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

Even with careful planning, none of us can predict how our path to motherhood will unfold.When we last spoke with Tara Resnick, she was preparing for another egg retrieval and left us with quite the cliffhanger. Today, she’s back to share the next chapter of her journey toward solo motherhood.In this conversation, Tara speaks with honesty and vulnerability about the setbacks she’s faced—multiple egg retrievals, the financial strain of treatment, and the deep emotional toll of pursuing IVF as a single woman at 42. She also opens up about the regrets she carries: wishing she had pursued IVF or at least frozen eggs earlier, and staying in relationships longer than she now wishes she had.What makes Tara’s story so powerful is not a picture-perfect narrative, but her willingness to share the messy middle—the heartbreak, the resilience it takes to keep going, and the importance of self-compassion when the outcome is still unknown.Tara’s reminder for all of us: resilience isn’t about toxic positivity. It’s about choosing yourself, holding onto hope, and finding peace even in the hardest seasons.“Choose yourself, always.” – Tara ResnickIf you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to walk through IVF on your own—the ups, the setbacks, the financial and emotional weight—I hope this conversation will make you feel less alone.In this episode, we discuss:Tara’s second and third egg retrievals, including the unexpected decision to pursue a Duo Stim cycleThe financial and emotional impact of IVF as a single womanThe vulnerability of navigating fertility treatments without a partnerReceiving difficult PGT results and the decision to transfer an untested embryoHow to balance hope and grief without falling into toxic positivityWhy Tara believes trying was still the right choice for her, no matter the outcomeAnd moreConnect with Tara: Instagram | @TaraLaurennnSimple Coaching for Health & Weight LossEvolve with Tara: Solution Focused Coaching👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.🏘️Join our community, The SGC VillageReach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Julie thought she was freezing her eggs for a future partner.Instead, she ended up fertilizing all of them on her path to become a mom on her own—then finding love and partnership afterward.That’s the short version of Julie Ferguson’s story, but there’s so much more to it.Julie is a PR firm owner and solo mom by choice who’s been through more than her share of plot twists on the road to motherhood: divorce, miscarriage, five egg retrievals, two IVF cycles, and one hard-won embryo that became her son. She opens up about what it really took—emotionally, physically, and financially—to make her dream of motherhood happen.And her story doesn’t end there.Now a proud mom to a two-year-old, Julie shares what it’s been like to date as a solo mom, including an unplanned pregnancy at 45 and the evolving relationship that followed. We talk about rediscovering yourself in motherhood, building connections with other donor sibling families, and Julie’s advocacy work with the Stork Foundation, which helps families access IVF through grants.Whether you’re still navigating fertility as a single woman or already parenting solo, Julie’s mix of honesty, humor, and hope is one you don’t want to miss.In this episode, we cover:Navigating miscarriage, divorce, and solo motherhood during the pandemicDoing multiple egg retrievals and two rounds of IVF in her early 40sThe emotional toll of losing an embryo and trying againMaking the leap from egg freezing to IVF with donor spermAdvocating for IVF access through the Stork FoundationDating as a solo mom and navigating an unexpected pregnancy at 45Building a donor sibling community and raising a happy toddler soloWhy prioritizing self-care matters in solo motherhoodAnd moreResources mentioned:The Stork FoundationLittle Words Project - Hope BraceletSociety for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)It Starts With the Egg BookPulling Down the Moon Holistic Fertility CenterConnect with Julie: Instagram: @chijulesJulie’s PR Firm👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.🏘️Join our community, The SGC VillageReach out to Katie over at

Life doesn’t always unfold the way you imagined. For Tara, that meant rethinking everything she thought she knew about love, family, and the “perfect” timing. After years in relationships that weren’t moving toward the future she desired, she found herself at a crossroads: stay stuck waiting for someone else to come around, or start creating the life she dreamed of on her own.In this episode, Tara opens up about the heartbreak of leaving long-term relationships, the fear and uncertainty of starting over at 38, and the courage it took to finally consider solo motherhood. She shares her experiences with fertility testing, choosing a sperm donor, a difficult miscarriage, and the incredible support she’s found in this SMBC community as she takes those first steps toward becoming a single mom by choice.Whether you’re exploring solo motherhood yourself or simply need a reminder that starting over is possible, Tara’s story is filled with courage, clarity, and deep self-trust.In this episode on pursuing solo motherhood, we discuss:Feeling stuck in relationships and deciding when it’s time to choose yourself;The fear of starting over in your late 30s and facing fertility decisions alone;How finances, support systems, and fear hold women back from solo motherhood;Fertility testing, donor conception, and facing miscarriage as a single woman;The emotional growth that comes from doing it scared;The power of connection and finding your people in the SMBC community;And more from Tara’s deeply honest and inspiring journey.Resources mentioned in this episode:👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

