The Single Greatest Choice: For Single Women Exploring Solo Motherhood by Choice (SMBC), Fertility, and Having a Baby on Their Own Through Donor Conception or Adoption (Katie Bryan)

Deciding whether to have kids is one of the most personal, and often most complex, choices a woman can make. For many, considering solo motherhood brings up even more questions: Should I wait for a partner? Can I do this on my own? What if I’m not sure I want kids at all?

In this episode, I sit down with Keltie Maguire, coach and host of the Kids or Childfree Podcast, to explore what it really looks like to make an intentional decision about parenthood. Keltie grew up assuming she’d become a mom, because that’s just what women did. But as she moved through her 30s, she started questioning whether that path was truly right for her. Without role models for a consciously child-free life, the decision felt isolating and overwhelming. Now, after making the choice that’s best for her, she dedicates her work to helping other women navigate this deeply personal decision.

This isn’t a conversation about choosing not to become a mom; It’s about choosing the right path for you, whether that means having a baby on your own or embracing a child-free life with confidence.

In this episode on considering (solo) motherhood, we discuss:

• The struggle of making the life-changing decision of whether to have children;
• Why considering solo motherhood is often more complex than a simple yes or no;
• The lack of visible role models for women who choose a childfree life;
• How societal expectations pressure women into explaining their parenting choices;
• How Keltie supports women in making the right decision for themselves;
• Holding space for grief and creating a beautiful life, even when it doesn’t look like you imagined.

If you’re single in your 30s or 40s and feeling uncertain about whether solo motherhood is right for you, this conversation will give you clarity, perspective, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

At some point, every single woman who dreams of motherhood faces a critical question: Do I keep waiting for the right partner, or do I take control of my future? For Valerie Bauman, that moment came at 38, during the pandemic, when dating felt nearly impossible. She realized she couldn’t put her dreams on hold any longer and made the empowering decision to pursue solo motherhood on her own terms.

Valerie, an investigative reporter for Newsweek and author of Inconceivable: Super Sperm Donors, Off-the-Grid Insemination, and Unconventional Family Planning, shares her deeply personal journey of finding a sperm donor as a single woman: from considering traditional sperm banks to ultimately finding a known donor on Facebook. She opens up about the emotional highs and lows of this process, including a miscarriage, before finally welcoming her now 3.5-month-old baby boy.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Valerie’s decision to become a mom during the pandemic and what sparked her SMBC journey;
• Navigating the sperm donor process and choosing between a sperm bank and a known donor;
• The shift from traditional sperm banks to alternative donor options;
• The emotional toll of miscarriage and how she kept moving forward;
• The anxiety of pregnancy without a partner and the fears that come with it;
• The ethics of the sperm donation industry and why regulation matters;
• What it means to create the life you want, regardless of societal norms.

If you’re considering solo motherhood or exploring your options for having a baby on your own, this episode will give you insight, inspiration, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you will hear about:

• how cervical cancer acted as a fertility wake-up call for Ravid
• what it's like to try to conceive via IVF in a new relationship
• how Ravid used data and mindset to find success after 5 rounds of IVF
• Ravid's experience of going through a breakup in the midst of fertility treatment
• pregnancy as an SMC
• fertility treatment and donor conception in  Israel vs. the U.S.
• all about the Embie app!
• advice for advocating for yourself

Check out the Embie app at https://embieapp.com/, and follow Ravid on Instagram for regular updates @embie2baby

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

We discuss more about…..

• Elizabeth’s journey to fostering and adoption.
• Balancing professional life with motherhood.
• The emotional and logistical challenges of fostering.
• dating and introducing our children to a future partner.
• Building and relying on a support system.
• Insights and advice for those considering fostering or adoption.

Connect with Elizabeth!
Website | Instagram | Instant Mom Podcast

Check out the Central General Store!
Website | Instagram

Learn more about the SGC Childbirth 101 Class for solo moms! 

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Are you waiting for a partner to give you the ‘green light’ to become a mom? For Richelle Carey, the answer became clear in her mid-40s: She wasn’t going to wait anymore. After freezing her eggs at 42 and attempting IVF at 46, Richelle realized she wasn’t attached to biological motherhood. What she truly wanted was to become a mom. That’s when she shifted her focus to adopting a child as a single woman while living overseas.

