How a dream, determination, and a little pixie dust led Alycia to motherhood through IUI with her daughter, Emmeline.

In this uplifting episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Alycia shares how a dream completely transformed her perspective on motherhood and led her to pursue solo motherhood by choice. Having spent most of her 20s and early 30s convinced she didn’t want children, Alycia’s life took a surprising turn after an unforgettable dream planted the seed for her future family.

Alycia dives into the practicalities of choosing a donor, navigating the IUI process, and managing the unexpected emotions of early pregnancy—all while balancing life in country WA. She shares how her background as an egg donor helped her confidently approach the process and why trusting herself was key to her journey. Her story is filled with humour, wisdom, and heartfelt reflections on life with her daughter, Emmeline, who has “found her voice” in the most adorable way.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from not wanting children to deciding to pursue solo motherhood at 35.

• Navigating the donor sperm process and the realities of rural fertility treatment in Western Australia.

• Getting pregnant on the first IUI attempt and dealing with pregnancy complications, including migraines and pelvic pain.

• Balancing the unexpected joy and challenges of early solo parenting.

• The importance of having strong support systems and solid foundations in place before starting the journey.

How Nikeesha raced against time, embraced IVF, and navigated health challenges to welcome her daughter, Willa.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Nikeesha shares her remarkable journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her daughter, Willa. At just 27, a diagnosis related to her rare form of arthritis meant her window to carry a child was rapidly closing. Determined not to miss out on motherhood, Nikeesha embarked on a whirlwind IVF journey that took just three months from decision to pregnancy.

She candidly discusses the challenges of navigating fertility treatments, the emotional strain of a rushed process, and the physical toll of pregnancy with her condition. Nikeesha also touches on the realities of a traumatic birth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of postpartum support, and how her unwavering resilience—and the support of her dad—helped her thrive as a solo mum. Her story is one of strength, adaptability, and boundless love for her daughter, Willa.

Key Takeaways:

• Making a swift decision to pursue solo motherhood due to a health diagnosis.

• Navigating IVF at 27 and dealing with age-related assumptions from medical professionals.

• Choosing a donor and experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.

• Coping with a traumatic birth and postpartum challenges during the pandemic.

• The importance of building a support network and prioritising self-care.

How Jane overcame IVF setbacks, found hope with a known donor, and welcomed her daughter, Isabel.

In this deeply personal episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Jane shares her inspiring journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her daughter, Isabel. After years of knowing she wanted children but not finding the right relationship, Jane decided to pursue motherhood on her own terms. Her path included multiple rounds of IVF, the devastation of a miscarriage, and an unexpected yet perfect arrangement with a known donor—her friend’s brother.

Jane’s story highlights her unwavering determination to become a mum, the challenges of fertility treatments, and the beautiful bond she’s built with her daughter, her donor, and the extended donor family. Her candid discussion about navigating donor agreements, advocating for herself through setbacks, and creating a loving environment for Isabel is both heartfelt and empowering.

Key Takeaways:

• Making the decision to pursue solo motherhood in her late 30s.

• Navigating IVF, low AMH reserves, and the emotional toll of failed cycles.

• Experiencing a miscarriage and finding hope in the process.

• Choosing a known donor and managing expectations around involvement.

• Building a supportive village for Isabel with family, friends, and her donor's family.

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.

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.

How Camilla overcame heartbreak, fertility challenges, and a fast labour to welcome her son, Edward.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Camilla shares her inspiring journey to solo motherhood. After years of dating in her 20s and 30s, she decided to freeze her eggs at 37 as an insurance policy. A short, controlling relationship led to an unplanned pregnancy and a difficult decision to not proceed. Knowing time was ticking, she began IVF and welcomed her son, Edward, after a whirlwind two-hour labour. Camilla discusses the complexities of choosing a donor, dealing with pregnancy challenges, and reaching out to her donor during the pandemic. Her story highlights resilience, family support, and the joy of creating her family on her own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• Freezing eggs at 37 as an insurance policy for future motherhood.

• Ending a controlling relationship and making a difficult decision about an unplanned pregnancy.