What does life look like a decade into solo motherhood? If you've ever wondered what’s on the other side of the baby and toddler years, this conversation with Beile Grünbaum will give you an exciting glimpse.Beile is a solo mom by choice of two sons, now 10 and 12, and her story is anything but ordinary. A former financial journalist in Denmark, Beile made the leap into solo motherhood in her late 30s and early 40s. But the transformation didn’t stop there. After being laid off while on maternity leave with her second child, she took her expertise in finance and turned it into a thriving financial coaching business, Money & Freedom.Today, she lives with her boys in Portugal, runs an online business, and shares her journey as a podcaster and entrepreneur. She opens up about her fertility story, life after the baby years, building community abroad, dating as a solo mom, and what it really means to design a life that fits you, and your kids.If you’ve been craving stories about solo parenting older children, or wondering what’s possible for your career and lifestyle as an SMBC, you won’t want to miss this one!In this episode on solo parenting older children, we discuss:Navigating donor conception and fertility treatments in Denmark;Parenting through the toddler years and deciding to have a second child;Raising two boys with honesty, confidence, and joy;Being laid off on maternity leave and pivoting into entrepreneurship;Becoming financially free and moving her family to Portugal;Dating as a solo mom (and how ChatGPT supports her search);The mindset shift from waiting to be saved to building her dream life;And much more!Connect with Beile Grünbaum:Website | YouTube | Instagram | Podcast👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

What if the desire to become a parent is strong, but the partner hasn't shown up?In this episode, I’m talking with Viveka, a school psychologist who has spent her career supporting kids and families—and who’s now navigating her own path to solo motherhood.Viveka started out as a preschool special education teacher, is certified as a yoga instructor and nature therapy guide, and brings a deeply grounded, global perspective to everything she does. She’s biracial, trilingual, a former Indian classical dancer, and one of those people who’s just naturally good with children. When Viveka found herself single in her late thirties and experiencing dating burnout, she decided it was time to freeze her eggs. But once she took a step into this world, she realized that she could be that woman who decides to pursue solo motherhood.Now over a year into her process of becoming a single mother by choice, Viveka shares what it’s looked like to shift her priorities, explore known donor conception through Seed Scout, and start the process of trying to conceive—without waiting for a partner.This conversation is about so much more than logistics. It’s about identity, intuition, culture, and what happens when you finally give yourself permission to want what you want.In this episode about choosing solo parenthood, we talk about:The early stages of becoming a solo mom by choice;Experiencing dating burnout;Choosing solo motherhood when you find yourself single in your 30s or 40s;Cultural considerations and family conversations;Using Seed Scout to find a known sperm donor;Navigating fertility clinics, timing, and IUI with a known donor;Balancing career, future dreams, and the realities of single parenting;And more.Connect with Viveka on instagram: Solo Mama To Be (@soloparentonpurpose)👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It takes a village”, but what does that actually look like when you’re choosing to become a mom on your own?Today’s guest is the perfect example of why becoming a single mother by choice doesn’t mean you have to raise your child alone. You’ll hear exactly what it can look like to build a deeply supportive village, both before and after becoming a solo mom.In this episode, I’m joined by Sige, a psychotherapist and solo mother by choice who brings a wealth of wisdom from both her personal and professional life. Sige shares how a low AMH diagnosis and a breakup led her to pursue solo motherhood through IUI, and how she beat the odds by conceiving on her first try. But it’s her unique approach to communal living and her commitment to building intentional support systems that truly make her story stand out. Together, we talk about what it takes to raise a child without a partner, not by doing it all alone, but by choosing interdependence, community, and creativity. In this episode on building a strong support system before and during solo motherhood, we discuss:How a low ovarian reserve shifted Sige’s timeline and led her to IUI;The emotional pivot from partnership to solo parenting;What it’s like to conceive on your first IUI attempt, despite low fertility markers;The practical and emotional benefits of communal living;Navigating dating and boundaries as a solo mom;How to create a village of support when raising a child alone;Introducing donor conception and donor siblings to your child;Reclaiming creativity and rediscovering yourself after early motherhood;And so much more.Connect with Sige WeismanYou can learn more about Sige’s therapy work on her website.Connect with her artwork on Instagram, @sigeweisman.art or at www.sigeweisman.com.Resources mentioned in this episode:Book: How to Conceive Naturally: And Have a Healthy Pregnancy after 30👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.🏘️Join our community, The SGC VillageReach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

