Annmaree
In this episode of Who’s the Daddy? w/ Alexandra K., I sit down with Annmaree, a solo mother by choice living in London, to discuss her journey to motherhood through IVF and donor conception.Although Annmaree always knew she wanted to be a mother, life took unexpected turns. After years of nurturing other people’s children as a nanny, she realized it was time to focus on building a family of her own. As she approached 40, the reality of her fertility timeline became more pressing, and she began exploring her options for becoming a mother on her own.Then COVID hit. Rather than putting her plans on hold indefinitely, Annmaree decided to take action. She shares how she navigated fertility treatment, selected a sperm donor, and made important decisions about embryo testing—all while managing the emotional, financial, and practical realities of building a family on her own.But the journey didn’t end with a positive pregnancy test. Annmaree opens up about pregnancy uncertainty, miscarriage, and the fear of navigating difficult moments without another parent by her side. We also discuss donor siblings, talking to children about donor conception, and raising her son with honesty and confidence.In this episode, we discuss:• What inspired Annmaree to become a Single Mom By Choice after years of wanting to be a parent• How turning 40 influenced her decision to pursue motherhood• Navigating IVF and fertility treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic• The difference between freezing eggs and creating embryos, and why fertility testing matters• Choosing a sperm donor, including donor profiles, adult photos, and the additional costs of accessing donor information• Embryo testing and the decision to identify genetic abnormalities before transfer• Pregnancy anxiety and the reality of not always feeling the emotions you expect• Navigating miscarriage and the unique fears that can come with experiencing difficult moments as a solo parent• Finding donor sibling families and the possibility of future connections• Talking to children about sperm donation and explaining donor conception in age-appropriate ways• The realities of solo parenting, including finances, support systems, travel, and maintaining your own identityAnnmaree’s story explores both the decisions involved in building a family and the realities of living that decision. Her experience is a reminder that choosing solo motherhood doesn’t mean having every answer in advance. It means navigating uncertainty, making informed decisions, and continuing to build the life you envision.About Who’s the Daddy? w/ Alexandra K.Who’s the Daddy? w/ Alexandra K. is the podcast where we discuss all things Single Mom By Choice. Through honest conversations and personal stories, we explore solo motherhood, IVF, sperm donors, donor conception, and the many ways women are choosing to build their families.Our goal is to share stories that create representation, foster community, and remind women that they aren’t alone in their journey.Stay Connected 🤍🎙️ Follow the podcast:Instagram: WhosTheDaddyPodFollow Who’s the Daddy? w/ Alexandra K. on your favorite podcast streaming platform so you never miss an episode!👋🏾 Connect with Alexandra K.:Instagram: @LifeWithAlexandraK✨ Follow Annmaree:Instagram: @DonutsAndDetoursThank you for listening! If Annmaree’s story resonated with you, share this episode with someone who might need to hear it.And remember, keep discovering and choosing the life that’s best for you!
