No need for Prince Charming: Recent Episodes
Alisha Burns @Noneedforprincecharming
Hear from successful Australian solo mums that have embraced motherhood on their own terms by having a child without a partner. This could be via sperm donor, egg and sperm donor or adoption. Listen to their amazing journeys and what they went through to make their motherhood dreams come true when Plan A didn't work out.
Another fabulous season of the No need for Prince Charming podcast with another incredible 40 mums who’ve so generously shared their story – thank you!
In this wrap up we hear from some of our previous guests from season 1 and 2 and get updates on life for them since the podcast. If you’re interested in sharing your story in season 3 out in 2024 please reach out.
Have a fabulous summer, binge listen to old episodes and we’ll be back in March xx
Love the podcast?
Show your appreciation and help cover the costs and time associated by shouting me a coffee xx
Shout me a coffeeJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message with a little bit about your story and I’ll be in contact to organise.
NameEmail Message Apply
Before becoming a mum, Lisa had a very clear idea of the goals she needed to achieve before she was ready to go down this path. After achieving the travel, the house and the dog she was successful at becoming a mum and now lives in Adelaide with her adorable daughter Grace. In this episode we discuss the complications of requiring genetic testing, the emotional journey of treatment not going the way you think it will, Grace’s dramatic premature entrance into the world and how the first 10 months have gone.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING CITY20” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Join the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message with a little bit about your story and I’ll be in contact to organise.
NameEmail Message Apply
Mel always thought if she wasn’t a mum by the time she was 35 she would pursue becoming a mother on her own. In her late 20s she decided to bring the timeline forward, and after getting treatment in a different state she now has her gorgeous son Theo. In this episode we discuss navigating the early days with a newborn post a c-section, possible siblings and her thoughts on connecting with the donor or donor siblings given she used an international donor.
Love the podcast?
Show your appreciation and help cover the costs and time associated by shouting me a coffee xx
Shout me a coffeeJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message with a little bit about your story and I’ll be in contact to organise.
NameEmail Message Apply
The only thing Leah ever wanted was to be a mum and at 30, when relationships hadn’t worked out as planned, she pursued becoming a solo mum by choice. Leah lives in Victoria with her adorable son Dallas. In this episode we discuss dealing with a stressful pregnancy, her thoughts on siblings and donor siblings and how she talks about being donor conceived with her son.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING CITY20” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Sitting in a cafe in Iceland Carissa’s friend helped her see the way for her to truely be happy was to have a baby. She came back to Australia where she had the support she wanted to become a solo mum by choice to her son Declan. In this episode we discuss the importance of having a fertility specialist you connect with, the process she went through in order to use overseas egg and sperm donors whilst in Australia, her challenges with breastfeeding and making contact with donor siblings.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING CITY20” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Love the podcast?
Show your appreciation and help cover the costs and time associated by shouting me a coffee xx
Shout me a coffeeJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message with a little bit about your story and I’ll be in contact to organise.
NameEmail Message Apply
Jacinta always wanted children and coming from a big family, she assumed it would be an easy journey. After an unexpected twist in her journey she now has a gorgeous son Leo. In this episode we discuss her experience with recruited and clinic donors, her cancer journey (which was only discovered as a result of her fertility treatment) and her thoughts on siblings and donor siblings.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING CITY20” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
In this special bonus episode I talk to Rene from City Fertility to understand what is involved when you use a fertility clinic for conception as a solo mother. In the episode we cover the important things like cost, process, access to donor sperm via their ADDAM and EEVE apps, Medicare rebates and what health insurance actually covers when IVF is part of your policy.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING CITY20” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Love the podcast?
Show your appreciation and help cover the costs and time associated by shouting me a coffee xx
Shout me a coffee
Prior to Cyndi becoming a mother she was a nanny and a teacher, becoming a mother was always something she knew she was going to do. She lives in Melbourne with her son Callaway and in this episode she shares her long journey to conception, the process for being a recipient of donor embryos and how she overcame her challenges with breast feeding.
Join the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message with a little bit about your story and I’ll be in contact to organise.
NameEmail Message ApplyLove the podcast?
