In this episode I discuss the process and considerations in choosing a sperm donor to help create my family.

I talk about types of donors and the pros and cons of each option, the general advice given to me on how to make a choice and the key factors that influenced my decision.

If you are currently going through this dilemma I hope this episode helps, and if not I hope you still find this interesting and just a little quirky

In this introduction episode to my diary I introduce myself and give a little bit of background on how I became a Solo Mum by Choice (SMBC)

Welcome to my little world

Stacey

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 2 of 3

If you are experiencing loss I highly recommend the following resources:

https://www.sands.org.uk/

https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support

https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/

https://www.achingarms.co.uk/

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

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 - Supporting donor conception families since 1993

Or the UK's Fertility Regulator the HFEA - HFEA: UK fertility regulator

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 are teaching our children early and in an age appropriate way.

Child sexual abuse in 2023/24: Trends in official data

I have bought the following books to open up my conversation with Savannah:

Where Hands Go: An Introduction to Safe and Unsafe Touch : Sanders Diggs, Krystaelynne, Mohanta, Ananta: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Body Boundaries Make Me Stronger: Personal Safety Book for Kids about Body Safety, Personal Space, Private Parts and Consent that Teaches Social Skills and Body Awareness (World of Kids Emotions) : Cole, Elizabeth, Kamenshikova, Julia: Amazon.co.uk: Books

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 helpful.

For those of you who have come out the other side of potty training, I look forward to joining your club!

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.org.uk/

https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support

https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/

https://www.achingarms.co.uk/

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

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