The Single Greatest Choice: For Single Women Exploring Solo Motherhood by Choice (SMBC), Fertility, and Having a Baby on Their Own Through Donor Conception or Adoption

What do you do when the path to motherhood keeps asking you to let go of the way you thought it would happen?I sit down with life coach and single mom by choice Victoria Kennedy to talk about her five-year journey to becoming a mother... a journey filled with difficult endings, unexpected pivots, heartbreaking losses, and ultimately, a deep trust in herself and the life she wanted to create.Victoria shares how she walked away from a seven-year toxic relationship at 34 and took the time she needed to rebuild herself before dating again. Motherhood was still something she deeply wanted, and when a later relationship came with an ultimatum — choose the relationship or keep pursuing fertility treatment — Victoria had to decide what she was and wasn't willing to give up.Victoria and I discuss:Choosing your desire for motherhood when a relationship asks you to give it upNavigating six IUIs, five IVF cycles, fertility setbacks, pregnancy loss, and an ectopic pregnancyMaking the emotional pivot to donor eggs and grieving the loss of a biological connectionSetting boundaries with well-meaning family and friends during fertility treatmentLetting go of the timeline you thought your life would followHow Victoria's experience led her to life coaching and helping women recognize "micro-self-abandonment"Developing the self-trust to make hard decisions without needing everyone else to understand themYour Next Steps:Learn more about Victoria Kennedy at https://www.victoriakennedy.studio/Connect with Victoria on Instagram at @VictoriaKennedy.studioSign Up for Community Groups: Connect with women on similar paths by signing up for upcoming groups at https://www.singlegreatestchoice.com/community-groups.Connect with me on Instagram: Follow @single_greatest_choice for daily inspiration and insights.Join the SGC Village: Become part of the community and stay up-to-date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up HERE at the bottom of the page.👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

What does donor conception actually feel like from the child’s perspective as they grow into adulthood?I sit down with Kat Boldt, LPC, to discuss the lifelong journey of donor conception through the unique dual lens of a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an adult donor-conceived person raised by a Single Mother by Choice.Kat shares her personal experience of growing up knowing her story, how finding 30 genetic half-siblings in adulthood altered her perspective, and what it’s like to process complex identity emotions across a lifespan.In this episode, we discuss:What connecting with genetic half-siblings (or sibling pods) looks like, from varied emotional reactions to forming deep lifelong bonds.Moving beyond simplified children's books to normalize all feelings around donor conception—not just "mom wanted me so much".Why telling children early and often builds positive identity and avoids the potential trauma of finding out later in adulthood.How open donor choices impact mental health outcomes, and why true anonymity is no longer guaranteed in the era of direct-to-consumer DNA testing.Letting your child lead language changes over time, finding positive role models, and utilizing therapist resources like the US Donor Conceived Council.Resources and Additional Information Discussed:US Donor Conceived Counsel (USDCC)USDCC Ask A TherapistLearn more about Kat's work at https://northcoastic.comFind Kat on Instagram at @katboldtcounselingMore About Our Guest:Kat Boldt, LPC, was raised by a single mother by choice and has always known she was donor conceived. As a licensed counselor in Ohio, she specializes in providing affirming care to adult clients exploring sexuality, gender identity, and reproductive technologies, including donor conception. Learn more about Kat at https://northcoastic.comYour Next Steps:Sign Up for one of our upcoming groups at https://www.singlegreatestchoice.com/community-groups Connect with Katie on Instagram at @Single_Greatest_ChoiceBecome part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up HERE at the bottom of the page👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

