S3:E29 - Shantal, Esme & Elena
From Single Woman to Solo Mum of Two: Shantal’s Story of Family, Resilience, and Independence
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Shantal shares her journey to solo motherhood with her daughters, Esme and Laney. She discusses her experiences with IUI, IVF, and choosing a donor, as well as the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent children as a single mum. Shantal’s story highlights the joy and resilience required in solo parenting, as well as the importance of community and acceptance in navigating life’s unexpected paths. Her reflections offer inspiration and insights for anyone considering solo motherhood or facing similar challenges.
S3:E18 - Siobhan, Maddox & Arrow
Overcoming IVF Challenges, Building a Village, and Embracing Solo Motherhood as a Teacher and Mum
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Siobhan shares her inspiring journey from being a dedicated teacher with a full life to becoming a solo mum by choice to her sons, Maddox and Arrow. She opens up about navigating IVF, choosing a sperm donor, and her commitment to creating a supportive village for her children. Siobhan’s story is a testament to resilience, independence, and the incredible love of a mother who pursued her dreams on her own terms.
S3:E16 - Claire, Joshua & Ramani
Navigating Uterine Cancer, Choosing Donor Conception, and Raising Children with Resilience and Support
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Claire shares her profound journey to motherhood after a uterine cancer diagnosis threatened her dreams of having children. Determined to pursue motherhood, Claire chose donor conception and faced numerous challenges along the way, including the premature birth of her son. Her inspiring story covers everything from treatment decisions and choosing a donor to building a resilient family with love and support. Claire’s strength and determination to embrace motherhood, even under difficult circumstances, is a powerful reminder that women can create families on their own terms.
S3:E15 - Steph, Poppy & Finn
Navigating IUI, IVF, and the Joys and Challenges of Raising Poppy and Finn on Her Own
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Steph shares her journey to solo motherhood, from her determination to pursue a family on her own terms to navigating fertility treatments and the unique joys and challenges of raising her two children, Poppy and Finn. Steph’s story reveals the resilience, love, and support that make solo motherhood both rewarding and empowering. Her experiences with IUI and IVF, finding an American donor, and the highs and lows of parenting alone offer inspiration and insights for anyone considering solo motherhood.
S3:E8 - Kathryn, Amy & Jackie
Navigating Early Solo Motherhood, Choosing Donor Conception, and Building a Family Legacy
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Kathryn shares her journey to solo motherhood decades ago, as one of the early women in Australia to choose donor conception. Joined by her daughters, Amy and Jackie, Kathryn reflects on the challenges and triumphs of raising children alone, the experience of choosing a donor, and the complexities of family identity. Together, they provide a unique perspective on the legacy of love, resilience, and choice that has shaped their family.
S3:E5 - Trudy, Frankie May & Willow Rose
From IVF to Unexpected Twins: Trudy’s Story of Resilience, Faith, and Solo Motherhood
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Trudy shares her journey to solo motherhood, from being a dedicated aunt to taking the leap into motherhood herself. After deciding to pursue motherhood through IVF, Trudy was surprised to find she was expecting twins. She reflects on the challenges of a high-risk pregnancy, navigating family dynamics, and embracing the strength required for solo parenting. Trudy’s story is an inspiring example of resilience, faith, and the joy of choosing one’s own path to family.
S2:E27 - Libby, Ethan & Spencer
Libby’s Path from Career-Focused Goals to Solo Motherhood with Her Two Sons
In 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.Libby was so clear she wanted to be a mother, she even chose her career to ensure she would be set up for them when they arrived. After achieving some significant career milestones and "career dating" with no success for 5 years she knew she'd regret it if she didn't try alone. She now lives
S2:E21 – Emily, Daisy & Polly
Emily’s Inspiring Journey from Long-Distance Heartbreak to Solo Mum of Two Girls
In 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.
S2:E18 – Samantha, Scarlett & Audrey
Samantha’s Journey: Finding Strength After a Toxic Relationship and Embracing Life with Scarlet and Audrey
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Samantha shares her powerful journey to solo motherhood. After leaving a toxic marriage, she chose to pursue motherhood on her own terms, facing the challenges of fertility treatments and endometriosis. Samantha opens up about her experience with IUI and IVF, the complex decision-making around choosing an Australian donor, and the journey to welcoming her daughters, Scarlet and Audrey. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and creating a family filled with love and support.
S2:E11 – Emma, Jay & Taya
Finding Fulfilment: Emma’s Path to Solo Motherhood with Her Son Jay and Daughter Taya
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Emma shares her journey to becoming a solo mother by choice. Already a mother to her son, Jay, from a previous marriage, Emma decided to expand her family on her own terms. Despite initial uncertainty and navigating COVID lockdowns, Emma embarked on fertility treatments and welcomed her daughter, Taya, via donor conception. Her story highlights the importance of self-trust, managing family dynamics, and the joy of creating a family that reflects her dreams.