In this episode, Richelle shares her deeply personal journey of choosing solo motherhood, navigating the adoption process as a single woman, and building her family on her own terms. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of international adoption, the emotional process of bonding with a child, and why prioritizing her own health and happiness made her a better parent.

In this episode on adopting a child as a single woman, we discuss:

• Richelle’s journey from egg freezing and IVF to adoption as a single woman;
• What led her to stop waiting for a partner and embrace solo motherhood;
• The process of adopting a child as a single Black woman while living overseas;
• How adoption matching works and the role of an adoption consultant;
• Addressing common fears about bonding with an adopted child;
• How solo moms can confidently talk to their children about their origin story;
• The importance of prioritizing personal health as a single parent;
• Richelle’s perspective on whether she’ll expand her family as an SMBC;
• And the empowering realization that solo moms can do “big things”, and do them well.

If you’re considering solo motherhood or exploring what it takes to adopt as a single woman, Richelle’s story will give you the inspiration and practical insight you need to take the next step.

Want to check out some of Richelle's incredible work and content as a broadcaster and SMBC advocate?  You can find her on her WEBSITE, INSTAGRAM, and TikTok.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this  episode, you'll hear about:

• how Mecca was blindsided by premature diminished ovarian reserve at age 36
• choosing to create embryos with donor sperm for fertility preservation
• the importance of talking with a reproductive psychologist as part of your fertility treatment
• what to consider when choosing a donor
• how race considerations can impact donor selection
• going through round after round of egg retrieval to bank embryos for the future
• Mecca's top three pieces of advice for other women on the path to solo motherhood

You can connect with Mecca on Instagram @thepathtomama

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you will hear:

• considering single motherhood by choice
•  discovering platonic coparenting and modamily.com
• how Sarah "dated" her coparent and decided to take the plunge
• the process of getting pregnant with a platonic coparent
• pregnancy and living arrangements for coparenting
• the pros and cons of platonic coparenting
• why you should potentially consider platonic coparenting
• dating while coparenting

Find out more about platonic coparenting at https://www.modamily.com/

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• deciding to become a single mother by choice
• the importance of creating strong community
• the process of choosing a donor
• how the corona virus has interrupted plans to TTC
• what Chelsea has learned that she wishes she'd known earlier
• the frustration of spending large amounts of money to get pregnant , while couples often get pregnant "for free"
• how other people have reacted to her decision to become a mom on her own
• considering whether to have more than one donor-conceived child
• why you may or may not want to search for Facebook groups that connect you to recipients who share your same donor
• donor sibling considerations
• sperm bank considerations - anonymous vs. open ID donors, family limits, etc.
• considering the possibility of a known donor
• perks of being a solo parent
• dating while planning or trying to conceive
• staying open to the idea of a relationship while staying firm in your solo plans

Learn more at www.singlegreatestchoice.com and @single_greatest_choice on Instagram.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

When Danielle and Paige were ready to grow their family, they knew the route of a traditional sperm bank wasn't right for them.  They went to great lengths to  find a known donor by tapping into their own network and doing a TON of legwork.  After walking that path themselves, they decided to create The Seed Scout to help other families who were looking for options beyond the big, impersonal and deeply flawed major cryobanks.

We discuss more about…..

• The journey of exploring alternative paths to parenthood beyond traditional sperm banks.
• The significance of building trusting relationships with potential donors.
• Establishing The Seed Scout as a business.
• The need for ethical and transparent practices in the donor conception industry.
• Acknowledging donors as individuals and fostering a supportive environment.

Connect with The Seed Scout!
Follow them on social media! Website | Instagram | TikTok

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

We discuss more about…..

• Rose's transition from corporate law to fertility law.
• Sperm banks vs known donors: legal insights.
• Finding a reproductive attorney and questions to ask.
• Legal complexities of egg and embryo donations.
• Challenges in the world of fertility law.

Connect with Rose!
Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website

More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, Katie mentions @giftearlybird, an investing app where you can save for your child's future.  If you create an account and use the code gifteb.co/3FZc2ob, you'll automatically get $15 deposited in your child's account.  The app is super cool and customer service is excellent.  I highly recommend this method of creating a little nest egg for your little one's future! 

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In our conversation, Julie takes us through the hurdles of healing from past traumas, addressing fertility challenges, and how she first became a mom. She is extremely passionate about parents teaching their children how to become a part of their lives and encourages moms to take that vacation, kids in tow! She provides incredible tips on traveling with kids as a single parent that you will not want to miss. Trust me, she’s the expert, so get ready to take some notes!

