In this episode I speak to children's entertainer and Red Wiggle, Caterina Meta about her journey to become a solo parent of twins. 

*trigger warning we do discuss miscarriage in this episode

For over three decades, The Wiggles, the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group have educated, entertained, and enriched the lives of millions of pre-schoolers (and their parents) all over the globe. Today, generations of fans that grew up watching The Wiggles are sharing their love of them with their own children. Having sold over 30 million albums and DVDs and 8 million books globally, as well as accumulating over 2 billion music streams and 3 billion views on YouTube, The Wiggles continue to dominate the preschool entertainment scene. Their live shows annually sell out to audiences on three separate continents, and their videos are seen in over 190 countries around the world.

The Wiggles recently launched a new educational series on YouTube called Wiggle and Learn. This pioneering series explores crucial early childhood themes including language development, basic maths, social skills, and health and world understanding, offering a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for young learners. A new episode lands every Friday and includes Caterina talking about her pregnancy to children.

I first came across Caterina when I saw her lovely pregnancy announcement and the clear communication that she had used a donor to conceive in a message for her pre school audience. 

In this episode we discuss:  - Caterina's fertility journey

- Finding out you are having twins

- How sharing your journey when you're in the public eye, can inspire others who may not have known about this path to parenthood

- How society paints happily ever after as meeting a partner, getting married and having children together

- How children react and don't judge when we share different journeys to parenthood

- The importance and options around support network

- Balancing career and being a solo parent

and MUCH MUCH more! 

We were joined by Caterina's gorgeous dog for some of the interview, who also wanted their voice heard!! 

You can follow Caterina on Instagram here

For more information in solo parenthood head to www.thestorkandi.com

In this episode I speak to solo parent Holly. 

We cover: 

- Choosing a sperm donor

- Finding donor siblings

- Deciding whether to try for a sibling

- The experience of being a solo parent and sharing some of the trickiest parts

- Experiencing post natal anxiety

- Our desire for constant cleaning to feel more in control

- The mental load of a solo parent

- Feeling lonely in the early days of solo parenting

- Asking for help and the sort of help that can be useful

- The benefits of finding your people

and much more....

You can follow Holly here 

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

In todays episode I speak to solo parent Sarah

In the episode we cover:  - The difference between using the term single parent or solo parent

- Making the decision to become a solo parent

- Having IUI or IVF

- Having a really tough time postpartum and getting through it

- The benefits of parenting solo

- The unrealistic expectations we think we'd have of a partner! 

- Advice for those considering solo parenthood

and much more.....

You can follow Sarah here 

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

In todays episode we meet with Jayneel Patel about her journey to solo parenthood.

In the episode we discussed:

• Coming from an Indian family and the impact that has on the decision to become a solo parent
• Going through an arranged marriage and the learnings from that
• Considering adoption
• Having the support of the important people in our lives
• Being embraced by the extended family
• Choosing a sperm donor and considerations around ethnicity
• Getting things done as a solo parent
• Juggling career and parenthood

And much more!

If you want to follow Jayneel you can find her at @jp1409

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

In the last episode of Series 6 of the Stork and I Podcast I chat to solo parent Alexandra. 

Alexandra is a solo parent and an award winning Melbourne writer who has written for theatre, screen and print. Her memoir Inconceivable was recently published by Hachette.

In the episode we discuss: 

- Her memoir Inconceivable

- Splitting up with a partner because they don't want children and you do

- 'Settling' for someone as an alternative to pursuing solo parenthood

- The challenges of dating when wanting children

- Considering using a known donor

- The importance of our solo parent network

- Moving location to be closer to parents

and MUCH more!

You can follow Alexandra at: https://www.instagram.com/alexandracollierwrites/

You can purchase Inconceivable here

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

Todays episode is with Solo parent Jess, who lives with her baby daughter in Thailand. 

In the episode we cover: 

- The considerations of solo parenthood when you live abroad

- Using a known donor

- Support network when you live away from family and how friends can really step up

- Childcare options when abroad

- Deciding whether to try for a 2nd baby

- Navigating being a solo parent and having a new relationship

and much more

You can follow Jess at @theglobe_thebaby_andme/

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

Todays episode is with solo parent Talia.

