Navigating Motherhood with Love, Loss, and a Known Donor

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Jess from Western Australia shares her journey to motherhood using a known donor, Phil, to bring her daughter Gwen and son Freddie into the world. Jess discusses the challenges of choosing a known donor, navigating legal agreements, and handling pregnancy loss. Her resilient story offers insight into her decision to have a second child despite doubts from her support system, her experience with home insemination, and the sense of family she’s built through love and community. This episode highlights Jess’s strength, the joys and challenges of solo motherhood, and the power of a supportive network.

Finding Strength in the Unexpected: Sarah’s Story of Solo Motherhood and Embracing Life with Baby Noah

In this heartfelt episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Alisha talks with Sarah, a solo mum who shares her journey to welcoming her son, Noah. Sarah opens up about her path through multiple rounds of IUI and IVF, the impact of COVID-19 on her treatment, and her ultimate decision to embrace motherhood on her own terms. From navigating challenges to building a supportive network, Sarah’s story is filled with resilience, hope, and the joy of creating a family.

Choosing Solo Motherhood at 38: Carly’s Inspiring Story of Resilience, Support, and Finding Joy with Baby Lennon

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Alisha sits down with Carly, a solo mum who shares her journey to motherhood. Carly opens up about navigating both IUI and IVF, the challenges of infertility, and the importance of having a supportive family by her side. She also reflects on her first months as a mum to Lennon and the joy of creating a family on her own terms. This episode is packed with insights on resilience, family support, and what it means to be a solo mum by choice.

From IVF success during COVID to life-saving decisions for her son, Jed, Meagan shares her powerful story of love, strength, and resilience.

In this deeply moving episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Meagan shares her heartfelt journey to solo motherhood with her son, Jed. The idea was first sparked by her late mother’s lighthearted comment, but it wasn’t until age 36 that Meagan decided to make her dream of motherhood a reality.

Navigating IVF during the COVID-19 lockdown, Meagan faced unexpected challenges but was lucky enough to achieve success on her first fresh transfer. What followed was a smooth pregnancy, but her journey took an emotional turn when Jed was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a rare condition requiring major skull surgery at just 12 months old.

Through her story, Meagan shares the power of trusting maternal instincts, advocating for her son, and embracing life as a solo mum—building strength, resilience, and a deep bond with her little boy.

Key Takeaways:

• Deciding to pursue solo motherhood after years of dating disappointments.

• Achieving IVF success on her first fresh embryo transfer at age 37.

• Managing pregnancy and birth during COVID lockdowns, including an unexpected cesarean.

• Navigating Jed’s diagnosis of craniosynostosis and the emotional toll of his skull surgery.

• Embracing the joys and challenges of solo parenting, from toddler cuddles to building a new life near family.

From freezing eggs at 39 to overcoming loss, Elise shares her story of resilience and finding joy in motherhood with her daughter, Eve."

📝 Show Notes

In this heartfelt episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Elise shares her extraordinary journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her daughter, Eve. From always knowing she wanted to be a mother, Elise takes us through the highs and lows of her path—freezing eggs at 39, facing unexpected loss, and ultimately finding joy through donor egg IVF with the generous help of her cousin.

Elise opens up about the emotional hurdles of miscarriages, navigating a challenging pregnancy, and how her resilience—and a little bit of pixie dust—brought her to the most beautiful gift of all: her daughter. Her story highlights the importance of staying open-minded, finding supportive specialists, and leaning on family when it matters most.

Key Takeaways:

• Freezing eggs at 39 and balancing hope with the reality of age and fertility.

• Navigating miscarriages and the emotional toll of unsuccessful IVF transfers.

• Choosing donor eggs from her cousin and managing the counseling process.

• Overcoming a complicated pregnancy and birth, including preeclampsia and placenta complications.

• How motherhood has exceeded her dreams with the joy of raising her daughter, Eve.

From foster parent training to IVF success during COVID, Jac shares her story of courage, resilience, and motherhood.