I sit down with Jeni to unpack a raw, deeply resonant, and incredibly insightful fertility journey. Jeni shares her evolution from viewing egg freezing as a simple piece of "mental insurance" at age 35 to navigating a grueling five-year path spanning five different fertility clinics. She describes the mental and physical toll of constant cycle adjustments, the burden of clinic communication woes, and the unique challenges of deciding when to finally stop using your own genetic material.We dive deep into how a direct conversation with her mother served as a turning point, prompting her to shift paths and explore embryo donation. Jeni shares her practical experiences onboarding with major matching organizations like Embryo Connections and Empower with Moxie, explaining how she navigated potential match criteria and discovered what genuinely mattered to her.Throughout it all, Jeni models a beautiful mindset shift: learning to release a tight grip on expectations, setting clear intuitive boundaries of "this and no further," and choosing to hold her solo parenting journey as lightly as possible.In this episode, we discuss:The emotional reality of egg freezing at 35 and how expectations can shift over time.Advocating for yourself across 5 different clinics and recognizing when a provider is not the right fit.Processing the decision to stop using your own eggs.The step-by-step onboarding process, cost realities, and managing weekly databases through agencies like Embryo Connections and Empower with Moxie.Shifting perspective from sperm donor filters to full embryo genetics, adjusting to physical match considerations, and managing communication alignment with donor families.Moving past the urge to strangle every choice.Connect with Katie:Website:singlegreatestchoice.comInstagram:@single_greatest_choice👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌 Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.✍️ Reach out to Katie over at [email protected].ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

Embryo donation can be a beautiful and deeply layered way to build a family, but it’s also a topic surrounded by questions, emotion, and a lot of unknowns. In this episode, I’m joined by Maya Grobel, a licensed clinical social worker, recipient parent, and documentary filmmaker, along with Jen Vesbit, a nationally certified counselor and donor parent. Together with their partner Gina Davis, they co-founded Empower with Moxi and the Moxi Matching platform, where they provide guidance, support, and education for embryo donors and recipients.We talk about what motivates donors and recipients, the emotional complexity on both sides, and the importance of feeling truly ready while also making space for grief. We also discuss how relationships between families can evolve over time. Maya and Jen share the personal experiences that led them to this work, including Maya building her family through embryo donation and Jen donating her remaining embryo to a single mother by choice. They also explain why more solo moms are beginning to consider embryo donation as part of their path to parenthood today.If you’re curious about embryo donation for yourself, or wondering what to do with remaining embryos, this conversation will help you better understand the logistics, the community, and most importantly, what it can look like to reimagine your own vision of family.In this episode, we talk about:The emotional journey of embryo donation from both donor and recipient perspectivesThe practical steps and timeline for directed, open embryo donationThe unique ways single parents are welcomed and supported in the Moxi Matching processHow to navigate family conversations, decision-making, and the “when is my family complete?” questionThe importance of community and support for solo moms considering this pathSupporting children (and donor families) in talking about genetic connections and expanded familyWhy choice, inclusivity, and agency are at the heart of building families through embryo donationResources:EM•POWER with MoxiInstagram: @empowerwithmoxiMaya's websiteOne More ShotMaya's Podcast: Never Thought We'd Be HereJen on Instagram: @embryodonationsupport👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌 Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.✍️ Reach out to Katie over at [email protected].ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

Donor conception is changing faster than most fertility clinics or sperm banks can keep up. More and more women are looking for alternative paths to parenthood that put autonomy, transparency, and connection at the center. If you’ve ever wondered about the world of known, open, and peer-to-peer sperm donation, or wanted more control and clarity on selecting a donor, this episode is for you.Today, I’m joined by Sofie Hafstrøm Kritsotaki, CEO of Y factor, a Copenhagen-based startup helping solo moms (and others) connect directly with sperm donors in a safe and user-friendly way. Sofie shares how Y factor works, why donor and recipient choice matters, and all the behind-the-scenes details about vetting, agreements, communication, and what it looks like to use the app.We break down what it’s actually like to search for a donor outside of the typical bank system, including logistics, legal considerations, and the emotional side of creating your family story. If you’re feeling both curious and cautious about moving beyond the default options, I hope this conversation helps you feel informed, empowered, and confident in exploring what’s possible.In this episode, we talk about:How peer-to-peer sperm donation gives both donor and recipient more agency and choiceWhat makes the Y factor platform different from banks and Facebook groupsWays to prioritize safety, legal clarity, and personal preference in open donor arrangementsThe real motivations behind why men become donors, and how that impacts your decisionNavigating conversations about expectations, boundaries, and future contact with the donorWhy so many single mothers by choice are leading the way in this new modelWhat to consider if you want siblings or want to connect with your child’s donor or half-siblingsLearn more about Y factor and download the app here!👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.Reach out to Katie over at [email protected].