In the episode we cover: 

- Why things are not always easier with a partner

- Keeping a positive attitude

- Embracing non traditional living arrangements and making them work for us

- Pregnancy after loss

- Enabling our kids to engage with other donor conceived people and the importance of that for them

You can follow Talia on Instagram at @taliamck

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

Todays episode is with Claire Holland AKA @Claire_needs_coffee. Claire is a solo mum to her 4 year old Theo and chats with me all about her decision to become a solo parent, the journey to get there and the realities of parenting with no partner. 

In the episode we discuss: 

- Choosing IUI vs IVF

- Having a more challenging fertility journey than expected

- Getting time to yourself in the evening

- Balancing career and parenthood

- Finding your tribe

and much much more!

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

In todays episode I chat to Alpa, solo mum to 5 year old Mia. We discuss: 

- Deciding to become a solo parent

- Managing pregnancy solo

- Moving to be closer to parents

- Choosing a sperm donor

- A challenging birth and post natal experience

- Changing careers

- The realities of parenting solo

and much much more. 

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

In todays episode I chat to solo parent to twins, Julia Shields. Julia has 4 year old twins. Her son was born with a complex heart condition that shapes a lot of how they live their lives. 

In this episode we discuss:

- Julias decision to become a solo parent

- The living arrangements Julia has put in place

- How blended family living can work

- Parenting during covid

- The impact of her son having a complex heart condition from new born to today

- How Julia manages through challenging times

and much more......

Huge thanks to Julia for sharing her story and massive respect for the strength she has. She is a true inspiration. 

You can follow Julia on Instagram

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

In todays episode I chat to solo parent Kirsten. 

Kirsten is solo mum to 2 children by double donation. 

In todays episode we discuss: 

- Fertility tests an understanding your fertility

- Deciding to use donor eggs as well as donor sperm

- Making the decision to try for a sibling

- The experience of parenting two children solo

Thanks so much to Kirsten for taking the time to share her story with us. 

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

In episode 3 of series 6 of the Stork and I Podcast, I chat to Claire Davies about her roller coaster journey to solo parenthood so far.

We discuss: 

- Deciding between IUI and IVF

- Getting treatment on the NHS

- Experiencing chemical pregnancy

- Dealing with miscarriage and recurrent loss

- Not realising how tough the journey can be after you've spent a long time considering whether it's the right path

- The importance of having amazing people around you

...and much more

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

In the first episode of Series 6 I chat to Alisha Burns AKA @Noneedforprincecharming

Alisha is the host of the No Need For Prince Charming Podcast where she interviews Australian Solo Mums about their journey to parenthood. 

For a change, she was the one being interviewed and I found out all about her own story, when she started thinking about solo parenthood, her journey to get there as well as her experiences as a parent. 

We also discussed the children's book she has written. My Perfect Family. She very generously sent me a copy and I can honestly say it's one of the best books on family diversity that I've seen.

You can get 15% off using code STORK15 

You can follow Alisha on Instagram at @noneedforprincecharming

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support

Thriving Solo:

You can sign up to Thriving Solo, The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents. 

In todays episode, the last in series 10, I speak to 21 year old Skyler. 

Skyler and her twin brother were conceived using egg and sperm donation and raised by their mum in a solo parent family. 

Skyler shares her experiences and thoughts about being donor conceived 

In todays episode we cover: 

- The things we do when we want to fit in as a child

- Growing up being the only solo parent family in the area

- When something happens to your only parent that prevents them for caring for you as they would have liked

- Finding your own male role models

- Whether solo parenthood through donor conception is a selfish decision

- Ways you can struggle growing up without a father

- The importance of honest communication 

- What language to use with our children

....and much more!

Connect with Skyler

You can connect with Skyler on Instagram at @skylergranat

She would love to hear from other donor conceived people to share experiences. 

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for at www.thestorkandi.com (scroll down to the section where it says subscribe) 

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i

In todays episode I speak to Emma. Emma is solo mum to a 9 month old daughter using sperm donation and she talks to me about her wonderful experience of being connected by her Sperm Bank to the other recipient parents who have all used the same donor. 