In this inspiring episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Jac shares her journey to solo motherhood and her deep love for her son, Fletcher. Initially considering fostering, Jac’s path shifted when she realised how much she longed for her own child. Her story highlights the unique challenges of navigating fertility treatment during COVID, including failed IUI cycles, overstimulation during IVF, and a long 42-week pregnancy that ended in a whirlwind induction and delivery.

Jac also candidly discusses the emotional weight of choosing a sperm donor, the importance of maternal instincts, and how motherhood has exceeded her expectations in the most beautiful ways. Through it all, she shares valuable insights about trusting the process, creating routines, and cherishing every precious moment.

Key Takeaways:

• How foster care training sparked her decision to pursue solo motherhood.

• Navigating IUI, overstimulation, and a successful frozen embryo transfer.

• Managing a challenging 42-week pregnancy with daily sickness and an unexpected induction.

• Choosing a donor based on kindness and openness to future contact.

• Balancing work, boundaries, and life as a solo mum with her son, Fletcher.

From IVF setbacks to a life-saving early birth, Haylee shares her emotional journey to motherhood with her daughter, Neve.

In this powerful and emotional episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Haylee shares her extraordinary journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her daughter, Neve. Haylee opens up about the challenges she faced: navigating IVF, coping with miscarriage, and pushing through setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The story takes a dramatic turn as Haylee details her pregnancy complications, including major placenta previa, high blood pressure, and reduced movements. At just 33 weeks, Haylee’s instincts and courage saved Neve’s life, leading to an emergency C-section and an extended NICU stay.

Haylee’s story is a testament to the power of maternal instinct, resilience, and love. Her openness about postpartum anxiety, navigating life as a solo mum, and finding joy amidst the chaos will inspire anyone considering the solo motherhood path.

Key Takeaways:

• Facing multiple IVF challenges, including miscarriage and chemical pregnancies.

• Navigating pregnancy complications: major placenta previa, high blood pressure, and reduced fetal movements.

• How Haylee’s instincts saved Neve’s life and led to an emergency early birth at 33 weeks.

• The emotional journey of NICU and the challenges of bringing home a premature baby.

• Overcoming postnatal anxiety and the importance of leaning on family for support

How a dream, determination, and a little pixie dust led Alycia to motherhood through IUI with her daughter, Emmeline.

In this uplifting episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Alycia shares how a dream completely transformed her perspective on motherhood and led her to pursue solo motherhood by choice. Having spent most of her 20s and early 30s convinced she didn’t want children, Alycia’s life took a surprising turn after an unforgettable dream planted the seed for her future family.

Alycia dives into the practicalities of choosing a donor, navigating the IUI process, and managing the unexpected emotions of early pregnancy—all while balancing life in country WA. She shares how her background as an egg donor helped her confidently approach the process and why trusting herself was key to her journey. Her story is filled with humour, wisdom, and heartfelt reflections on life with her daughter, Emmeline, who has “found her voice” in the most adorable way.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from not wanting children to deciding to pursue solo motherhood at 35.

• Navigating the donor sperm process and the realities of rural fertility treatment in Western Australia.

• Getting pregnant on the first IUI attempt and dealing with pregnancy complications, including migraines and pelvic pain.

• Balancing the unexpected joy and challenges of early solo parenting.

• The importance of having strong support systems and solid foundations in place before starting the journey.

How Bess followed her heart, met her deadlines, and created a beautiful family with her two daughters, Sadie and Nina.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Bess shares her inspiring journey to solo motherhood with her daughters, Sadie and Nina. With a clear vision and a self-imposed timeline, Bess knew she wanted to pursue motherhood by age 30 if Prince Charming hadn’t come along.

Her story explores the success of her first IUI, the challenges of miscarriage, and the emotional ups and downs of trying for her second child through IVF. Bess speaks candidly about her experience navigating Tasmania’s donor system, connecting with other solo mums by choice, and eventually finding donor siblings for her daughters.

From navigating pregnancies with morning sickness to creating strong connections within her support network, Bess’ story highlights the importance of community, determination, and resilience. Her joy and gratitude for the life she’s created with her daughters shine through every step of her journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Setting a clear timeline to pursue solo motherhood and sticking to it.