Show your appreciation and help cover the costs and time associated by shouting me a coffee xx
Shout me a coffee
Sonya knew she wanted to be a mother as soon as her younger sister joined the family. In her late 20s, after getting her family’s support, she embarked on this journey to make those dreams come true. She now has an adorable son Pippin. In this episode we discuss her considerations when selecting and potential contacting her donor, the importance of her support network and surviving the fourth trimester.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING CITY20” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Join the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message with a little bit about your story and I’ll be in contact to organise.
NameEmail Message Apply
After bringing up her younger siblings, Sarah wasn’t sure she wanted to be a mum, but once she decided, she also decided she would do it with or without a partner. After dating, what felt like half of Melbourne, she decided to go solo, and after rollercoaster journey she now has her gorgeous son Dylan. In this episode we talk about the journey Sarah went through to conceive including her foray into recruited donors via Facebook, how using a fertility naturopath changed her conception options, life now vs her expectations and the relationship she has with her known donor.
Sarah’s fertility naturopath – https://www.instagram.com/julienoblenaturopath/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
The free birthing classes – https://coreandfloor.com.au/products/antenatal-classes
The great birth rebellion podcast – https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion
Postpartum doula village – https://www.instagram.com/fillyourcup_/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Love the podcast?
Show your appreciation and help cover the costs and time associated by shouting me a coffee xx
Shout me a coffee
Angela spent a lot of time travelling and following her dreams, so when she didn’t find the right partner to start her family with she decided to have a child on her own. She lives in NSW with her adorable son Lucas. In this episode we talk about making contact with her donor, putting herself out there to build a village with other mums and solo mums and dealing with a special needs diagnosis for her son.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING CITY20” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Join the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message with a little bit about your story and I’ll be in contact to organise.
NameEmail Message Apply
Liza always knew she wanted to be a mum, then in her mid 30s realised she was going to have to take matters into her own hands if that dream was to become a reality. She now lives in the Sunshine coast with her 12 year old triplets! In this episode we talk about the rollercoaster journey Liza went through in order to get her boys, life with triplets and how it has changed as they get older and how the conversation about being donor conceived has evolved as they mature.
Join the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message with a little bit about your story and I’ll be in contact to organise.
NameEmail Message Apply
In this bonus episode I interviewed Lara who is dietician that specialises in fertility and pregnancy, especially for women trying to conceive over the age of 35. We discuss what you should and shouldn’t eat to help egg quality and your chance of conception success, as well as ensuring a health pregnancy and debunking some of the myths and misconceptions.
The probiotic that Lara mentions that was studied in a randomised controlled trial and was positively associated with reduced risk of GDM is called ‘Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001’ –> reach out to Lara if you are interested in where you can buy this, the correct dosage, and when to take it!
Lara can help with egg collection prep (ideally want to be working on this ~3 months prior to your stim cycle), nutrition support to optimise implantation and also pregnancy and breastfeeding nutrition!
Head over to her website to book a FREE 15min chat to find out whether a full consultation or an express 30min prenatal supplement consult would be right for you! https://laramathers.com/book-a-consultation/
Also make sure you follow Lara’s instagram account where she does usually does a question and answer box once a week for any burning questions
IG – @ttc_over35_dietitian
Love the podcast?
Show your appreciation and help cover the costs and time associated by shouting me a coffee xx
Shout me a coffee
Maegan always new she wanted to be a mother and at 28, when she had no luck finding a suitable partner, she decided to embark on this journey on her own with the full support of her mother who she now lives with in regional Victoria with her son Freddie. In this episode we talk about the challenges of moving towns when pregnant, how she is building her village, future babies and making connections with donor siblings.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING CITY20” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Join the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message with a little bit about your story and I’ll be in contact to organise.
