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

Should you freeze your eggs? What really influences egg quality? And how do you walk into a fertility appointment prepared instead of overwhelmed?

In this episode, Alisha is joined by fertility specialist, gynaecologist and holistic health coach Dr Natasha Andreadis — aka Dr Tash, The Fanny Mechanic. Together they explore egg freezing, lifestyle factors that support fertility, and how your mindset, expectations, and support system can make all the difference on this journey.

Whether you're considering solo motherhood or already in the thick of fertility treatment, this episode is filled with real talk and expert insight.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Egg Freezing Isn’t a Guarantee – Dr Tash shares how many women pursue egg freezing without fully understanding what it can and can’t do. She explains the importance of informed choices, realistic expectations, and using the time to prepare your body and mind.

• Egg Quantity vs. Egg Quality – We’re often told to worry about egg count, but Dr Tash explains why quality is actually more important. She talks about how egg quality changes with age and what you can do to support it naturally.

• What to Ask in Fertility Appointments – Instead of going in overwhelmed, Dr Tash encourages women to come prepared. She outlines how to advocate for yourself, ask the right questions, and avoid default treatment plans that may not be right for you.

• The Power of Lifestyle and Environment – From nutrition to mindset, Dr Tash explains how small changes in your lifestyle, sleep, and stress levels can make a meaningful impact on your fertility — especially if you’re planning ahead.

• Support Makes All the Difference – Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or coach, Dr Tash and Alisha discuss how critical emotional support is during this journey. Knowing you’re not alone can shift the entire experience.

Resources:

If you loved Dr Tash as much as I did and want to hear more from her, follow her on instagram and check out her podcast "“The Fanny Mechanic” on all major platforms.If you are in Sydney and would like to see her as a patient, she can be found at Newtown Fertility Centre part of the City Fertility family.

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 heartfelt episode of No Need for Prince Charming, I sit down with Tash — a midwife, nurse, and proud solo mum by choice — as she shares her empowering journey to motherhood. From deciding to go solo, selecting the perfect donor, and navigating IUI, to managing hyperemesis, birth decisions, and thriving as a working solo mum, Tash’s story is honest, inspiring, and practical.

Whether you’re considering solo motherhood, pregnant, or already parenting, you’ll take away relatable insights and confidence-building lessons from Tash’s experience.

• Making the leap: How Tash knew it was time to pursue solo motherhood and prioritise work-life balance.

• Choosing a donor: Using the Addam app, trusting gut instincts, and understanding how to interpret donor profiles.

• Falling pregnant: Why Tash chose IUI, and the emotional process behind donor selection.

• Pregnancy & birth: Managing hyperemesis, navigating induction pressure, and making informed decisions about a last-minute caesarean.

• Life after birth: Building her village, recovering postpartum, and balancing work, breastfeeding, and daycare as a solo mum.

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

From IUI plans and donor list hiccups to IVF with genetic testing, a breech baby, and ten weeks of carefully organised support, Bunny’s story is one of persistence, planning, and proving that solo motherhood can be full of joy.

She always wanted to be a mum. After years of travel and teaching, Bunny decided she wasn’t going to wait for the “right” relationship. Starting with IUI, donor complications pushed her to pivot into IVF at Melbourne IVF, where she qualified for Medicare and created five embryos. Her very first transfer worked. Pregnancy was smooth, but a calcified placenta at 36 weeks and a breech baby meant a planned C-section at 38 weeks. Recovery was tougher than she expected, but the village she organised—ten straight weeks of family and friends rotating through—made the newborn stage manageable. Breastfeeding worked, Frank slept through most nights, and Bunny embraced hacks, humour, and support. Now thriving with her son, she’s excited about the future and clear in her advice: “Go for it—and have fun.”

Key Highlights:

• Early Clarity, Open Conversations - Bunny always loved babies and knew she’d parent solo. She told family, friends, and colleagues early—openness brought enthusiasm and practical support.

• From IUI to IVF with Genetic Testing - An IUI-eligible donor wasn’t approved, forcing a pivot. At Melbourne IVF, with counselling and Medicare access, she created five embryos. The first transfer succeeded.

• Planned C-Section for Breech & Placenta Issues - At 36 weeks her placenta was “very calcified.” With Frank breech, she had a planned C-section at 38 weeks and a more painful recovery than expected.

