From IVF Setbacks to Donor Eggs: Mel’s Journey to Solo Motherhood with Lou

Mel’s path to solo motherhood wasn’t straightforward. After struggling with IVF, enduring multiple failed transfers, and facing the emotional toll of infertility, she had to make a life-changing decision—continuing with her own eggs or moving to donor eggs. In this episode, Mel shares how she navigated the mental, emotional, and financial challenges of fertility treatment, why she ultimately chose to import donor eggs into Australia, and what it was like to finally welcome her son, Lou.

If you’re in the trenches of fertility treatment or considering solo motherhood, this episode is packed with insights into IVF realities, donor conception, and how to keep pushing forward when things don’t go as planned.

Key Takeaways:

  • When to Consider Donor Eggs – Mel’s honest experience of shifting from IVF with her own eggs to donor conception.

  • The Logistics of Importing Donor Eggs – How she made it happen in Australia and what she wishes she knew sooner.

  • IVF & Multiple Failed Transfers – The mental and emotional toll of a long fertility journey.

  • Solo Mum Realities – Balancing work, finances, and raising Lou on her own.

  • Building a Village – How Mel found her support network, including donor siblings.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

Thinking About Solo Motherhood But Not Sure Where to Start?

The idea of becoming a solo mum is exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Fertility treatments, donor options, financial planning, emotional readiness… it’s a lot to figure out.

The Solo Mum Society Considering Solo Motherhood course takes the guesswork out of it. It brings everything together in one place and helps you decide if this path is right for you. No more endless Googling, no more second-guessing—just clear, structured guidance so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more here.

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Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.

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S4:E2 - Miranda & Josh