Diary Of a Solo Mum

At this time of year school group chats are forming, this episode explores the dynamics within group chats. I discuss the different types of groups, the roles people assume and the evolution of lifecycles of some of these group chats, Lastly some advise to avoid the pitfalls of these sometimes toxic environments

The term solo parent is becoming more popular in recent years, in part due to the increasing profile of donor conception. It has also become a preferred alternative to single parent as the latter comes with social stigma and stereo types. Maybe that is why I prefer to use the term solo parent to describe my family situation, I made a conscious decision to have Savannah on my own. There are a numbe...

IVF can be a very daunting prospect and there is a lot of information and resources available around the IVF process, from drugs and stimulation to embryo testing and transfer, but there is little discussion on what happens when the IVF Journey comes to an end. While it is a fortunate and privileged position to be in, having unused embryos creates a dilemma which is not often talked about. While t...

In a world of social media we often find ourselves conflicted, part of us want to boast about our children online and part of us want to protect their privacy, so how do we strike the right balance? What are the risks and how can we mitigate them? In this episode I talk about the risks with posting about our children (and our own details) online, how I navigate this and some measures you can put i...

As soon as you become pregnant the world and their wife start to bombard you with unsolicited advice, and it seems to get louder when they realise you are going solo. From being told how hard it will be on your own to horrifying birth stories the oversharing can be incredibly daunting, but here is what they don't tell you: Your baby will be the centre of your world, you wont have to share your tim...

In today's society women are expected to work like they don't have children, parent like they don't have jobs and still function in day to day society. To make it even more challenging the workplace can often be a toxic environment for many women, we are expected to navigate outdated attitudes, bullying, sexism and harassment while doing the same job as men but for less pay. Work culture are missi...

In this episode I explores the profound impact social media has on modern parenting, specifically focusing on the shift from local support networks to digital communities, and the internal and external pressure to be the perfect mum.

With the rise of direct to customer DNA test what can seem like a bit of fun carries unanticipated risks. In this episode I discuss the risks of DNA testing with stories from others on their own shocking revelations. I also consider the role these DNA tests will have on our donor conceived children

Listening to a podcast on the way to work got me thinking! Steven Bartlett and David Sinclair discuss the reversal of aging at the cellular level in Diary of a CEO https://open.spotify.com/episode/7fEZDlnA1z8H0gjm2bYcyC?si=ea7xCTpYR9-tuQu_Any1rA&utm_source=copy-link This triggered a thought experiment, what impact would the reversal of aging have on the Solo Mum movement? In this episode I exp...

In this episode I talk through the process of egg donation and I was privileged to speak to an egg donor and discuss her motivations and expectations for the future. Further resources: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/egg-donation-a-factsheet/ https://www.londoneggbank.com/donating-eggs/ ? https://www.ivf-embryo.gr/en/egg-donation-greece?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=112262601&g...

There are common misconceptions when it comes to solo mums and dating, many assume; We couldn't find a man and therefore we HAD to go it alone, implying we are undateable We must HATE men and that is why we have chosen to use a donor In the vast majority this is not the case, maybe time has slipped away from us, maybe we have higher standards than our prior dating history, or maybe we are just not...

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...