No need for Prince Charming

Alisha Burns

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S4:E24 - Alex & Lucy
IVF First Try, Birth Emergency & Dating Again: Alex’s Solo Motherhood Story From teen conviction to IVF with genetic testing, an emergency C-section, reflux, and a new identity as a working mum. She always knew she’d go it alone—and when the time came, she didn’t wait. Alex’s journey from a teen conviction to IVF success, a rare birth emergency, and thriving again after a tough start is a testament to resilience and self-trust. Alex decided as a teenager that she wanted to have a child on her own and didn’t want anyone else involved in parenting. She set herself a deadline of 30 and stuck to it—choosing IVF with genetic testing due to a family history of disease, and falling pregnant on her first try at 29. But her birth didn’t go to plan: after decreased movements led to an induction, a cord prolapse triggered a crash C-section under general anaesthetic. The newborn stage brought reflux, severe sleep deprivation, and postnatal anxiety and depression—made worse by a comment about child protective services that stopped her seeking help. With reflux medication, Tresillian support, and a return to work at nine months, she found her footing again. Now, with Lucy almost four, Alex is thriving, dating more than ever, and proud of the life she’s built. Key Highlights: Teen Conviction, Firm Cut-Off - From her teens, Alex knew she’d parent solo and set a hard age limit to start—she stuck to it without compromise. IVF with Genetic Testing—First Time Success - Because of a genetic condition, she chose IVF and preimplantation genetic testing. Her first round produced the embryo that became Lucy. A Rare Birth Emergency - Induced for decreased movements, Alex experienced a cord prolapse that required an emergency C-section under general anaesthetic. Postnatal Struggles and a CPS Threat - Reflux, weight loss, and exhaustion led to PPA/PPD, but a comment about calling child protective services made her hide her struggles. Turning Point and a Thriving Life - With reflux under control, Tresillian support, and a return to work, Alex regained her confidence and energy. She’s now dating, raising Lucy, and living life on her terms. City Fertility Offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here. Considering Solo Motherhood? Feeling overwhelmed about becoming a solo mum? The Considering Solo Motherhood course walks you through everything—from emotional readiness to finances and fertility—so you can make a confident decision. - Find out more Expecting Solo? Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates The Bump Membership Pregnant or trying to conceive on your own using a donor? Join our warm, supportive monthly membership made just for solo mums-to-be. Includes connection calls, WhatsApp group, discounts, and free resources - Find out more
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S4:E23 - Roni & Leon
From Heartbreak to Solo Mum: Roni’s Journey Through Donor Drama, Failed Transfers, and Finding Herself Again She nearly gave it all up for love—twice. But in the end, she backed herself. Roni’s story is a raw, relatable reminder of how strong women really are. After a divorce in her early 30s, Roni spent years travelling, dating, and living a vibrant single life. But deep down, she always wanted the chance to become a mum. Her journey into solo motherhood was anything but linear—from a known donor who pulled out just before fertilisation, to falling hard for someone else who wasn’t ready, to freezing her eggs at 40, switching clinics, and navigating IVF on her own. In this deeply honest episode, Roni opens up about the emotional toll, the post-birth reality no one warned her about, and the surprising joy she’s found raising Leon solo. Key Highlights: From Love to Loss, Then Back to Herself - Roni was ready to try solo motherhood—but twice, she put her plans on hold for relationships. Her story is a powerful reminder to trust your gut and never delay your dreams for someone else. The Known Donor That Pulled the Pin - She thought she’d found the perfect known donor—until he pulled out at the last minute, claiming he didn’t want to donate to a “couple.” What followed was heartbreak, anger, and a clinic that offered no support. A New Clinic, a New Plan, and Her Last Embryo - After a healing trip to New York, Roni found a new clinic (and a donor with blue eyes!). Her very last embryo was the one that became Leon. Pregnancy Was Rough—and So Was the Newborn Phase - From nausea to complications, then a brutally hard postnatal period, Roni is refreshingly honest about not loving pregnancy or the early days. Bonding took time, and that’s okay. Identity, Independence, and a Life She’s Proud Of - She’s not “just a mum.” Roni shares how reclaiming her time, making career moves, and nurturing friendships makes her a better parent—and a fulfilled woman. Thinking of Using a Known Donor? This episode highlights the emotional risks of using a known donor. If you’re considering this path, make sure you’ve got the right support in place. The Considering Solo Motherhood course includes questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself legally and emotionally – Find out more Felt blindsided by the newborn phase? You’re not alone. The Preparing for Solo Motherhood course includes the honest conversations no one is having about post-birth reality, support planning, and surviving the early weeks – View course options Pregnant or TTC solo? Join The Bump Membership to connect with other solo mums-to-be, get expert support, and never feel alone on the journey – Find out more City Fertility Offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.
