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.

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.

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.

In this powerful two-part episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Lisa takes us through her journey from preparing to become a solo mum to life with her daughter Bonnie at nine months old. As a GP, Lisa approached the process with research and logic, but nothing could fully prepare her for the emotional highs and lows of donor selection, IVF, and solo pregnancy.

Lisa speaks candidly about navigating conservative family expectations, the reality of solo parenting, and the surprising joy found in the smallest milestones. From facing feeding challenges to finding new routines as a working solo mum, Lisa’s story is both practical and deeply inspiring.

Her message for other women considering this path? If your heart desires it—go for it.

• Making the leap: Why Lisa decided to pursue solo motherhood at 33 and the influence of her conservative Christian family’s mixed reactions.

• Choosing a donor: Navigating limited options, rapid-fire donor selection at her clinic, and focusing on connection over medical history.

• IVF & pregnancy: A strong response to treatment, six embryos, and falling pregnant on her first transfer. Managing fatigue, food aversions, and family dynamics during pregnancy.

• Life after birth: Coping with feeding challenges, cow’s milk protein intolerance, and eventually transitioning to formula for mental health. Building new routines, starting daycare at four months, and returning to work at five months.

• Reflections & growth: The joy of small milestones, building her village, and how motherhood has made her more patient, empathetic, and purposeful.

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.

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

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

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

In this heartfelt episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Bel shares her powerful journey to solo motherhood. From navigating a severe endometriosis diagnosis, heartbreak at 30, and unexpected IVF complications, to finding her perfect donor and welcoming her daughter Aura, Bel’s story is one of courage, resilience, and unconditional love. She opens up about the challenges of pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the joy of building her own village as a solo mum by choice.

Her wisdom for women considering this path? Trust your heart—and do it.

• Making the leap: How Bel’s endometriosis diagnosis and heartbreak at 30 led her to explore solo motherhood.

• Choosing a donor: The challenges of limited options, her “goosebumps moment” finding the right profile, and why she tells others “don’t sleep on it.”

• IVF journey: Navigating complications from egg collection, a long 18-month wait, and the miracle of her very first transfer resulting in Aura.

• Pregnancy & birth: Coping with hyperemesis gravidarum, postpartum preeclampsia, and leaning on her mum’s support during recovery.

• Life as a solo mum: Building her own village, embracing spiritual signs of the matriarchy, finding joy in everyday moments, and why she encourages others to “just do it.”

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.

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

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

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