In todays episode we cover: 

- Being a solo mum with a very limited support system

- Being connected to donor sibling families when the donor siblings are still all babies

- The language we use and whether we should use the term 'diblings'  

- What makes a family and the importance of genetics

- Ways of finding donor siblings through Facebook Groups

and much more....

I mentioned being really interested in whether more sperm banks will follow what Seattle Sperm bank is doing, but actually the legislation in the UK will not allow it, so if we think this is something that should change, we would need to change the legislation in order for this to be able to happen for people who have used sperm from the UK. 

The whatsapp group I referred to in the podcast for people who have used Manchester Fertility / Semovo has been replaced by a Facebook group that you can access here. 

I have a live event planned with Seattle Sperm Bank to learn more about the programme Emma describes. You can get more information about that and how to join here. 

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Newsletter

I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for at www.thestorkandi.com (scroll down to the section where it says subscribe) 

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i

In todays episode I speak to Natasha Fox. Natasha is 29 and was raised by her mum in London and then later Scotland. Natasha's mum was the first single woman in Scotland to use donor conception to conceive. Natasha has always known she was donor conceived and openly shares her experiences in this episode. 

In todays episode we cover: 

- Using a homemade book to talk to our children about their conception

- The importance of being honest and open about our childrens conception

- The influence we have over how our children feel about their conception

- Emphasising who we have in our life without labels

- Natasha's thoughts about growing up without a father in her life

- Why curiosity about a donor is not a reflection on the quality of parenting

- The best time to find donor siblings

and much more....

Resources

I have created a guide of how to create your own My Family book that is referred to in this episode available here 

You can listen to the webinar I recorded with Natasha here

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i

In todays episode I chat to Freya. 

Freya is donor conceived and was raised by 2 mums. Then, her and her wife used donor sperm to conceive a daughter, so she has perspectives of both being donor conceived and also being a recipient parent. 

**Warning: we discuss some characteristics of the sperm donor Freya used in the episode**

In this episode we cover: 

- Feelings about being donor conceived

- A good age to meet donor siblings

- Finding your donor through DNA testing

- How it feels to connect with your donor

- What language feels comfortable

- Considering using a known donor

- The importance of constantly learning

and much much more!

Connect with Freya: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unicorndcp

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i

In todays episode I speak to Julianne Boutaleb. 

Julianne is the Clinical Director and Founder of the Parenthood In Mind practice. She is a passionate and highly experienced perinatal psychologist who has worked for over 20 years in the NHS and private practice with parents and parents-to-be and their babies (and bumps) who have needed support with a wide variety of issues. 

In todays episode we cover: 

- Our reproductive stories and coming to terms with the fact that they might be different to how we originally thought they would be

- Dealing with feelings of loneliness and shame

- Managing the 'ouch moments' beyond the fairytale

- Projections on our beliefs of motherhood

- The feelings of finding parenting hard after a difficult fertility journey

- The importance of finding our village

- The importance of filling our own cup

- Tips of how to manage tricky questions that catch us off guard 

and much more.....

Connect with Julianne: 

Website: https://www.parenthoodinmind.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthoodinmind/

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i

In todays episode I speak to Emily. 

Emily was conceived using a sperm donor and raised by a solo parent. Because it was pretty common to be a solo parent family where Emily grew up, she didn't ask many questions about her father until her mum showed her a documentary about donor conception when she was in her teens, and she realised that she was conceived with a donor. 

We explore the impact of not having those in depth conversations at an earlier age. 

In todays episode we cover: 

- Finding out you're donor conceived through watching a documentary

- The impact of not having conversations about donor conception from an early age

- The experience of meeting your donor

- How it feels to connect with donor siblings 

- Advice for others 

and much more.....

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i

In todays episode I speak to Melissa from the United States Donor Conceived Council. 

Melissa was conceived using anonymous egg donation and her parents told her and her brother when she was 21.

Melissa is part of the US Donor Conceived Council, which is a nonprofit organization run by and for Donor Conceived People. They connect with other DCP, recipient parents, donors, industry professionals, and the general public to increase awareness of issues that impact DCP and promote change that advances their health, welfare, and human rights."