NameEmail Message Apply
Rebecca had 3 goals in life – become a teacher, buy a house and become a mum. After achieving the first two she took matters into her own hands to make the family dream a reality. She lives in Vic with her 11 month old daughter Eden and in this episode we discuss managing gestationalContinue reading "S2:E29 – Rebecca and Eden"
After going through a transformational self development course LJ suddenly realised the thing that was most important for her was to have a child. It wasn’t possible with the man she was currently seeing, so she recruited a known donor to make her dreams come true. She and Baby Z live in Victoria. In this episode we discuss the process of recruiting a known donor, her incredible support network and how the donor and donor siblings are now in her and her son’s life.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING CITY20” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
Libby was so clear she wanted to be a mother, she even chose her career to ensure she would be set up for them when they arrived. After achieving some significant career milestones and “career dating” with no success for 5 years she knew she’d regret it if she didn’t try alone. She now livesContinue reading "S2:E27 – Libby, Ethan and Spencer"
At 30 Allison set herself a time limit where she would have a baby on her own if she hadn’t met the right person. That age came, and was subsequently extended, but now she has her gorgeous son Austin. in this episode we talk about her egg donation journey post having her son, adapting toContinue reading "S2:E26 – Allison and Austin"
In this bonus episode I interview a wonderful embryo donor who has so far donated her embyos to one successful solo mum by choice. In this episode we discuss what led her to want to donate her and her husband’s embryos, the process they went through in order to find their recipient, the reactions theyContinue reading "S2:Bonus 4 – Interview with an embryo donor"
Shakira always said if she was single at 30 she would just have a baby on her own. Financially that didn’t look like a viable option until Covid helped her savings increase. She now lives in NSW with her 5 month old daughter Ruthie. In this episode we talk about her reflections on reality vsContinue reading "S2:E25 – Shakira and Ruthie"
Christine sent years travelling and living a fun and very active life before pursuing solo motherhood in her 40s. After establishing double donation was her best option for success, her and her mother headed to South Africa and she now lives in Queensland with her adorable son Braydon. In this episode we talk about theContinue reading "S2:E24 – Christine and Braydon"
After being widowed in her 20s, Lauren looked for another partner to have a family with, but she couldn’t replace her true love so embarked on motherhood solo. She and her gorgeous son live in Queensland. In this episode we talk about the grief journey she had to go through before embarking on this journey,Continue reading "S2:E23 – Lauren and Maxwell"
TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode we discuss domestic violence. After escaping a domestic violence relationship Meredith tried dating, but after being unsuccessful with meeting a partner to have a family with she did some research and decided to take matters into her own hands by having a baby on her own. She now lives inContinue reading "S2:E22 – Meredith & Rani"
Emily had a partner when she had her first daughter, but when the relationship didn’t work out she quickly determined she wanted to expand her family and after a couple of dates realised she wanted to do it on her own. She ended up using a recruited known donor which allowed her to quickly conceiveContinue reading "S2:E21 – Emily, Daisy & Polly"
Renee knew she always wanted to be a mother. At 29 had a daughter with a partner, but the relationship didn’t work out and after she turned 1 Renee knew she wanted to expand her family, but including another partner wasn’t something she wanted to wait for. Renee now lives in Victoria with her daughterContinue reading "S2:E20 – Renee, Amelia, Samuel & Miles"
Is there anything better than holidays? Whether it’s a local road trip, camping or heading overseas for a beach holiday or adventure, travelling as a solo mum can seem a little overwhelming but is also one of the most magical experiences you can have with your children. In this bonus episode you’ll hear some greatContinue reading "S2:Bonus 3 – Tips for holidaying as an SMBC"
After years of travelling and enjoying life, it was at a counselling appointment in her late 30s that Bec decided what she really wanted in life was a baby. Luckily she was successful and now lives in Melbourne with her adorable son Jaime. In this episode we discuss conceiving in your 40s, lifestyle changes sheContinue reading "S2:E19 – Rebecca & Jamie"
Samantha had a premonition that she would become a mother on her own, and after leaving an abusive marriage that premonition came true. She and her two gorgeous daughters live in Queensland and hope to spend their lives with many overseas adventures. In this episode we talk about late endometriosis diagnosis, overcoming postpartum depression andContinue reading "S2:E18 – Samantha, Scarlett and Audrey"
Emilee’s journey started after an unexpected discussion at a GP appointment and after a journey far longer than she anticipated, she now has her gorgeous daughter Florence. Emilee lives in Queensland and in this episode we talk about the ups and downs of her conception journey, managing a late diagnosis of severe endometriosis and navigatingContinue reading "S2:E17 – Emilee and Florence"
Having kids was never something Kylie wanted. After years of putting her career first it snuck up on her at 35 that actually, this was something she had to do to create her own little family unit which was more than just her fur babies.She lives in Melbourne with her adorable daughter Paige. In thisContinue reading "S2:E16 – Kylie and Paige"
At 41, after years of unsuccessful dating, Amanda learned the only way she could become a Mum would be with help from an egg and sperm donor. She lives in Melbourne with her adorable son Leo. In this episode we discuss navigating the world of private egg donation in Australia, travelling to Spain to conceive during the pandemic and how life has changed for her since becoming a mum.
