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.

From budgeting hacks to practical gift planning, solo mums share their best Christmas strategies for creating joy and keeping costs in check.

In this special Christmas bonus episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Alisha and several inspiring solo mums share their best strategies for creating a magical and stress-free Christmas while managing finances.

Whether it’s setting up a Christmas savings account, buying gifts throughout the year, or getting creative with presents, these tips prove that Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank to be memorable. You’ll also hear ideas on simplifying the festive season, from gift-giving traditions like Kris Kringle to focusing on meaningful experiences over material items.

This episode is packed with budgeting hacks, heartfelt advice, and creative ways to make Christmas special for you and your kids—without the last-minute panic.

Key Takeaways:

• Opening a separate Christmas savings account and saving throughout the year.

• Buying gifts during sales (like Black Friday) and spreading out expenses.

• Using Kris Kringle and shared meals to keep costs low and family gatherings fun.

• Shopping second-hand, using rewards points, and utilising cashback programs.

• Creative tips for practical gifts like clothing, books, and experiences that kids love.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 Carly embraced solo motherhood at 28, overcame fertility challenges, and welcomed Lucy, Theo, and Gracie.

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Carly shares her inspiring and heartwarming journey to becoming a solo mum by choice to three beautiful children. After deciding at 28 to stop waiting for the right partner, Carly took matters into her own hands. Her journey included failed IUIs, IVF with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and finally, the joy of welcoming her children: Lucy, Theo, and Gracie. Carly reflects on managing pregnancies, balancing life with three little ones, and finding joy in the chaos. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of building a family on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing solo motherhood at 28 and facing initial skepticism from family.

• The challenges of IUI, IVF, and dealing with OHSS.

• Managing three pregnancies, each with its unique challenges.

• Building a support network and balancing solo parenting.

• The joy, love, and fulfillment of having three children as a solo mum.

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.

In this special Mother’s Day bonus, solo mums share the unique moments when they step into both the mum and dad roles with pride and resilience.

In this heartfelt Mother’s Day bonus episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Alisha invites some of the podcast’s previous and upcoming solo mum guests to reflect on moments when they’ve taken on both the mum and dad roles.

From building cubby houses and towing caravans to late-night teething battles and fixing wardrobes, these inspiring women share the practical, emotional, and unexpected ways they rise to every challenge. Their stories remind us that being a solo mum isn’t about what’s missing—it’s about strength, love, and creating a thriving family against the odds.

Whether you’re already a mum, dreaming of motherhood, or somewhere in between, this episode is a celebration of resilience, independence, and the power of solo mums by choice.

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.