Becoming a single mother by choice is complicated enough, but when you add layers of cultural expectations, family pressure, and the uncertainty of fertility, it can feel like there’s just no roadmap and no one who gets it. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Reema Kiran, executive coach, founder of Choice Mom Coach, and now published author of the book, Choice Mom. We go deep into her process of navigating unexplained infertility, cultural traditions, and making the call to prioritize motherhood on her own terms.Together, we share the real, lived experience of choosing this path despite fears and grief over what “should have been". Reema opens up about childhood dreams clashing with grown-up realities, the importance of mindset, and what it meant to face questions from family and her Indian community. We talk about what’s helped us both, and what it has looked like for our families (and ourselves) to come around to single motherhood by choice. Whether you’re in the thinking stage, facing fertility challenges, or wrestling with letting go of the life you imagined, this is a truly supportive, honest conversation.In this episode, we talk about:Navigating cultural expectations and family reactions as a single mother by choiceThe emotional side of infertility, failed fertility treatments, and shifting your mindsetReema's experience with egg freezing and entering the world of IVF on her ownGrieving the loss of the partner and child vision, and finding your own way forwardDay-to-day realities and surprises of solo motherhood (from mental load to mom guilt)How to speak with confidence to loved ones who might not understand your choicesThe power of self-compassion, community, and taking just one next stepConnect with Reema:WebsiteInstagram: @choicemomcoachChoice Mom: An Empowering Guide to Becoming a Single Mother by Choice👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.Reach out to Katie over at [email protected].

Sometimes the path to motherhood asks us to step into the unknown with courage, intention, and trust, especially when the journey doesn’t look anything like we first imagined. In this episode, I’m joined by Regine Smith, solo mom by adoption, and founder of SMBC Resources. Regine shares her powerful story of building her family through adoption as a single woman, navigating years of research and uncertainty, and ultimately embracing a version of motherhood that feels deeply right for her.We talk honestly about fear, doubt, and the pressure to “get it right” when becoming a solo parent, and how those feelings can nearly eclipse the beauty and healing that motherhood brings. Regine opens up about the realities of the adoption process, the challenges and joys of parenting a young child, and her commitment to making it easier for other women to find trustworthy support on their own journeys. Whether you’re considering adoption, donor conception, or simply exploring your options, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling seen, informed, and a little more at ease about what’s possible.In this episode, we talk about:Regine’s journey to solo motherhood and building her family through toddler adoptionWhat it’s really like to navigate years of decisions, research, and uncertainty before becoming a momThe emotional impact of fear and doubt, and why holding space for your child’s feelings is so essentialHow adoption actually works for single women (versus the stories we tell ourselves about what’s impossible)Finding community and autonomy as a solo mom, plus the realities of parenting through anxiety, growth, and changeThe story behind SMBC Resources, and how Regine is helping other single moms access vetted, supportive professionalsWhy the privilege of creating a safe, loving home can sometimes matter more than any plan we once hadConnect with Regine:SMBC Resources website: smbcresources.comEmail: [email protected]: @smbcresources👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.Reach out to Katie over at [email protected].

This episode is a little different than usual.In this Season 8 finale of The Single Greatest Choice Podcast, I’m stepping out of my usual interview role to share a personal reflection on the question I’m asked more than any other:Will I have a second child as a single mother by choice?Rather than offering a clear answer, this episode is about the process of living inside that question — the clarity that came and went, the tension between who I’ve been and who I’m becoming, and what it looks like to honor uncertainty without rushing toward resolution.In this episode, I share:Why deciding about a second child isn’t the same as deciding to tryWhat it means to choose “not deciding” as a valid place to standHow finances, age, capacity, identity, and work all factor into this questionThe joy and freedom of life with an older child — and what’s at stake in starting overOne of my core coaching frameworks for navigating high-stakes decisions with no clear right answerThe grief of imagined futures and the “ghost ships that didn’t carry us”Why sometimes holding on is part of integration, not avoidanceWhat I’m learning about letting go, identity, and trust as this year comes to a closeThis episode isn’t about arriving at certainty. It’s about honoring the space before clarity.Mentioned in this episode:Cheryl Strayed, Dear Sugar: “The Ghost Ships That Didn’t Carry Us”Looking for other single mothers by choice who share your city, career, identity, or stage of motherhood? Join the SGC Directory👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