In this episode we cover: 

- The important topics that the United States Door Conceived Council are fighting for

- The feeling of burden that can be felt by DCP trying to find family members

- Some of the challenges with worldwide donor limits

- The differences in experiences of a RP and a DCP

- How societys view of what makes a family, might impact our thoughts about the term 'parent'

- The importance of not making the subject of donor conception taboo for our kids

- Why we should try not to take criticisms of the industry personally

....and much much more. 

Connect with Donor Conceived Council

To connect with the US Donor Conceived Council you can follow them on Instagram

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donorconceivedcouncil/

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i

In todays episode I chat to 24 year old Nikita. Nikita was donor conceived through sperm donation and raised by a solo mum in Birmingham. 

In todays episode we cover: 

- Talking to your childs friends parents about donor conception

- The benefits to our children of knowing other donor conceived children

- How it feels to find out your donors non identifying information at 16

- Finding half siblings and 3rd cousins!

- The benefits of RPs doing the work when it comes to finding donor siblings to give the options for DCP and not leaving all the investigations to our children

- Changing feelings about a donor over time

- How a sense of identity can be linked to understand who your donor is

- Creative ways of trying to find your donor

- The part genetics plays in our lives 

and much much more! 

Connect with Nikita

To connect with Nikita you can follow her on Instagram, where she will be more than happy to answer any questions:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnikitaxx

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i

In todays episode I chat to licensed professional counselor and international consultant specializing in fertility and family building, Jana Rupnow. 

Jana M. Rupnow, MA, LPC, is best-selling author of the book, Three Makes Baby-How to Parent Your Donor-Conceived Child. She introduced the field to the “five common fears” that parents face as they contemplate having a non-biological child. Thousands of readers around the world have trusted the wisdom and guidance because she knows firsthand what it’s like to be in a non-biological family, as an adoptee and adoptive mom.  

Jana also faced infertility and has helped thousands of people face the challenges of infertility as well as those preparing to grow their family in non-traditional ways. Working as an independent, she has fostered relationships with endocrinologists across the United States. Jana’s work, including the Three Makes Baby podcast, encourages communication between donor conceived parents and donor conceived adults, to raise awareness of the inherent challenges donor conceived families may face across the lifespan.  

In todays episode we cover: 

• The importance of giving DCP a voice
• The importance of working through any unresolved grief
• How our children are influenced by how we discuss donor conception
• The importance of language and what to call a donor
• Why its important to own our mistakes
• Advice about when to start talking to our children about their conception

Connect with Jana

For consultation, counseling, training for professionals, or a speaking engagement you can contact Jana on any of her channels below

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janarupnowplc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jana.rupnow

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanaRupnowLPC

Website: www.janarupnow.com

Email: Jana@janarupnow.com

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i.

In episode one of series 5 of The Stork and I Podcast I chat to Kiara.

Kiara is a 24 year-old donor conceived person who was raised by her solo mom, Nicki. She lives in Chicago and is writing a book about being donor conceived and her story of navigating life and finding her donor related family. She is trying to redefine society's notion of a "traditional family". You can check her out on instagram @kiararaeschuh and get a free preview of her book at kiararaeschuh.com.

In todays episode we cover: 

- The impact the way you are told you are door conceived can have on you

- The importance of language around donor conception

- Finding donor siblings 

- How it feels to connect with your donor

- Whether genetics makes a family

- Advice for solo parents

and much more....... 

Connect with Kiara

Instagram: https:https://www.instagram.com/kiararaeschuh/

Website: kiararaeschuh.co/

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at www.thestorkandi.com

Instagram:

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i.

The wait is finally over! The Stork and I Podcast for solo parents and those considering solo parenthood is back!

Series 5 of the podcast is launching on 2nd February 2022 and is focusing on all things donor conception. 

Subscribe now so you don't miss out!

Todays episode is a bit different from usual. 

I'm not talking to a guest. Instead I have dedicated this episode to provide guidance for friends and family members of solo mums. 

I've tried to incorporate my own experience as well as everything that has been shared with me by my fellow solo mum community. 

I've covered all the things we wish our friends and family knew about how to best support us and what not to say.