• Navigating Tasmania’s local donor system and securing the same donor for siblings.

• Overcoming miscarriage and finding hope in a second IUI success.

• Transitioning to IVF and balancing the challenges of pregnancy, work, and finances.

• Building connections with donor siblings and a thriving solo mum community in Tasmania.

How Celeste turned a Hollywood idea into her reality, navigating IVF, sibling dreams, and solo parenting challenges.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Celeste shares her heartfelt and sometimes humorous journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her two boys, Henry and Charlie. Inspired by a movie (yes, The Back-Up Plan), Celeste decided to pursue motherhood in her early 30s after realising time was passing by without Prince Charming.

From navigating long sperm donor waitlists and fertility processes to managing unexpected health challenges, Celeste’s story highlights the realities of IVF, the desire for siblings, and the highs and lows of solo parenting. With candid reflections on her two very different sons and her advice on choosing clinics and specialists, Celeste provides valuable insights for anyone considering the solo motherhood path. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and finding humour in the chaos of creating her perfect family.

Key Takeaways:

• Deciding to pursue solo motherhood after a lightbulb moment watching The Back-Up Plan.

• Navigating long donor waitlists and unexpected delays.

• Managing IVF challenges, including multiple transfers, polyps, and NK cell issues.

• The highs and lows of pregnancy, birth, and parenting with a wide age gap between siblings.

• Valuable advice on selecting clinics, advocating for yourself, and preparing for unexpected costs.

How Nikeesha raced against time, embraced IVF, and navigated health challenges to welcome her daughter, Willa.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Nikeesha shares her remarkable journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her daughter, Willa. At just 27, a diagnosis related to her rare form of arthritis meant her window to carry a child was rapidly closing. Determined not to miss out on motherhood, Nikeesha embarked on a whirlwind IVF journey that took just three months from decision to pregnancy.

She candidly discusses the challenges of navigating fertility treatments, the emotional strain of a rushed process, and the physical toll of pregnancy with her condition. Nikeesha also touches on the realities of a traumatic birth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of postpartum support, and how her unwavering resilience—and the support of her dad—helped her thrive as a solo mum. Her story is one of strength, adaptability, and boundless love for her daughter, Willa.

Key Takeaways:

• Making a swift decision to pursue solo motherhood due to a health diagnosis.

• Navigating IVF at 27 and dealing with age-related assumptions from medical professionals.

• Choosing a donor and experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.

• Coping with a traumatic birth and postpartum challenges during the pandemic.

• The importance of building a support network and prioritising self-care.

How Maureen broke barriers, navigated fertility laws, and built a beautiful family on her own terms.

In this inspiring episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Maureen shares her trailblazing journey to solo motherhood. When Maureen first decided to become a solo mum, using donor sperm was illegal for single women in Victoria. Determined to follow her dream, she navigated the legal loopholes, underwent IVF, and welcomed her daughter, Lana, and later her son, Flynn.

Maureen candidly discusses the challenges of making the decision, overcoming societal expectations, and the emotional toll of miscarriages. Her journey highlights the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and building a support network—even when it comes from unexpected places. Maureen’s story is filled with humour, wisdom, and a powerful reminder that solo motherhood is not about doing it alone, but about creating a family in your own way.

Key Takeaways:

• Deciding to pursue solo motherhood despite societal and legal barriers.

• Navigating IVF in a time when it was illegal for single women in Victoria.

• Choosing a donor and forming a unique connection with him years later.

• Coping with miscarriages and finding the strength to try again.

• Building an unexpected support network that helped her through tough times.

How Jane overcame IVF setbacks, found hope with a known donor, and welcomed her daughter, Isabel.

In this deeply personal episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Jane shares her inspiring journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her daughter, Isabel. After years of knowing she wanted children but not finding the right relationship, Jane decided to pursue motherhood on her own terms. Her path included multiple rounds of IVF, the devastation of a miscarriage, and an unexpected yet perfect arrangement with a known donor—her friend’s brother.

