In this series of archive episodes of The Fertility Podcast find out about alternative routes to parenthood including donor conception, fertility preservation, surrogacy, adoption and co-parenting.
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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
You always imagined becoming a mom someday, but what if someday doesn’t look the way you expected? Maybe you're considering solo motherhood, wondering if having a baby on your own is really possible. Maybe you know you want to be a mom, but the clock is ticking, you’re single and aren’t sure what to do next. Perhaps you’re already on the path: researching sperm donors, weighing IVF or adoption, or navigating pregnancy without a partner. Wherever you are in your journey, The Single Greatest C ...
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S7E9 My Story: How & Why I Chose to Have a Baby on My Own
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1:03:59Refamulating is a podcast that celebrates different ways to make a familyThe nuclear family - a heterosexual couple in their first marriage with 2+ kids - is no longer the dominant family structure. In fact, there is no one dominant family structure. Nowadays many couples rely on science, surrogates, egg donors and sperm donors to have biological c…
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S7E8 Egg-Freezing, IVF, Self-Advocacy & Dating as a Single Mother By Choice With Eboni K Williams
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1:18:23In this episode about Eboni’s journey to becoming a SMBC, we discuss: Why Eboni initially froze her eggs “with zero intention of using them”; The realization at 38 that made her decide she wanted to be a mom; How she chose a donor and why she felt this was a critical factor; Her decision to go straight to IVF due to age-related statistics; The role…
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S7E7 Adopting a Child as a Single Black Woman Based Overseas With SMBC Richelle Carey
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55:20Richelle’s story starts with the emotional process of choosing the SMBC path and takes us through egg freezing, IVF, and ultimately the practicalities of adopting a child as a single mother based overseas. Her journey highlights the importance of prioritizing our own dreams and health while remaining open to the many ways a family can be formed. In…
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S7E6 Kids or Childfree? Considering (Solo) Parenthood With Keltie Maguire
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56:10In this episode, we discuss: The lack of visible role models for women who consciously choose a childfree life; The struggle of making the life-defining decision of becoming a parent or not which feels deeply personal, yet often misunderstood; How societal expectations lead people to feel entitled to ask personal questions about choices like childf…
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S7E5 Faith, Self-Advocacy, and Self-Care on the Path to Solo Motherhood as an African American Woman With SMBC Jamela Black
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1:14:29In this episode, we discuss: The pressures women often feel to fit men into their lives to fulfill societal expectation Jamela’s decision to pursue solo motherhood after her divorce at 37; How her mom played an active role in her decision to become a solo mom by choice; The emotional journey of mourning both her marriage and the traditional family …
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S7E4 Taking Control of Your Fertility Through IVF With Single Mother By Choice Whitney Foley
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56:11Born and raised in a close-knit Michigan community, Whitney always knew she wanted to be a mom. But after years of dating and only one long-term relationship in her 20s, she found herself single at 34. Instead of waiting for the "perfect" time or partner, she took control of her fertility and started her journey to solo motherhood. Through IVF, mul…
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S7E3 Single Mother by Chance, Then by Choice, Designer Virginia Drader
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50:21In this episode, Virginia shares: How a surprise pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage reignited her desire to have another child, this time as a single mom by choice; The reactions she received from family and friends when she chose to pursue motherhood on her own; Why she traveled from Canada to the USA for her fertility process and the factors th…
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S7E2 Super Sperm Donors, Off-the-Grid Insemination, & Unconventional Family Planning with Valerie Bauman
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49:09Valerie Bauman, is an investigative reporter for Newsweek, solo mother by choice, and author of one of my favorite memoirs in the solo moms space, Inconceivable:Super Sperm Donors, Off-the-Grid Insemination, and Unconventional Family Planning. I devoured Valerie’s book during a 30-hour airport layover, and by the time I finished, I felt like I had …
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S7E1 Why Educated Women Are Turning to Egg Freezing With Marcia Inhorn, Author of ‘Motherhood on Ice’
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1:02:17In this episode on the mating gap and egg freezing, we discuss: The challenges created by the shortage of eligible, educated men. How the education gap between men and women affects dating dynamics. How societal expectations and outdated gender norms are contributing to this issue. Why considering partners from diverse educational backgrounds can b…
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S6, Ep 10: SMBC with a known donor, Ashley Coates
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1:01:00My final guest of this season is Ashley Coates, a longtime Instagram friend and solo mom by choice living in Portland, Oregon. When Ashley decided to pursue solo motherhood, she decided to ask a close friend to be her known donor. What happened next feels almost too good to be true. Tune in as Ashley shares her experience of navigating conception, …
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S6, Ep 9: Solo Mum Society founder, author and podcast host, Alisha Burns
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1:00:26We 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. P…
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S6, Ep 8: “Accidental” SMBC through foster to open adoption with Elizabeth Friedland
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1:04:08We 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 El…