I cover: 

- Re-establishing a different relationship with your friend

- How hard asking for help is

- Practical things you can do to help a solo parent

- Things to avoid saying and more useful things to stay instead

- The importance of open communication 

I'd love to hear from you on your views of what good support looks like and if you are a friend or family member whether this has been useful for you. 

Todays guest is Helen Davenport-Peace from @at_the_fold 

In todays episode we cover: 

• The power of finding your community
• The variety of ways that yoga can help support us through a fertility journey
• Practical advice of how to incorporate a yoga practise into a busy schedule

Connect with Helen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at_the_fold/

Website: https://thefold.uk/

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i.

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me at www.thestorkandi.com

Todays guest is Sarah Holland, the Fertile Mindset® Coach and has a unique, effective and empowering approach to fertility support. Working in the world of fertility since 2001, and having experienced fertility challenges herself, she pioneered the use of EFT Tapping specifically for fertility support.

With the Fertile Mindset® approach to coaching, support and emotional healing she has helped thousands of people negotiate the emotional rollercoaster of fertility issues. Sarah believes it is possible for anyone’s fertility journey to become a much more positive and fulfilling experience, and that by recognising and supporting the emotional aspects of fertility, the path to parenthood can become more successful in every way including creating a family.

Sarah’s coaching clients and Fertile Mindset® Sanctuary members frequently tell her that the results they achieve with her support and EFT “feel like magic!”. Sarah has appeared on BBC News and Channel 5 talking about fertility topics, and has spoken on stage at the Fertility Show and My Future Family Show in London, the American Fertility Expo in California and Fertilitetsmessen in Copenhagen, as well as at numerous online fertility events and podcasts. She is also a proud member of the AlphaZita holistic fertility team, offering integrated fertility support on retreat at the luxury Sani resort in Greece.

Sarah is based in the U.K. and her support is available worldwide via zoom consultations and within her membership, the Fertile Mindset® Sanctuary which has both free and paid levels of support.

Having experienced her own fertility challenges Sarah is now a mum to two boys through both birth and adoption.

In todays episode we cover:

- EFT; what it is and how it can support you on your fertility journey

- How EFT tapping works and why it works

- How you can use EFT tapping to make and stick to a decision

- Why EFT is a skill for life

and much more!

Connect with Sarah Holland

Begin your own Fertile Mindset® journey today by joining Sarah’s free membership in the Fertile Mindset ® Sanctuary here: www.fertilemindset.com/sanctuary

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertile_mindset/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FertileMindset

Podcast: Fertile Mindset

Website: www.fertilemindset.com

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i.

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me at www.thestorkandi.com

In todays episode, I chat to Shani Silver. 

Shani is a writer and the host of A Single Serving Podcast. Her work focuses on changing the negative narratives around being single in an effort to improve the way single life is experienced. Shani's work helps singles reframe the limiting, shame-filled societal messages around singlehood and reframe them to hold more truth and authenticity. On October 26th, 2021 Shani is releasing her first book, A Single Revolution: Don't look for a match. Light one.

In todays chat we cover: 

- The narrative around single women as compared to that of single men

- How reframing can help us to enjoy singlehood a lot more

- The importance of language when discussing singlehood

and much, much more.....

You can purchase A Single Revolution , Shani's new book from Amazon from 26th October 2021

Connect with Shani Silver:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shanisilver

Medium: https://shanisilver.medium.com/

Podcast: A Single Serving

Book: A Single Revolution: Don't look for a match. Light one.

Website: https://www.shanisilver.com/

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i.

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me at www.thestorkandi.com

In todays episode I chat to Emma Haslam from @yourIVFabroad

Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support!

Join our Instagram community for more support: www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i.

About Mel Johnson

Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. 

I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood

Learn more about me at www.thestorkandi.com

In todays episode I speak to Ruth, a single mum who works in the charity sector. She has two young boys who she has raised solo since her eldest was six months old. Her first was conceived through marriage, and the second via donor conception.

Ruth has been writing about single parenting for over six years on her blog Ellamental Mama, trying to raise understanding of the realities faced by single parents - the good, bad and the ugly.

Her writing has been featured in The Guardian, The I Paper and The Metro, amongst others.