We discuss more about…..

• Fitting our children into our lives, not the other way around.
• Adoption and healing from past trauma.
• Fertility challenges and the decision to be a single mom.
• The legal aspects of her parenting arrangement.
• Julie’s best travel tips as a single parent.

Connect with Julie!

Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website |Podcast – Launching Nov 2023 – Sign up to receive updates

Mentioned Resources - Check out these resorts with baby clubs & childcare options!  All can be booked with Julie’s agency – www.influencedtravelagency.com

• Franklyn D. Resort
• Melia and Paradisus Hotels
• Palladium Hotel Group
• Coconut Bay - St Lucia
• Club Med

More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

Join us in Sedona December 29 - January 2! www.singlegreatestchoice.com/retreats-sedona-2024

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you'll hear:

• how Michelle'e experience with acupuncture in her twenties led to her eventual career pivot
• combining acupuncture and hypnosis to treat both the body and the mind
• how to start paying attention to signals your body is giving about your own fertility, including tracking basal body temperature and other signs of ovulation
• how  environmental toxins can affect hormones
• how supplements can increase fertility
• the importance of creating calm and balance in the body through mindfulness and breathwork
• bringing spirituality into reproductive medicine
• The Wholesome Fertility Method, a seven-week online program
• preparing for and detoxing after and IVF/egg freezing cycle
• how to choose an acupuncturist
• and a bonus candid conversation, where Katie shares her thoughts about spirituality and conception via fertility treatments

www.thewholesomelotus.com

www.thewholesomefertilitymethod.com

@thewholesomelotusfertility on Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/]

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Carla shares her experience from exploring surrogacy options to the complex matching process and the major impact of spiritual faith on her decision-making. She also reflects on the important trust and connection required in the surrogate relationship, and the joys and challenges of pregnancy through the lens of surrogacy. Join us as Carla's story inspires and illuminates the possibilities of motherhood that go beyond conventional norms, embracing the transformative power of love as a single mom by choice.

We discuss more about…..

• Carla’s infertility journey and Adenomyosis diagnosis.
• Navigating the gestational surrogacy process.
• The physical, mental, and spiritual toll of being fully present for the surrogate mother.
• The intersection of faith and fertility.

Mentioned Resources

https://www.familymatchconsulting.com/

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Follow Katie on Instagram for the pictures from this episode.

New Group: www.facebook.com/groups/singlegreatestchoice

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you will learn about:

• the importance of “building your village"
• how to create your “4th trimester” postpartum nesting plan
• preparing for the “5th trimester” as you reenter work and social life
• Kallista’s connection to the Single Greatest Choice community as an egg donor
• Katie and Kallista “rebrand” SMCs as “single mothers by intention”

You can learn more about Kallista and her work at www.newmomboss.com and @newmomboss on Instagram.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

When Eboni K. Williams froze her eggs, she had zero intention of using them, but she did it anyway, just in case. Years later, at 38, her perspective on motherhood shifted, and she was grateful she had taken steps to preserve her fertility. That decision gave her the freedom to pursue solo motherhood on her own timeline, using IVF to welcome the child she once wasn’t sure she wanted.

In this episode, Eboni, a legal expert, journalist, and media personality, shares her egg freezing journey and how it set her up to make empowered choices about her future. She opens up about the reality of IVF as a single woman, the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare (especially as a Black woman), and why she doesn’t romanticize solo motherhood, even though it’s everything she wanted. Plus, she shares how choosing solo motherhood has actually expanded her dating options instead of limiting them.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Eboni froze her eggs without any intention of using them, and why she’s now so glad she did;
• The realization at 38 that made her decide she wanted to be a mom;
• How she chose a sperm donor and why that decision was so critical;
• Why she went straight to IVF as a single woman due to age-related statistics;
• The importance of having a doula and ensuring mothers’ needs are prioritized in childbirth;
• The medical crisis around Black maternal health and the need for self-advocacy;
• Why she doesn’t over-romanticize solo motherhood, even though it’s been the right path for her;
• How choosing to parent alone has actually given her more dating options, not fewer.

Whether you're considering solo motherhood, navigating an egg freezing journey, or wondering what life as a single mother by choice really looks like, Eboni’s story is an eye-opening look at the power of taking control of your future.

