Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice

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In Part One of this two-part series, we follow Lara through her deeply personal journey to motherhood—a path shaped by the challenges of PCOS, multiple fertility treatments, and the emotional toll of failed IUIs and back-to-back IVF rounds. As she navigates her own uncertainty, the world around her begins to shift. COVID-19 shuts everything down just as she learns she’s pregnant, layering isolation and fear onto an already fragile time.

Meanwhile, Lara faces another heartbreak—the declining health of her mother—forcing her to hold joy and grief in the same...

Duration: 00:46:52

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In this episode, J—who joins us anonymously—shares her path to solo motherhood through at-home insemination with a known donor. Now navigating life with a lively toddler, J reflects on the beauty, chaos, and honesty of early parenthood. She speaks openly about her commitment to introducing donor conception from the very beginning, making it a natural and celebrated part of her son’s story. With humor, candor, and a grounded perspective, J offers insight into building a family with intention and heart. 

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Duration: 00:54:56

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In today’s powerful, feel-good episode, we sit down with Paige Dempsey—SMBC mama, dating coach, and a woman who’s redefining what it means to build a life on your own terms. After conceiving her daughter in her 40s, Paige opens up about choosing single motherhood, embracing the unexpected, and stepping boldly into a new season with confidence and clarity.

She also shares her best tips for dating with intention, staying open to possibility, and finding meaningful connection beyond the usual swipe-based apps. If you’ve been craving fresh dating inspirat...

Duration: 00:57:49

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In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Crowe, founder of Signature Donors, a premier Manhattan-based agency dedicated to helping families grow through egg donation. Victoria shares how Signature Donors brings a deeply personal, hands-on approach to every match — supporting intended parents and donors through one of the most meaningful and emotional journeys they’ll ever take.

We talk about what goes into finding the right donor, why personalization matters so much in this process, and how Signature Donors works to make each family’s experience feel thoughtful, supported, and truly indivi...

Duration: 00:46:42

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Meet Andrea — a woman who proves that when life doesn’t go according to plan, you can still create something even better. From fertility hurdles to solo motherhood wins, Andrea’s living her dream — with her mini brunch partner by her side. ☕💫

In this episode, she opens up about trusting her instincts, navigating infertility, and leaning on the incredible village that helped her along the way — from her biggest cheerleader (hi, Mom!) to her local SMC community and dibling families. Andrea’s story is equal parts heart, humor, and inspiration — a beautiful reminder...

Duration: 00:52:46

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This week, we’re chatting with Amanda Bolan, a woman who somehow manages to juggle big life changes, motherhood, and a little bit of chaos — all with a smile. From unexpected turns to heart-led decisions, Amanda’s story is full of love, laughter, and those wild moments that make life beautifully unpredictable.

🎧 Tune in for an honest and uplifting conversation about choosing chaos, finding joy in the curveballs, and saying “yes” to the life you were meant to live.

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Duration: 01:10:31

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Today on Choosing Chaos, I’m chatting with Reema, also known as The Choice Mom Coach. Reema is a certified coach who helps women bring ease, confidence, and clarity to the Single Mother by Choice journey.

Drawing on both personal and professional experience, Reema empowers women to navigate the emotional highs and lows of this path, helping them approach motherhood with confidence, clarity, and meaningful support.

If you’re considering single motherhood, feeling hesitant, or simply curious about what this journey really looks like, Reema shares practical guidance and hear...

Duration: 00:51:44

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You hear my voice every week on Choosing Chaos, but today we’re doing something a little different. So many of you have asked to know more about me — the person behind the mic — and this episode is my chance to share a bit of my story.

I’ve invited the amazing Kristen Caples to take over as host for a special “flip the script” episode where she asks me the questions. We’re diving into my decision to become a solo mother, the realities of a village that sometimes falls short, and the...

Duration: 00:50:21

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In this episode of Choosing Chaos, Erika shares her journey as a single mom by choice — from multiple rounds of IUI to fun “sperm donor parties.” She opens up about the challenges and joys of solo motherhood, meaningful dibling relationships, and how parenting during COVID gave her precious time with Hadley that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. A story about the importance of donor connections and discovering the beauty of raising a daughter in a world of uncertainty.

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Duration: 00:50:53

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Parenthood is full of sleepless nights, constant learning curves, and moments where the right support can change everything. In this episode of Choosing Chaos, newborn care specialist Amanda Dorn, founder of Moonlight Nurturer, joins us to share her perspective on helping families thrive during the newborn stage.

Amanda talks about finding balance in the chaos, setting realistic expectations, and giving yourself grace as a new parent. We also dive into the unique role newborn care specialists play in building a strong support system—and why asking for help is one of th...

Duration: 00:54:03

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In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of life, love, and inclusion. Annie Rocchio joins us to share the story of her daughter’s life with Down Syndrome—a journey filled with joy, lessons, and a deeper understanding of what it means to embrace differences. Annie’s story is not only a tribute to her daughter but also a call to practice compassion, celebrate diversity, and teach future generations the importance of acceptance.

Please note: This conversation touches on sensitive topics surrounding choice and the diffic...

Duration: 01:03:33

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Sometimes the boldest leaps bring the most beautiful rewards. 🌟 In this episode, Marquita takes us inside her inspiring journey as a single mom by choice—first welcoming her daughter, and now joyfully preparing for baby girl number two! She shares what it’s really like to navigate the ups and downs of fertility, why trusting your provider matters, and how building your own version of a village can make all the difference. Marquita’s story is full of courage, love, and yes—even choosing a little chaos along the way. 💕

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Duration: 00:47:53

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Fertility is rarely simple. For many, it’s a journey that calls for time, patience, and the courage to adjust course—whether that means changing clinics, rethinking treatment options, or finding new sources of hope.

