What if "ready" doesn't feel the way you think it will?
I sit down with licensed therapist and solo mom Carrie Meckler to explore one of the biggest myths women carry into the solo motherhood journey... that you have to be completely certain before you begin.
Carrie shares her deeply personal journey from ending a relationship at 34 to beginning fertility treatment at 35, navigating multiple IUIs, IVF, donor selection, unexpected setbacks, and ultimately becoming the mom of her two year old son.
This episode is about more than the logistics of fertility though. Carrie and I talk through the emotional side of deciding to become a solo mom... the grief, uncertainty, shame, hope, and courage that can all exist at the same time.
Carrie shares what she's learned as both a therapist and a solo mother supporting other women who are considering this path, offering practical advice for taking the first step without needing to have every answer. Throughout our conversation, one message keeps resurfacing: you don't have to be 100% certain before you begin.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why waiting for complete certainty may be keeping you stuck
- Making the decision to pursue solo motherhood after the end of a relationship
- Navigating IUIs, IVF, donor selection, and the emotional highs and lows of fertility treatment
- Why community and therapy can make such a difference throughout the journey
- Practical advice for breaking the Solo Mom decision process into manageable steps
- Learning to hold both excitement and grief at the same time as you move toward motherhood
Whether you're actively considering solo motherhood, in the middle of fertility treatment, or simply wondering if this path could be right for you, this conversation is filled with compassion, honesty, and reassurance that you're not alone.
Your Next Steps:
👩👧👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your 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 Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.
ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.