Connect with Eboni K. Williams: Website | Instagram | Podcast | People Magazine

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

We discuss more about…..

• What the fertility process looks like in Colombia
• The raw emotions while undergoing IV
• Deciding whether or not to have a second child
• Support and expectations during pregnancy and postpartum
•  

More info about 1:1 coaching, group coaching and community groups with The Single Greatest Choice at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

www.myperfectfamilybook.com

@myperfectfamilybook

@noneedforprincecharming

www.thejourneytoyouchildrensbook.com

@thejourneytoyouchildrensbook

"You're My Little..." boardbook series by Nicola Edwards and illustrated by Natalie Marshall

www.pinholepress.com for creating your own spiral-bound board books to tell your child's story

The Single Greatest Choice Coaching

www.singlegreatestchoice.com/retreats

www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

Get Unstuck Week, March 13-17 - one hour coaching session on the topic of your choice, $55/hour - filling up fast

SGC Community Group - Thursdays, March 23 - April 27 - enrolling now!

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Through her work as an author and speaker, Kiara has been on a transformative path connecting with donor-conceived children and prospective parents, opening the door to a world often overlooked in mainstream narratives. In our conversation, she describes more about her journey of self-discovery, meeting her donor siblings, and the beauty of creating her own family on her terms.

We discuss more about…..

• Writing Chosen Family and connecting with donor-conceived children.
• The power of honesty and representation in shaping Kiara's positive story.
• Redefining family and embracing the concept of chosen family.
• Building strong bonds with donor siblings and fostering connections.
• Embracing solo parenthood and reframing perspectives on motherhood.

Connect with Kiara!
www.kiararaeschuh.com
Follow her on IG: @kiararaeschuh
Chosen Family is available now on Amazon!

More info about SGC coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Connect with Krista and see photographs of some of what's mentioned in the episode @project.pickle on Instagram.

Learn more at www.singlegreatestchoice.com and @single_greatest_choice on Instagram.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, Katie shares her favorite coaching tools by applying them to the sometimes emotional experience of choosing a donor as a solo parent.  To learn more about these top 3 tools, visit:

• The Life Coach School Podcast by Brooke Castillo, Master Coach Instructor
• Self Compassion by Kristin Neff, PhD
• The Work of Byron Katie

You'll also learn about some upcoming ways to work with Katie, including very limited availability for one-on-one coaching, an upcoming discussion group in Oct-Nov, group coaching in Dec 2022, and the first ever Single Greatest Choice yoga and coaching retreat in Summer 2023!  Find out more at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you will hear:

• knowing when it's time to "pull the trigger" and become an SMC
• moving into confidence and empowerment
• benefits of single motherhood by choice
• benefits of PGS testing
• preparing your body for IVF
• mindset and single motherhood
• pregnancy and preparing for motherhood during a pandemic
• letting go of blaming our past, ourselves, and other people
• advice for women considering single motherhood

Books referenced in this episode:

Brighton Baby by Roy Dittman

It Starts with the Egg by Rebecca  Fett

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Throughout our discussion, Sara opens up about the series of events that led to the birth of her son, Micah, as well as her deliberate (sort of) decision to embrace single motherhood. We explore the advantages and challenges of co-parenting, examine the various choices available for expanding one's family with a second child, and gain insights into her journey within the coaching realm.

We discuss more about…..

• Defying norms and “choosing” an unconventional family structure.
• Co-parenting arrangements.
• Pursuing new relationships as a single mom.
• Knowing how/when to have a second child.
• The significant role of connection between loved ones.

Connect with Sara!
Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website | Podcast

Mentioned Resources

Lunchbreak Journaling For Moms: https://www.saragraybeal.com/lunch-break-journaling-for-moms

Supercharge Your Creativity: https://www.saragraybeal.com/superchargeyourcreativity

More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

Join us in Sedona December 29 - January 2!

www.singlegreatestchoice.com/retreats-sedona-2024

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, Katie references and draws upon these teachers:

• Dr. Kristin Neff,  Self Compassion
• Brooke Castillo, The Life Coach School Podcast
• Christine Hassler, Over It and On With It & Expectation Hangover
• Byron Katie, The Work

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Pursuing IVF as a single woman is a deeply personal decision; one that comes with emotional, physical, and financial challenges. For Whitney Foley, the desire to become a mom was stronger than her fear of doing it alone. At 34, after years of dating and waiting for the “right” partner, she realized she didn’t want to leave motherhood up to chance. Instead, she took control of her fertility and embarked on the journey to solo motherhood through IVF.