In this episode of Choosing Chaos, we sit down with Lindsay, who was told at just 33 years old that motherhood might not be possible. Years later, after navigating heartbreak, loss, countless rounds of treatment, and the rollercoaster of hope and disappointment, her persistence led to life-changing news.

✨ A gentle note: This episode includes sensitive conver...

Duration: 00:53:34

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What does it mean to embrace motherhood on your own terms? In this episode of Choosing Chaos, we sit down with Kristen Caples, a single mom by choice to twins. After an early arrival landed her babies in the NICU, Kristen navigated the challenges of the hospital, the journey home, and the adventures of raising twins with resilience, joy, and a strong village by her side.

Now, she’s traveling the world with her children, exploring museums, aquariums, and diverse cultures, all while redefining what family can look like. Kristen shares he...

Duration: 00:58:54

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What happens when motherhood begins in the unexpected?

In this episode of Choosing Chaos, we sit down with Melissa Whalen, whose journey into motherhood started when her daughter was born at just 29 weeks and six days. After developing preeclampsia that escalated into HELLP syndrome, Melissa faced an early delivery and the challenges of the NICU.

Now, she’s raising her neurodivergent daughter—who is making incredible strides with her skills—with endless love, advocacy, and determination. Melissa shares how she continues to seek out the support her daughter needs to thr...

Duration: 00:51:22

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In this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, we sit down with Linzay Davis, founder of Hello-Bundle, to talk about navigating parental leave as a new parent. After struggling to figure out paid leave, job protection, and postpartum support herself, Linzay created Hello-Bundle to help thousands of parents maximize their benefits and thrive while spending precious time with their newborns. Tune in to learn how to get the parental leave you deserve and make the transition back to work smoother—because every parent deserves a little support. Check them out at he...

Duration: 00:54:51

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In this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, Sara shares her journey to solo motherhood, from combining IUI and IVF to the surprise of identical twins. She opens up about pregnancy bedrest, early motherhood anxiety, and the lessons learned raising her girls into their teenage years. A story of resilience, love, and embracing a little beautiful chaos along the way.

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Duration: 00:55:56

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In this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, Lakeisha shares her journey to becoming a mom on her own terms—from prioritizing motherhood when dating took a back seat, to embracing the sweet surprise of discovering her baby’s gender at birth. She reflects on the joy of raising her daughter and the unique connections she’s built through dibling meetups, while also opening up about the emotional shifts that come with postpartum life. Most importantly, Lakeisha reminds us that seeking help when you’re struggling is not a sign of weakness...

Duration: 00:55:28

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Amanda found out she was having twins at just three weeks pregnant — surprise! In this episode, she shares what it’s like to raise two babies solo, flee a state mid-pregnancy, and survive postpartum with the help of friends, caffeine, and a synchronized nap schedule. Chaos? Yes. Regrets? Zero.

In this episode, Amanda shares her thoughtful journey into single motherhood by choice (SMBC), offering a wealth of practical advice and personal reflections:

Community Support: Amanda highlights the value of SMBC-focused Facebook groups as a vital space for connection and shared expe...

Duration: 00:48:29

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In this powerful episode of Choosing Chaos, Lindsey opens up about her path to solo motherhood—from choosing to become a single mom by choice to the unexpected detour of navigating life in the NICU with her preemie. We talk about fertility, preeclampsia, advocacy, and the emotional strength it takes to keep going when nothing goes as planned.

💛 NICU Support Resources:

Hand to Hold

Graham’s Foundation

NICU Parent Network

March of Dimes – NICU Support

Peekaboo ICU

Ronald McDonald House Charities...

Duration: 00:59:39

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Thinking about becoming a single mom by choice and not sure where to start? In this episode, I’m joined by Megan from 412 Fertility, a fertility nurse and founder who’s helped countless women navigate the complex (and sometimes overwhelming) world of reproductive treatment.

We dive into:

What fertility testing actually looks likeThe difference between medicated vs. unmedicated IUIUnderstanding hormone injections without losing your mindWhat to ask your doctor—and whenHow to stay grounded through the emotional ups and downs

Whether you’re egg-freezing, browsing donor profiles, or tryin...

Duration: 00:54:09

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For every woman who’s ever asked herself if she’s ready to become a Single Mom by Choice—this episode is your brutally honest, slightly sweary, emotionally empowering pep talk about tuning out the noise and tuning into your gut. 

We’re diving into the big question: Am I ready to be a Single Mother by Choice? From emotional readiness and financial planning to scrolling sperm donor profiles like it’s Bumble, we’re breaking it all down—no pressure, no judgment, just real talk for anyone thinking about taking the plunge into...

Duration: 00:23:32

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After years of searching for love—and finding heartbreak—I stopped waiting for the "right" relationship and decided to pursue motherhood on my own terms. In this episode, I share the emotional highs, medical hurdles, and deeply personal moments that led me to become a Single Mother by Choice. From fertility consults and failed IUIs to a life-changing Instagram message and finally... two pink lines. This is the start of my journey into solo motherhood—and it’s just the beginning.

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Duration: 00:22:24

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Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice—the unapologetic podcast for Single Mothers by Choice who are building families without waiting for a partner or permission. In this kickoff episode, host Laura breaks down what it really means to be an SMBC, and explores the growing movement of women redefining motherhood on their own terms.

From fertility freak-outs to modern dating fatigue, we dive into why so many badass women are opting out of dating and into solo parenthood. If you’re navigating motherhood without a partner—but with purpose, grit, and a litt...

Duration: 00:15:05