No need for Prince Charming

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.

S2:E27 – Libby, Ethan & Spencer

Libby’s Path from Career-Focused Goals to Solo Motherhood with Her Two SonsIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Libby shares her journey to solo motherhood. After focusing on her career in her 30s, she began to consider motherhood independently, pursuing IVF with a donor. Facing the complexities of choosing a donor and managing fertility treatments, she welcomed her first son, Ethan, and later had Spencer. Libby reflects on the highs and lows of motherhood, her support network, and adjusting to life with two young children. Her story highlights resilience, intentionality, and the unique challenges of creating a family solo.
Key Takeaways:
Libby’s decision to pursue solo motherhood after prioritizing her career in her early 30s.
Navigating IVF, donor selection, and the challenges of fertility treatments.
Balancing life with her two sons, Ethan and Spencer, and adapting to motherhood.
The role of family support, especially moving back to her hometown.
Libby’s reflections on resilience, self-acceptance, and embracing life as a solo mum.
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:E26 – Allison & Austin

Allison’s Path from Event Planning to Solo Motherhood, Overcoming Anxiety and Finding Joy with AustinIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Allison shares her journey to solo motherhood. With a structured mindset and career in event planning, she initially set timelines for finding a partner. After navigating a toxic relationship and reaching her mid-30s, she chose to pursue motherhood independently. Through IUI and IVF, she welcomed her son, Austin, amid the challenges of COVID-19. Allison opens up about postnatal anxiety, adjusting to solo parenting, and how she found joy and support in her community. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and creating a life she loves with her son.
Key Takeaways:
Allison’s structured approach to life, setting personal timelines to pursue motherhood solo.
Navigating IUI, IVF, and selecting a donor to conceive Austin.
Facing postpartum challenges, including a wound reopening and shifting from breastfeeding to formula.
The role of family support during COVID-19 and managing anxiety as a new solo mother.
Allison’s reflections on resilience, self-acceptance, and the joy of raising Austin.
 
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 8 – Interview with Emily, an embryo donor

Emily’s Story of Donating Embryos, Building Relationships, and Supporting Solo MothersIn this bonus episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Alisha interviews Emily, an embryo donor who shares her inspiring journey of helping others fulfill their dreams of motherhood. Emily explains the path she and her husband took from facing their own fertility challenges to deciding to donate their remaining embryos. She opens up about the considerations they had in choosing a recipient, how they navigated the process through online groups, and the friendship they built with a solo mum who now has a child from their donation. Emily’s story highlights the power of connection, the joy of giving, and her hopes for continued support in the donor-recipient relationship.
Key Takeaways:
Emily’s journey through IVF, multiple transfers, and a diagnosis of severe PCOS.
The process of finding a recipient for her embryos, including the use of online groups.
The importance of an open relationship with the recipient, especially for future child contact.
Reflections on societal perspectives and how Emily found meaning in giving embryos to solo mums.
Advice for anyone considering embryo donation, emphasising research, counselling, and the joy of helping others.

S2:E25 – Shakira & Ruthie

Shakira’s Inspiring Path to Solo Motherhood After Years of Travel, Self-Discovery, and Supportive FamilyIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Shakira shares her journey to solo motherhood. After exploring different paths to parenthood and embracing a lifestyle of travel and self-discovery, Shakira decided to take charge of her dream of having a child. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed her to save and pursue fertility treatments, leading to the birth of her daughter, Ruthie. Shakira opens up about her choice of an Australian donor, the process of moving back to her hometown, and the emotional growth she’s experienced. Her story is one of resilience, independence, and the joy of raising a child on her own terms.
Key Takeaways:
Shakira’s decision to become a solo mother after years of exploring other paths to parenthood.
The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on her finances and ability to pursue fertility treatments.
Choosing a local donor in Australia and the importance of family resemblance in her decision.
Moving back to her hometown to raise Ruthie with her mother’s support.
Shakira’s reflections on solo motherhood, personal growth, and the joy of watching Ruthie grow.
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:E24 – Christine & Braydon

Christine’s Inspiring Path to Solo Motherhood and Embracing Life with Son Braydon in Her Late 40sIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Christine shares her unique journey to solo motherhood, starting in her mid-40s after living a life full of travel and adventure. Deciding to become a mother on her own, she pursued fertility treatments abroad and welcomed her son, Braydon. Christine talks about the challenges of navigating IVF, selecting an anonymous donor, and the emotional journey of embracing motherhood later in life. Her story is one of resilience, intentionality, and building a family filled with love and support.
Key Takeaways:
Christine’s decision to pursue solo motherhood in her mid-40s after prioritizing travel and career.
The challenges of fertility treatments, including egg donation and donor selection.
Her experience of navigating the logistics of solo motherhood, including family support and moving back to Australia.
Insights into handling societal expectations and embracing the role of a solo mum in her 40s.
Christine’s reflections on resilience, self-reliance, and building a fulfilling life with her son.
 
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:E23 – Lauren & Maxwell

Lauren’s Path from Heartbreaking Loss to Solo Motherhood and Finding Joy with Her Son MaxwellIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Lauren shares her deeply personal journey to solo motherhood. After the tragic loss of her husband to suicide, Lauren eventually found the courage to pursue motherhood independently. Through fertility treatments and an extensive donor search, she welcomed her son, Maxwell. Her story is one of healing, resilience, and finding joy again through motherhood. Lauren opens up about navigating grief, family support, and creating a loving, independent family for her son, Maxwell, who has also faced health challenges, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Key Takeaways:
Lauren’s journey through grief after the sudden loss of her husband and her decision to pursue motherhood solo.
Navigating fertility treatments, including selecting an international donor with a strong connection to her values.
Finding support in her family and their role in helping raise Maxwell.
Managing Maxwell’s juvenile idiopathic arthritis diagnosis and the healthcare challenges it presents.
Lauren’s reflections on resilience, the healing power of motherhood, and her advice for other solo mums by choice.
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.