Solo Mum by choice from the start: Nicola & Luca

Most women who come to solo motherhood have a moment — a relationship that ended, a birthday that passed, a realisation that waiting wasn't working. Nicola never had that moment. She just always knew.

From the time she was young, she never pictured a partner. She pictured kids. Solo motherhood wasn't a plan B for Nicola — it was the only plan. And what makes her story so valuable for this community is that the hard parts she navigated weren't about the decision itself. They were about trusting herself enough to actually go through with it.

Season 5 continues with Hayley’s story — one that will resonate with so many women sitting in the “I know I want a baby… but when?” stage.

Hayley didn’t wake up one day suddenly certain. Instead, her journey was gradual. Thoughtful. Honest.

In this episode, she shares:

• When she realised motherhood wasn’t something she wanted to gamble on

• The internal shift from “maybe later” to “now”

• Navigating the donor process

• The emotional reality of doing this without a partner

• What surprised her most about stepping into solo motherhood

This conversation isn’t dramatic. It’s grounded. Calm. Clear.

And that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between waiting and moving forward, this episode will feel like someone gently holding up a mirror.

When Sammy’s marriage ended while her daughter was still a toddler, she grieved the future she thought she’d have. But she also knew, deep down, that she still wanted to grow her family — even if that meant doing it alone. In this heartfelt episode, Sammy shares how she moved from heartbreak to empowered action, navigating donor selection, finances, co-parenting, and ultimately conceiving her second daughter, Betty, on her very first IUI.

Her joy is infectious. Her vulnerability, grounding. And her story is a powerful reminder that happy endings can look different — and still be everything you dreamed of.

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.

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.

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.

Tash shares her empowering journey to solo motherhood — from selecting a donor and falling pregnant via IUI, to managing hyperemesis, making informed birth choices, and thriving as a working solo mum. Packed with inspiration and practical tips, this episode is perfect for anyone considering or navigating solo motherhood.

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.”

Alex always planned to parent solo. After IVF with genetic testing, an emergency C-section for cord prolapse, reflux and a brutal newborn phase led to postpartum anxiety and depression—made worse by a CPS threat that shut down help-seeking. Reflux meds, Tresillian and returning to work at 9 months turned things around. Now, with Lucy nearly four, Alex is thriving (and even dating).

Georgia first considered becoming a solo mum at 15—and she meant it. After years of dating men who didn’t want children, she took action, navigating IVF during Melbourne’s lockdowns and eventually choosing a known donor. But her journey didn’t stop there. In this raw and powerful episode, Georgia shares the highs and heartbreaks of solo motherhood—from co-living with her best friend, to surviving postnatal depression and building an unshakeable village around her and Elliot.

When COVID hit, Cat chose independence over settling—and became a solo mum by choice. In this candid chat, she shares her IVF journey, raising her son Niko, juggling work in construction, and how her mum became her unexpected housemate. A funny, moving, and inspiring episode from the Solo Mums frontlines.

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.

How Melissa Became a Solo Mum by Choice and Fostered Connections with Her Daughter’s Donor Siblings Around the World

In this heartfelt episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' we meet Melissa and her nine-year-old daughter, Gracie. Melissa opens up about her path to solo motherhood, from navigating donor conception after a difficult marriage to the joys and challenges of raising her daughter alone. She shares her thoughts on balancing work and motherhood, finding a supportive community, and encouraging Gracie to embrace her unique family structure. Melissa’s story is filled with resilience, love, and the realisation that family can take many forms.

Navigating Uterine Cancer, Choosing Donor Conception, and Raising Children with Resilience and Support

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Claire shares her profound journey to motherhood after a uterine cancer diagnosis threatened her dreams of having children. Determined to pursue motherhood, Claire chose donor conception and faced numerous challenges along the way, including the premature birth of her son. Her inspiring story covers everything from treatment decisions and choosing a donor to building a resilient family with love and support. Claire’s strength and determination to embrace motherhood, even under difficult circumstances, is a powerful reminder that women can create families on their own terms.

Navigating IUI, IVF, and the Joys and Challenges of Raising Poppy and Finn on Her Own

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Steph shares her journey to solo motherhood, from her determination to pursue a family on her own terms to navigating fertility treatments and the unique joys and challenges of raising her two children, Poppy and Finn. Steph’s story reveals the resilience, love, and support that make solo motherhood both rewarding and empowering. Her experiences with IUI and IVF, finding an American donor, and the highs and lows of parenting alone offer inspiration and insights for anyone considering solo motherhood.

Navigating IVF, Choosing Donor Conception, and the Joy of Building a Family on Her Own Terms

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Rikki shares her journey to solo motherhood, from envisioning a family to navigating fertility treatments and donor conception. Despite facing setbacks with IVF, she persevered to bring her son, Jasper, into her life. Rikki’s story highlights resilience, self-belief, and the fulfillment that comes from building a family on her own terms. Her experiences offer inspiration and insights for anyone considering solo motherhood.

From Endometriosis Diagnosis to Becoming a Mum: Karina’s Inspiring Solo Journey to Meet Baby Theo

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Karina opens up about her journey to solo motherhood after an endometriosis diagnosis and the challenges she faced with IVF. From navigating a long waitlist for a donor to undergoing fertility treatments, Karina shares her determination to create a family on her own terms. Her story celebrates resilience, love, and the fulfillment of her dream of becoming a mum to her son, Theo.

Embracing Donor Conception, Navigating Single Parenting, and Building a Strong Family for Matilda

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Katelyn shares her inspiring journey from a career in insurance broking to solo motherhood with her daughter, Matilda. Facing the realities of financial planning, fertility treatments, and becoming a solo mum, Katelyn dives into her decision to build her family independently. With resilience and support from family and friends, Katelyn’s story offers insights for anyone considering solo motherhood, balancing career and parenting, and navigating the joys and challenges along the way.

From Reluctance to Motherhood: Katie’s Story of Resilience, IVF Success, and Raising a Daughter on Her Own Terms

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Katie opens up about her journey from initial reluctance to embracing solo motherhood. Inspired by a powerful moment with a friend’s child, Katie chose to pursue IVF and bring her daughter, Florence, into the world. Through challenges like needle phobia and navigating pregnancy on her own, Katie’s story highlights resilience, independence, and the joys of building a family. Her experience offers inspiration and practical advice for anyone considering solo motherhood.

From Career and Community to Single Parenting: Helen’s Story of Resilience, IVF Success, and Finding Fulfilment with Baby Billie

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Helen opens up about her journey to solo motherhood with her daughter, Billie. After deciding to pursue motherhood on her own, Helen shares her experiences navigating IVF, managing expectations, and balancing work and community while preparing for life as a single parent. Her story highlights the resilience needed to follow her dreams of motherhood, the power of self-advocacy, and the support system she built to make this new chapter successful.