S2:E7 – Tiffany, Wyatt & Reeve
Tiffany's path to motherhood through IVF, overcoming endometriosis, and raising two sons as a solo mum.
Tiffany’s story is one of resilience and determination. From a diagnosis of endometriosis at 21 to facing multiple IVF rounds to become a mum, Tiffany’s journey redefines strength.
S2:E5 – Jess, Gwen & Freddie
Navigating Motherhood with Love, Loss, and a Known Donor
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Jess from Western Australia shares her journey to motherhood using a known donor, Phil, to bring her daughter Gwen and son Freddie into the world. Jess discusses the challenges of choosing a known donor, navigating legal agreements, and handling pregnancy loss. Her resilient story offers insight into her decision to have a second child despite doubts from her support system, her experience with home insemination, and the sense of family she’s built through love and community. This episode highlights Jess’s strength, the joys and challenges of solo motherhood, and the power of a supportive network.
S1:E35 – Sal, Edie & Hendrix
From deciding to go solo to navigating IVF across state borders, Sal shares her journey to motherhood with her two children, Edie and Hendrix.
In this heartfelt episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Sal shares her inspiring and candid journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her two children, Edie and Hendrix. Growing up believing motherhood required a man, Sal never saw children in her future until her perspective shifted.
Sal dives into her unique experience of navigating fertility treatment across state borders, balancing financial pressures, and dealing with her PCOS diagnosis. She also opens up about managing pregnancy complications, a postpartum hemorrhage, and embracing the chaos of solo motherhood—all while leaning into her community for support. Sal’s practical approach to life, humour, and unwavering determination shine through as she reflects on the family she’s created and the future she envisions for her kids.
Key Takeaways:
Shifting perspectives on motherhood and realising it was possible without Prince Charming.
Navigating IVF in Adelaide while living in Melbourne to access affordable treatment.
Dealing with PCOS, a low ovarian response, and a challenging egg retrieval process.
The emotional and physical challenges of postpartum recovery and early motherhood.
Creating connections with donor siblings and building her family’s village.
S1:E33 – Bess, Sadie & Nina
How Bess followed her heart, met her deadlines, and created a beautiful family with her two daughters, Sadie and Nina.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Bess shares her inspiring journey to solo motherhood with her daughters, Sadie and Nina. With a clear vision and a self-imposed timeline, Bess knew she wanted to pursue motherhood by age 30 if Prince Charming hadn’t come along.
Her story explores the success of her first IUI, the challenges of miscarriage, and the emotional ups and downs of trying for her second child through IVF. Bess speaks candidly about her experience navigating Tasmania’s donor system, connecting with other solo mums by choice, and eventually finding donor siblings for her daughters.
From navigating pregnancies with morning sickness to creating strong connections within her support network, Bess’ story highlights the importance of community, determination, and resilience. Her joy and gratitude for the life she’s created with her daughters shine through every step of her journey.
Key Takeaways:
Setting a clear timeline to pursue solo motherhood and sticking to it.
Navigating Tasmania’s local donor system and securing the same donor for siblings.
Overcoming miscarriage and finding hope in a second IUI success.
Transitioning to IVF and balancing the challenges of pregnancy, work, and finances.
Building connections with donor siblings and a thriving solo mum community in Tasmania.
S1:E32 – Celeste, Henry & Charlie
How Celeste turned a Hollywood idea into her reality, navigating IVF, sibling dreams, and solo parenting challenges.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Celeste shares her heartfelt and sometimes humorous journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her two boys, Henry and Charlie. Inspired by a movie (yes, The Back-Up Plan), Celeste decided to pursue motherhood in her early 30s after realising time was passing by without Prince Charming.
From navigating long sperm donor waitlists and fertility processes to managing unexpected health challenges, Celeste’s story highlights the realities of IVF, the desire for siblings, and the highs and lows of solo parenting. With candid reflections on her two very different sons and her advice on choosing clinics and specialists, Celeste provides valuable insights for anyone considering the solo motherhood path. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and finding humour in the chaos of creating her perfect family.
Key Takeaways:
Deciding to pursue solo motherhood after a lightbulb moment watching The Back-Up Plan.
Navigating long donor waitlists and unexpected delays.
Managing IVF challenges, including multiple transfers, polyps, and NK cell issues.
The highs and lows of pregnancy, birth, and parenting with a wide age gap between siblings.
Valuable advice on selecting clinics, advocating for yourself, and preparing for unexpected costs.
S1:E30 – Maureen, Lana & Flynn
How Maureen broke barriers, navigated fertility laws, and built a beautiful family on her own terms.
In this inspiring episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Maureen shares her trailblazing journey to solo motherhood. When Maureen first decided to become a solo mum, using donor sperm was illegal for single women in Victoria. Determined to follow her dream, she navigated the legal loopholes, underwent IVF, and welcomed her daughter, Lana, and later her son, Flynn.