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S6, Ep 7: SMBC to two through adoption with Emily Driscoll
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49:36We 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. 👩👧👦Th…
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S6, Ep 6: Celine Charlotte, a quick journey from considering to parenting
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1:11:22We 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 ones…
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S6, Ep 5: Luisa Ruge, SMBC in Colombia
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59:00We 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/ 👩👧…
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S6, Ep 4: Danielle Winston, The Seed Scout
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58:54When 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 looki…
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S6, Ep 3: thoughts on a second child as a SMBC
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51:51If you’ve been going back and forth about whether or not to have a second child as a SMBC, you’re not alone! I frequently get asked about this topic, and it’s one that’s on my mind a lot these days. From making decisions about egg and embryo freezing to deciding on spacing between children to weighing the pros and cons of being “one and done”...the…
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S6, Ep 2: Meredith Kate, host of The Backup Plan Podcast
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56:34For 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…
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S6, Ep 1: Carla Allen, SMBC through gestational surrogacy
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50:37Carla 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 …
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New episodes coming every other Wednesday, starting March 20! Get more info and sign up for Guest Expert Workshops, Community Groups, and the SGC Directory at www.singlegreatestchoice.com.👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage ofyour SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGCVillage membership commun…
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S5, Ep 10: Keina Newell, Financial Coach
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50:51Connect 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 G…
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S5, Ep 9: Laura High, donor conceived advocate
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1:08:33In 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 Lau…
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S5, Ep 8: a sperm donor's perspective with Dylan Stone-Miller
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1:08:29In 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 pare…
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S5, Ep 7: fertility law with reproductive attorney Rose Pondel
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59:28We 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 abou…
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S5, Ep 6: travel tips with travel network innovator and SMBC Julie Munsch
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1:02:18In 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…
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S5, Ep 5: first comes baby carriage with now-coupled SMBC with Becky Thompson
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1:03:27In 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 ww…
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S5, Ep 4: unconventional families with writer and SMBC thinker Sara Graybeal
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57:14Throughout 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…
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S5, Ep 3: solo mum survival with Australian SMBC Rachel Toyer
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45:55In 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 med…
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S5, Ep 2: postpartum doula, lactation & sleep consultant and SMBC
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52:25Elizabeth 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 h…
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S5, Ep 1: chosen family with Kiara Rae Schuh, donor conceived daughter of a SMBC
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55:52Through 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 creatin…
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S4, Ep 10: Meet Chekwube, SMBC to be
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50:41In this episode, Katie interviews another yet another smart, creative, soulful and wise SMBC in the making (seriously...I am so blown away by the women who are making this choice. It never gets old!). Chekwube is a 31 year old Black queer femme novelist, poet, artist, and professor living and working in Los Angeles. Her warmth and intentionality sh…
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S4, Ep 9: Meet Halima, SMBC to be
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48:02I dare you to listen to this episode and NOT be inspired! Halima is a woman who is living life to it's fullest. A few years back, she began the process of shedding every part of life that didn't feel like the truest version of herself - and I am not talking about cleaning out her closet. We are talking about the big things...her job, her marriage, …
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S4, Ep 8: Meet Meghann, SMBC to two
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36:33Meghann shares her incredible story of overcoming loss and serious health complications while on her path to solo motherhood. Listen to hear how she beat the odds and stopped at nothing to create her beautiful family as a solo mom to two beautiful donor-embryo conceived kids. Meghann is a trauma surgeon, a pregnancy loss survivor and an amputee. Sh…
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S4, Ep 7: meet Anna, almost a single mother by choice
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44:30In this episode, Katie talks to friend and former coaching client Anna. Anna worked with Katie back in early 2021 as she pursued her own solo mom journey in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic. After a significant breakup and a move back to her hometown, Anna decided to continue dating while she waited for the covid-19 vaccine to become widely avail…
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S4, Ep 6: two years as an SMBC with Katie B.