Whitney opens up about the highs and lows of multiple retrievals, failed transfers, and the unwavering determination that led to the birth of her son. She shares how social media became a powerful tool for connecting with other women navigating fertility for single women, and how she continues to follow her professional passions while embracing motherhood.

In this episode on pursuing IVF as a single woman, Whitney shares:

• What led to her decision to pursue IVF as a single woman and her ‘aha’ moment;
• The reactions from her family and how they supported her choice to become a single mother by choice;
• The reality of undergoing four egg retrievals and three transfers before a successful pregnancy;
• How Instagram helped her connect with a supportive SMBC community;
• Handling societal reactions to pregnancy without a partner;
• Her transition into motherhood, postpartum experiences, and the joy of raising her son;
• How she launched iWellness Center as its founder and CEO while parenting solo.

If you’re considering having a baby on your own or exploring IVF as a single woman, this episode will give you inspiration, reassurance, and a look at the realities of this path.

You can connect with Whitney on Instagram @wjfoley and check out her business at www.iwellnesscenter.org.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, we discuss more about…..

• What led Rachel to desire to become a single mom by choice.
• The unexpected turns in the search for a donor.
• How she’s changed since becoming a mom.
• Navigating pregnancy and postpartum while doing it solo.
• Launching her Instagram account and handling the critics.  
  
  Connect with Rachel!
  Follow her on social media! Instagram | Facebook
   

Mentioned Resources
Instagram Reel on the psychological damage of not having a dad.

We Are Family by Susan Golombok: https://www.amazon.com/We-Are-Family-Transformation-Children/dp/1541758641
 

More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

Join us in Sedona December 29 - January 2!

www.singlegreatestchoice.com/retreats-sedona-2024

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

For years, Meredith and her gay best friend had a running joke that if they were both still single without kids by a certain point, they’d have a child together. Recently, Meredith decided it was time to take that joke seriously. In our conversation, she’ll explain more about her decision, the arrangements she’s making with her known donor, and how she’s prepping for her future life as a single mom. 

We discuss more about…..

• ICI/IUI vs IVF
• Prioritizing community as a single mom
• Finding a doctor that’s right for you
• Practical considerations when working with a known donor
• Living with her supportive mom

Check out The Backup Plan Podcast!
Website | Instagram | TikTok | Youtube
Mentioned Resources
Cosmo article with Lala Kent

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

As more women pursue higher education and successful careers, the dating landscape is shifting. For the first time in history, women are earning more degrees than men. Could that very achievement be making it harder to find a life partner? With fewer equally educated men in the dating pool, many single women are left wondering: Should I freeze my eggs while I wait for the right relationship? Or should I rethink what motherhood looks like altogether?

In this episode, I sit down with Marcia Inhorn, medical anthropologist and author of Motherhood on Ice, to explore why so many accomplished women are turning to egg freezing as they navigate singleness, career ambitions, and modern dating.

Marcia’s decade-long research uncovers a growing trend: women choosing to take control of their reproductive futures rather than waiting for the "right" partner to come along. We dive into the fertility challenges single women face today, the societal pressures shaping these choices, and how egg freezing is offering hope, freedom, and peace of mind.

If you're single in your 30s or 40s and wondering about your fertility options, this episode will give you new insights into the evolving landscape of motherhood.

In this episode on why educated women are turning to egg-freezing, we discuss:

• The "mating gap": why highly educated women are struggling to find equally educated male partners;
• How outdated gender norms and shifting education trends are reshaping dating dynamics;
• The psychological benefits of egg freezing for single women who want to preserve their fertility options;
• Why many women feel empowered, rather than pressured, by reproductive technology;
• How egg freezing is changing the conversation around fertility for single women and family planning.

For full show notes, visit www.singlegreatestchoice.com/podcast-feed/s7-ep1-marcia-inhorn-motherhood-on-ice

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

You'll hear Katie reference her fantastic reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Natalie Crawford.   Dr. Crawford has a podcast and YouTube channel that provide incredible information for any woman, whether you are trying to conceive or not.  Check out her website HERE.