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
Lisa always knew she wanted to be a mum and after going to a fertility specialist to explore freezing her eggs she instead embarked into becoming a solo mother by choice. Lisa lives in Queensland with her adorable 10 month old daughter Riley. In this episode we talk about balancing treatment with work as a flight attendant, how having an awesome support network impacts on your treatment and how Riley has helped heal her family’s hearts after the tragic loss of Poppy (her Grandad) when Lisa was only 21 weeks pregnant.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING FWB” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
In this special bonus episode I chat with Dr David Wilkinson from City Fertility in Melbourne. It’s thanks to him that I have my gorgeous daughter Alexandra and I’m so grateful he gave me his time to answer all of your pressing questions regarding the medical side of becoming a solo mum by choice.
In this episode we discuss the factors that are relevant for success for conceiving with a donor; the process; he answer your questions on the perceived implications of IVF on pregnancy; and I also get his thoughts on some of the recent advancements in egg freezing, embryo defrosting and even killer cells.
Not only are City Fertility and Rainbow Fertility the proud sponsors of this episode, they are also offering all of my listeners, and new clients to City Fertility, 20% off a range of fertility services and treatment cycles including:
- Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Sperm freezing
- As well as six months complimentary egg, sperm and embryo storage
City Fertility is Australia’s largest IVF group on a global platform with 12 clinics, over 70 consulting locations and over 60 specialists nationwide. They are committed to providing their clients with excellence in fertility care and IVF, cutting edge technology and most importantly, a personalised approach to treatment. To take advantage of this offer quote voucher code “CHARMING FWB” when you contact City Fertility or Rainbow Fertility.
Contact City Fertility for more information or to make an appointment:
- Phone – 1300 354 354
- Email – contactus@cityfertility.com.au
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
In this special episode we talk to Kathryn while she is still pregnant, then again when her daughter is almost 1 year old. We chat through her journey to become a mum (which was a lot longer then she thought it would be) and how she is feeling about what motherhood will be like. Then in the second half we talk about what life is really like, the transition to motherhood, dealing with sickness and the transition to working solo mum. Kathryn and her gorgeous daughter Hallie live in South Australia.
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
Lauren always knew she wanted to be a mother and just assumed that she’d meet someone, get married and it would all work out like in the movies. In her early 30s she realised life wasn’t going to pan out that way for her, so she embarked on a lot longer journey than she anticipated to create her baby dream. She and her gorgeous daughter Lola live in Melbourne. In this episode we talk about her experience in changing specialists, selecting donors and overcoming her fear of what other people will think.
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
On a holiday in Thailand with her son from a previous relationship Emma realised she really wanted to add a sibling to her little family, she didn’t want another relationship, so embarked on conceiving using a donor. She was successful, adding a daughter to their little family that lives in Melbourne. In this episode we talk about what she looked for in a donor and specialist, what she went through when her first round didn’t work and explaining to her son why her daughter doesn’t share his Dad.
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
When Jaime got closer to 40 she realised the only thing that mattered was for her to become a mother. After a dramatic journey she was successful at 44 and now lives in WA with her adorable daughter Charli. In this episode we talk about dealing with pregnancy and birth after medical trauma, finding yourself again as a mother and the importance of advocating for yourself.
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
Natasha always knew she wanted a baby, but realised she didn’t always imagine herself doing it with a partner. After her last relationship didn’t work out she decided to do it on her own and she now lives in Melbourne with her gorgeous son Theodore. In this episode we talk about the realities of what the early days of motherhood can be like, mental health implications and her thoughts on the donor and the possibility of donor siblings.
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
Laura started her journey to motherhood by focusing on her health, then once she felt more confident in herself she tried dating seriously hoping to meet someone. After 2 years she didn’t find anyone she wanted to start a family, with so on 1 Jan 2019 she took the plunge and put an ad on the sperm donor Australia Facebook group. She now lives in NSW with her adorable son Liam. In this episode we talk about the process when using a known recruited donor, red flags and advice on what to look out for, the process she went through to get pregnant and being pregnant post a gastric sleeve.
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
Send me a message and I’ll be in contact to organise.
Submit a form.