Today’s episode is something a little different. I’m sharing a bonus conversation that was recorded for another podcast, Quiet the Clock, created by psychotherapist Beth Gulotta. Because Beth’s work and mine overlap in such meaningful ways, we decided to release this interview on both of our feeds today.If you’re new to Quiet the Clock, it’s a deeply thoughtful space for women who are feeling the pressure of fertility timelines, missed milestones, and the quiet (or not-so-quiet) grief that can come with life unfolding differently than expected. In other words, it’s a space that will likely feel very familiar if you’re listening to this show.Beth helps women question and rewrite the stories that no longer serve them, creating room for a life that actually fits — one grounded in self-trust, empowerment, and choosing your own timing. Her personal journey, combined with her clinical background, makes her a steady and compassionate voice in a space that truly needs more of both.You’ll also be hearing from Beth again next week when she joins me as a guest on The Single Greatest Choice, so this is a beautiful introduction to her work and perspective.After you listen, be sure to follow Quiet the Clock wherever you get your podcasts and explore more of Beth’s episodes. If you’re here, I have a feeling her work will resonate deeply.Podcast - Quiet The Clock Podcast

Do you ever wonder what solo motherhood by choice looks like further down the line? I certainly do, and today's episode with a SMBC of a teen was a fascinating window into that world.Today’s guest, Elle, became a single mother by choice at 36, using a known sperm donor: someone she briefly dated years before. Today, her son is 13, and her story gives us a rare, honest look at what life can look like after the decision is made and we leave the diaper years behind us. I love how open Elle is in sharing the beautiful, the complicated, the surprising, and everything in between. From managing pregnancy and postpartum alone and watching her son’s relationship with his donor evolve, to navigating school choices, identity questions, and early teenage years.If you’ve ever wondered whether a known sperm donor could work for you, or you’re simply craving a long-term perspective from someone further down the solo motherhood path, Elle’s story offers us a peek into what it can look like.In this episode on solo parenting a teenager and choosing a known sperm donor, we discuss:How Elle decided to pursue solo motherhood at 36;Why she chose a known donor over a sperm bank and how she went about it;What the donor relationship looked like during pregnancy and postpartum;Her son’s evolving understanding of who his “donor” or “dad” is;Legal considerations (and misconceptions) around known sperm donors;Navigating boundaries, expectations, and emotional complexity over 13 years;Identity, gender expression, and raising a compassionate son;The challenges and rewards of solo parenting an older child;Trusting yourself through big parenting and school decisions;And much more.👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

While some motherhood paths unfold easily, others bring unexpected twists and turns. Dr. Shanelle Bolton’s path to solo motherhood included multiple surgeries to remove fibroids, a chemical pregnancy, and even a near-fatal postpartum hemorrhage. But all of this was part of her journey, and today she’s a proud solo mom by choice to two thriving children. In the midst of it all, she also founded POSH Parenthood, where she helps families move from chaos to calm through purposeful rhythms and executive functioning support for kids.Shanelle shares how she turned her challenges into a mission: empowering parents to create calmer, more connected homes without chasing perfection. Her story is a reminder that the path isn’t always smooth and straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get us to where we want to go.In this episode on Shanelle’s journey to becoming a solo mom of two, you’ll hear:Deciding to become a solo mom by choice and building a support system to make it happen;Navigating an IVF journey with fibroids and multiple surgeries;Coping with a chemical pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhage;How Shanelle re-imagined her career after losing her job and founded POSH Parenthood;Why flexible parenting rhythms work better than rigid routines;Understanding executive functioning for kids and how it helps parents, too;The importance of Black maternal health and self-advocacy in motherhood;And more!More about Dr. Shanelle BoltonDr. Shanelle Bolton, EdD, MST, MLS is the founder and CEO of POSH Parenthood Coaching & Consulting, where she helps parents and educators move from chaos to calm by building purposeful family rhythms and strengthening children’s executive functioning skills. With over two decades of experience in education and early childhood leadership, she blends professional expertise with personal resilience as a single mother by choice who navigated IVF, pregnancy loss, and a near-fatal postpartum complication. Through high-touch coaching, courses, and her signature Raising in Rhythm program, Dr. Bolton empowers families to find flow, connection, and confidence in parenting.Ways to connect with Shanelle:🌐 Website: poshparenthood.com📸 Instagram: @poshparenthood🎥 TikTok: @poshparenthood📘 Featured Resource: Raising Brighter Minds eBook✨ Signature Program: Raising in Rhythm 👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.🏘️Join our community, The SGC VillageReach out to Katie over at [email protected]

