No need for Prince Charming

S4:E14 - Callum & Lara - Part 2

Life as a Solo Dad: Callum on Parenting, Pressure, and the Power of Choosing Fatherhood Alone
In Part 2 of Callum’s incredible story, we pick up where we left off—right after Lara’s birth.
Callum takes us inside the early days of solo parenting: navigating newborn sleep deprivation, legal complexities, travel logistics, and adjusting to life as a dad… alone.
From co-working next to daycare to sleepless nights, Callum gets honest about the mental load, the unexpected joy, and why letting go of perfection is the key to peace. He also opens up about wanting a second child and the beautiful bond he shares with his surrogate and donor.
Whether you’re a solo parent yourself or simply curious about what fatherhood looks like when chosen with full intention—this episode will stay with you.
Key Highlights:
The Reality of Newborn Solo Parenting – What Callum wasn’t prepared for—and the moment he realised love keeps growing.
Why He Named Lara After His Surrogate and Egg Donor – A beautiful tribute woven into her name.
Letting Go of Perfection – How sleep deprivation, messy houses, and missed showers brought clarity.
Facing Judgement and Legal Hoops – What solo dads still have to prove that solo mums don’t.
One and Done—or Baby #2? – Why Callum wants another child… and the surrogacy plans already in motion.
City Fertility Offer
I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.
Considering Solo Motherhood?
Feeling overwhelmed about becoming a solo mum? The Considering Solo Motherhood course walks you through everything—from emotional readiness to finances and fertility—so you can make a confident decision. - Find out more
Expecting Solo?
Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates
The Bump Membership
Pregnant or trying to conceive on your own using a donor? Join our warm, supportive monthly membership made just for solo mums-to-be. Includes connection calls, WhatsApp group, discounts, and free resources - Find out more

S4:E13 - Callum & Lara - Part 1

Solo Dad by Choice: Callum’s Surrogacy Journey to Fatherhood and Baby Lara
Callum shares his journey from marriage breakdown to becoming a solo dad through surrogacy in the US, and all the emotion, research, and heart that went into creating his daughter Lara.
IFor the first time on No Need for Prince Charming, we welcome a solo dad by choice.
In this deeply thoughtful and emotional episode, Callum shares how, after a marriage breakdown and years of soul-searching, he made the bold and intentional decision to become a parent on his own. What followed was a complex, global surrogacy journey that spanned COVID, border closures, and countless spreadsheets.
Callum walks us through:
Why adoption and foster care weren’t the right path for him
How he chose the US for surrogacy—and why a continuing relationship with both his egg donor and surrogate was essential
The risks, red flags, and research required to find the right clinic, agency, and team
Why he selected a daughter—and the emotional impact of a failed transfer
How he coordinated the birth from halfway around the world
And how he’s making sure Lara knows exactly how loved, wanted, and intentional her creation was
This episode is part one of Callum’s story—stay tuned for part two, where we explore life now as a solo dad to a thriving three-year-old.
Key Highlights:
Choosing Fulfilment Over Simplicity – How Callum made the decision to pursue fatherhood alone after his marriage ended.
Why Adoption and Foster Care Weren’t Right for Him – And the moment he realised he needed a child of his own.
The Power of Transparency in Surrogacy – What he learned about red flags, risk, and choosing the right clinic and surrogate.
Selecting a Daughter – Why gender was part of the decision, and how he emotionally navigated a failed first transfer.
Creating a Relationship-First Family – Why ongoing contact with both the surrogate and egg donor was non-negotiable.
A Gift That Keeps Giving – How his remaining embryos helped another woman become a mum—and built an unexpected extended family.
City Fertility Offer
I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.
Considering Solo Motherhood?
Feeling overwhelmed about becoming a solo mum? The Considering Solo Motherhood course walks you through everything—from emotional readiness to finances and fertility—so you can make a confident decision. - Find out more
Expecting Solo?
Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates
The Bump Membership
Pregnant or trying to conceive on your own using a donor? Join our warm, supportive monthly membership made just for solo mums-to-be. Includes connection calls, WhatsApp group, discounts, and free resources - Find out more