In 2020, Ruth set up the Single Parent Rights campaign to push for changes to UK law to address the ongoing discrimination of single parents after helping to lobby for the introduction of single parent support bubbles in the first UK lockdown.    

In todays episode we discuss: 

and much more!

In todays episode I chat to Sophy. 

Sophy is 36 and lives in South Oxfordshire with her 3 year old twins. She started the journey to solo motherhood at 31 after receiving the results of a fertility test she took. 

Sophy got 2 eggs from her treatment, transferred them both and now has twin girls. 

In this episode we cover: 

- The decision to transfer 2 embryos

- Solo parenting twins

- Using an au pair to form part of your support network

- Freelancing as a solo parent

- Dating as a solo parent

and much, much more!

Update:

Welcome to episode 1 of the 4th series of The Stork and I Podcast

In this episode I chat to Occupational Therapist and Sex Educator, Sarah Sproule.

The wait is finally over. The Stork and I Podcast for those considering solo parenthood is back!

Series 4 of the podcast is launching on 1st September 2021. 

Subscribe now so you don't miss out!

In todays episode I chat to Joscelyn Webb, solo mum to a nearly 4 year old son. Joscelyn lives in Hong Kong and travelled to the UK for treatment using a known donor.

In this episode we cover: 

- Making the decision to start trying to conceive following fertility test results

- Deciding on using a known donor

- Contacting potential known donors to ask if they would be interested in being a donor

- Grieving for the path to parenthood we presumed we would follow

- The benefits of parenting solo

- Flying back to the UK for treatment

- Male role models 

- The discussions and agreements made with a known donor before trying to conceive

- Being aware that things might change and being open to that

- Talking to our children about their conception

and much more...

In todays episode I chat to Natalie. 

Natalie is an avid traveller and a solo mum to 2.5 year old Tiger. She chats to me about using her maternity leave to spend time travelling with her daughter.

In this episode we discuss: 

To find out more about Natalie and Tigers travel adventures you can read her blog at www.tigerontour.com

In todays episode, I chat to Harriet, a solo mum to twin boys. Harriet conceived whilst living in New York, but when she found out she was having twins decided to move back to the UK, to get the support of her family. 

In this episode we cover:

- The impact of living abroad on meeting a partner

- The considerations when deciding to transfer 2 embryos

- The benefits of living with parents

- The realities of being a solo mum to twins

- The experience of being pregnant with twins

- Juggling work with motherhood and managing the different pulls on our time

- Asking for and accepting help

- Dating as a solo mum with kids

and much more 

Harriet is a member of The Stork and I Mum Tribe Facebook Group and can be contacted there if you'd like to connect with her.  

The first episode of series 3 is all about Egg Freezing as a way of Fertility Preservation. In this episode I chat to Amy Hart, best known for Love Island and Celebs Go Dating and as she says in our interview, who is famously single. 

Amy has shared openly her desire to start a family in the future and her decision to freeze her eggs to give her time to meet someone, or to embark on solo motherhood if that doesn't happen for her. 

In this episode we discussed: 

- Why it's frustrating when people tell you, you have plenty of time

- Why Amy decided to freeze her eggs

- Why Amy wants to use her platform to raise awareness on this topic

- Amy's experience of the egg freezing process

- The 10 year egg storage limit and the implications if you want to freeze your eggs in your 20s

- Considerations on whether to freeze embryos

- Amy's thoughts about becoming a solo mum in the future and the support from her family

- I also ask Amy what she thought about the comment made on her appearance on Loose Women that no-one in their right mind would embark on solo motherhood. 

...and much more

For anyone considering freezing their eggs, this is a great listen to help get a greater insight into the process. 

The trailer for series 3 of the Stork and I Podcast. 

This series is a collection of stories covering a variety of different paths to parenthood and solo motherhood stories. 

In the last episode of Series 2 I chat to Dating Coach Hayley Quinn. 

In this episode, I talk to Annemette Arndal-Lauritzen, the CEO of the European Sperm Bank. Annemette has been in the company since 2013. She has a background in the healthcare sector and her main interests revolve around how women and sperm donors experience their contact with the sperm bank, and how to continuously improve this relationship.

We had a really interesting discussion about the process for both the donor and the recipient, as well as the values of the Sperm Bank and their ideas about how they see their responsibility in this process, which was really reassuring to hear. 