Pregnancy doesn’t always go the way you imagined it would. For my dear friend and fellow SMBC, Mel Anderson, what began with excitement quickly turned into one of the hardest seasons of her life. Instead of hiking and practicing yoga through her pregnancy as she had envisioned, Mel faced hyperemesis: severe nausea and vomiting that left her unable to care for herself, barely able to eat or drink, and often confined to the bathroom floor.⚠️Before we dive in, a gentle heads up: this episode includes a detailed discussion of hyperemesis and the mental health struggles that can come with a difficult pregnancy. If you’re feeling particularly anxious about pregnancy, this might not be the right episode for you. And if you’re currently in the middle of a hard pregnancy yourself, please know there is relief and joy on the other side (which you’ll hear about in the next episode, in which we’ll continue with Mel’s story).In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Mel shares what it was really like to go through pregnancy without a partner while navigating a condition that tested her body, her mental health, and her spirit. From the heartbreak of canceled embryo transfers to the unexpected challenges of her pregnancy, her story is raw, honest, and important.If you’re considering solo motherhood, pregnant yourself, or simply want to know you’re not alone in facing a difficult path, this conversation will remind you that strength can grow even in the hardest places.In this episode on Mel’s story about her pregnancy without a partner, we discuss:Mel’s path to becoming a single mother by choice after ambivalence about having children in her younger years;How Mel’s relationship history played into the decision;Being diagnosed with hyperemesis and how it shaped her pregnancy;Mental health struggles and learning to advocate for herself in the medical system;The critical role of support during a high-risk pregnancy as a solo mom;Why sharing the hard stories matters just as much as sharing the joyful ones;And more.👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.🏘️Join our community, The SGC VillageReach out to Katie over at [email protected]

Even with careful planning, none of us can predict how our path to motherhood will unfold.When we last spoke with Tara Resnick, she was preparing for another egg retrieval and left us with quite the cliffhanger. Today, she’s back to share the next chapter of her journey toward solo motherhood.In this conversation, Tara speaks with honesty and vulnerability about the setbacks she’s faced—multiple egg retrievals, the financial strain of treatment, and the deep emotional toll of pursuing IVF as a single woman at 42. She also opens up about the regrets she carries: wishing she had pursued IVF or at least frozen eggs earlier, and staying in relationships longer than she now wishes she had.What makes Tara’s story so powerful is not a picture-perfect narrative, but her willingness to share the messy middle—the heartbreak, the resilience it takes to keep going, and the importance of self-compassion when the outcome is still unknown.Tara’s reminder for all of us: resilience isn’t about toxic positivity. It’s about choosing yourself, holding onto hope, and finding peace even in the hardest seasons.“Choose yourself, always.” – Tara ResnickIf you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to walk through IVF on your own—the ups, the setbacks, the financial and emotional weight—I hope this conversation will make you feel less alone.In this episode, we discuss:Tara’s second and third egg retrievals, including the unexpected decision to pursue a Duo Stim cycleThe financial and emotional impact of IVF as a single womanThe vulnerability of navigating fertility treatments without a partnerReceiving difficult PGT results and the decision to transfer an untested embryoHow to balance hope and grief without falling into toxic positivityWhy Tara believes trying was still the right choice for her, no matter the outcomeAnd moreConnect with Tara: Instagram | @TaraLaurennnSimple Coaching for Health & Weight LossEvolve with Tara: Solution Focused Coaching👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.🏘️Join our community, The SGC VillageReach out to Katie over at [email protected]