S5:E2 - Carly & Rylan

From Car Accident to IVF: Carly’s Solo Mum by Choice Journey Carly always knew motherhood was non-negotiable. Marriage? Optional. A partner? Nice, but not essential. But children? Absolutely. After a serious car accident in 2020 forced her to stop and re-evaluate everything, Carly realised she couldn’t keep waiting for “someday.” What followed was a journey through public hospital waitlists, donor shortages, IUI disappointment, IVF pressure, and the emotional intensity of choosing a donor in a system where options are limited and timing is everything. In this episode, Carly shares: The breakup that made her confront her fertility timeline The moment her dad said, “There are many ways to have a child.” Being hit by a car on the way to a first date Why donor selection was far harder than she expected The stress of donor availability disappearing in seconds Losing “her donor” and getting him back The emotional impact of failed IUIs Why IVF ultimately changed the trajectory This episode is honest, grounded, and full of perspective for any woman considering solo motherhood. Key Takeaways Motherhood can be non-negotiable, even when partnership isn’t. Public fertility systems can involve long waitlists and limited donor access. Donor shortages are real, particularly for Caucasian donors and IUI cycles. Extended genetic screening can reduce stress during donor selection. IUI success rates are low (around 10–15% per cycle). IVF may feel more clinical, but it can provide reassurance through embryo grading and higher success rates. Emotional resilience is just as important as medical readiness. 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. Free Download: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Solo Mum If you’re at the very beginning of your journey and wanting clarity, confidence and a calm starting point, this free guide is a must-read. It will save you hours of Googling and help you understand what actually matters when you’re deciding whether to go it alone. Download your copy here.