• The Village She Built - She stacked ten weeks of rotating support: her best friend (a new midwife), mum, aunt, cousins, dad—plus freezer meals and dog-walking. Each arrived as the last left.

• Practical Wins & Looking Ahead - Breastfeeding worked, Frank sleeps well at night (usually one wake), though afternoons are fussy. She prepped finances with a bigger mortgage buffer, embraced hacks (baby seat in the shower), and is considering another child when the time feels right.

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

From teen conviction to IVF with genetic testing, an emergency C-section, reflux, and a new identity as a working mum.

She always knew she’d go it alone—and when the time came, she didn’t wait. Alex’s journey from a teen conviction to IVF success, a rare birth emergency, and thriving again after a tough start is a testament to resilience and self-trust.

Alex decided as a teenager that she wanted to have a child on her own and didn’t want anyone else involved in parenting. She set herself a deadline of 30 and stuck to it—choosing IVF with genetic testing due to a family history of disease, and falling pregnant on her first try at 29. But her birth didn’t go to plan: after decreased movements led to an induction, a cord prolapse triggered a crash C-section under general anaesthetic. The newborn stage brought reflux, severe sleep deprivation, and postnatal anxiety and depression—made worse by a comment about child protective services that stopped her seeking help. With reflux medication, Tresillian support, and a return to work at nine months, she found her footing again. Now, with Lucy almost four, Alex is thriving, dating more than ever, and proud of the life she’s built.

Key Highlights:

• Teen Conviction, Firm Cut-Off - From her teens, Alex knew she’d parent solo and set a hard age limit to start—she stuck to it without compromise.

• IVF with Genetic Testing—First Time Success - Because of a genetic condition, she chose IVF and preimplantation genetic testing. Her first round produced the embryo that became Lucy.

• A Rare Birth Emergency - Induced for decreased movements, Alex experienced a cord prolapse that required an emergency C-section under general anaesthetic.

• Postnatal Struggles and a CPS Threat - Reflux, weight loss, and exhaustion led to PPA/PPD, but a comment about calling child protective services made her hide her struggles.

• Turning Point and a Thriving Life - With reflux under control, Tresillian support, and a return to work, Alex regained her confidence and energy. She’s now dating, raising Lucy, and living life on her terms.

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

She nearly gave it all up for love—twice. But in the end, she backed herself. Roni’s story is a raw, relatable reminder of how strong women really are.

After a divorce in her early 30s, Roni spent years travelling, dating, and living a vibrant single life. But deep down, she always wanted the chance to become a mum. Her journey into solo motherhood was anything but linear—from a known donor who pulled out just before fertilisation, to falling hard for someone else who wasn’t ready, to freezing her eggs at 40, switching clinics, and navigating IVF on her own. In this deeply honest episode, Roni opens up about the emotional toll, the post-birth reality no one warned her about, and the surprising joy she’s found raising Leon solo.

Key Highlights:

• From Love to Loss, Then Back to Herself - Roni was ready to try solo motherhood—but twice, she put her plans on hold for relationships. Her story is a powerful reminder to trust your gut and never delay your dreams for someone else.

• The Known Donor That Pulled the Pin - She thought she’d found the perfect known donor—until he pulled out at the last minute, claiming he didn’t want to donate to a “couple.” What followed was heartbreak, anger, and a clinic that offered no support.

• A New Clinic, a New Plan, and Her Last Embryo - After a healing trip to New York, Roni found a new clinic (and a donor with blue eyes!). Her very last embryo was the one that became Leon.

• Pregnancy Was Rough—and So Was the Newborn Phase - From nausea to complications, then a brutally hard postnatal period, Roni is refreshingly honest about not loving pregnancy or the early days. Bonding took time, and that’s okay.

• Identity, Independence, and a Life She’s Proud Of - She’s not “just a mum.” Roni shares how reclaiming her time, making career moves, and nurturing friendships makes her a better parent—and a fulfilled woman.

This episode highlights the emotional risks of using a known donor. If you’re considering this path, make sure you’ve got the right support in place. The Considering Solo Motherhood course includes questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself legally and emotionally – Find out more

The Preparing for Solo Motherhood course includes the honest conversations no one is having about post-birth reality, support planning, and surviving the early weeks – View course options

Join The Bump Membership to connect with other solo mums-to-be, get expert support, and never feel alone on the journey – Find out more

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.