Diary Of a Solo Mum

IVF can be full of acronyms and new terms which can be overwhelming, this episode is a quick guide to IVF and I have included some links below for further information https://www.fertility-academy.co.uk/blog/the-ivf-process-a-step-by-step-guide/ https://www.hfea.gov.uk/i-am/single-women/ https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/using-donated-eggs-sperm-or-embryos-in-treatment/ htt...

Losing a baby is indescribable and the pain does not leave you. While time may pass and carrying the loss gets more familiar it never leaves you. Having Savannah will never replace Poppy or my other little ones, however it does give rise to a different level of pain and guilt. I will always be eternally grateful for both my daughters and I am sure Poppy is watching over Savannah every day If you h...

In this episode I discuss the use of screen time in our parenting, the government (UK) guidelines and what the research says. Below are links to the research I have referenced in this episode: Government guidelines: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s/ Why Kids shows like Cocomelon hamper critical brain development: https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/05/17/why-kids-shows...

I am very privileged to speak to Dr. Grace Halden today. Grace quite literally wrote the book on solo motherhood by choice, and explores how modern reproductive technology is challenging the normal family structure in her book, Cyborg Conception: Cultural and Critical Responses to Solo Motherhood by Choice. Get 20% off her book using code PALAUT via the Springer website Cyborg Conception: Cultural...

A quick introduction to season 2 of Diary of a Solo Mum

I can't believe that we have reached the end of season 1! I have thoroughly enjoyed it and will be back in a few weeks with more exciting topics in season 2!

As solo parents we are missing a very obvious part of the equation, and how we talk to our children about their origins and genetics is important. Normalising donor conception for our children though story telling allows us to talk to our children about how they came to be, their individual family structure and the important people in their life. There are many books out there targeted at differen...

As solo mums we are often faced with assumptions and question regarding out relationship status and/or our children's parentage. This episode discussions how we tell our story to other adults at all stages of the journey

"Why don't upi just have a one night stand?" The question I was asked one to many times for my liking, and this is why!

Unregulated sperm donation often hits the media with sensational stories on prolific donors but here is what you need to think about if you are considering an unregulated donor to create your family Trigger warning - mentions sexual assault

Travelling with a small child can be daunting, in this episode I provide advice and experience to hopefully make travelling as a solo mum a little less scary. Below are links to some of the products I reference in this episode Portable highchair https://amzn.eu/d/01kcrLfl Pram & Pushchair Travel Bag | Stokke® PramPack™ | Stokke® Online Shop Kids bracelets - Stikets Shop SnoozeShade product dir...

As a solo mum I am the sole income and therefore I have to work to pay the bills and keep a roof over our heads. This episode discusses the considerations we face and the help that is available to us. The following links are discussed in this episode: Child Benefit: How it works - GOV.UK New to Universal Credit - Understanding Universal Credit Universal Credit if you have children - GOV.UK Tax-Fre...

In this episode I talk about my experiences of pregnancy after loss and the little things that got me through. I have included below links to some of the resources I have referred to: The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation Saying Goodbye: Amazon.co.uk : Zoe Clark-Coates: 9781434712264: Books It Will Happen: A heart-breaking journey to motherhood through recurrent miscarriage and pregnancy loss: Amazo...

I always saw myself as having 2 children but when life didn't go to plan I found myself questioning whether to have another baby and a younger sibling for Savannah. As a solo mum I had additional factors to consider and I talk through my thought process and ultimately my decision. I also hear from other solo mums about their considerations and their ultimate decision on whether to have another chi...

This episode gives an introduction to the topic of donor siblings, and how I plan to approach this with Savannah. I hope you find this informative and helpful Please find below some further information on donor siblings and donor conception: Halden, G., and H. King, 'Regulation needs to acknowledge that donor siblings connect before 18', PET: BioNews, 25 March 2024. Regulation needs to acknowledge...

In this episode I discuss the various tips and tricks I use to save money, below are links to the schemes and products I refer to, I hope that these can help you save money too Boots Parenting Club Topcashback: https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/sdrewry86 Airtime Rewards: Download Airtime for free and earn a £2 bonus with my code when you join & spend £5 within 7 days: NGPV4VHK https://airtimer...

In this episode I discuss a recent article about a sperm donor who carried a cancer causing gene. The article can be found here: Sperm from donor with cancer-causing gene was used to conceive almost 200 children - BBC News While detailing the circumstances around this story I discuss the concerns we may have as donor conception parents

In this episode I discuss the different childcare options for working mum and we hear from other solo mums on the childcare choices they have made. I also touch on the funding support available from the government in England and Wales, for more information please check out: Free Childcare for Working Parents: Overview - GOV.UK Tax-Free Childcare: What Tax-Free Childcare is - GOV.UK

It has been a weekend of change here in our house, Savannah moved into a big girl bed and I found myself so excited for her but also a little sad that my baby is growing up. It is inevitable that our children will grow and change, but we miss the old versions of them and enjoy the new in equal measure. Change is hard and watching our babies turn into little people is very hard sometimes

This episode discusses the different ways to make a family, from the traditional, to co-parenting to different types of donors. While this discussion mainly focuses on Solo parent families some of the information will be interesting to others considering using a donor to make their family. For additional information on egg and sperm donation please visit the Donor Conception Network - Home - Suppo...

In this episode I discuss a recent encounter Savannah had with an older child, while no harm was done it got me thinking. It is obviously important to teach out children about their body, their privacy and their boundaries, but it is also just as important to teach them to respect other children's boundaries. With 39% of child SAs in 2023/2024 being classed as child on child we need to ensure we a...

A bonus mini episode on the Friday evening of my first full week back at work after a 6 week break, and a quick update on the potty training

Feeling a sense on dread over potty training? Emotionally exhausted by the process? Wishing they were still in nappies a little longer? I did! In this episode I discuss my thoughts and opinions as I am 1 month into the potty training journey with Savannah. There are tips and tricks I have learnt along the way, and whether you are yet to start or are elbow deep in the trenches I hope you find this...

In this episode I detail my journey to motherhood through IVF, pregnancy and miscarriage Please be aware this episode does contain details on miscarriage, late miscarriage and baby loss so please listen in a safe space or feel free to jump to a different episode The journey was long so this is part 3 of 3 If you are experiencing loss I highly recommend the following resources: https://www.sands.or...

In this episode I detail my journey to motherhood through IVF, pregnancy and miscarriage Please be aware this episode does contain details on miscarriage so please listen in a safe space or feel free to jump to a different episode The journey was long so this is part 1 of 3