No need for Prince Charming

S2:E39 – Melanie & Theo

Mel’s Inspiring Story of Pursuing Solo Parenthood, Navigating Health Challenges, and Raising TheoIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Mel shares her journey to solo motherhood. Although she initially planned to wait until her mid-30s, by age 29, Mel felt the calling to pursue motherhood independently. After discovering ovarian cysts and severe endometriosis, she had to delay her journey due to surgery and other challenges, including selecting an international donor from Seattle. Through resilience and determination, Mel eventually welcomed her son, Theo, following successful IUI treatment. Her story highlights the strength of solo motherhood, the joy of raising her son, and the support of her family.
Key Takeaways:
Mel’s decision to pursue motherhood at 29 and the initial emotional journey of telling family and friends.
Navigating ovarian cyst surgery, endometriosis treatment, and IUI with an international donor.
The challenges of COVID-19 and interstate travel for fertility treatments in Queensland.
Building a support network with her family to help with Theo’s early days.
Mel’s reflections on resilience, the bond with Theo, and her hope to expand her family using the same donor.
CONSIDERING SOLO MOTHERHOOD?
Are you considering whether solo motherhood could be the right path for you to start your family? Check out the three-week “Considering Solo Motherhood” course to learn all you need to know to make an informed and empowered decision. Find out more here.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.

S2:E38 – Leah & Dallas

Leah’s Path to Solo Motherhood, From Childhood Dreams to Choosing a Donor and Raising Her Son DallasIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Leah shares her heartfelt journey to solo motherhood. Always dreaming of being a mum, Leah pursued solo parenthood after relationships didn’t align with her desire for children. She walks us through her experiences with IUI and IVF, choosing her ideal donor, and navigating a high-risk pregnancy that culminated in an early but healthy birth for her son, Dallas. Leah opens up about the realities of solo motherhood, her supportive family, and the unique joys of raising Dallas. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and finding fulfillment on her terms.
Key Takeaways:
Leah’s decision to pursue solo motherhood after prioritizing her dream of having a child.
Her journey through IUI, IVF, and finding a donor with values that aligned with her own.
The challenges of a high-risk pregnancy, including emergency surgery and managing low amniotic fluid levels.
The essential role of family support throughout her journey and Dallas’s early months.
Leah’s reflections on resilience, choosing motherhood independently, and finding joy in her life with Dallas.
SPONSOR OFFER:
We’re thrilled to partner with City Fertility to support your solo motherhood journey. As a special offer for No Need for Prince Charming listeners, you can receive an exclusive 20% discount on fertility services at City Fertility clinics across Australia. Get more information and the discount code here. Terms and conditions apply.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.

S2:E37 – Carissa & Declan

Carissa’s Inspiring Story of Pursuing Solo Motherhood After Years of Travel, Fertility Challenges, and Finding SupportIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Carissa shares her remarkable journey to solo motherhood. After a career spent traveling the world and working on major sporting events, Carissa decided to pursue motherhood independently. Her fertility journey involved several rounds of IVF, a rare cancer diagnosis, and ultimately the decision to use both donor eggs and sperm. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the supportive network of family and friends, and her joy in raising her son, Declan. Carissa’s story highlights resilience, the power of community, and the strength it takes to create a family on her terms.
Key Takeaways:
Carissa’s decision to pursue motherhood solo after years of career travel and adventure.
Navigating IVF, a rare cancer diagnosis, and choosing to use both donor eggs and sperm.
The importance of family support, including her siblings and parents, throughout her journey.
Moving to a new location to build a supportive community around her and Declan.
Carissa’s reflections on resilience, gratitude, and finding joy in solo motherhood.
CONSIDERING SOLO MOTHERHOOD?
Are you considering whether solo motherhood could be the right path for you to start your family? Check out the three-week “Considering Solo Motherhood” course to learn all you need to know to make an informed and empowered decision. Find out more here.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.