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S4-E22 - Starting to think you might be neurodiverse? ADHD in Solo Mums
ADHD in Solo Mums: How My Late Diagnosis Changed Everything How being diagnosed with ADHD at 43 explained… almost everything, and how it’s reshaping Alisha as a mother. This episode discusses ADHD, emotional regulation, binge behaviours, and postnatal mental health. It is based on personal experience and is not a substitute for medical advice. If anything resonates or you suspect you may have ADHD, please speak to your GP or a qualified mental health professional. In this powerful solo bonus episode, Alisha opens up about her ADHD diagnosis at 43 and what it revealed about her past, her parenting, and her patterns. From school struggles and emotional intensity to people-pleasing and binge behaviours, she explores the signs she missed, and how they finally made sense. If you're a solo mum feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or like you're failing at things others seem to manage with ease, or if you’re starting to think you may be neurodiverse, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: Why So Many Women Are Diagnosed Late – ADHD often looks different in girls. Alisha reflects on how masking, people-pleasing, and emotional sensitivity kept her diagnosis hidden until adulthood. The ADHD Brain in a Neurotypical World – Using the “caveman vs farmer” analogy, Alisha explains how ADHD is a wiring difference, not a disorder, and how traditional systems (school, work, motherhood) aren’t built for brains like hers. Motherhood Was the Breaking Point – For a lot of women, the wheels start coming off when they become mums. Executive function crashes, mental loads explode, and self-judgment reaches a peak - ADHD can give you a framework to understand it all. Binge Cycles and Dopamine-Seeking – From alcohol to sugar to work and phone scrolling, she shares how ADHD drives impulsive, all-or-nothing behaviours, and how understanding this has changed her relationship with herself and has informed her decision to live a life of sobriety. ADHD as a Superpower (Once You Understand It) – With the right tools, awareness, and compassion, ADHD has become a source of creativity, resilience, and power. Alisha shares how her diagnosis helped her finally stop fighting herself. Resources: If this episode resonated and you’d like to explore ADHD further, here are some helpful tools and organisations: ADHD for Smart Ass Women podcast by Tracy Otsuka - this is the podcast I recommend to any woman just wondering if she could be neurodiverse - it was the first resource I found and I love how it focuses on the positives. The episode talking about how ADHD shows up in teenage girls was life changing for me. ADHD Australia – National information, resources, and support ADDitude Magazine - ADHD Symptom Test (for Women) – Free online screening tool and lots of great practical articles Talk to your GP or psychologist for a referral or diagnosis pathway City Fertility Offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here. Loved this episode? Follow for more and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more solo mums and solo mums to be, as well as spread stories of empowering women making their own dreams come true. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favourite podcast and social platform! Plus, make sure you're following @noneedforprincecharming on Instagram.
