No need for Prince Charming

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.

Bonus Episode 9 – Interview with Lara, a fertility dietician

Nutritional Advice for Solo Mothers, Including Mediterranean Diet, Supplements, and Egg Quality TipsIn this bonus episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Alisha welcomes Lara, an accredited fertility dietitian, who shares essential dietary advice to enhance fertility. Lara discusses how the Mediterranean diet, key nutrients, and lifestyle adjustments can positively impact egg quality and overall reproductive health. She provides a comprehensive guide on supplements like omega-3, CoQ10, and choline, and explains the importance of the 100-day preparation window before conception. Lara’s expert insights offer practical steps for solo mums to optimize their fertility journey, from understanding the best foods to reduce inflammation to avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Her guidance empowers women to take control of their nutrition and enhance their chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Key Takeaways:
The Mediterranean diet’s benefits for fertility, including fish, whole grains, and antioxidants.
Avoiding processed foods, trans fats, and high-sugar diets to reduce inflammation.
Essential supplements for fertility, such as omega-3, CoQ10, and choline, and their roles in reproductive health.
Understanding the importance of a 100-day pre-conception window to prepare for egg quality.
Tips for avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals in daily life, including BPA-free containers.

S2:E30 – Maegan & Freddie

Maegan’s Solo Motherhood Story After Choosing a Local Donor and Finding Joy with Her Son FreddieIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Maegan shares her journey to solo motherhood. Living in Ballarat, Victoria, Maegan pursued motherhood independently in her late 20s after years of trying to find the right partner. After successful IUI treatments, she welcomed her son, Freddie. Maegan opens up about the importance of family support, choosing a local donor with shared interests, and building her business in the arts alongside motherhood. Her story highlights resilience, adaptability, and creating a fulfilling life on her own terms.
Key Takeaways:
Maegan’s choice to pursue solo motherhood in her late 20s after realizing she didn’t want to wait for a partner.
The process of selecting a Victorian donor with interests in the arts and music.
Her experience with IUI, successful on the second attempt, and navigating a medicated cycle.
Moving to Ballarat to be closer to family and raising Freddie with her mother’s support.
Maegan’s reflections on resilience, solo parenting, and finding balance with her arts business.
 
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:E29 – Rebecca & Eden

Rebecca’s Inspiring Solo Motherhood Story After Grief, IVF, and Finding Strength in MotherhoodIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Rebecca shares her journey to solo motherhood. After experiencing the loss of her beloved grandmother and a challenging fertility journey, Rebecca chose to pursue IVF, ultimately welcoming her daughter, Eden. She opens up about the emotional complexities of fertility treatments, choosing a donor with values aligned to her own, and coping with grief while navigating her path to motherhood. Rebecca’s story highlights resilience, intentionality, and the unique joys of solo parenting.
Key Takeaways:
Rebecca’s decision to become a solo mum after focusing on her dreams of teaching, travel, and motherhood.
Navigating the grief of losing her grandmother during her fertility journey.
Selecting a donor whose profile resonated deeply, including a heartfelt letter to future children.
The challenges of IVF, including hyperstimulation and coping with an early miscarriage.
Reflections on resilience, building a support network, and her joyful journey with Eden.
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:E28 – LJ & Baby Z

LJ’s Inspiring Solo Motherhood Story After Heartbreak, a Unique Donor Match, and Building Family SupportIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' LJ shares her journey to solo motherhood. After experiencing a broken engagement and years of trying to find the right partner, LJ decided to become a solo mother. She connected with a known donor through an app, carefully establishing a supportive agreement. LJ reflects on her experience with family support, navigating government systems as a solo mum, and her joy in raising Baby Z. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and redefining family on her terms.
Key Takeaways:
LJ’s decision to become a solo mum after years of searching for the right partner.
Navigating the process of selecting a known donor and the unique relationship that followed.
Overcoming the challenges of postpartum adjustments and dealing with government agencies.
The importance of family support, including moving in with her brother and sister-in-law initially.
LJ’s reflections on resilience, gratitude, and the joys of solo motherhood.
 
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.