What happens when you only get one viable embryo and it’s your only shot at becoming a mom? For Kellyn, her single embryo became the greatest gift of her life.Today’s guest is Kellyn Nagel, a fellow single mother by choice and dedicated attorney who represents children in foster care. Kellyn shares her emotional and financial journey through fertility as a single woman: from egg freezing after a low AMH diagnosis to IVF with frozen eggs, and ultimately to the birth of her daughter, Kellyn’s story is one of trust, resilience, and quiet courage.We talk about the heartbreak and hope of navigating IVF as a single woman, how Kellyn leaned into her gut instincts at every step, and the profound ways motherhood has shifted both her career and her understanding of the family court system. We also touch on the power of donor sibling connections, postpartum realities, and what it means to keep the door open for a second child as a single mom by choice, even when the path is anything but straightforward.In this episode on IVF as a single woman, we discuss:How Kellyn’s journey began with egg freezing and a low AMH diagnosis;Her decision to move from two failed IUIs to IVF using her frozen eggs;The emotional weight of having just one viable embryo, and the joy when it worked;What it’s like to give birth and navigate postpartum as a solo mom;The challenges of working in child welfare while becoming a parent herself;How she connected with donor siblings and built early relationships for her daughter;Her reflections on sleep deprivation, daycare, and going back to work as a new SMBC;And more.Resources mentioned in this episode:Book: This Might Be Too Personal: And Other Intimate Stories - Alyssa ShelaskyListen to Season 6, Episode 8: “Accidental” SMBC Through Foster to Open Adoption With Elizabeth Friedland 👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

Solo parenting one child is a big job. Add a second baby to the mix, and do it all without a co-parent, and everything shifts.In this episode, I’m joined by Randi Maves, a solo mom by choice to two boys, four years apart. Randi wouldn’t trade this life for anything, but she’s honest about how intense it can be juggling two different stages of parenting on her own.From navigating daycare drop-offs and picky eaters to handling preschooler meltdowns while sleep-training a newborn, Randi gets honest about what the daily juggle really looks like. She talks about the tools and support systems that are saving her sanity right now, including her decision to hire an au pair, and the emotional process of adjusting to life as a solo mom of two.We’re also diving into Randi’s fertility journey with IVF at 40+, including the heartbreak of getting no viable embryos, the decision to transfer her one mosaic embryo, and the deep trust it took to move forward.If you’re thinking about having a second child as an SMBC, already in the thick of solo motherhood, or just wondering what this path can look like, Randi’s story is a beautiful mix of honesty, resilience, and real-life logistics.In this episode on solo parenting two kids after 40, we talk about:How her mom’s diagnosis sparked her decision to become a momWhat it was like to move across the country with a baby in towWhat shifted her perspective on having a second child soloThe highs and lows of IVF as a single woman in her 40sWhat it’s really like to solo parent two kids in different phases of lifeHer approach to building a support team, including daycare and live-in helpThe emotional weight of parenting without a partner, and why acknowledgment mattersHer mindset around letting “future Randi” handle “future problems”Resources mentioned in this episode:HBO Documentary First Comes Love (2013)Facebook group ‘My Perfect Mosaic Embryo’🏝️ Interested in the Aug 27-31 Family Trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico? Join one of these info sessions to get all the details!👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