S4:E12 - Kate & Ivy

From Ovarian Surgery to Solo Motherhood: Kate’s Journey to Baby Ivy and Beyond
After losing an ovary in her 20s, Kate knew she couldn’t wait forever. This is her story of choosing solo motherhood, IVF, and embracing newborn life with honesty, humour, and heart.
In this raw, funny, and deeply relatable episode, Kate shares her journey to solo motherhood after unexpectedly losing an ovary in her early 20s. When dating didn’t pan out, she decided to take matters into her own hands—and never looked back.
We talk about navigating fertility issues, enduring fibroid surgeries, and the emotional rollercoaster of IVF. Kate opens up about choosing her sperm donor, the reality of the newborn stage, what she wishes more mums would admit, and why she’d do it all again 10 times over.
This episode is a love letter to her daughter Ivy—and to every woman wondering if she can do it on her own.
Key Highlights:
A Tumour Changed Everything – How losing an ovary in her early 20s planted the seed for solo motherhood.
The Long Road to Readiness – Surgeries, endometriosis, weight loss, and a three-year fertility journey.
Choosing Her Donor – From a long waitlist to just four options—why she went with someone completely different from herself.
Life After Emergency C-Section – The brutal honesty of the fourth trimester, baby blues, and swearing at your newborn.
A Village That Showed Up – How solo motherhood deepened her family’s bond and gave Ivy a whole tribe.
City Fertility Offer
I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.
Considering Solo Motherhood?
Feeling overwhelmed about becoming a solo mum? The Considering Solo Motherhood course walks you through everything—from emotional readiness to finances and fertility—so you can make a confident decision. - Find out more
Expecting Solo?
Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates
The Bump Membership
Pregnant or trying to conceive on your own using a donor? Join our warm, supportive monthly membership made just for solo mums-to-be. Includes connection calls, WhatsApp group, discounts, and free resources - Find out more

S4:E11 - Updates from Lauren & Christina

What Comes Next: Solo Mum Updates from Christina and Lauren on Health, Fertility, and Letting Go
In this powerful update episode, we catch up with two much-loved solo mums: Lauren (Season 3, Ep 1) and Christina(Season 1, Ep 3).
Lauren shares her experience juggling parenting Daisy, co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and facing two surgeries, including a recent tumour diagnosis. She opens up about how she’s preparing Daisy (and herself) for their first-ever nights apart, and her emotional reflections on planning baby number two through a fertility clinic with her original Facebook-recruited donor.
Christina brings a refreshingly honest account of trying for a second child after conceiving her first via IUI on the first go. This time? It’s been a whole different story—failed IUI cycles, IVF rounds, a lot of supplements, and even more emotion. She talks about grief, pressure, and the moment she realised her family might already be complete—and that’s okay.
Key Takeaways:
Facing a Health Scare While Parenting Solo – Lauren’s emotional experience of being diagnosed with a benign tumour and preparing for surgery while raising a toddler.
Preparing for Nights Apart – How Lauren is supporting Daisy through their first-ever separation—and preparing emotionally herself.
Revisiting Donor Conception Through a Clinic – Why Lauren is planning baby number two via IUI with her original Facebook donor, this time through a clinic.
From One-and-Done to Maybe-One-More – Christina’s emotional journey of trying for a second child after an “easy” first pregnancy.
Letting Go with Grace – How Christina made peace with the idea that her family might already be complete—and why she’s choosing joy and presence over what-ifs.
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.
Peace of Mind: Planning for your child’s future if you’re no longer here
Who would care for your child if you weren’t here? Learn how to legally and practically protect their future in this empowering webinar with expert lawyer Courtney from CDT Legal. Includes full replay + support materials. Learn more here.
One and done… or time for two (or three)? - Expanding your family as a solo mum by choice.
Should you expand your solo mum family—or are you complete with one? Hear real stories and advice from solo mums who’ve faced the same decision. Includes full replay + bonus resources. Find out more here.
Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review!
Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

