother of identical twins.

At 37, Rochelle booked her first fertility specialist appointment and everything changed. She went from “I wish I had someone to do this with” to “I’m actually choosing this.” She found her donor through Seattle Sperm Bank, conceived on her first embryo transfer… and at the dating scan discovered she wasn’t having one baby, but two. From the shock of hearing “I can see two heartbeats” to navigating an MCDA twin pregnancy, early hospital monitoring, a planned C-section at 36+1, and the wildness of feeding two newborns solo, Rochelle has built a family that feels not just possible, but magical.

Rochelle’s story is a reminder that choosing solo motherhood isn’t last-choice energy, it can be the most joyful, fun, self-expanding decision you ever make.

From Grief to Empowered Choice: Rochelle originally saw solo motherhood as the “last option on the shelf”, until her specialist made her feel celebrated, not pitied.

Donor Selection Became Emotional: She cried when she found the right donor. it felt romantic, meaningful, and instantly “him.”

The Biggest Plot Twist: Rochelle thought she was pregnant with one baby, until the sonographer calmly said she could see two heartbeats.

MCDA Twin Pregnancy: Fortnightly scans, irritable uterus, steroid injections, and a planned C-section at 36+1 before seven days in special care.

Doing the Newborn Stage Solo: It’s chaotic, yes, but she’s surprised herself with how resilient, capable, and joyful she’s become.

Rochelle’s message for anyone wondering if they can really do this? Not only can you, you might just discover the strongest, happiest version of yourself on the other side.

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.

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.

In this inspiring episode, Alisha chats with Jessica, a proud solo mum who shares her powerful story of courage, resilience, and self-belief. At just 30, Jessica decided she wasn’t waiting any longer for “the right person” to build her family — and began her IVF journey that would lead to her beautiful son, August.

From choosing her donor and facing a high-risk pregnancy, to surviving severe morning sickness, preeclampsia, and sleepless newborn nights, Jessica opens up about every part of her journey with raw honesty and humour. With the unwavering support of her sister, family, and newfound solo mum village in Newcastle, she’s created a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and deep pride in what she’s achieved.

Jessica’s story is a reminder that solo motherhood isn’t a backup plan — it’s a bold, empowering choice. Her message? You’re not failing by doing it alone — you’re leading the way.

From Fear to Fierce Pride: Once worried people would see her as a failure, Jessica now sees herself as a trailblazer — proving there’s nothing she can’t do.

IVF at 30: She chose to stop waiting for a partner, met with her fertility specialist, and conceived on her first embryo transfer using a local donor.

Navigating a Challenging Pregnancy: Despite complications and weeks of sickness, Jessica found strength she didn’t know she had.

A Village Before Birth: She shared her journey openly, building support early and avoiding isolation — including a “family meeting” before birth to map out how her village could help.

Easier Than Expected: Jessica says doing it solo can sometimes be easier than with a partner: “I only have to think about me and August — no resentment, no disappointments.”

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.

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

In this heartfelt episode, Alisha chats with Verity, a solo mum who shares her powerful story of resilience, self-trust, and love. Once told she’d never carry a baby, Verity began her solo motherhood journey at 37 after setting herself a deadline - and ended up with her beautiful son, Leo.

Together they’ve faced huge highs and lows: a diagnosis of autism and anxiety, homeschooling, perimenopause, and caring for Verity’s mum with dementia, all while building a joyful, adventurous life filled with travel, laughter, and chicken nuggets.

Verity opens up about finding her donor through Monash IVF, establishing contact with him and Leo’s donor siblings, and why solo motherhood has filled a lifelong void she once thought only a partner could. Her message is clear - trust your gut, take the leap, and you’ll never regret it.

From Doubt to Determination: Told she couldn’t have children, Verity pursued IVF solo at 37 and conceived Leo on her first round.

Donor Connection: She built a positive, ongoing relationship with her donor and Leo’s donor siblings, enriching their sense of identity and community.

Autism & Perimenopause: Navigating dual diagnoses, her son’s autism and her own perimenopause, taught Verity to prioritise self-care and self-advocacy.

Solo but Not Alone: Verity found freedom in doing it her way - no compromises, no negotiations, just following her instincts.

Adventure Awaits: Homeschooling has opened the world for them, from England to Japan, proving solo motherhood doesn’t mean giving up travel or dreams.

Fulfilment, Not Loneliness: Verity says she’s never felt more complete than since becoming a solo mum, “that hole inside me is finally full.”

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.

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

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

Pregnant or trying to conceive on your own using a donor? Join our warm, supportive monthly membership made just for solo mums-to-be. Includes connection calls, WhatsApp group, discounts, and free resources - Find out more

In this powerful episode, Alisha speaks with journalist Hannah Bambra, whose groundbreaking article has sparked national discussion about how Australia’s Family Law Act continues to discriminate against solo parents. Together, they unpack how the law’s outdated wording leaves single mothers by choice legally vulnerable—and why reform is urgently needed.

They also celebrate the launch of International Solo Mothers and Parents by Choice Day (ISMBCD) on 17 November, a global initiative led by Australian solo mums to recognise and celebrate diverse family structures.

Key Takeaways:

The Legal Gap: Australia’s Family Law Act assumes every child has two parents, leaving solo mums legally exposed even with donor agreements.

Donor Risk Awareness: Known and recruited donors present the highest risk of future claims, but no one is exempt—clear laws protect everyone involved.

Misinformation Runs Deep: Even fertility professionals may not realise how the current law disadvantages single parents.

Lobby for Change: Use this letter template to contact your local MP and the Attorney-General.

Choice = Power: The “choice” in Solo Mother by Choice symbolises autonomy, courage, and conscious motherhood.

Celebrate ISMBCD: Join community celebrations worldwide on 17 November—because all families deserve recognition and protection.

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.

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.

When you’re considering or embarking on solo motherhood, the science and medical jargon can feel overwhelming. In this bonus episode, Alisha speaks with Mona from DNA Down Under, a genetic counsellor who helps women simplify the science, understand their options, and make informed choices.

You’ll learn:

What genetic counsellors actually do and how they support solo mums by choice

The difference between standard and expanded carrier screening

What happens if you and your donor are carriers for the same condition

How donor screening works and what information you can expect from clinics

Why age, ethnicity, and family history matter for fertility and genetic risk

Options like pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), NIPT, CVS, and amniocentesis

How to prepare for an appointment with a genetic counsellor

Why informed decision-making is empowering, not scary

Whether you’re just starting to explore donor conception, already deep in fertility treatment, or supporting someone on this path, this episode will help you gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Find out more about Mona and DNA Downunder here.

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.

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.