In this episode we cover: 

- The recruitment of donors

- The process the donors go through

- The selection and profile of donors 

- The process of ordering sperm

-  Advice on how to choose a donor

- Insights into finding donor siblings

- Discussion around finding the balance between the rights and needs of the donor, the recipient and the donor conceived child

- The values of the European Sperm Bank

For more information on the European Sperm bank you can follow them on Instagram/Facebook or see their website. 

Rosie works with women who;

• are thinking about getting pregnant and want to ensure they are as healthy as possible

• are actively trying to get pregnant, through both natural and assisted routes (IVF, ICSI, IUI)

• have a hormonal condition (PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Period issues)

• are pregnant and would like nutrition advice to support them to thrive through pregnancy 

• would like postpartum support (whether this is 6 weeks after their baby is born or 6-years )

• AMH and Rosies view on whether this is flawed as a measure
• How a Fertility Nutritional Therapist can support you on your fertility journey
• Egg quality and whether it can be improved
• An idea of which supplements to take
• How to track your cycle
• Top tips for preparing your body before fertility treatment
• Whether you should give up or cut down on alcohol (this was recorded before I decided to stop drinking!)
• The research on smoking and the impact to egg quality
• Rosies online fertility nutrition course

www.rosielife.org

www.instagram.com/rosielifenutrition

www.facebook.com/rosielifeUK

rosielifeuk@hotmail.com 

James has written several best selling dating books and relationship guides, many of which have gone on to become Amazon bestsellers.

Series 2 of The Stork and I Podcast is finally here. 

This series is about the process to become a solo mum. 

1st episode of the 2nd series launches on 5th January. 

This is the final episode of series 1 of the podcast. And I've saved a great episode for last!

Basically I managed to persuade Granny Bev to record with me. She was not in her comfort zone at all. But she agreed to do it anyway! 

In this episode we discuss: 

- Whether living abroad has hindered my efforts to meet someone

- The fear of never becoming a grandparent

- The fact that my mum was worried about whether I would be able to cope!

- Opinions of why I've not met a partner and whether she thinks I am too choosey!

- How dating has changed from the past and how our expectations of relationships have changed

- The experience of attending antenatal classes and being my birthing partner

- The support my mum gives me on a weekly basis and how challenging it can be

- Why Granny Bev isn't remotely interested in dating!

and much more!

I hope you enjoy and it gives you a slightly different perspective on things. And what a good sport she is for agreeing to be a guest! 

You can follow Granny Bev on Instagram where she occasionally posts pics of her and Daisy. 

In episode 4 I meet Claire. Solo mum of gorgeous 1 year old Ruby. 

Claire and I met at a solo mum meet up and became friends. We spent last Valentines Day together with our kids and some other solo mum friends (in the same pub Max George from The Wanted but that's another story!) We spent most Wednesday evenings together via Zoom during lock down on The Stork and I Solo Mum Calls. I love Claires banter so I knew she'd be a great guest on the podcast. She loves to tell it as it is! 

In this episode we discuss: 

- Deciding between IUI and IVF

- The pressure of dating when you want a baby 

- Sharing the journey with family

- Planning for every eventuality

- Building a support network including overnight sleep support throughout the first 4 months

- An honest account of the elements Claire has found challenging being a solo mum 

- Finding a night a month to go out for a bit of a blow out

- Creative dates to fit in with childcare

- Fertility tests and their role in helping to make a decision to start the journey to solo motherhood

- Our views on whether we would have found parenting with a partner any easier than parenting solo

You can follow Claire on Instagram @clairesofield

I hope you enjoy the episode. Mel xx

Welcome to The Stork and I Podcast. This is a podcast aimed at single women considering solo motherhood. 

In this first episode I meet the lovely Jocelyn AKA @motheringsolo

We chat donor conception with double donation, dating when you want a baby, fertility MOTs and making the decision to start the journey to solo motherhood. 

You can follow Jocelyn's story on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/motheringsolo/

If you like this episode, please rate and review keep your eyes peeled for the next one, out every Wednesday. 

The trailer for The Stork and I Podcast for single women considering solo motherhood