S4:E10 - Meike & Lyla

 
What I’ve Learned Raising a Donor-Conceived Child: Meike’s Solo Mum Story and Co-Creating DCP Hub
Meike started IVF at 36 and became a solo mum to baby Lyla—now, 9 years later, she’s sharing what it’s really like.
In this powerful episode, Meike reflects on her journey from a low AMH diagnosis to IVF and solo motherhood, but most importantly, what she’s learned raising her now 9-year-old daughter Lyla, who was conceived using an open-ID donor.
Meike speaks openly about telling Lyla her conception story from the start, how those conversations have changed over time, and what solo mums need to understand about supporting their donor-conceived children emotionally and developmentally. She also shares the inspiration behind co-founding DCP Hub, supporting donor-conceived people, recipient parents and parents through education and events.
Key Highlights:
IVF and AMH at 35: How a low AMH result became the push to stop waiting and start IVF at 36
Becoming a Solo Mum by Choice: Choosing an open-ID donor and navigating pregnancy solo
Lyla at 9 Years Old: What Meike has learned about raising a donor-conceived child over nearly a decade
Starting DCP Hub: How her daughter’s questions and evolving awareness inspired her to co-create education, events and support for donor-conceived people, recipient parents, donors and friends and family.
Telling the Story Early: Why Meike has always been open with Lyla about her origins—and the age-appropriate ways those conversations have developed
Support and Community: The importance of connection for both donor-conceived children and solo mums
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.
DCP Hub
Started by two Melbourne solo mums, Meike and Feona, DCP Hub supports donor-conceived people, recipient parents, donors, friends and families through education, resources, books and events. Find out all the details here.
Thinking About Solo Motherhood But Not Sure Where to Start?
The idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.
The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.
Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review!
Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

S4:E9 - Jill & Florence

Jill’s Story: Nine IVF Rounds, Known Donor Support, and the Journey to Baby Florence
In this emotional and inspiring episode, we meet Jill—a long-time listener who became a solo mum by choice after an extraordinary journey. From believing solo motherhood wasn’t for her, to nine gruelling IVF rounds, a family egg donor, and the gift of a known sperm donor, Jill’s story is filled with resilience, gratitude, and unwavering determination.
She opens up about fertility challenges, dealing with failed transfers, finding peace with using donor eggs, and navigating pregnancy and newborn life after years of setbacks. Jill’s honesty about grief, hope, and community will stay with you long after the episode ends.
Key Takeaways:
Choosing Solo Motherhood Later in Life – How lockdown, reflection, and turning 41 shifted Jill’s mindset from waiting for the right partner to embracing solo motherhood.
Fertility Challenges and IVF Resilience – The emotional rollercoaster of nine IVF rounds, including navigating low embryo conversion rates despite high egg numbers.
Known Donor Support – How a lifelong friend stepped forward to become her known sperm donor, creating a beautiful extended family connection for Florence.
The Gift of a Family Egg Donor – Jill’s sister’s incredible gift of donating eggs after Jill’s own egg journey ended, leading to the miracle of Florence.
Pregnancy, NICU, and Early Motherhood – Navigating high-risk pregnancy, hyperemesis, early delivery at 36 weeks, NICU life, postpartum recovery, and finding a new identity as a solo mum.
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.
Thinking About Solo Motherhood But Not Sure Where to Start?
The idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.
The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.
Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review!
Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

S4:E8 - Previous guest update - Nat

Nat’s Updated Journey: Grief, Third Baby Joy, and Surviving a Life-Threatening Birth Experience
In this powerful update episode, we reconnect with Nat—one of our most memorable guests from Season One. Since we last heard from her, Nat has navigated unimaginable grief, pursued her dream of becoming a midwife, and made the brave decision to try for a third child. But her journey didn’t unfold the way anyone expected.
From failed embryo transfers to a surprise pregnancy, a near-death birth experience, and an emergency hysterectomy, Nat’s story is filled with resilience, raw honesty, and unfiltered strength. She also shares the joy of life with three little boys, how she made the logistics work on her own, and the unexpected lessons of becoming a solo mum all over again.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the emotional weight solo mums carry, the importance of planning for the unexpected—and the strength it takes to choose joy even when things don’t go to plan.
Key Takeaways:
Grief and Growth – How the sudden loss of her sister-in-law led Nat to postpone trying for a third baby and pursue midwifery as a path to healing.
Facing Fertility Challenges – The emotional toll of two failed embryo transfers and the decision to give it one final try.
Choosing Trust Over Fear – Navigating a high-risk pregnancy after a major bleed and declining further intervention to protect her peace.
Birth Trauma and Hysterectomy – The unexpected turn during labour that nearly cost Nat her life and ended in an emergency hysterectomy.
Life with Three Boys – The beautiful chaos, deep love, and practical wisdom of solo parenting three kids with purpose and joy.
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.
Thinking About Solo Motherhood But Not Sure Where to Start?
The idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.
The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.
Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review!
Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

