S6, episode 1: Carla Allen, SMBC Through Gestational Surrogacy

If you’ve been going back and forth about whether or not to have a second child as a SMBC, you’re not alone! I frequently get asked about this topic, and it’s one that’s on my mind a lot these days. From making decisions about egg and embryo freezing to deciding on spacing between children to weighing the pros and cons of being “one and done”...there’s a lot to think about! In this episode, I’m opening the conversation and asking SMBCs with one or more kids to share their thoughts about growing their families. What drives their desire to add more, or conversely, what factors help them decide their family is complete as it is? These audio clips provide a range of perspectives and bring up lots of important considerations. As always, the goal of this podcast is to help women like you and me feel less alone, and I hope these reflections help to do that in some small way no matter where you are in your motherhood journey! More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

For years, Meredith and her gay best friend had a running joke that if they were both still single without kids by a certain point, they’d have a child together. Recently, Meredith decided it was time to take that joke seriously. In our conversation, she’ll explain more about her decision, the arrangements she’s making with her known donor, and how she’s prepping for her future life as a single mom. We discuss more about…..ICI/IUI vs IVFPrioritizing community as a single momFinding a doctor that’s right for youPractical considerations when working with a known donorLiving with her supportive momCheck out The Backup Plan Podcast!Website | Instagram | TikTok | YoutubeMentioned ResourcesCosmo article with Lala Kent More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

Carla shares her experience from exploring surrogacy options to the complex matching process and the major impact of spiritual faith on her decision-making. She also reflects on the important trust and connection required in the surrogate relationship, and the joys and challenges of pregnancy through the lens of surrogacy. Join us as Carla's story inspires and illuminates the possibilities of motherhood that go beyond conventional norms, embracing the transformative power of love as a single mom by choice.We discuss more about…..Carla’s infertility journey and Adenomyosis diagnosis.Navigating the gestational surrogacy process.The physical, mental, and spiritual toll of being fully present for the surrogate mother.The intersection of faith and fertility.Mentioned Resourceshttps://www.familymatchconsulting.com/More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

New episodes coming every other Wednesday, starting March 20! Get more info and sign up for Guest Expert Workshops, Community Groups, and the SGC Directory at www.singlegreatestchoice.com.

Join Katie and the community for a 90 minute collaborative New Years goal setting and celebrating event! Get signed up at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching. The event is Sunday, January 7 @ 6:30pm central. See you there!

Connect with Keina!Website | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast Mentioned ResourcesMoney Files - 96 | From Finances to Motherhood: Let’s Talk Money Coaching Check out the SGC Directory!Email Katie for the password: [email protected] us in El Cuyo, Mexico March 10-15, 2024!www.singlegreatestchoice.com/el-cuyo-2024More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

In this episode, we discuss more about…..Advocating for regulations and safety within the sperm donation industry.The dangers of excessively large sibling groups.Practical advice for prospective parents seeking donors.How to support donor-conceived children.Legislative initiatives such as the HR451 fertility fraud legislation.Connect with Laura!Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website | TikTok | Podcast Watch Laura’s TikTok video rating sperm banks Check out the SGC Directory!Email Katie for the password: [email protected] info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coachingJoin us in El Cuyo, Mexico March 10-15, 2024!www.singlegreatestchoice.com/el-cuyo-2024

In this episode, we discuss more about…..Lack of regulation in the sperm donation industry.Dylan's personal journey, navigating the emotional complexities of moving from being an unknown to known donor.Ethical considerations and best practices for parents and donors.The shifts in attitudes among donor-conceived children as social norms and parenting practices are changing.The complexities of navigating roles and relationships with each of Dylan’s recipient families individually.Dylan's advocacy work and writing project focused on bringing more awareness to what needs to change with donor conception.Connect with Dylan!Follow him on social media! Website | Instagram | TikTokCheck out these organizations in the donor conception space! U.S. Donor Conceived Council: www.usdcc.orgDonor Conceived Community: donorconceivedcommunity.orgMentioned ResourcesWe Are Donor Conceived 2020 Survey Report More info about coaching and retreats www.singlegreatestchoice.com/

We discuss more about…..Rose's transition from corporate law to fertility law.Sperm banks vs known donors: legal insights.Finding a reproductive attorney and questions to ask.Legal complexities of egg and embryo donations.Challenges in the world of fertility law.Connect with Rose!Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching

In our conversation, Julie takes us through the hurdles of healing from past traumas, addressing fertility challenges, and how she first became a mom. She is extremely passionate about parents teaching their children how to become a part of their lives and encourages moms to take that vacation, kids in tow! She provides incredible tips on traveling with kids as a single parent that you will not want to miss. Trust me, she’s the expert, so get ready to take some notes!We discuss more about…..Fitting our children into our lives, not the other way around.Adoption and healing from past trauma.Fertility challenges and the decision to be a single mom.The legal aspects of her parenting arrangement.Julie’s best travel tips as a single parent.Connect with Julie!Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website |Podcast – Launching Nov 2023 – Sign up to receive updatesMentioned Resources - Check out these resorts with baby clubs & childcare options!  All can be booked with Julie’s agency – www.influencedtravelagency.comFranklyn D. ResortMelia and Paradisus HotelsPalladium Hotel GroupCoconut Bay - St LuciaClub MedMore info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coachingJoin us in Sedona December 29 - January 2! www.singlegreatestchoice.com/retreats-sedona-2024