Learn more at www.singlegreatestchoice.com and @single_greatest_choice on Instagram.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you will hear:

•    why Emma feels comfortable with and actually prefers the idea of single motherhood over a more "traditional" family structure
•    family structure and the idea of "chosen family"
•    trusting divine timing and being in the right energy to conceive
•    are there ethical concerns with bringing a child into the world right now?
•    carrying on the family name
•    choosing a sperm donor in the U.K.
•    the importance of choosing the right clinic
•    the difference between the NHS and private healthcare in the states
•    advice for women who are questioning if, when and how they will become mothers
•    why it is so important to share our stories
•    how to know if you're ready

Connect with Emma on Instagram @project_chickpea

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

You can find Dr. Crawford at:

• Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd
• TikTok @nataliecrawfordmd
• YouTube - Natalie Crawford, MD
• https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/
• As a Woman Podcast

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, we discuss more about…..

• Lack of regulation in the sperm donation industry.
• Dylan's personal journey, navigating the emotional complexities of moving from being an unknown to known donor.
• Ethical considerations and best practices for parents and donors.
• The shifts in attitudes among donor-conceived children as social norms and parenting practices are changing.
• The complexities of navigating roles and relationships with each of Dylan’s recipient families individually.
• Dylan's advocacy work and writing project focused on bringing more awareness to what needs to change with donor conception.

Connect with Dylan!
Follow him on social media! Website | Instagram | TikTok

Check out these organizations in the donor conception space! 
U.S. Donor Conceived Council: www.usdcc.org
Donor Conceived Community: donorconceivedcommunity.org

Mentioned Resources
We Are Donor Conceived 2020 Survey Report

More info about coaching and retreats www.singlegreatestchoice.com/

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

www.singlegreatestchoice.com

IG @single_greatest_choice

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, we discuss more about…..

• Advocating for regulations and safety within the sperm donation industry.
• The dangers of excessively large sibling groups.
• Practical advice for prospective parents seeking donors.
• How to support donor-conceived children.
• Legislative initiatives such as the HR451 fertility fraud legislation.

Connect with Laura!
Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website | TikTok | Podcast 
Watch Laura’s TikTok video rating sperm banks 

Check out the SGC Directory!
Email Katie for the password: katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

Join us in El Cuyo, Mexico March 10-15, 2024!

www.singlegreatestchoice.com/el-cuyo-2024

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

When Jamela’s marriage ended at 37, she wasn’t interested in dating. Instead she decided to become a Single Mother by Choice (SMBC). With a deep desire for motherhood and a clear vision of the kind of family she wanted to create, she embraced solo motherhood by choice with the full support of her mom, who even helped her choose the right sperm donor. Now, as a mother to 4-month-old twin girls, Jamela shares her journey of resilience, self-advocacy, and creating the life she truly wanted as a Black single woman.

Her story is a testament to the power of making bold choices, letting go of societal expectations, and prioritizing your own happiness. In this conversation, Jamela opens up about the emotional process of mourning both her marriage and the traditional family dream, the challenges and rewards of being a single Black mother, and why she sees solo motherhood as the greatest comeback.

In this episode on becoming a single mother by choice after divorce, we discuss:

• The pressures women often feel to fit men into their lives to fulfill societal expectations;
• Jamela’s decision to choose solo motherhood after divorce at 37;
• How her mom played an active role in her decision to become a single mother by choice;
• The emotional journey of grieving a marriage while embracing a new vision for family;
• The challenges and rewards of being a single mom by choice as a Black woman;
• Why self-advocacy in the fertility process is so important;
• The biggest benefit of solo parenting, according to Jamela;
• And more!

If you’re considering becoming a Single Mother by Choice, navigating life after divorce, or wondering if solo motherhood is the right path for you, Jamela’s story will inspire you to embrace your own choices with confidence.

Connect with Jamela on Instagram 

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

We discuss more about…..

• Emily's initial adoption research and the steps involved in the process.
• The emotional journey and uncertainties of getting matched.
• The costs and logistical aspects of adopting in the U.S.
• Adjusting to motherhood and balancing work with childcare.
• The importance of support and strong friendships in solo motherhood.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

We discuss more about…..