The desire to share life with a partner doesn’t just disappear when we choose to start our families on our own. And it doesn’t have to. Today’s new episode is a beautiful reminder that both things can be true: you can want motherhood and partnership, and you don’t have to give up one to have the other.At 35, Erin Russell was faced with the hard realization that her family line would end with her if she didn’t pursue parenthood soon, so she started seriously considering solo motherhood. But right as she was preparing to begin fertility treatments, life threw her a curveball — she met someone.Erin was clear about what she wanted and gave the relationship space to grow. But when it became obvious they weren’t aligned on having kids, she made the powerful decision to walk away. She ordered donor sperm the very next day.Becoming a mom didn’t erase Erin's hope of sharing life with a partner. Just two months after her son was born, she started dating again — not out of pressure or urgency, but as a way to reconnect with herself, enjoy adult time, and stay open to love.Now that her son is two and she’s happily in a relationship that feels like the right fit, Erin reflects on what it’s been like to still want partnership as a solo mom by choice, and how she's navigating love, parenting, and a changing sense of identity all at once.In this episode, we talk about:How Erin knew it was time to pursue solo motherhoodThe challenges of navigating IUI, IVF, and insurance hurdlesWhy "just surviving" the newborn stage isn’t enough, and how building a support system made all the differenceThe guilt and reality of sending your baby to daycare as a solo momDating as a solo mom: why Erin started early, how she set her own pace, and what she looked for in a partnerHow she’s weaving her new relationship into her solo mom lifeAnd why the grief of doing it alone doesn’t just disappear once your baby arrivesWhether you're considering solo motherhood, already parenting, or wondering if dating might fit into your life someday, Erin’s story is full of honesty, hope, and real-world encouragement for wherever you are on the path.Want to connect with Erin Russell?Follow Erin on InstagramCheck out Erin's writingRead Erin's article on SMBCs (featuring me as an interviewee!)🏝️ Interested in the Aug 27-31 Family Trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico? Join one of these info sessions to get all the details!👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. Reach out to Katie...

Expanding your family as a single mother by choice isn’t always easy — but many solo moms desire more than one child, and today’s conversation is a beautiful example of how it can unfold.Lauren — a returning guest and seasoned SMBC — shares her journey from welcoming her first daughter to expanding her family with twins, all in just a few years. Along the way, she navigated fertility treatments, postpartum health challenges, and the daily demands of solo parenting... while never losing sight of her dream to grow her family despite her fertility challenges.As you might know, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about whether to have a second child as a solo mom — so it was such a gift to sit down with Lauren and talk through all the emotional, logistical, and real-life factors that come into play when making a decision like this.Whether you're actively considering another child or just curious about what life looks like with multiple little ones as a solo mom, Lauren’s story is a powerful reminder that you can create the family you dream of.Inside the episode, we talk about:How Lauren managed a twin pregnancy while caring for a young babyThe emotional and practical shifts that come with expanding your family soloBuilding a village: how childcare, therapy, and trusted support made it possibleHandling outside reactions to being a solo mom of multiple childrenTalking to young kids about being donor-conceived and having donor siblingsFinding moments of joy and recharging amid the chaosWhat factors to consider when thinking about adding to your family as a solo momAnd more!Listen to Lauren & Jess on Season 1, Episode 16 of The SGC PodcastConnect with Lauren on Instagram👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice resource you’ve been craving for every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com

I recently wrapped up one of the most unpredictable SMBC retreats I’ve ever hosted, and I’m still unpacking all the lessons it had to teach me. This solo episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when things go completely off-script, and how self-compassion, surrender, and unexpected moments of connection carried me through.This isn’t your typical retreat recap. It’s a story about what happens when you let go of the plan and lean into trust, even when things go sideways. As someone who talks a lot about self-compassion and mindset, this experience gave me a real-time opportunity to practice what I preach.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to attend a retreat with SGC—or you’ve found yourself navigating curveballs on your SMBC journey—this one’s for you.I’m sharing:The story of a retreat that went wildly off course (and what happened next)How curveballs became invitations for growth, trust, and connectionThe power of self-compassion when things don’t go as plannedThe surprising kindness of strangersWhat this experience taught me as a solo mom, solopreneur, and human beingAnd the quiet magic that happens when we stop trying to control it all.👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the solo mom support network you’ve been looking for through every stage of your SMBC journey. You can find 1:1 coaching for single moms by choice at all stages, Community Groups for Thinkers/Tryers and Pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, retreats for women considering or pursuing solo motherhood 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 Instagramhttps://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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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