No need for Prince Charming

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.

S2:E22 – Meredith & Rani

Meredith’s Inspiring Path from Trauma to Solo Motherhood and Finding Joy with Her Daughter Rani
TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode we discuss domestic violence.In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Meredith shares her powerful journey to solo motherhood. After surviving a traumatic and abusive relationship in her younger years, Meredith decided to pursue motherhood independently when she reached her mid-30s. Navigating the complexities of IVF, IUI, and donor selection, she eventually welcomed her daughter, Rani. Meredith’s story is one of resilience, healing, and finding new purpose through motherhood, with the support of her family and a close-knit community.
Key Takeaways:
Meredith’s journey from trauma and a history of domestic violence to solo motherhood.
The challenges of finding the right donor, including considering known and clinic donors.
Her experience with fertility treatments, including IUI and IVF, and the choice to use an anonymous donor.
Embracing life as a solo mum with her daughter, Rani, and finding healing in motherhood.
Meredith’s insights on self-care, resilience, and the strength she found in building a family on her own terms.
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:E21 – Emily, Daisy & Polly

Emily’s Inspiring Journey from Long-Distance Heartbreak to Solo Mum of Two GirlsIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Emily shares her journey to solo motherhood. Initially in a long-distance relationship, Emily unexpectedly became pregnant with her daughter, Daisy, and moved abroad to be with Daisy’s father. However, their differences led her to return to Australia, embracing solo motherhood and raising Daisy on her own. Inspired to grow her family, Emily pursued donor conception for her second daughter, Polly, with the support of her family. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and finding joy and purpose through motherhood.
Key Takeaways:
Emily’s journey from long-distance romance to solo motherhood with her daughter, Daisy.
The challenges of navigating an unexpected pregnancy and moving internationally.
Choosing donor conception for her second daughter, Polly, and finding a known donor.
The role of family support and building a community in her journey as a solo mum.
Insights on parenting two young children solo and navigating blended family dynamics.
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:E20 – Renee, Amelia, Samuel & Miles

Renee’s Story of Resilience Through a Premature Birth, Choosing a Known Donor, and Raising TwinsIn this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Renee shares her path to solo motherhood. Initially a mum to Amelia from a previous relationship, Renee’s journey took a unique turn when she decided to grow her family independently. Facing polycystic ovaries, IUI, and the choice to use a known donor, Renee welcomed twins Samuel and Miles after a complex pregnancy that required NICU support. Her story highlights the resilience required for solo parenting, managing a blended family dynamic, and the joys and challenges of raising three young children.
Key Takeaways:
Renee’s decision to expand her family solo after leaving a challenging relationship.
Navigating fertility challenges, including polycystic ovaries and the IUI process.
Choosing a known donor for her twins, Samuel and Miles, and handling NICU after a high-risk pregnancy.
Balancing life as a solo mum of three, including co-parenting with Amelia’s father.
Reflections on resilience, community support, and the joy of raising siblings close in age.
 
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.