No need for Prince Charming

From Car Accident to IVF: Carly’s Solo Mum by Choice Journey
Carly always knew motherhood was non-negotiable. Marriage? Optional. A partner? Nice, but not essential. But children? Absolutely.

After a serious car accident in 2020 forced her to stop and re-evaluate everything, Carly realised she couldn’t keep waiting for “someday.” What followed was a journey through public hospital waitlists, donor shortages, IUI disappointment, IVF pressure, and the emotional intensity of choosing a donor in a system where options are limited and timing is everything.

In this episode, Carly shares:

The breakup that made her confront her fertility timeline

The moment her dad said, “There are many ways to have a child.”

Being hit by a car on the way to a first date

Why donor selection was far harder than she expected

The stress of donor availability disappearing in seconds

Losing “her donor” and getting him back

The emotional impact of failed IUIs

Why IVF ultimately changed the trajectory

This episode is honest, grounded, and full of perspective for any woman considering solo motherhood.

Key Takeaways

Motherhood can be non-negotiable, even when partnership isn’t.

Public fertility systems can involve long waitlists and limited donor access.

Donor shortages are real, particularly for Caucasian donors and IUI cycles.

Extended genetic screening can reduce stress during donor selection.

IUI success rates are low (around 10–15% per cycle).

IVF may feel more clinical, but it can provide reassurance through embryo grading and higher success rates.

Emotional resilience is just as important as medical readiness.

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.

From IVF Loss to Solo Motherhood: Bec’s Honest Journey to Becoming Liam’s Mum
Season 5 begins with one of the most raw and honest conversations yet.

In this first episode of the new season, Alisha sits down with Bec, who never imagined becoming a solo mum — until fertility timelines, life circumstances, and a quiet realisation changed everything.

Bec shares how a routine fertility check planted the seed that ultimately led her toward donor conception, and the emotional process of choosing motherhood without waiting for the “right” partner.

But this story doesn’t stop at pregnancy success.

Bec opens up about:

navigating IVF and miscarriage

the emotional complexity of pregnancy after loss

an unexpected early birth and emergency caesarean

the realities of newborn life as a solo parent

postnatal depression and the bond that took time to grow

learning to ask for help — and why no one should do this alone

This episode is honest, grounding, and deeply reassuring for anyone wondering whether solo motherhood is possible — or what life actually looks like on the other side.

Season 5 begins with a reminder that there is no single way to become a mother — and no single way to feel once you arrive there.

Key Takeaways

Solo motherhood is often not a lifelong plan — but a path discovered along the way.

Fertility conversations and medical guidance can shift life decisions dramatically.

IVF journeys are rarely linear and often involve emotional resilience.

Pregnancy after loss can feel anxious rather than joyful.

The newborn stage doesn’t always bring instant bonding — and that is normal.

Asking for help is essential, even when choosing solo motherhood.

Community and support networks are critical for solo parents.

Motherhood can fundamentally change identity and perspective.

Many solo mums experience overwhelming strength alongside vulnerability.

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

Laura’s Solo Motherhood Journey: Grief, Genetic Testing & Welcoming Baby Celeste
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.

Key Takeaways

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.

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 Bundles
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’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.

The Best Books for Donor-Conceived Children: DCP Hub’s Top Recommendations
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.

Useful Links:

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

Key Takeaways

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.

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.