Jane’s story highlights her unwavering determination to become a mum, the challenges of fertility treatments, and the beautiful bond she’s built with her daughter, her donor, and the extended donor family. Her candid discussion about navigating donor agreements, advocating for herself through setbacks, and creating a loving environment for Isabel is both heartfelt and empowering.

Key Takeaways:

• Making the decision to pursue solo motherhood in her late 30s.

• Navigating IVF, low AMH reserves, and the emotional toll of failed cycles.

• Experiencing a miscarriage and finding hope in the process.

• Choosing a known donor and managing expectations around involvement.

• Building a supportive village for Isabel with family, friends, and her donor's family.

How Nat overcame a lifetime of endometriosis, fertility challenges, and heartbreak to welcome her two beautiful boys.

⚠️ Trigger Warning - This episode discusses topics such as ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and medical trauma. Please take care while listening.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Nat takes us on a deeply personal journey through a lifetime of challenges with endometriosis, fertility struggles, and heartbreak. Diagnosed with a 3.5kg ovarian mass as a teenager, Nat spent years battling surgeries, adhesions, and blocked fallopian tubes. After failed relationships and a traumatic ectopic pregnancy during IVF, Nat shares how she found the strength to push forward, advocating for herself and her dream of motherhood.

Nat’s story explores the emotional rollercoaster of heterotopic pregnancy, complex fertility treatments, and the eventual joy of welcoming her two boys, Harry and Hudson, into the world. She highlights the importance of choosing the right specialists, financial preparation, and cherishing every moment of motherhood.

For anyone facing fertility challenges or considering solo motherhood, Nat’s journey offers inspiration, hope, and a reminder that miracles can happen—even against the odds.

Key Takeaways:

• Living with endometriosis and its impact on fertility from a young age.

• Facing blocked fallopian tubes, surgeries, and repeated IVF cycles.

• The emotional and physical toll of heterotopic pregnancy and ectopic loss.

• Successfully conceiving her two sons, Harry and Hudson, through IVF.

• Tips for advocating for yourself in fertility treatments and financial planning.

How Sarah embraced solo motherhood, navigated IVF, and found love again while raising her son, Ollie.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Sarah shares her incredible journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her son, Ollie. After years of travel and a realization in her mid-30s, Sarah decided she wasn’t going to wait for Prince Charming to pursue her dream of motherhood. Her path took her through IVF, a successful first transfer, and a smooth pregnancy. Sarah opens up about navigating solo parenting during Melbourne’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns and how her supportive family helped her through the early days. She also talks about the joy of finding a partner when she least expected it, proving that love can come at any time. Sarah’s story is one of independence, resilience, and the deep love she has for her son.

Key Takeaways:

• Deciding on solo motherhood after her early 30s milestone.

• The challenges of selecting a donor and choosing IVF over IUI.

• Experiencing a successful IVF transfer on the first attempt.

• Navigating solo parenting during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns.

• Finding love after becoming a solo mum and balancing a new relationship.

A Mother’s Love, Lasting Legacy, and Remy: Karly’s Brave Journey to Solo Motherhood

⚠️ Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussions about terminal illness and loss. It may be emotionally challenging for some listeners. Please take care while listening.

In this heartfelt episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Karly shares her journey to solo motherhood with her daughter, Remy. From giving herself milestone deadlines for motherhood to navigating multiple rounds of IUI, Karly candidly talks about her resilience and determination. She describes the challenges of fertility treatments, discovering a cervical blockage, and the joy of finally conceiving on her fourth attempt. Karly’s journey also touches on the realities of solo parenting, the importance of building a supportive village, and the deep bond she shares with her daughter. With her family’s unwavering support and her own strength, Karly created a life filled with love and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Deciding on solo motherhood after missed relationship milestones.

• Navigating four rounds of IUI and overcoming a cervical blockage.

• Experiencing a fast labour and the joy of a midwife-assisted delivery.

• The importance of building a support network and accepting help.

• Facing life’s challenges with resilience, including a terminal diagnosis.