• Pursuing IVF, selecting a donor, and experiencing a fast two-hour labour.

• Managing a traumatic birth and postnatal complications.

• Reaching out to her donor and forming an email-based connection.

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.

How Ebony navigated IVF clinics, known donors, and international travel to welcome her daughter, Lyla.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Ebony takes us through her remarkable journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. From freezing her eggs in London after a tough breakup to dealing with donor limits in the UK, Ebony’s quest for motherhood took her across Europe to Denmark. After multiple rounds of IVF, setbacks, and an emotional rollercoaster of using known donors, Ebony’s resilience ultimately led to the birth of her daughter, Lyla. Her story includes navigating blocked fallopian tubes, wildfires in California, and the pandemic. Through it all, Ebony's determination, humour, and problem-solving skills shine brightly.

Key Takeaways:

• Freezing eggs at 36 and deciding to pursue solo motherhood at 39.

• Facing UK donor limits and choosing a clinic in Denmark.

• The complexities of using known donors and donor selection processes.

• Navigating multiple IVF rounds, blocked fallopian tubes, and miscarriages.

• Finding joy, healing, and strength in finally welcoming her daughter, Lyla.

How Jen overcame grief, IVF, and a fast decision to welcome her daughter, Beatrice.

In this emotional episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Jen shares her journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After freezing her eggs at 36 and enduring the loss of her mum to breast cancer, Jen decided not to wait any longer to pursue motherhood. Navigating grief, guilt, and societal expectations, she chose a donor and embarked on IVF. Her mum’s support throughout the journey gave her strength, and despite the emotional turmoil, Jen welcomed her daughter, Beatrice. Jen’s story highlights the complexity of grief, the joy of solo motherhood, and the importance of community and resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Freezing eggs at 36 and the decision to pursue solo motherhood later.

• Facing societal expectations and feelings of guilt and grief.

• Selecting a donor and navigating IVF during personal loss.

• Managing a pregnancy while coping with her mother’s terminal illness.

• Finding joy, strength, and healing in solo motherhood.

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.

How Kath made a quick decision, navigated a traumatic birth, and found strength through solo motherhood.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Kath shares her raw and honest journey to solo motherhood. At 43, after a conversation with a friend, she decided to pursue having a child on her own. Her path was anything but straightforward: a rushed decision, fertility treatments, and a challenging pregnancy with preeclampsia led to an early birth at 35 weeks. Kath opens up about the physical and emotional toll of preeclampsia, her struggles with perinatal anxiety and depression, and the realities of raising a preemie. Despite the challenges, she ultimately found joy, healing, and pride in her daughter, Lily. Kath’s story is a testament to resilience, honesty, and the journey of personal growth that comes with solo motherhood.

Key Takeaways:

• Making a spontaneous decision to pursue solo motherhood at 43.

• The fertility journey and selecting an international donor.

• Managing preeclampsia, a premature birth, and recovery.

• Facing perinatal anxiety and depression and the realities of early motherhood.

• Finding strength, healing, and joy in raising her daughter, Lily.

How Tash tackled fertility challenges, disordered eating recovery, and IVF to create her perfect family.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Tash shares her inspiring journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to her beautiful daughter, Izzy. From a childhood filled with nurturing instincts to overcoming disordered eating that caused amenorrhea, Tash knew motherhood was her ultimate dream. With the support of a trusted GP, she navigated fertility challenges, endured a failed IUI, and found success through IVF. Her story highlights resilience, emotional preparation, and the importance of building a support network. Tash also reflects on pregnancy during Melbourne’s lockdowns and the joy of finally embracing motherhood after years of uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

• Recovering from disordered eating and navigating amenorrhea.

• The importance of a supportive GP and fertility specialist.

• Moving from IUI to IVF after a long and challenging process.

• Facing early ovulation and IVF setbacks.

• Experiencing pregnancy during COVID-19 lockdowns and planning for postpartum success.