Tiffany was diagnosed with severe endometriosis at 21 and was told she would need IVF if she ever wanted a family. After not finding a partner when she moved back to Australia in her early 30s she embarked on IVF with a donor. After a very long journey she now lives in Queensland with her two gorgeous boys Wyatt and Reeve. In this episode we discuss endometriosis, the mental health implications of long fertility journeys and the importance of a good specialist and support network.
Subscribe to never miss future episodes:SpotifyAppleAmazonAudibleJoin the podcastAre you a successful Solo Mum By Choice based in Australia that would like to share your story?
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Ally always knew she wanted to be a mum and pursued solo motherhood at the same time as dating to ensure her dream came true no matter what. She lives in Melbourne and has just published her memoir, “inconceivable”, which details her journey to become mum to her gorgeous son Quinn. In this episode we discuss her book, the thought process for a sibling and the importance of building connections with donor siblings.
Check out her new book here
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In Australia if you use a fertility clinic there is no such thing as an “anonymous” donor – all donors are able to be contacted when a resulting child turns 18 (and potentially earlier by agreement). It is a very regulated environment, primarily to protect donor conceived children, so if they want to know about their genetics/medical history/family/identity etc when they are older they don’t have the barriers of previous generations. This is a great outcome for anyone considering having a child with help from a donor.
In this interview I talk to “J” who is an ID release donor through a fertility clinic. It was fascinating for me to talk to him and learn about his motivations for donation, the process for becoming a donor and what he thinks about his resulting children and the potential for having a relationship with them in the future.
Not only is this episode fantastic for anyone with donor conceived children, but also if you, or anyone you know, is considering becoming a donor, this would be a great episode to listen to in order to learn more. The demand for donor sperm in Australia (and most countries) is currently far greater than the supply, so I hope this episode might also help inspire some other men to consider the gift of a donation and help others create a family.
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Jess knew from when she was a child that she wanted to be a mum and having her family thanks to a donor was something she considered from her early 20s. She always assumed she would use an “anonymous” donor, but due to an unexpected turn of events she ended up having her two children, Gwen and Freddie with a known donor. In this episode we talk about the process of using a known donor, legal implications, conception and the challenges of pregnancy after loss.
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Sarah went to a seminar at a Melbourne IVF clinic to learn about freezing her eggs, but after talking to a specialist, realised having a child with a donor was going to be the best way for her to achieve her dreams of becoming a mother. After multiple rounds of treatment and 3 donors, she now now lives in Melbourne with her beautiful 15 month old son Noah. In this episode we talk about the mental health journey that goes with conceiving without a partner, the donor selection process and the concept of dating as a solo mum.
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TJ had an amazing life, but at 46 had a sudden realisation that she was meant to be a mother. She pursued all avenues, and was eventually successful at 49 with a donor embryo. She and her gorgeous daughter live in NSW. In this episode we discuss the challenges of being an older mum, how your priorities and perspectives change, connecting with donor siblings and how to combat negativity associated with being an older mum. TJ has a YouTube channel sharing her story – MyBabyDream
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At 35 Carly realised that her dream of becoming a mother might not eventuate if she didn’t take matters into her own hands and she now lives in Melbourne with her adorable son Lennon. In this episode we discuss her fertility journey, choices she made to set herself up for success and her thought process for factors she needs to consider before possibly going for a sibling.
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Try as she might, Billie had no luck finding Prince Charming, so at 36 she decided to move to plan B to make her own dreams come true by having a baby on her own. She and her gorgeous 17 month old daughter Luna live in NSW. In this episode we discuss adjusting back to work as a solo mum, making hard decisions to set yourself up for success and how to have fun selecting the donor.
