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 – Details, episodes & analysis

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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

Society & Culture

Education

Kids & Family

Frequency: 1 episode/20d. Total Eps: 112

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 Choice is here to support you. Hosted by Katie Bryan, a single mother by choice turned SMBC coach and community facilitator, this podcast is a space for women exploring what it means to choose parenthood on their own terms. You’ll hear real stories from solo moms who’ve been where you are: women who have faced the fears, made the choices, and built beautiful, fulfilling lives as single mothers by choice. You can expect conversations around: > Fertility for single women in their 30s and 40s; > Considering solo motherhood & becoming a single mother by choice (SMBC) > IVF, adoption, sperm donors, and egg freezing for single women > Having a baby on your own > Choosing to parent alone > Dating and relationships as SMBCs > Building community as a solo mom by choice > And much more. If you're single in your 30s or 40s and wondering, Can I do this?, you’re not alone. The path to becoming a single mother by choice isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. This is your place to find confidence, connection, and community as you explore whether solo motherhood might be your single greatest choice. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss an episode, and visit www.singlegreatestchoice.com to learn more about our membership, coaching, community groups, and retreats.

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https://thework.com/
359 shares
https://self-compassion.org/
355 shares
https://www.theseedscout.com/
152 shares

https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/
1252 shares
https://www.facebook.com/rachel.toyer.3
2 shares
https://www.facebook.com/mamaempoweringmama
2 shares

https://www.instagram.com/backupplanpod
108 shares
https://www.instagram.com/quiettheclockpod
88 shares
https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd
57 shares

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 73%

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S7E9 My Story: How & Why I Chose to Have a Baby on My Own

Season 7 · Episode 9

mercredi 25 décembre 2024 • Duration 01:03:59

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 Instagram

https://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

S7E8 Egg Freezing, IVF & Dating as a Single Mother: Eboni K. Williams’ SMBC Story

Season 7 · Episode 8

mercredi 11 décembre 2024 • Duration 01:18:23

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

S6, Ep 9: Solo Mum Society founder, author and podcast host, Alisha Burns

Season 6 · Episode 9

mercredi 10 juillet 2024 • Duration 01:00:26

We 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.
Prioritizing experiences over material luxuries.
Tips and wisdom for other women considering the solo motherhood path.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or already on the path to becoming a solo mom by choice. And if you missed her previous episodes on the SGC Podcast, make sure you tune into those by using the links below!

Connect with Alisha!
Follow her on social media! Website | Podcast | @solomumsociety | @noneedforprincecharming
Learn more and check out her latest book HERE

Mentioned Resources

S1, Ep 14: No Need for Prince Charming with Alisha Burns

S4, Ep 3: Books For Your Child's Bookshelf

Your Dream Life Starts Here by Kristina Karlsson

S6, Ep 8: “Accidental” SMBC through foster to open adoption with Elizabeth Friedland

Season 6 · Episode 8

mercredi 26 juin 2024 • Duration 01:04:08

We 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 Elizabeth!
Website | Instagram | Instant Mom Podcast

Check out the Central General Store!
Website | Instagram

Learn more about the SGC Childbirth 101 Class for solo moms!

S6, Ep 7: SMBC to two through adoption with Emily Driscoll

Season 6 · Episode 7

mercredi 12 juin 2024 • Duration 49:36

We 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.

S6, Ep 6: Celine Charlotte, a quick journey from considering to parenting

Season 6 · Episode 6

mercredi 29 mai 2024 • Duration 01:11:22

We 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 oneself with supportive influences.
Celine’s birth and postpartum experience.

Connect with Celine!
Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website | Media

More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

S6, Ep 5: Luisa Ruge, SMBC in Colombia

Season 6 · Episode 5

mercredi 15 mai 2024 • Duration 59:00

We 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/

S6, Ep 4: Danielle Winston, The Seed Scout

Season 6 · Episode 4

mercredi 1 mai 2024 • Duration 58:54

When 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 looking for options beyond the big, impersonal and deeply flawed major cryobanks.

We discuss more about…..

The journey of exploring alternative paths to parenthood beyond traditional sperm banks.
The significance of building trusting relationships with potential donors.
Establishing The Seed Scout as a business.
The need for ethical and transparent practices in the donor conception industry.
Acknowledging donors as individuals and fostering a supportive environment.

Connect with The Seed Scout!
Follow them on social media! Website | Instagram | TikTok

S6, Ep 3: thoughts on a second child as a SMBC

Season 6 · Episode 3

mercredi 17 avril 2024 • Duration 51:51

If 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”...there’s a lot to think about! In this episode, I’m opening the conversation and asking SMBCs with one or more kids to share their thoughts about growing their families. What drives their desire to add more, or conversely, what factors help them decide their family is complete as it is? These audio clips provide a range of perspectives and bring up lots of important considerations. As always, the goal of this podcast is to help women like you and me feel less alone, and I hope these reflections help to do that in some small way no matter where you are in your motherhood journey! 👩‍👧‍👦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

S6, Ep 2: Meredith Kate, host of The Backup Plan Podcast

Season 6 · Episode 2

mercredi 3 avril 2024 • Duration 56:34

For 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 she’s prepping for her future life as a single mom.

We discuss more about…..