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S4:E21 - Georgia & Elliot
From Teen Decision to Solo Mum: Georgia’s Journey with a Known Donor and Postnatal Depression Georgia knew she’d become a mum, partner or not. From a teenage plan to postnatal survival, she shares it all. Georgia first considered becoming a solo mum at 15, and she meant it. After years of dating men who didn’t want children, she took action, navigating IVF during Melbourne’s lockdowns and eventually choosing a known donor. But her journey didn’t stop there. In this raw and powerful episode, Georgia shares the highs and heartbreaks of solo motherhood, from co-living with her best friend, to surviving postnatal depression and building an unshakeable village around her and Elliot. Key Highlights: Early Clarity, Unwavering Determination – Georgia decided as a teenager that she’d have a baby on her own if needed. That quiet promise shaped her timeline, and when the time came, she followed through without hesitation. Known Donor, Child-Led Connection – After exploring anonymous and known donor options, Georgia found a gay donor she could trust. They created a child-led agreement, and now Elliot has biological cousins he may one day choose to meet. Postnatal Depression & the Mother Baby Unit – Georgia shares a brutally honest account of surviving D-MER and severe PND. She credits the mother-baby unit, her village, and ongoing mental health support with saving her life. Co-Parenting Without the Romance – Living with her best friend (and her daughter) created the family life Georgia wanted, without the pressure of a romantic relationship. Two single mums, two kids, one shared vision. Village Building is Non-Negotiable – Georgia’s biggest advice? Build your village early, nurture it, and be willing to ask for and accept help. Her story shows it’s possible, even without family nearby. Useful resources If you, or someone you know, may be experiencing post natal depression, or other post birth related mental health challenges, these are the resources Georgia mentions in her episode that helped her: The Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale (EDPS) test COPE.org.au PANDA.org.au City Fertility Offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here. Considering Solo Motherhood? Feeling overwhelmed about becoming a solo mum? The Considering Solo Motherhood course walks you through everything—from emotional readiness to finances and fertility—so you can make a confident decision. - Find out more Expecting Solo? Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates The Bump Membership Pregnant or trying to conceive on your own using a donor? Join our warm, supportive monthly membership made just for solo mums-to-be. Includes connection calls, WhatsApp group, discounts, and free resources - Find out more
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S4:E20 - Cat & Niko
From Lone Wolf to Solo Mum: Cat’s Unexpected Path to Motherhood How COVID, spreadsheets, and a love of independence led Cat to solo motherhood—and a life she never saw coming. When Cat hit her mid-30s during COVID lockdowns, she realised she didn’t want to wait around for the “perfect” partner. Instead, she created her own timeline—with spreadsheets, GP referrals, and her signature impulsiveness. In this episode, Cat shares how she went from free-spirited adventurer to solo mum to Niko, and how her fierce independence led to one of the best surprises of her life. Key Highlights: Choosing Logic Over Fear – When COVID hit and a good relationship ended, Cat realised she didn’t want to settle. A spreadsheet helped her weigh the emotional and financial realities, and once it made sense, she moved fast and never looked back. Donor Red Flags and Gut Choices – Cat didn’t want the most impressive resume; she wanted someone she’d be proud to introduce to her son one day. Her final decision was based on values, not vanity, and it paid off. First Transfer, First Miracle – Despite a lower-than-expected egg count, Cat’s first embryo transfer worked. Her story is a refreshing reminder that not every IVF journey is long and hard; it can be simple and successful. The Emotional Load of Solo Parenting – From career trade-offs to solo decision-making, Cat opens up about the mental and financial weight she carries, and the guilt that comes with knowing her choice affects her son’s world too. Finding Her People in Solo Mum Society – As a self-proclaimed lone wolf, Cat didn’t expect to need community, but joining Solo Mum Society and attending the Bali trip gave both her and Niko a sense of belonging they didn’t know they were missing. City Fertility Offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here. Considering Solo Motherhood? Feeling overwhelmed about becoming a solo mum? The Considering Solo Motherhood course walks you through everything—from emotional readiness to finances and fertility—so you can make a confident decision. - Find out more Expecting Solo? Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates The Bump Membership Pregnant or trying to conceive on your own using a donor? Join our warm, supportive monthly membership made just for solo mums-to-be. Includes connection calls, WhatsApp group, discounts, and free resources - Find out more
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