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That’s a wrap on season 1! What an amazing ride it has been and what a fabulous range of stories and journeys we’ve had over the first 40 episodes. Thank you to all my amazing quests who have shared what they went through to fulfil their dreams of becoming a mother when they took motherhoodContinue reading "Bonus Episode 4 – Reflections & advice"
Meagan’s mum originally seeded the idea of her becoming a mum using a donor and after trying without luck to find the right partner she decided to go it alone. She now teaches pilates and lives near the beach in Queensland with her gorgeous son Jed. In this episode we talk about what she wentContinue reading "Episode 40 – Meagan and Jed"
Elise decided just before she was 40 that she had to become a mum. She went through a massive 5 year rollercoaster and was eventually successful with known donor eggs and anonymous donor sperm to get her beautiful daughter Eve. In this episode we talk about the importance of family support, surviving baby loss andContinue reading "Episode 39 – Elise and Eve"
After learning she had fibroids which could impact her fertility, Georgia realised if she wanted kids she might have to take matters into her own hands. It took her a month to make the decision and now Georgia has her gorgeous daughter Violet. In this episode we discuss life with a premature baby, how she’sContinue reading "Episode 38 – Georgia and Violet"
After focusing on her career and not meeting that special someone, Jac started pursuing foster parenting in order to create her family and help other children. That wasn’t an easy route, so when a friend suggested she have her own child alone, she pivoted and now has her gorgeous son Fletcher. in this episode weContinue reading "Episode 37 – Jac and Fletcher"
Becoming a solo mum by choice was always in the back of Haylee’s mind and after having a front row seat to her friend going through the journey, she decided to pursue this avenue to motherhood herself. After a pretty dramatic start to mum life, she now lives in Bendigo with her daughter Neve. InContinue reading "Episode 36 – Haylee and Neve"
Sal grew up thinking she never wanted kids, but in reality what she didn’t want was a relationship with a man to get the kids. Once she worked that out she went through an interstate journey to create her gorgeous little family of 3 with her daughter Edie and son Hendrix. In this episode weContinue reading "Episode 35 – Sal, Edie and Hendrix"
Alycia decided early on she wasn’t going to have children, then a dream just after she turned 35 changed everything. She didn’t have a partner, and didn’t want one, so instead used a spem donor and now has her gorgeous daughter Emmeline. In this episode we talk about egg donation (which Alycia did when sheContinue reading "Episode 34 – Alycia and Emmeline"
Bess spend most of her life looking after other people’s children and really wanted her own, but due to her shyness she didn’t think she’d be able to meet someone to make that dream happen. She now lives in Tasmania with her two gorgeous girls Sadie and Nina. In this episode we talk about theContinue reading "Episode 33 – Bess, Sadie and Nina"
Celeste had travelled, got the prerequisite white fluffy dog, but didn’t have any luck finding a partner to make her family dreams come true. She took matters into her own hands and now lives in Melbourne with her two boys Henry and Charlie. In this episode we talk about adjusting to life as a workingContinue reading "Episode 32 – Celeste, Henry and Charlie"
Nikeesha has a debilitating medical condition which meant if she wanted to have children, she didn’t have time to wait for the right partner. After a pretty challenging pregnancy and birth she now has her gorgeous daughter Willa. In this episode we talk about her amazing resilience and attitude throughout many setbacks, the importance ofContinue reading "Episode 31 – Nikeesha and Willa"
To celebrate 30 episodes this special bonus episode gives us a male perspective and what they go through to be a donor, with some great advice for anyone considering using a known donor to create their family. I hope you enjoy this episode and thank you for all your support with the podcast so farContinue reading "Bonus Episode 3 – Interview with a donor"
Maureen became a solo mum when it was actually illegal to access donor sperm as a single woman in Victoria. Luckily for us a lot has changed since then and Maureen now lives in Melbourne with her two teenagers Lana and Flynn. In this episode we discuss talking about the donor with your kids, meetingContinue reading "Episode 30 – Maureen, Lana and Flynn"
Jane initially went down the traditional clinic route to get pregnant on her own without success. She then trusted her intuition and pursued home insemination with a known donor and as a result she now lives in Melbourne with her gorgeous daughter Isabel. In this episode we discuss the importance of the relationship in selectingContinue reading "Episode 29 – Jane and Isabel"
