S4:E12 - Kate & Ivy
From Ovarian Surgery to Solo Motherhood: Kate’s Journey to Baby Ivy and Beyond
After losing an ovary in her 20s, Kate knew she couldn’t wait forever. This is her story of choosing solo motherhood, IVF, and embracing newborn life with honesty, humour, and heart.
In this raw, funny, and deeply relatable episode, Kate shares her journey to solo motherhood after unexpectedly losing an ovary in her early 20s. When dating didn’t pan out, she decided to take matters into her own hands—and never looked back.
We talk about navigating fertility issues, enduring fibroid surgeries, and the emotional rollercoaster of IVF. Kate opens up about choosing her sperm donor, the reality of the newborn stage, what she wishes more mums would admit, and why she’d do it all again 10 times over.
This episode is a love letter to her daughter Ivy—and to every woman wondering if she can do it on her own.
Key Highlights:
A Tumour Changed Everything – How losing an ovary in her early 20s planted the seed for solo motherhood.
The Long Road to Readiness – Surgeries, endometriosis, weight loss, and a three-year fertility journey.
Choosing Her Donor – From a long waitlist to just four options—why she went with someone completely different from herself.
Life After Emergency C-Section – The brutal honesty of the fourth trimester, baby blues, and swearing at your newborn.
A Village That Showed Up – How solo motherhood deepened her family’s bond and gave Ivy a whole tribe.
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