S4, E24 - Lucy - Solo Mum By Choice

Lucy lives in South Wales with her two fur babies. She made the decision to become a SMBC (solo mum by choice) in early 2021, after the breakdown of her relationship. She's had four rounds of IUI using donor sperm - two of which were successful but one sadly ended in a missed miscarriage just before Christmas 2021 and the other ended in a chemical pregnancy in February 2022.  She is now mid way through her first IVF cycle now (June 2022). The loss of her pregnancies hit her harder than she ever thought possible and it was the first time on her path to motherhood that she ever truly felt alone, with no partner to support her in the darkest hours. She started her anonymous instagram account (@smbc_to_be) in August 2021 to document her journey. She has found it to be a huge source of hope, support and kindness through the best and worst of times. She is honest and open about all aspects of her TTC journey and really hopes that it helps someone on a similar path. If anyone wants to reach out with questions at any stage of their SMBC journey, she'd be really happy to help. The main source of support for her has been the Solo Mothers By Choice UK Facebook group. There is also The Stork and I Mum Tribe Facebook Group and 'The Stork and I' podcasts, hosted by Mel Johnson. For other amazing SMBC accounts for people to follow, we suggest people have a look through the accounts she follows on Instagram. --------------------------------Thanks for listening to the podcast. Please don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share.Visit our website where you can find out a bit about us, read the blog and even 'purch our merch' via the online shop!Did we mention that we have written a book? The launch is not until August but its open to PREORDER NOW!Find out more about THE PATHWAY TO RECOVERY which is designed to support, nurture and empower you following the loss of a baby as well as the TRYING TO CONCEIVE AFTER LOSS COURSE to support you through the pressures of TTC after loss.  Both courses are self paced and run over 6 weeks with free access for up to 5 months. The next TTC course starts on 3rd July. Email us to register your interest. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Contact us via social media platforms or email [email protected]'ll find us on...FacebookInstagramTwitteror you can join the TWGGE Facebook Support GroupIt's time to break the silence and open up the dialogue around the topics of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. No more shame, no more taboo, lets ditch it for our children; the ones that will come, the ones that are and the ones that never came to be.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesWe are The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation. We’re all about bringing people together who are going through the tough stuff — baby loss, infertility, and everything in between — and making sure no one has to face it alone. Our community is full of honesty, compassion, and real talk, offering support, understanding, and hope when it’s needed most. You can find out more and connect with us over at www.theworstgirlgangever.co.uk