Nat decided at a wedding she probably didn’t want to get married, but at that same wedding it became crystal clear she did really want to be a mother. After a pretty long journey including endometriosis and a very stressful second pregnancy, she now lives in Melbourne with her two boys Harry and Hudson. InContinue reading "Episode 28 – Nat, Harry and Hudson"
When Sarah returned from the UK she became very aware of her family and friends who had become mothers and the wonderful bond they had. She wanted that life for herself, so she gave herself a time limit, otherwise she was going to have a baby on her own. She didn’t find Prince Charming byContinue reading "Episode 27 – Sarah and Ollie"
Tissue warning – HIGH I was very honoured to be able to record Karly’s story. She always knew she wanted to become a mum and when the right partner didn’t eventuate she took matters into her own hands and now has her gorgeous daughter Remy Grace. In this episode we talk about the importance ofContinue reading "Episode 26 – Karly and Remy"
For Camilla, 40 was looming and Prince Charming was seriously lost. So she took matters into her own hands and after a dramatic entrance finally became a mum. She lives in Melbourne with her gorgeous 3 year old son Edward. In this episode we talk about navigating the first few months as a mum withContinue reading "Episode 25 – Camilla and Edward"
Hannah was always going to be a mum, so she froze her eggs in her early 30s to give her options, never thinking she’d need them. A few years later and after a lot of research, she went through IVF again, this time with donor sperm. She lives in Queensland with her gorgeous 2 yearContinue reading "Episode 24 – Hannah and Stevie"
Ebony started her journey to become a solo mum while she was living in the UK, and what followed was a long and complex adventure involving multiple countries and donor options. Ebony now lives back in Victoria with her gorgeous 15 month old daughter Lyla. In this episode we talk about the options available forContinue reading "Episode 23 – Ebony and Lyla"
Jen took a long time to make peace with having a baby on her own when meeting the love of her life wasn’t working out as planned. When her mum got sick, she knew it was what she needed to do to make her dreams of being a mother come true. Jen now lives inContinue reading "Episode 22 – Jen and Beatrice"
Danni always wanted to be a Mum, but dating wasn’t leading her to Prince Charming so she decided to do it on her own. Danni now has a successful business in NSW and a gorgeous 2 year old daughter Sophia. In this episode we talk about the importance of research with regards to the clinicContinue reading "Episode 21 – Danni and Sophia"
For most people Christmas is a time of love, laughter, family, presents and delicious food. This can mean a very expensive time, especially on one income. For this bonus episode I reached out to some of the previous and upcoming podcast guests to get their tips on what they do to make Christmas as magicalContinue reading "Bonus Episode 2 – Christmas tips"
Before a friend mentioned pursing having a child alone to Kath, she had never considered it. She was 43 at the time, and decided to just go with it, so when it didn’t work she could put the concept of being a mother behind her. Imagine her surprise when it worked! Kath now lives inContinue reading "Episode 20 – Kath and Lily"
For Sam, using a known donor she could have a relationship with and that her children could know as they grew up, was really important to her. As a result of finding the right donor, via a donor website, she now lives in regional NSW with her two gorgeous boys Kai and Eli. In thisContinue reading "Episode 19 – Sam, Eli and Kai"
Tash’s Mum knew since she was a toddler that Tash was going be a mum. She loved children so much she ended up becoming a primary school teacher and when the right partner didn’t come along, she decided to have a baby on her own. She lives in Victoria and is now mum to anContinue reading "Episode 18 – Tash and Izzy"
In the back of her mind Sasha always had using a donor as an option, as she knew she really wanted to be a Mum. She lives in Queensland and after having her adorable daughter Brooklyn, she started her own business to enable the lifestyle she dreamed of for her family. In this episode weContinue reading "Episode 17 – Sasha and Brooklynn"
After a long road, with many changes in protocol, Amy’s dreams of becoming a mother finally came true in her 40s. She now lives in Melbourne with her 2 gorgeous children Charlie (4) and Molly (4 months). In this episode we talk about pregnancy in your 40s (including being pregnant with number 2 with aContinue reading "Episode 16 – Amy, Charlie and Molly"
In hindsight Rachel wishes she’d decided that she would become a mother without a partner 10 years ago, but not commence treatment until later. Had she done that she wouldn’t have wasted time on relationships that never got her to the goal of having her own child, but could have instead focused on herself andContinue reading "Episode 15 – Rachel and Arlo"
It was a non-negotiable for Jessie that she have children, and after another significant relationship didn’t work out, she decided to take her future into her own hands to ensure her dreams of being a mother would come true. Jessie lives in a New South Wales with her gorgeous 9 month old daughter Joni. InContinue reading "Episode 14 – Jessie and Joni"
