S2:E6 – Ally & Quinn
An empowering story of Ally's journey to motherhood and balancing an artistic career as a solo mum.
In this episode, Ally shares her decision to pursue solo motherhood at 39 and her path to building a life with her son, Quinn. From balancing artistic ambitions with parenting to dealing with societal expectations, Ally provides insight into what it takes to follow your dreams while creating a family on your own terms.
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.
S2:E4 – Sarah & Noah
Finding Strength in the Unexpected: Sarah’s Story of Solo Motherhood and Embracing Life with Baby Noah
In this heartfelt episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Alisha talks with Sarah, a solo mum who shares her journey to welcoming her son, Noah. Sarah opens up about her path through multiple rounds of IUI and IVF, the impact of COVID-19 on her treatment, and her ultimate decision to embrace motherhood on her own terms. From navigating challenges to building a supportive network, Sarah’s story is filled with resilience, hope, and the joy of creating a family.
S2:E2 – Carly & Lennon
Choosing Solo Motherhood at 38: Carly’s Inspiring Story of Resilience, Support, and Finding Joy with Baby Lennon
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Alisha sits down with Carly, a solo mum who shares her journey to motherhood. Carly opens up about navigating both IUI and IVF, the challenges of infertility, and the importance of having a supportive family by her side. She also reflects on her first months as a mum to Lennon and the joy of creating a family on her own terms. This episode is packed with insights on resilience, family support, and what it means to be a solo mum by choice.
S2:E1 – Billie & Luna
From Making the Decision to Parenthood: Billie’s Story of Solo Motherhood and Embracing Life with Baby Luna
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Billie shares her journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After setting milestones for herself and navigating both IUI and IVF, Billie welcomed her daughter, Luna, into the world. She discusses the decision-making process, her supportive family, and the joys and challenges of parenting on her own. This episode offers insights into the realities of solo motherhood, the importance of family support, and Billie's reflections on building a family filled with love and intention
S1:E40 – Meagan & Jed
From IVF success during COVID to life-saving decisions for her son, Jed, Meagan shares her powerful story of love, strength, and resilience.
In this deeply moving episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Meagan shares her heartfelt journey to solo motherhood with her son, Jed. The idea was first sparked by her late mother’s lighthearted comment, but it wasn’t until age 36 that Meagan decided to make her dream of motherhood a reality.
Navigating IVF during the COVID-19 lockdown, Meagan faced unexpected challenges but was lucky enough to achieve success on her first fresh transfer. What followed was a smooth pregnancy, but her journey took an emotional turn when Jed was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a rare condition requiring major skull surgery at just 12 months old.
Through her story, Meagan shares the power of trusting maternal instincts, advocating for her son, and embracing life as a solo mum—building strength, resilience, and a deep bond with her little boy.
Key Takeaways:
Deciding to pursue solo motherhood after years of dating disappointments.
Achieving IVF success on her first fresh embryo transfer at age 37.
Managing pregnancy and birth during COVID lockdowns, including an unexpected cesarean.
Navigating Jed’s diagnosis of craniosynostosis and the emotional toll of his skull surgery.
Embracing the joys and challenges of solo parenting, from toddler cuddles to building a new life near family.
S1:E37 – Jac & Fletcher
From foster parent training to IVF success during COVID, Jac shares her story of courage, resilience, and motherhood.
In this inspiring episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Jac shares her journey to solo motherhood and her deep love for her son, Fletcher. Initially considering fostering, Jac’s path shifted when she realised how much she longed for her own child. Her story highlights the unique challenges of navigating fertility treatment during COVID, including failed IUI cycles, overstimulation during IVF, and a long 42-week pregnancy that ended in a whirlwind induction and delivery.
Jac also candidly discusses the emotional weight of choosing a sperm donor, the importance of maternal instincts, and how motherhood has exceeded her expectations in the most beautiful ways. Through it all, she shares valuable insights about trusting the process, creating routines, and cherishing every precious moment.
Key Takeaways:
How foster care training sparked her decision to pursue solo motherhood.
Navigating IUI, overstimulation, and a successful frozen embryo transfer.
Managing a challenging 42-week pregnancy with daily sickness and an unexpected induction.
Choosing a donor based on kindness and openness to future contact.
Balancing work, boundaries, and life as a solo mum with her son, Fletcher.
S1:E36 – Haylee & Neve
From IVF setbacks to a life-saving early birth, Haylee shares her emotional journey to motherhood with her daughter, Neve.
In this powerful and emotional episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Haylee shares her extraordinary journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her daughter, Neve. Haylee opens up about the challenges she faced: navigating IVF, coping with miscarriage, and pushing through setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The story takes a dramatic turn as Haylee details her pregnancy complications, including major placenta previa, high blood pressure, and reduced movements. At just 33 weeks, Haylee’s instincts and courage saved Neve’s life, leading to an emergency C-section and an extended NICU stay.