S2:E36 – Jacinta & Leo

Jacinta’s Inspiring Story of Overcoming Cancer, Choosing Solo Motherhood, and Embracing Life with Her Son LeoIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Jacinta shares her emotional journey to solo motherhood, which began with a lifelong dream of becoming a mother. After deciding to pursue motherhood alone, Jacinta faced unexpected fertility challenges, multiple miscarriages, and a rare ovarian cancer diagnosis that threatened her path. With the support of her family, a skilled medical team, and unwavering determination, Jacinta welcomed her son, Leo, after a successful IUI. Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the deep bond she shares with her son. Jacinta’s journey highlights the strength it takes to create a family on your terms, even amid life’s hardest trials.
Key Takeaways:
Jacinta’s lifelong dream of motherhood and decision to pursue it solo in her early 30s.
The challenges of miscarriages, navigating fertility treatments, and choosing a donor.
Her ovarian cancer diagnosis, surgery to remove her left ovary, and navigating the possibility of future health risks.
The successful IUI that led to her pregnancy with Leo and the joy of his birth.
Jacinta’s reflections on gratitude, family support, and the importance of building a community around her and Leo.
SPONSOR OFFER:
We’re thrilled to partner with City Fertility to support your solo motherhood journey. As a special offer for No Need for Prince Charming listeners, you can receive an exclusive 20% discount on fertility services at City Fertility clinics across Australia. Get more information and the discount code here. Terms and conditions apply.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.

Bonus Episode 10 - Fertility Clinic 101 with Renee from City Fertility

City Fertility’s Insights on Fertility Assessments, Donor Options, and Treatment Choices for Solo MumsIn this special bonus episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Alisha sits down with Renee from City Fertility, a leading Australian fertility clinic that supports solo mums on their journey to motherhood. Renee provides an in-depth look at the fertility process for women considering motherhood through IUI, IVF, and donor options. She covers the initial steps in getting a consultation, details about donor selection, costs of treatments, and the support available at City Fertility. Renee’s insights offer listeners a clear roadmap for planning their path to parenthood with City Fertility, from fertility assessments to accessing donor eggs and sperm through innovative platforms like the ADDAM and EEVE donor banks.
Key Takeaways:
Overview of IUI and IVF, with guidance on choosing the right option based on age and family goals.
Explanation of City Fertility’s free fertility assessment, which helps new patients understand their treatment options.
The donor selection process through the Adam and Eve donor banks, including profiles, baby photos, and genetic information.
Detailed cost breakdowns for IUI, IVF, and frozen embryo transfers, along with Medicare and private health insurance insights.
Encouragement to take the first step with City Fertility’s support, from consultations to expert guidance throughout the fertility journey.

S2:E35 – Cyndi & Callaway

Cyndi’s Inspiring Story of Egg Freezing, Endometriosis, and Embracing Solo Motherhood with a Donated EmbryoIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Cyndi shares her remarkable journey to solo motherhood. With a teaching background and an adventurous spirit, Cyndi initially focused on travel and her career before choosing to pursue motherhood independently. She opens up about her struggles with endometriosis, freezing eggs, and the unexpected discovery that her egg quality was poor. After multiple rounds of IVF, Cyndi found hope through embryo donation and welcomed her son, Callaway. Cyndi reflects on her fertility journey, her experience with donor embryos, and the joy she’s found in raising her son. Her story highlights resilience, adaptability, and finding joy through perseverance.
Key Takeaways:
Cyndi’s choice to pursue solo motherhood after initially focusing on career and travel.
Navigating endometriosis, egg freezing, and the emotional toll of IVF.
The decision to use donor embryos after discovering poor egg quality.
Building a connection with her embryo donors and the unique bond with Callaway’s “cousins.”
Cyndi’s reflections on resilience, finding support, and embracing life with her son.
CONSIDERING SOLO MOTHERHOOD?
Are you considering whether solo motherhood could be the right path for you to start your family? Check out the three-week “Considering Solo Motherhood” course to learn all you need to know to make an informed and empowered decision. Find out more here.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.