Honouring Karly’s Legacy

It was an honour and a privilege to record Karly’s story—a story filled with courage, determination, and boundless love for her much-longed-for daughter, Remy. Karly’s strength and resilience inspired all who knew her, and she leaves behind a powerful legacy of hope and joy. Tragically, Karly passed away shortly after this episode was released, just before her daughter’s 5th birthday. This episode stands as a testament to her incredible journey and the deep love she had for Remy and her family.

How Camilla overcame heartbreak, fertility challenges, and a fast labour to welcome her son, Edward.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Camilla shares her inspiring journey to solo motherhood. After years of dating in her 20s and 30s, she decided to freeze her eggs at 37 as an insurance policy. A short, controlling relationship led to an unplanned pregnancy and a difficult decision to not proceed. Knowing time was ticking, she began IVF and welcomed her son, Edward, after a whirlwind two-hour labour. Camilla discusses the complexities of choosing a donor, dealing with pregnancy challenges, and reaching out to her donor during the pandemic. Her story highlights resilience, family support, and the joy of creating her family on her own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• Freezing eggs at 37 as an insurance policy for future motherhood.

• Ending a controlling relationship and making a difficult decision about an unplanned pregnancy.

• Pursuing IVF, selecting a donor, and experiencing a fast two-hour labour.

• Managing a traumatic birth and postnatal complications.

• Reaching out to her donor and forming an email-based connection.

How Sam’s decision to use a known donor led to her beautiful boys, Kai and Eli, and a life filled with resilience and joy.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Sam shares her heartfelt and insightful journey to solo motherhood. After a wake-up call when her best friend was diagnosed with cancer, Sam decided life was too short to wait for Prince Charming. She chose to use a known donor to conceive her two sons, Kai and Eli. Sam candidly discusses the donor selection process, the emotional challenges of loss, and the complexities of using a known donor. Her story also covers two pregnancies, one involving a stressful induction and C-section, and the joys and exhaustion of raising two young boys. Through it all, Sam's resilience, practical approach, and love for her children shine brightly.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing solo motherhood after the loss of a close friend.

• The process and challenges of selecting and working with a known donor.

• Managing a neurological condition during pregnancy and birth.

• Overcoming stressful inductions, C-sections, and postpartum adjustments.

• Building connections with donor siblings and embracing a supportive network.

How Tash tackled fertility challenges, disordered eating recovery, and IVF to create her perfect family.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Tash shares her inspiring journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her beautiful daughter, Izzy. From a childhood filled with nurturing instincts to overcoming disordered eating that caused amenorrhea, Tash knew motherhood was her ultimate dream. With the support of a trusted GP, she navigated fertility challenges, endured a failed IUI, and found success through IVF. Her story highlights resilience, emotional preparation, and the importance of building a support network. Tash also reflects on pregnancy during Melbourne’s lockdowns and the joy of finally embracing motherhood after years of uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

• Recovering from disordered eating and navigating amenorrhea.

• The importance of a supportive GP and fertility specialist.

• Moving from IUI to IVF after a long and challenging process.

• Facing early ovulation and IVF setbacks.

• Experiencing pregnancy during COVID-19 lockdowns and planning for postpartum success.

How Sasha faced fertility challenges, built her business, and embraced solo motherhood with joy.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Sasha shares her empowering journey to solo motherhood with her daughter, Brooklynn. After a pivotal relationship ended and a fertility consultation revealed blocked tubes and severe endometriosis, Sasha knew she didn’t want to wait any longer. She pursued IVF and was fortunate to conceive on her first transfer. Sasha also talks about her traumatic birth experience, the reality of sleep deprivation, and the importance of support in the early days. Post-motherhood, she started her own virtual assistant business to create the flexible lifestyle she wanted for herself and Brooklynn. Her story highlights resilience, entrepreneurship, and the joy of building a life on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• Facing fertility challenges with blocked tubes and endometriosis.

• The decision to pursue IVF and the emotional highs and lows.

• Overcoming a traumatic birth experience and early struggles with sleep deprivation.

• Starting a virtual assistant business for flexibility as a solo mum.

• The importance of building a support network and community.