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47:05In 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 eg…
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Christina Bernhard is a SMBC in Austin, Texas who Katie feels lucky to call a friend. Katie and Christina connected first on Instagram, then in real life. They share a passion for thought work and self-coaching, and both have used these tools to create a life they truly love as single mothers by choice. You'll love getting to know Christina, and I …
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S4, Ep 4: meet Anne, single mother by choice
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58:10In this episode, Katie chats with her friend and coaching client, Anne. Anne found the Single Greatest Choice community just as she was beginning her journey to conceive her baby girl. In this episode, Anne divulges what it's like to move forward with solo motherhood while still holding a deep desire for both partnership and travel. Anne is someone…
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S4, Ep 3: books for your child's bookshelf
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31:51www.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 C…
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S4, Ep 2: meet Liz, single mother by choice
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40:46In this episode, Katie talks with friend and former coaching client, Liz. While exploring the idea of solo motherhood by choice, Liz came across The Single Greatest Choice podcast and became one of Katie's early one-on-one coaching clients. You'll hear us discuss our shared apprehensions about conceiving via donor sperm and raising donor-conceived …
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S4, Ep 1: meet Lindsay, single mother by choice
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51:17Welcome to a new season of the podcast! In this episode, Katie chats with her friend and coaching client, Lindsay. Lindsay first found Katie through the Single Greatest Choice podcast, then chose to participate in both Group Coaching and the first ever Single Greatest Choice Community Group. Lindsay shares her journey to solo motherhood and some of…
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S3 Bonus: 2022 end of year update with Katie B.
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45:28Catch up with Katie after a long break from the podcast. Hear answers to your questions about solo motherhood, the latest on coaching and retreats, and find out Katie's favorite parts of life with a 20 month old toddler!👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage ofyour SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, …
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S3, Ep 5: using coaching strategies to choose the "perfect" donor
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39:37In 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 …
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S3, Ep 4: choosing a known donor with Stephanie & Porter
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1:07:24Katie talks donor selection with Stephanie, solo mom to Porter George. Stephanie made the shift from considering an open ID donor through a cryobank to selecting a known donor after doing research on the perspectives of donor conceived individuals. You can follow Stephanie and Porter @mamasteph_np on Instagram!👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is her…
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S3, Ep 3: five SMBCs share how they chose their donor
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42:02In this episode, five women share their stories and perspective about choosing a donor on the path to becoming a Single Mother by Choice.👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage ofyour SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGCVillage membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reachout t…
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S3, Ep 2: a surprise donor sibling connection with Holly & Tatiana
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41:25Holly and Katie describe an unbelievable discovery on the path to solo motherhood. You don't want to miss this story! 👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage ofyour SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGCVillage membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reachout to Katie over at kat…
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S3, Ep 1: a donor connection with Merav & Noa
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59:26Katie has a conversation with another SMC who shares her donor. That's right, our kids are biological half siblings! Connecting with donor sibling families has been a highlight on the SMC path. This conversation will give you an idea of why!👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage ofyour SMBC journey through 1:1 coachin…
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S2 Bonus: one year as a SMBC with Katie B.
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31:06👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage ofyour SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGCVillage membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reachout to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.comעל ידי Katie Bryan
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This week we are discussing Surrogacy, both in the UK and abroad. Our first guest is Anna Buxton, mum of three children through two different surrogates. Anna talks us through her decision of how they reached surrogacy after a long and painful gynaecological history and was told Surrogacy was her only hope as she would never carry. Not carrying you…
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My donor cycle has been cancelled. Now what?
19:44
19:44
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19:44Here's a bonus mid-week episode continuing the focus that other fellow poddies have been giving to your stories about cancelled treatment as well as the brilliant open letter @definingmum shared on her insta. We chatted with the lovely Jen @ivfpineapple who had her donor treatment cancelled and we know that there is a lot of anxiety and unease abou…
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