S2:E34 – Sonya & Pippin

How Sonya Navigated Fertility Challenges, Chose Her Donor, and Found Joy in Solo MotherhoodIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Sonya shares her heartfelt journey to becoming a solo mum. As a primary teacher and former lawyer, Sonya had always loved children, but it wasn’t until her early 30s during COVID that she committed to solo motherhood. She discusses her path through multiple rounds of fertility treatment, selecting an anonymous donor, and the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum. Now, with her son, Pippin, Sonya reflects on the highs and lows of solo motherhood, the support she received from family, and how her new life with Pippin has changed her perspective and priorities.
Key Takeaways:
Sonya’s decision to embrace solo motherhood after COVID influenced her priorities.
Her experience with IUI and IVF, including the struggle with initial setbacks.
Choosing a clinic-recruited donor for a secure, anonymous arrangement.
The challenging yet fulfilling transition to motherhood, including postpartum struggles.
The unwavering support from her family that made her journey possible.
SPONSOR OFFER:
We’re thrilled to partner with City Fertility to support your solo motherhood journey. As a special offer for No Need for Prince Charming listeners, you can receive an exclusive 20% discount on fertility services at City Fertility clinics across Australia. Get more information and the discount code here. Terms and conditions apply.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.

S2:E33 – Sarah & Dylan

From Building a Career to Building a Family: Sarah’s Candid Story of Solo Motherhood and Resilience
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Alisha talks with Sarah, who shares her journey to solo motherhood, from weighing the decision to become a single parent to finding the right donor. Sarah opens up about her experiences with fertility, miscarriage, and ultimately welcoming her son, Dylan. Her journey is filled with strength, challenges, and the unwavering love for her new family.
Key Takeaways:
Sarah’s experience of deciding to pursue solo motherhood.
Challenges in finding a donor and navigating the donor process.
Coping with miscarriage and the emotional strength required.
Insights into the first weeks of motherhood and building a support system.
Sarah’s recommendations:
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
SPONSOR OFFER:
Are you considering whether solo motherhood could be the right path for you to start your family? Check out the three-week “Considering Solo Motherhood” course to learn all you need to know to make an informed and empowered decision. Find out more here.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.

S2:E32 – Angela & Lucas

Angela’s Inspiring Story of Solo Motherhood, Embracing Life with a Special Needs Child, and Building SupportIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Angela shares her journey to solo motherhood. Living an adventurous life of travel and food, she initially pursued motherhood at 36 by freezing her eggs, only to later choose solo parenthood at 40 when she hadn’t met the right partner. After IVF challenges, Angela welcomed her son, Lucas, and later faced an autism and ADHD diagnosis. Angela opens up about navigating early interventions, building a strong support system, and the joy she finds in raising Lucas. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and creating a fulfilling family life.
Key Takeaways:
Angela’s decision to pursue solo motherhood after focusing on her passions and career.
The challenges of IVF, selecting a local donor, and choosing to become a single parent.
Navigating Lucas’s autism and ADHD diagnoses, including therapy and support strategies.
Finding a support network through family, solo mum groups, and community resources.
Angela’s reflections on resilience, embracing life with Lucas, and balancing her career.
 
SPONSOR OFFER:
We’re thrilled to partner with City Fertility to support your solo motherhood journey. As a special offer for No Need for Prince Charming listeners, you can receive an exclusive 20% discount on fertility services at City Fertility clinics across Australia. Get more information and the discount code here. Terms and conditions apply.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.

S2:E31 – Liza, Oscar, Archie & Jack

Liza’s Inspiring Solo Motherhood Story After Choosing Donor Conception and Raising Three BoysIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Liza shares her extraordinary journey to solo motherhood. Starting with a focus on career and travel, she made the bold choice to pursue motherhood independently at age 37. After facing numerous IVF challenges and a decision to use donor eggs from her sister, Liza welcomed triplet sons, Oscar, Archie, and Jack. Liza opens up about her high-risk pregnancy, navigating life with triplets, and the deep bond she shares with her boys. Her story is one of resilience, support, and finding joy in an unexpected family journey.
Key Takeaways:
Liza’s decision to pursue solo motherhood after realizing she couldn’t wait for the right partner.
The IVF process, including using donor eggs from her sister and challenges with hormone treatments.
Discovering she was expecting triplets after initially thinking it was twins.
Her high-risk pregnancy and NICU journey, with Oscar, Archie, and Jack born at 28 weeks.
Reflections on resilience, family support, and balancing life with three energetic boys.
CONSIDERING SOLO MOTHERHOOD?
Are you considering whether solo motherhood could be the right path for you to start your family? Check out the three-week “Considering Solo Motherhood” course to learn all you need to know to make an informed and empowered decision. Find out more here.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Have your own inspiring story to share? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a solo mum or considering solo motherhood, reach out to share your journey on the podcast here.