• The transition from corporate life to focusing on solo motherhood.
• The joys and challenges of parenting during a global pandemic.
• Her mother’s health crisis and its impact on her responsibilities.
• The process of writing her book featuring stories of 20 Australian SMBCs.
• Strategies for achieving a better work/life balance.
• Prioritizing experiences over material luxuries.
• Tips and wisdom for other women considering the solo motherhood path.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or already on the path to becoming a solo mom by choice. And if you missed her previous episodes on the SGC Podcast, make sure you tune into those by using the links below!

Connect with Alisha!
Follow her on social media! Website | Podcast | @solomumsociety  | @noneedforprincecharming
Learn more and check out her latest book HERE

Mentioned Resources

S1, Ep 14: No Need for Prince Charming with Alisha Burns

S4, Ep 3: Books For Your Child's Bookshelf

Your Dream Life Starts Here by Kristina Karlsson

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you will hear about:

• Alisha’s marriage and fertility journey in her early thirties
• the loss of Alisha’s first baby, Jeremy
• rebuilding life after loss
• considerations of donor conception
• Alisha’s experience with two rounds of IVF
• the hidden blessings of giving birth during a pandemic
• Alisha’s birth story
• post-partum tips for SMCs and other fantastic SMC advice

Follow Alisha on Instagram @noneedforprincecharming

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• overcoming the “shame” of becoming an SMC
• how fertility preservation eventually led to conception of two daughters via IVF
• connecting with the choice mom community
• how Summer finally got clear on “pulling the trigger” to become an SMC
• the joys of motherhood
• the importance of building community and creating your team
• why it was important to Summer to have two children as a choice mom
• letting go of regrets
• Summer’s YouTube video series for choice moms!

Find Summer @summerlovret on Instagram and on YouTube!

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

For most of my life, I believed that finding the right partner was the key to starting a family. I spent nearly 20 years searching for the perfect relationship, thinking that marriage had to come first before motherhood. But at 39, I was single and I still deeply wanted to become a mom. That’s when I decided I was done waiting. I would have a baby on my own.

In this special cross-over episode, I’m the one being interviewed! Originally recorded for the Refamulating Podcast with Julia Winston, this conversation dives into my journey of reimagining family, letting go of societal expectations, and embracing solo motherhood by choice. I open up about the pivotal moments that led me to this path, my experiences with egg freezing, fertility treatments, and choosing a sperm donor, and how becoming a mother has transformed my life in ways I never expected.

In this episode on why I chose to have a baby on my own, I share:

• How I went from searching for a partner to deciding to have a baby on my own;
• The fears, doubts, and societal pressures I had to overcome to embrace solo motherhood;
• Why I initially felt ashamed of my choice and how I learned to own it with pride;
• My journey through egg freezing, fertility treatments, and choosing a sperm donor;
• The impact of my religious upbringing, marriage, and divorce on my perspective of family;
• How I built a strong support system and community as a single mom;
• Why I now believe solo moms aren’t settling but actually raising the bar;
• The unexpected freedom and joy I’ve found in this choice.

If you’re considering solo motherhood, struggling with the idea of letting go of a traditional family model, or simply curious about what it’s like to have a baby on your own, this episode is for you.

Refamulating on Instagram

https://www.refamulating.com/

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Life doesn’t always go according to plan but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the dream of growing your family. Today’s guest, Virginia Drader, knows this journey well. After unexpectedly becoming a single mom after a divorce in her late 20s, she spent the next decade focused on her career and raising her son. But after a surprise pregnancy and miscarriage in 2022, Ginny realized her desire for another child was stronger than ever. This time, she wasn’t waiting for the right partner but made the decision to pursue pregnancy without a partner.

Virginia, an interior designer who incorporates Feng Shui into her work, shares the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of her path to solo motherhood by choice. From navigating fertility treatments across borders to creating a home that supports both herself and her children, she offers insight into what it truly means to step into motherhood on your own terms.

In this episode on pregnancy without a partner, Ginny shares:

• How a surprise pregnancy and miscarriage led her to pursue pregnancy without a partner;
• The reactions she received from family and friends when she decided to have a child on her own;
• Why she traveled from Canada to the USA for her fertility process and how she selected a sperm donor;
• Her experience with IUI, pregnancy challenges, and balancing motherhood with running a business;
• The importance of creating a nurturing space as a solo parent and how she applies Feng Shui principles to her home;
• Connecting with other donor-conceived families and what this could mean for her child in the future.

