26. From IVF to Hinge — Lauren Palmer Gets Real About Single Motherhood & Dating Again

Motherhood doesn’t always follow the script… and neither does love.In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Palmer — recently single mum of two, creator of Mental as a Mother, fierce feminist and one of the most refreshingly honest voices in the motherhood space.Lauren opens up about her journey through IVF in a same-sex relationship, the breakdown of her marriage, and what it really looks like to rebuild life as a single mum.We talk about identity, navigating separation, and the realities of getting back on the dating apps — including some truly shocking (and hilarious) Hinge stories 😅Lauren also shares her experience with postnatal depression and how it’s shaped her into a passionate advocate for other mums. She also opens up about her ADHD diagnosis and the parenting challenges that come with it.This conversation is raw, funny, confronting and deeply relatable.🎧 What You’ll Hear• Navigating separation and becoming a single mum• The realities of solo parenting• Getting back on the dating apps (and the horror stories)• Identity, independence and starting again• Postnatal depression and advocacy🗓 New Episodes on WednesdaysPlease follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen.🔗 Connect With Us📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked📧 Email: [email protected]🔗 Connect With Lauren Palmer📸 Instagram: @mental.asamother🎵 TikTok: mentalasamother⚠️ A Gentle ReminderMum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.If you’re struggling, please reach out:• Lifeline: 13 11 14• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306🙏 Thanks for ListeningIf this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might need it.And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛🙏 Thank you to our sponsor Bronte Co🌐 https://www.bronteco.com/📸 Instagram: @bronte_co🔍 Keywordssingle motherhood, IVF journey, same-sex parenting, divorce, dating apps, Hinge dating stories, postnatal depression, starting again after separation, motherhood identity, solo parenting, motherhood podcast Australia, honest motherhood, mental health for mums, ADHD diagnosis, parenting challenges