Maureen candidly discusses the challenges of making the decision, overcoming societal expectations, and the emotional toll of miscarriages. Her journey highlights the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and building a support network—even when it comes from unexpected places. Maureen’s story is filled with humour, wisdom, and a powerful reminder that solo motherhood is not about doing it alone, but about creating a family in your own way.
Key Takeaways:
Deciding to pursue solo motherhood despite societal and legal barriers.
Navigating IVF in a time when it was illegal for single women in Victoria.
Choosing a donor and forming a unique connection with him years later.
Coping with miscarriages and finding the strength to try again.
Building an unexpected support network that helped her through tough times.
S1:E28 – Nat, Harry & Hudson
How Nat overcame a lifetime of endometriosis, fertility challenges, and heartbreak to welcome her two beautiful boys.
⚠️ Trigger Warning - This episode discusses topics such as ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and medical trauma. Please take care while listening.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Nat takes us on a deeply personal journey through a lifetime of challenges with endometriosis, fertility struggles, and heartbreak. Diagnosed with a 3.5kg ovarian mass as a teenager, Nat spent years battling surgeries, adhesions, and blocked fallopian tubes. After failed relationships and a traumatic ectopic pregnancy during IVF, Nat shares how she found the strength to push forward, advocating for herself and her dream of motherhood.
Nat’s story explores the emotional rollercoaster of heterotopic pregnancy, complex fertility treatments, and the eventual joy of welcoming her two boys, Harry and Hudson, into the world. She highlights the importance of choosing the right specialists, financial preparation, and cherishing every moment of motherhood.
For anyone facing fertility challenges or considering solo motherhood, Nat’s journey offers inspiration, hope, and a reminder that miracles can happen—even against the odds.
Key Takeaways:
Living with endometriosis and its impact on fertility from a young age.
Facing blocked fallopian tubes, surgeries, and repeated IVF cycles.
The emotional and physical toll of heterotopic pregnancy and ectopic loss.
Successfully conceiving her two sons, Harry and Hudson, through IVF.
Tips for advocating for yourself in fertility treatments and financial planning.
S1:E19 – Sam, Eli & Kai
How Sam’s decision to use a known donor led to her beautiful boys, Kai and Eli, and a life filled with resilience and joy.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Sam shares her heartfelt and insightful journey to solo motherhood. After a wake-up call when her best friend was diagnosed with cancer, Sam decided life was too short to wait for Prince Charming. She chose to use a known donor to conceive her two sons, Kai and Eli. Sam candidly discusses the donor selection process, the emotional challenges of loss, and the complexities of using a known donor. Her story also covers two pregnancies, one involving a stressful induction and C-section, and the joys and exhaustion of raising two young boys. Through it all, Sam's resilience, practical approach, and love for her children shine brightly.
Key Takeaways:
Choosing solo motherhood after the loss of a close friend.
The process and challenges of selecting and working with a known donor.
Managing a neurological condition during pregnancy and birth.
Overcoming stressful inductions, C-sections, and postpartum adjustments.
Building connections with donor siblings and embracing a supportive network.
S1:E16 – Amy, Charlie & Molly
How Amy overcame fertility challenges, IVF setbacks, and created her dream family with community support.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Amy shares her incredible journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her two beautiful children, Charlie and Molly. After a miscarriage and years of fertility struggles, including multiple rounds of IUI and IVF, Amy persevered through 14 embryo transfers to finally welcome her son, Charlie. She later had her daughter, Molly, after one final embryo transfer during the COVID pandemic. Amy opens up about the emotional and financial challenges of solo motherhood, the joy of building a supportive solo mum community, and how she finds happiness in organising camping trips for other solo mums and their kids. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community.
Key Takeaways:
Overcoming a miscarriage and multiple fertility treatment setbacks.
Navigating IVF, OHSS, and embryo transfer challenges.
The importance of financial and emotional preparation for solo motherhood.
Building a strong solo mum community and support network.
The joy of creating memories through camping trips and holidays.
S1:E10 – Steph, Madden & Scout
How Steph navigated IVF, foster care, and resilience to build her beautiful family.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Steph shares her incredible journey to becoming a solo mum by choice at just 25 years old. Facing skepticism due to her age, she persevered through six unsuccessful rounds of IUI before moving to IVF. After a challenging first egg collection, she ultimately welcomed her sons, Madden and Scout. Alongside her fertility journey, Steph also took on the immense responsibility of fostering two children. Her resilience, determination, and love for her family shine through, and make sure you listen to the end for an exciting twist! Steph’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength, courage, and joy that come with creating your own path to motherhood.
Key Takeaways:
Pursuing solo motherhood at a young age despite initial skepticism.
The challenges of multiple IUIs and transitioning to IVF.
Balancing solo motherhood with fostering two children.
Dealing with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and IVF setbacks.
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