S4:E7 - Lorena & Bonnie

13 Rounds of IVF and a Baby at 46: Lorena’s Story of Solo Motherhood, Setbacks, and Strength
 
Lorena always knew she wanted to be a mum—but life had other plans. After navigating difficult relationships, putting her heart back together, and years of unsuccessful IVF, she finally became a solo mum at 46. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Lorena shares the highs and lows of 13 rounds of IVF, how she handled society’s judgment about being an “older mum,” and how motherhood transformed everything.
She also shares what it’s like to raise a donor-conceived child as a solo mum, how she navigates school and social questions, and how she turned her journey into a book, set for release in 2026. This episode is a reminder that no matter how long it takes or how winding the road may be, if motherhood is your dream—it’s worth fighting for.
Key Takeaways:
Knowing She Wanted to Be a Mum, Not a Wife – Lorena always envisioned motherhood but never dreamed of marriage.
The Moment She Chose Solo Motherhood – A quiet night on the couch, a Google search, and a powerful adrenaline rush.
Facing IVF at 38… and Still Going at 45 – What it’s really like to keep going after round after round of failed treatment.
Solo Mum at 46 – Navigating pregnancy, delivery, and the early years as a one-and-done mum with a strong village.
Writing Her Story – Turning a deeply personal fertility journey into a published memoir to inspire others.
 
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.
Thinking About Solo Motherhood But Not Sure Where to Start?
The idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.
The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.
Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review!
Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

S4:E6 - Leah & Lily

From Workaholic to Solo Mum: Leah’s Unexpected Path to Motherhood and Living with Chronic Illness
Leah was a career-focused woman who didn’t even know if she wanted kids—until the experience of caring for her niece flipped her world upside down. What started as a spontaneous thought became a fast-tracked journey to solo motherhood, filled with both joy and adversity. From navigating a shock diagnosis of Meniere’s disease during pregnancy to overcoming guilt and building a support system, Leah opens up about what it’s really like raising her daughter, Lily, as a solo mum with a chronic illness.
Whether you’re unsure about motherhood or facing unexpected challenges, this episode will resonate deeply and inspire you to trust your instincts, find your strength, and build the life you dream of.
Key Takeaways:
From Career-Driven to Baby-Focused – How caring for her niece during lockdown shifted Leah’s mindset about motherhood.
Deciding to Fast-Track Solo Motherhood – Why she jumped in quickly after realising she didn’t want to wait for a partner.
Pregnancy and Postpartum with Chronic Illness – Navigating a Meniere’s disease diagnosis while becoming a first-time mum.
Learning to Ask for Help – How Leah overcame guilt and built a support network around her.
One and Done by Choice – Why she’s confident in having one child and what donor siblings mean to her.
Redefining What It Means to Be a Solo Mum – Embracing her unique journey with pride, power, and perspective.
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.
Thinking About Solo Motherhood But Not Sure Where to Start?
The idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.
The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.
Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review!
Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

S4:E5 - Previous Guest Updates - Jaime & Sally

Solo Mum Life Now: Jaime and Sally on Daycare, Diagnosis, and Donor Siblings
In this special update episode, we catch up with two beloved past guests—Jaime and Sally—to hear how life has evolved since they last joined the podcast. Jaime opens up about parenting without a village, managing full-time work with daycare, and why she’s happy to be one-and-done. Sally shares her journey from egg donation to welcoming her third child, and the unexpected bowel cancer diagnosis that changed everything. From ADHD diagnoses to donor sibling surprises, this episode is a raw and powerful reminder of how solo motherhood can evolve in extraordinary ways.
Key Takeaways:
Parenting Without a Village – Jaime’s reality check and how daycare became her lifeline.
Solo Mum Time Management – Balancing work, self-care, and quality time with her daughter.
One and Done – Why Jaime decided not to expand her family.
Egg Donation & A New Baby – Sally’s selfless donation and welcoming baby Delaney.
Health Scare & Cancer Diagnosis – Sally’s early-stage bowel cancer and how she advocated for her own health.
Donor Sibling Connection – The unexpected twist: Sally and Alisha now share a donor.
Managing Different Family Structures – Raising kids with different genetic backgrounds and dynamics.
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.
Thinking About Solo Motherhood But Not Sure Where to Start?
The idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.
The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.
Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review!
Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.