No need for Prince Charming

Most of the stories on this podcast start at the beginning. This one starts seven years down the track — and it's one of the most valuable perspectives we have. Renee made her first appointment at 37, after a colleague finally said the quiet part loud and told her to just do it already. She did two IUI rounds, had a bad experience with her first IVF clinic and walked away, found Dr David Wilkinson at City Fertility, and on her third and final round — a frozen transfer she specifically advocated for against the default fresh option — fell pregnant with Aria. She was 39. Aria is now seven. She goes to Girl Guides, swimming and karate. She spent time in Bali with the solo mum community and came home telling her teachers about her brothers and sisters. She has decided she can't find Renee a husband because all the good ones are already married. She recently concluded she'd like to learn how to be on her own first before finding a partner — and she's seven. This is a conversation about what the long view really looks like. Not just the birth story and the newborn phase — though Renee shares those too, including a GP who missed her post-caesarean sepsis and a cow's milk protein intolerance that took months to diagnose — but what it means to raise a donor-conceived child who is starting to ask real questions, to build a village from scratch in a new city, and to feel, genuinely, that this life is fuller than anything you could have imagined before it. In this episode: The colleague who finally told her to just do it — and how one conversation changed everything Two IUI rounds and her first IVF clinic — and the moment she realised she owed them nothing and left Finding Dr David Wilkinson at City Fertility, a fresh perspective, and a one-step-at-a-time approach Three IVF rounds at 39 — low numbers, a Bali holiday between rounds, and the frozen transfer she asked for over the default fresh The butterfly effect moment: the embryo she asked to be frozen became Aria Coming home after a caesarean — and the GP who dismissed her concerns, missed her sepsis, and tried to put her on antidepressants Cow's milk protein intolerance: months of a screaming baby, a GP who listened, and 48 hours to a different child Donating her remaining embryo to another solo mum via Facebook — and what that process involved Aria at seven: the donor questions she's asking, what Renee tells her and what she doesn't, and why she won't build up a donor who may disappoint The one and done decision — and the clear-eyed logic behind it The solo mum community: nearly giving up after two bad playground meet-ups, a leap-of-faith camping trip to Phillip Island, and the village she now can't imagine living without The daughters of solo mums — and why Renee thinks they're going to have a fundamentally different relationship with what they need from a partner What she'd say to Aria, and what she'd say to anyone sitting on the fence Key Takeaways You owe your fertility clinic no loyalty if it's not the right fit — changing clinics can change everything Advocate for yourself in IVF decisions — Renee asked for a frozen transfer over the default fresh, and that embryo became Aria Trust your instincts about your baby's health. If a GP dismisses you, find another one and bring your list Building your village takes time, a few wrong fits, and one leap of faith — but it is out there The solo mum community doesn't just support the mums — it creates chosen family for the children too When your child says they wish they had a dad, ask more questions — it's almost never about the dad Raise your child to know they are enough on their own before they look for anyone else to complete them You can donate a remaining embryo to another family — ask your clinic about your options This episode is brought to you by City Fertility Exploring fertility treatment as a solo mum in Australia? City Fertility offers an exclusive 20% discount for No N

Kristi’s Story: Solo Motherhood, Mental Health & Finding Donor Siblings for Imogen 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. Key Takeaways 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 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. Solo Mum Society Private Facebook Group 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.

How Sammy Created a Second Baby Solo After Separation: A Donor Conception Story 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. Key Takeaways 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. 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. Preparing for treatment or TTC solo? 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 heartbreak to IVF to identical twin boys — Rochelle shares how she found her power and joy doing this solo. 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. Key Takeaways 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. 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. Free Download: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Solo Mum 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.

Trust Your Gut: Verity’s Journey to Solo Motherhood, Autism, and Adventure 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. Key Takeaways 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.” 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. Considering Solo Motherhood? 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 Expecting Solo? 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 The Bump Membership 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