Carly always knew she would need to use a donor to achieve her dreams of being a mum and decided at a 29 to pursue the solo mum path as she knew she wanted more than one child. Carly lives in NSW with her 3 gorgeous children – Lucy, Theo and Gracie. In this episodeContinue reading "Episode 13 – Carly, Lucy, Theo and Gracie"
Lisa was only 30 when she decided to pursue becoming a mother without a partner. She’s incredibly driven and being a Mum was something she always wanted, so she was no longer willing to wait for a man to make her goals happen. Lisa lives in Western Australia with her gorgeous 3 year old sonContinue reading "Episode 12 – Lisa and Teddy"
Lauriane moved to Australia from France with her fiancé and expected to start a family. When the relationship didn’t work out, and knowing she had PCOS, she took matters into her own hands and now lives in Sydney with her gorgeous daughter Chloe. In this episode we talk about the challenges of having a babyContinue reading "Episode 11 – Lauriane and Chloe"
To celebrate Mother’s Day we catch up with some of our previous guests, and also hear from some upcoming guests, on their reflections on Mother’s Day, and what it’s like to be a SuperMum that takes on the role of 2 parents. Whether you have a child/children, you have angel babies, furbabies, a baby onContinue reading "Bonus Episode – Mother’s Day Reflections"
Steph was relatively young when she embarked on the journey to become a solo mum by choice, after already raising foster children. The journey to conceive wasn’t as straight forward as you would think at that age, but she currently lives in Queensland with her 2 beautiful boys Madden and Scout. In this episode weContinue reading "Episode 10 – Steph, Madden and Scout"
Leah hadn’t considered becoming a mother without a partner until a comment from a co-worker made her reconsider her path to the white picket fence. What followed that comment was a rollercoaster of unexpected medical diagnosis, multiple rounds of IVF, travel for treatment and even a relationship. Leah lives in Tasmania with her gorgeous 10Continue reading "Episode 9 – Leah and Jack"
Sarah’s road to becoming a mum wasn’t a smooth one, but with the help of an amazing fertility specialist/Obstetrician she overcame fertility challenges, a very stressful pregnancy, an incompetent cervix and her son being born at only 34 weeks. Sarah lives in Melbourne with her gorgeous son Hartley, who was only 12 weeks old whenContinue reading "Episode 8 – Sarah and Hartley"
Carla knew without a doubt she was meant to be a mum so started the process to become a solo mum by choice after plan A didn’t work out as expected. Carla lives in a small town in Queensland with her gorgeous son James. In this episode we talk about the lack of fertility education,Continue reading "Episode 7 – Carla and James"
Kaylee always dreamed of being a Mum, but not having any luck finding the right person to start a family with she decided to pursue having a child on her own. With the help of her fabulous specialist she overcame an unexpected endometriosis diagnosis, had a relatively easy conception and after a challenging introduction toContinue reading "Episode 6 – Kaylee and Ottilie"
Sally decided to pursue becoming a solo mum by choice in order to give her son Riley from a previous relationship a sibling. She is one of the youngest SMBC’s I have interviewed, and is seriously impressive conceiving whilst being a full time mum, working and studying! Whilst Sally was “young” in terms of fertility,Continue reading "Episode 5 – Sally, Angus and Riley"
Once Lisa made the decision to have a baby on her own, she threw herself into the journey, putting complete trust in the experts around her with fabulous results. She lives in Melbourne with her adorable 3 year old Luca. In this episode we discuss Lisa’s journey including the importance of having a good supportContinue reading "Episode 4 – Lisa and Luca"
Getting closer to 40 and after trying everything to find that special someone, Christina took matters into her own hands. She lives in Sydney with her gorgeous 7 month old daughter Eliza. Hopefully Prince Charming will turn up in future, when/if Christina has time or space in their lives for him. In this episode weContinue reading "Episode 3 – Christina and Eliza"
Feona and Siena live in Melbourne, and love being a SMC family. Feona is very open and honest about deciding to go overseas and use two anonymous donors to conceive her gorgeous 4 1/2 year old Siena. Recently Feona and Siena have started connecting with Siena’s (half) siblings and love getting to know these newContinue reading "Episode 2 – Feona and Siena"
Alisha has a gorgeous almost 2 year old who was conceived using donor sperm in Victoria. It was a long 10 year journey to finally become a Mum, and while this wasn’t plan A, it was definitely the best decision she ever made. Hear her story of loss, conception, donor selection, having a baby aloneContinue reading "Episode 1 – Alisha and Alexandra"
Welcome to the No Need for Prince Charming podcast - bringing you stories of inspiring Australian women who have successfully had children without a partner.