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S4:E34 - Jessica & August
Trailblazer: Jessica’s Journey to Solo Motherhood, Strength, and Pride In this inspiring episode, Alisha chats with Jessica, a proud solo mum who shares her powerful story of courage, resilience, and self-belief. At just 30, Jessica decided she wasn’t waiting any longer for “the right person” to build her family — and began her IVF journey that would lead to her beautiful son, August. From choosing her donor and facing a high-risk pregnancy, to surviving severe morning sickness, preeclampsia, and sleepless newborn nights, Jessica opens up about every part of her journey with raw honesty and humour. With the unwavering support of her sister, family, and newfound solo mum village in Newcastle, she’s created a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and deep pride in what she’s achieved. Jessica’s story is a reminder that solo motherhood isn’t a backup plan — it’s a bold, empowering choice. Her message? You’re not failing by doing it alone — you’re leading the way. Key Takeaways From Fear to Fierce Pride: Once worried people would see her as a failure, Jessica now sees herself as a trailblazer — proving there’s nothing she can’t do. IVF at 30: She chose to stop waiting for a partner, met with her fertility specialist, and conceived on her first embryo transfer using a local donor. Navigating a Challenging Pregnancy: Despite complications and weeks of sickness, Jessica found strength she didn’t know she had. A Village Before Birth: She shared her journey openly, building support early and avoiding isolation — including a “family meeting” before birth to map out how her village could help. Easier Than Expected: Jessica says doing it solo can sometimes be easier than with a partner: “I only have to think about me and August — no resentment, no disappointments.” 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. Expecting Solo? Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates
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S4:E33 - Verity & Leo
Trust Your Gut: Verity’s Journey to Solo Motherhood, Autism, and Adventure In this heartfelt episode, Alisha chats with Verity, a solo mum who shares her powerful story of resilience, self-trust, and love. Once told she’d never carry a baby, Verity began her solo motherhood journey at 37 after setting herself a deadline - and ended up with her beautiful son, Leo. Together they’ve faced huge highs and lows: a diagnosis of autism and anxiety, homeschooling, perimenopause, and caring for Verity’s mum with dementia, all while building a joyful, adventurous life filled with travel, laughter, and chicken nuggets. Verity opens up about finding her donor through Monash IVF, establishing contact with him and Leo’s donor siblings, and why solo motherhood has filled a lifelong void she once thought only a partner could. Her message is clear - trust your gut, take the leap, and you’ll never regret it. Key Takeaways From Doubt to Determination: Told she couldn’t have children, Verity pursued IVF solo at 37 and conceived Leo on her first round. Donor Connection: She built a positive, ongoing relationship with her donor and Leo’s donor siblings, enriching their sense of identity and community. Autism & Perimenopause: Navigating dual diagnoses, her son’s autism and her own perimenopause, taught Verity to prioritise self-care and self-advocacy. Solo but Not Alone: Verity found freedom in doing it her way - no compromises, no negotiations, just following her instincts. Adventure Awaits: Homeschooling has opened the world for them, from England to Japan, proving solo motherhood doesn’t mean giving up travel or dreams. Fulfilment, Not Loneliness: Verity says she’s never felt more complete than since becoming a solo mum, “that hole inside me is finally full.” 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. Considering Solo Motherhood? Feeling overwhelmed about becoming a solo mum? The Considering Solo Motherhood course walks you through everything—from emotional readiness to finances and fertility—so you can make a confident decision. - Find out more Expecting Solo? Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates The Bump Membership Pregnant or trying to conceive on your own using a donor? Join our warm, supportive monthly membership made just for solo mums-to-be. Includes connection calls, WhatsApp group, discounts, and free resources - Find out more
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S4:E32 - From Discrimination to Celebration: ISMBCD and the Push for Change
Journalist Hannah joins Alisha to expose how outdated laws still discriminate against solo mums—and how International Solo Mothers and Parents by Choice Day (ISMBCD) is turning awareness into action. In this powerful episode, Alisha speaks with journalist Hannah Bambra, whose groundbreaking article has sparked national discussion about how Australia’s Family Law Act continues to discriminate against solo parents. Together, they unpack how the law’s outdated wording leaves single mothers by choice legally vulnerable—and why reform is urgently needed. They also celebrate the launch of International Solo Mothers and Parents by Choice Day (ISMBCD) on 17 November, a global initiative led by Australian solo mums to recognise and celebrate diverse family structures. Key Takeaways: The Legal Gap: Australia’s Family Law Act assumes every child has two parents, leaving solo mums legally exposed even with donor agreements. Donor Risk Awareness: Known and recruited donors present the highest risk of future claims, but no one is exempt—clear laws protect everyone involved. Misinformation Runs Deep: Even fertility professionals may not realise how the current law disadvantages single parents. Lobby for Change: Use this letter template to contact your local MP and the Attorney-General. Choice = Power: The “choice” in Solo Mother by Choice symbolises autonomy, courage, and conscious motherhood. Celebrate ISMBCD: Join community celebrations worldwide on 17 November—because all families deserve recognition and protection. 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. Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review! 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:E31 - Genetic Counselling 101
Genetic Counselling for Solo Mums: Screening, Donors & Informed Choices When you’re considering or embarking on solo motherhood, the science and medical jargon can feel overwhelming. In this bonus episode, Alisha speaks with Mona from DNA Down Under, a genetic counsellor who helps women simplify the science, understand their options, and make informed choices. You’ll learn: What genetic counsellors actually do and how they support solo mums by choice The difference between standard and expanded carrier screening What happens if you and your donor are carriers for the same condition How donor screening works and what information you can expect from clinics Why age, ethnicity, and family history matter for fertility and genetic risk Options like pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), NIPT, CVS, and amniocentesis How to prepare for an appointment with a genetic counsellor Why informed decision-making is empowering, not scary Whether you’re just starting to explore donor conception, already deep in fertility treatment, or supporting someone on this path, this episode will help you gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Find out more about Mona and DNA Downunder here. 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. Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review! 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:E30 - The hidden grief we don't talk about
Grief on the Solo Motherhood Journey: From Letting Go to Healing and Hope Grief isn’t always about death — it can be the invisible companion on the journey to solo motherhood. From letting go of the dream of a partner, to infertility, failed cycles, miscarriages, or even navigating life as childless not by choice, grief can show up in surprising and complex ways. In this empowering bonus episode, I sit down with Judy — a certified grief coach and practitioner — to unpack the many layers of grief that women face on the path to (or through) solo motherhood. Together, we explore: Why grief starts earlier than most of us realise — often with the first fertility appointment The hidden grief of letting go of the “traditional” family fairytale How infertility, miscarriage, or failed cycles deepen the grief experience The social isolation and relationship challenges grief can create Practical ways to process grief, find self-compassion, and move forward What it takes to reimagine a fulfilling life — with or without children Whether you’re just beginning your journey, in the thick of treatment, or navigating life on the other side, this episode is here to remind you: grief doesn’t define you, and you are not alone. Resources: Download the practical strategies for when you are feeling overwhelmed Find out more about Judi and her support services here. The Buddist Prayer of Forgiveness: If I have harmed anyone in any way, either knowingly or unknowingly, through my own confusions, I ask their forgiveness. If anyone has harmed me in any way, either knowingly or unknowingly, through their own confusion, I forgive them. And if there is a situation I am not yet ready to forgive, I forgive myself for that. For all the ways that I harm myself, negate, doubt, belittle myself, judge or be unkind to myself through my own confusions, I forgive myself. 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. Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review! 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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