Haylee’s story is a testament to the power of maternal instinct, resilience, and love. Her openness about postpartum anxiety, navigating life as a solo mum, and finding joy amidst the chaos will inspire anyone considering the solo motherhood path.
Key Takeaways:
Facing multiple IVF challenges, including miscarriage and chemical pregnancies.
Navigating pregnancy complications: major placenta previa, high blood pressure, and reduced fetal movements.
How Haylee’s instincts saved Neve’s life and led to an emergency early birth at 33 weeks.
The emotional journey of NICU and the challenges of bringing home a premature baby.
Overcoming postnatal anxiety and the importance of leaning on family for support
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:E27 – Sarah & Ollie
How Sarah embraced solo motherhood, navigated IVF, and found love again while raising her son, Ollie.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Sarah shares her incredible journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her son, Ollie. After years of travel and a realization in her mid-30s, Sarah decided she wasn’t going to wait for Prince Charming to pursue her dream of motherhood. Her path took her through IVF, a successful first transfer, and a smooth pregnancy. Sarah opens up about navigating solo parenting during Melbourne’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns and how her supportive family helped her through the early days. She also talks about the joy of finding a partner when she least expected it, proving that love can come at any time. Sarah’s story is one of independence, resilience, and the deep love she has for her son.
Key Takeaways:
Deciding on solo motherhood after her early 30s milestone.
The challenges of selecting a donor and choosing IVF over IUI.
Experiencing a successful IVF transfer on the first attempt.
Navigating solo parenting during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns.
Finding love after becoming a solo mum and balancing a new relationship.
S1:E26 – Karly & Remy
A Mother’s Love, Lasting Legacy, and Remy: Karly’s Brave Journey to Solo Motherhood
⚠️ Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussions about terminal illness and loss. It may be emotionally challenging for some listeners. Please take care while listening.
In this heartfelt episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Karly shares her journey to solo motherhood with her daughter, Remy. From giving herself milestone deadlines for motherhood to navigating multiple rounds of IUI, Karly candidly talks about her resilience and determination. She describes the challenges of fertility treatments, discovering a cervical blockage, and the joy of finally conceiving on her fourth attempt. Karly’s journey also touches on the realities of solo parenting, the importance of building a supportive village, and the deep bond she shares with her daughter. With her family’s unwavering support and her own strength, Karly created a life filled with love and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
Deciding on solo motherhood after missed relationship milestones.
Navigating four rounds of IUI and overcoming a cervical blockage.
Experiencing a fast labour and the joy of a midwife-assisted delivery.
The importance of building a support network and accepting help.
Facing life’s challenges with resilience, including a terminal diagnosis.
Honouring Karly’s Legacy
It was an honour and a privilege to record Karly’s story—a story filled with courage, determination, and boundless love for her much-longed-for daughter, Remy. Karly’s strength and resilience inspired all who knew her, and she leaves behind a powerful legacy of hope and joy. Tragically, Karly passed away shortly after this episode was released, just before her daughter’s 5th birthday. This episode stands as a testament to her incredible journey and the deep love she had for Remy and her family.
S1:E24 – Hannah & Stevie
How Hannah navigated egg freezing, IVF, a traumatic birth, and COVID lockdowns to welcome her daughter, Stevie.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Hannah shares her journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. A nanny by profession, Hannah made the proactive decision to freeze her eggs in her early 30s after recognising the uncertainty of finding a partner. After enduring setbacks, including a redundancy just after purchasing donor sperm, she pushed ahead with IVF and conceived on her first embryo transfer. Hannah opens up about a traumatic birth experience involving induction, a retained placenta, and a challenging recovery, all coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the hurdles, Hannah's resilience, the support of her family, and the joy of raising her daughter, Stevie, shine through.
Key Takeaways:
Egg freezing as a proactive step in her early 30s.
Choosing an international donor and navigating IVF.
A traumatic birth with induction, epidural complications, and a retained placenta.
Early motherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic and finding support through her family.
Building connections with donor siblings worldwide.
S1:E21 – Danni & Sophia
How Danni faced fertility challenges, IVF, and a quick decision to welcome her daughter, Sophia.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Danni shares her straightforward yet courageous journey to solo motherhood. After years of dating without success and discovering she had a low egg reserve, Danni made the decision to pursue solo motherhood at 31. She navigated two unsuccessful IUIs before moving to IVF, overcoming fears and misconceptions about the process. With her family’s unwavering support and the right clinic, Danni’s perseverance led to the birth of her daughter, Sophia. She opens up about a difficult pregnancy, a fast labour, and the challenges of balancing solo motherhood with running her own business. Danni’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the joy of building a life on her own terms.
Key Takeaways:
Discovering a low AMH result and making a quick decision to pursue solo motherhood.
