In a candid conversation, Donna - an artist, musician, and mom - shares what she’s loving lately in music (Louis Tomlinson, thanks to her nine-year-old daughter) before diving into the story behind her decision to choose to become a single mother at 40.  

Donna first walked into a fertility clinic at 38 when it occurred to her that time was slipping by and waiting for the right partner was no longer something she could entertain. Women’s biological clocks are a real thing, and if she was going to be a mom, it was now or never. 

Throughout this episode Donna talks to us about the decision to use a sperm donor, walking us through the steps while openly and honestly sharing how she felt each part of the way. She shares the challenges and joys, the worries and wins, and how she finally got the courage to tell her Catholic mother about the pregnancy, leaning on her supportive father and friends along the way. 

Raising Maria has been the reward she always hoped for, and she talks about raising her with honesty about being donor-conceived, including connecting her with donor siblings via the Donor Sibling Registry. Reflecting on postpartum fears, finances, therapy and screen-time challenges, this is ultimately a story about finding joy in single mothering, soaking up the love that is Maria, in all her humour, imagination and strong will.

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