If you’re considering solo motherhood or wondering what it looks like to build a family on your own terms, Virginia’s story will inspire you to trust your own path.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ellis Kelly Interior Alchemy (Ginny's business, alongside her sister Natalie)

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Find out more about Steadfast Life Coaching:

www.steadfastlifecoaching.com

@SteadfastLifeCoaching

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Elizabeth wears multiple hats as a postpartum doula, lactation counselor (soon-to-be consultant), infant massage instructor, and infant sleep consultant. After years of dedicated work, she took a courageous step towards single parenthood and welcomed her son in the midst of the pandemic. Join us as we delve into her fascinating journey, exploring her roles as a supportive professional and a mother who embraces the beauty of non-traditional family structures.

We discuss more about…..

• Elizabeth's journey to becoming a single parent.
• Her unique experience of selecting a donor.
• How she’s preparing for baby #2.
• Navigating career paths and growing her skills.
• Balancing professional and personal life as an entrepreneur. 

Handling life’s transitions while maintaining her empowering roles. 

Connect with Elizabeth!
www.empoweringmama.com
Follow her on social media! Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
Enroll now for The Thriving Postpartum Course!

Mentioned Resources
Big Brother Learns All About Babies by Itty Bitty Newborn
 

More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

Join us in Sedona December 29 - January 2!

www.singlegreatestchoice.com/retreats-sedona-2024

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, I mention a few courses I am working through in my final weeks of pregnancy.  Here are links in case you are interested:

The Real Deal Childbirth Education (local to Austin, but currently online via Zoom)

The Positive Birth Company Hypnobirthing Digital Pack

Better Birth Stories Online Hypnobirthing Course

Austin Born Infant CPR + Choking + Safety Course (online, on demand)

Taking Cara Babies - First Five Months Bundle

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Connect with Keina!
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast

Mentioned Resources

Money Files - 96 | From Finances to Motherhood: Let’s Talk Money Coaching

Check out the SGC Directory!
Email Katie for the password: katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Join us in El Cuyo, Mexico March 10-15, 2024!

www.singlegreatestchoice.com/el-cuyo-2024

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, we discuss more about…..

• Becky’s decision to be a single mom by choice.
• Fertility issues and the importance of finding a doctor you can trust.
• Seeking support through online communities.
• Dating as a single mom by choice.
• How Becky unexpectedly found love.
• Growing a blended family. 

More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

Join us in Sedona December 29 - January 2! www.singlegreatestchoice.com/retreats-sedona-2024

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• how Gloria decided she was ready to become a mom
• how connecting with other women through social media makes considering single motherhood easier
• how loss impacts the desire for motherhood
• how COVID-19 is affecting Gloria's TTC plans
• the process of choosing a donor
• thoughts about choosing a donor outside of your own race
• worrying about the ways we might screw up our kids
• dating while planning to become an SMC
• sharing TTC plans with family and friends
• Gloria's post-baby plans

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, Katie referenced:

• The Life Coach School Podcast with Brooke Castillo
• The Work of Byron Katie
• Christine Hassler
• Self Compassion with Dr. Kristin Neff

To learn more about working with me as your coach, visit www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching. I'd love to work with you!

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Referenced in this episode:

• EverlyWell At Home Ovarian Reserve Test  (this is the one Katie used)
• EverlyWell Women's Fertility Test
• The Modern Fertility Test (this company also provides a TON of great research!)

Learn more at www.singlegreatestchoice.com and @single_greatest_choice on Instagram.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• how Brenda had to make a now-or-never choice about motherhood at age 37
• the importance of having an SMC community
• why you should consider egg freezing
• why statistics don't always matter...and then we talk about a bunch of unverified statistics!
• using donor embryos
• adoption vs. pregnancy
• parenting donor conceived children
• advocating for awareness of non-traditional family structures
• Brenda's upcoming memoir, Kindness Among Us

To connect with Brenda, you can follow her @notnuclearfamilies on Instagram.

Learn more at www.singlegreatestchoice.com and @single_greatest_choice on Instagram.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

We discuss more about…..

• Celine's transition into embracing single motherhood.
• The challenges and emotional journey of egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
• Moving from the Netherlands to Sedona, and eventually to New York City.
• The vital role of community and support for SMBCs.
• Balancing business and motherhood, and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive influences.
• Celine’s birth and postpartum experience. 

Connect with Celine!
Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website | Media

More info about coaching and community groups at  www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com