S4:E37 - Sammy, Athena & Betty

How Sammy Created a Second Baby Solo After Separation: A Donor Conception Story When Sammy’s marriage ended while her daughter was still a toddler, she grieved the future she thought she’d have. But she also knew, deep down, that she still wanted to grow her family — even if that meant doing it alone. In this heartfelt episode, Sammy shares how she moved from heartbreak to empowered action, navigating donor selection, finances, co-parenting, and ultimately conceiving her second daughter, Betty, on her very first IUI. Her joy is infectious. Her vulnerability, grounding. And her story is a powerful reminder that happy endings can look different — and still be everything you dreamed of. Key Takeaways Grief and hope can coexist — Sammy reflects on separating from her husband and the deep desire to create the sibling relationship she always imagined. Choosing donor conception after separation — how she navigated finances, support, and the emotional decision to grow her family solo. A successful first-try IUI — why she trusted her intuition (and her sisters!) despite advice to head straight to IVF. Healthy co-parenting dynamics — how she built a positive relationship with her ex and his family for Athena’s sake. Honest reflections on newborn life as a solo mum — managing guilt, juggling school routines, and finding her rhythm with two children and no partner. 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. Preparing for treatment or TTC solo? Download 10 Diet & Lifestyle Tips to Boost Your Fertility — created with a fertility dietitian — and get practical, easy ways to support your body for conception. Download your free guide here.