How Sasha faced fertility challenges, built her business, and embraced solo motherhood with joy.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Sasha shares her empowering journey to solo motherhood with her daughter, Brooklynn. After a pivotal relationship ended and a fertility consultation revealed blocked tubes and severe endometriosis, Sasha knew she didn’t want to wait any longer. She pursued IVF and was fortunate to conceive on her first transfer. Sasha also talks about her traumatic birth experience, the reality of sleep deprivation, and the importance of support in the early days. Post-motherhood, she started her own virtual assistant business to create the flexible lifestyle she wanted for herself and Brooklynn. Her story highlights resilience, entrepreneurship, and the joy of building a life on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• Facing fertility challenges with blocked tubes and endometriosis.

• The decision to pursue IVF and the emotional highs and lows.

• Overcoming a traumatic birth experience and early struggles with sleep deprivation.

• Starting a virtual assistant business for flexibility as a solo mum.

• The importance of building a support network and community.

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.

How Jessie’s determination led her to embrace IVF, overcome setbacks, and welcome baby Joni.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Jessie shares her candid journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After a series of relationships that didn’t work out and the ticking of her biological clock, Jessie decided to take her future into her own hands. Her path wasn’t easy: she faced the high cost of international sperm, switched clinics, and endured the heartbreak of early ovulation and failed transfers. But her resilience paid off, and she finally welcomed her daughter, Joni. Jessie talks about her fertility journey, the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, and the immense joy of becoming a mum. Her story is one of hope, determination, and finding happiness on her own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing solo motherhood after a series of unsuccessful relationships.

• Navigating the cost of international versus local sperm.

• Overcoming early ovulation and IVF setbacks.

• Building a strong support network of family and friends.

• The joy of welcoming her daughter and embracing solo motherhood.

How Lisa prepared for solo motherhood, overcame setbacks, and found joy with her son, Teddy.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Lisa shares her well-planned and determined journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After deciding at 30 that she didn’t want to wait for a partner, Lisa embarked on fertility treatments, enduring failed IUIs and a miscarriage before finding success with IVF. She opens up about the importance of financial preparation, the emotional challenges of early motherhood, and her journey to rediscovering her identity as a mum and career woman. Lisa’s story highlights resilience, practical planning, and the joy of welcoming her son, Teddy, into the world.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of financial preparation for solo motherhood.

• Navigating IUIs, miscarriage, and IVF.

• Building a strong support network and community.

• Balancing a career, motherhood, and personal identity.

• Rediscovering purpose and joy through solo parenting.

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.

How Leah overcame fertility challenges, low AMH, and heartbreak to create her family.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Leah shares her extraordinary journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After discovering she had low AMH and stage 4 endometriosis, she endured 11 rounds of IVF and several heartbreaking miscarriages. Leah’s determination, family support, and sheer resilience led to the birth of her beautiful son, Jack. She opens up about accessing her super to fund treatments, the emotional toll of fertility struggles, and finally embracing solo motherhood with joy and strength. Leah’s story is a testament to persistence, hope, and the power of making your own path to happiness.

Key Takeaways:

• The impact of low AMH and stage 4 endometriosis on fertility.

• Navigating multiple rounds of IVF, miscarriages, and financial hurdles.

• Choosing international sperm donors and the donor selection process.

• The importance of family support and building a village.

• Embracing solo motherhood after heartbreak and fertility struggles.

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.

Heartbreak, Hope, and a Miracle: Carla’s Solo Mum Journey to James

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Carla shares her emotional journey to becoming a solo mum by choice. After the heartbreak of a failed relationship and the ticking of her biological clock, she decided to pursue IVF. Facing low AMH levels and a challenging fertility process, Carla’s resilience led to the creation of her one precious embryo—and her son, James. Carla also opens up about her traumatic birth experience, her recovery, and the joy she now finds in solo motherhood. Her story is a testament to courage, family support, and the beauty of making your own path.

Key Takeaways:

• The emotional impact of low AMH levels and IVF challenges.

• Choosing an anonymous US donor due to limited local options.

• Managing a traumatic birth and post-surgery recovery.

• The importance of family support and building a village.

• How solo motherhood turned out to be a blessing, despite initial fears.