The challenges and disappointment of failed IUIs and switching to IVF.
Managing a tough pregnancy with hyperemesis and SPD.
A rapid labour experience and postpartum recovery.
Balancing motherhood with running a successful salon business.
S1:E15 – Rachel & Arlo
Rachel’s Story of Determination, Embracing Solo Motherhood, and Finding Fulfillment with Her Son Arlo
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Rachel, from Adelaide, opens up about her journey to solo motherhood. After years of navigating relationships, Rachel decided to become a mother on her own terms, ultimately welcoming her son, Arlo. Her story explores the unexpected twists and turns in her journey, from considering a known donor to ultimately using an anonymous one, and her experiences with IVF. Rachel shares how she found strength, confidence, and joy in becoming a solo mum. Her story is filled with humor, resilience, and a reminder that family can be created in many beautiful ways.
S1:E11 – Lauriane & Chloe
How Lauriane overcame heartbreak, PCOS, and IVF to create her perfect family.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Lauriane shares her incredible journey from France to Australia and how she became a solo mum by choice. After a failed relationship and the heartbreak of unmet expectations, Lauriane faced a diagnosis of PCOS and the reality of ticking biological time. Her determination led her to pursue IVF and choose an Australian sperm donor, despite initial disappointment with donor options. Lauriane opens up about the emotional and financial challenges of fertility treatments, a traumatic birth experience, and finding joy in solo motherhood with her daughter, Chloe. Her story is a testament to resilience, courage, and embracing motherhood on your own terms.
Key Takeaways:
Moving to Australia with dreams of family life that didn’t go as planned.
Navigating PCOS, IVF, and the challenges of donor selection.
Coping with a traumatic birth and the realities of solo motherhood.
The importance of a support network and postpartum preparation.
Embracing the joy and resilience required for solo motherhood.
S1:E8 – Sarah & Hartley
From PCOS and fertility struggles to the joy of welcoming baby Hartley.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Sarah shares her journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After the heartbreak of dating disappointments, a controlling family background, and a diagnosis of PCOS, she decided to take control of her own future. Sarah’s story covers the challenges of fertility treatments, the emotional rollercoaster of multiple IUI attempts, and ultimately, the joy of IVF success. She also navigated a high-risk pregnancy, a cervical stitch, and early labour, all while building a strong support system. Her beautiful son Hartley is a testament to her courage, resilience, and determination to embrace solo motherhood on her own terms.
Key Takeaways:
Overcoming PCOS and infertility challenges.
The emotional toll of unsuccessful IUIs and the decision to switch to IVF.
Navigating a high-risk pregnancy with a cervical stitch and bed rest.
The importance of support networks in solo motherhood.
How gadgets and planning can make solo parenting smoother.
S1:E4 – Lisa & Luca
From a spontaneous decision to solo motherhood, Lisa shares her path to joy and resilience.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Lisa shares her journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After poor dating luck and a wake-up call from her fertility specialist, Lisa decided to try IUI—and got pregnant on her first attempt. Her story covers navigating pregnancy challenges, the struggle of early solo motherhood, and the importance of asking for help. Lisa’s candid experience is full of honesty, resilience, and a reminder that motherhood rarely goes exactly to plan.
Key Takeaways:
How a simple fertility consultation changed her path.
The challenges of pregnancy and early solo parenting.
The importance of trusting your intuition in fertility decisions.
Asking for help and finding support in the solo mum community.
S1:E3 – Christina & Eliza
How Christina turned dating disappointment into her most joyful decision yet.
In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Christina shares her candid journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After dating exhaustion, the loss of her father, and navigating multiple fertility clinics, she finally found the clarity to pursue motherhood on her own. From selecting a local donor, dealing with lockdown challenges, and finding pure joy in solo parenting, Christina’s story highlights resilience, decisiveness, and the freedom of choosing happiness on her own terms.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of trusting your gut with fertility clinics.
How to balance dating while considering solo motherhood.
Insights on donor selection and the Australian donor system.
Finding unexpected joys in solo parenting.
S1:E1 – Alisha & Alexandra
How loss, divorce, and resilience led to a beautiful new beginning.
In this premiere episode of No Need for Prince Charming, host Alisha shares her deeply personal journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After experiencing the heartbreak of infertility, a stillbirth, and the end of her marriage, Alisha made the courageous decision to pursue motherhood on her own terms. She takes us through the highs and lows of fertility treatments, the importance of trusting your instincts, and the joy of finally welcoming her daughter, Lexi. This episode is a powerful reminder that there’s no one path to happiness—and that sometimes, creating your own fairytale is the bravest choice of all.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace the options for solo motherhood.
The importance of trusting your gut with fertility specialists.
Preparing for motherhood alone, especially during a pandemic.
The unexpected ways life can give you a second chance at happiness.
Back to ALL episodes