Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice

Unfiltered Conversations: Part 1

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] In Part 1 of Controversial Topics, Andrea, Annie, and Kristen dive headfirst into some of the biggest conversations surrounding the Single Mom By Choice journey. From structured vs. unstructured learning and differing views on vaccinations, to the importance of male role models, dating during pregnancy, and what it really takes to build a strong support system — nothing is off limits. This honest conversation dives into the perspectives behind the opinions, the personal experiences behind the choices, and the topics people are often hesitant to discuss openly. Whether you agree, disagree, or are simply curious, this episode creates space for real conversations, different viewpoints, and the complexity that comes with modern motherhood. Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

The Long Game: Kathleen Did It Her Way

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we sit down with Kathleen, who became a Single Mother by Choice in 2000 after spending years in sports and ultimately choosing a new path toward building her family. She shares what it was like making that decision at a time when the process looked very different—long before digital profiles and modern fertility platforms, when donor information often arrived in the mail in catalog form. Kathleen reflects on the determination and long-held drive that led her to motherhood, and how that journey unfolded with the support of her family and community. At the center of it all is her son —who she describes as the greatest joy of her life.  Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Maternal Mental Health with Erika

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] In this special Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month conversation, we are joined by Erika Schmitt, Director of Counseling and Family Support Services at a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit, to explore the importance of reproductive mental health support across the entire journey into motherhood — from trying to conceive, through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Erika shares her perspective on expanding access to counseling services that support individuals navigating infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum experiences, and highlights the critical need for care that meets people where they are emotionally and medically throughout these stages. The conversation underscores how maternal mental health is not a single moment in time, but an ongoing journey that deserves compassion, resources, and specialized support. Resources mentioned in this episode: * Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/ [https://postpartum.net/] * Jewish Fertility Foundation (Veterans Program): https://jewishfertilityfoundation.org/veteran/ [https://jewishfertilityfoundation.org/veteran/] * Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Moms-Have-Scary-Thoughts/dp/1641701307 [https://www.amazon.com/Good-Moms-Have-Scary-Thoughts/dp/1641701307] * The Postpartum Depression Workbook: Exercises for Healing https://www.amazon.com/Postpartum-Depression-Journal-Exercises-Reflection/dp/1638783284 [https://www.amazon.com/Postpartum-Depression-Journal-Exercises-Reflection/dp/1638783284] Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

From Baby Dolls to Baby Girl: Mom Life with Bernie

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] This week on Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, Laura sits down with Bernie — a newer mom to a baby girl conceived through embryo donation — for one of the most honest and entertaining conversations yet. Bernie opens up about knowing from a young age that motherhood was always part of her dream, the relationship that almost changed the course of her journey, and how she ultimately found her way to solo motherhood. Together, Laura, Kristen and Bernie explore the beauty of self-regulation, what it looks like to help your baby learn emotional regulation alongside you, and the reality that motherhood often teaches us just as much about ourselves as it does about parenting. The conversation also dives into the hilariously relatable side of single motherhood — including why dating in this season of life can feel like far more work than it’s worth. Honest, thoughtful, funny, and deeply real, this episode is a reminder that there’s beauty in embracing motherhood exactly as it comes.  Resources Mentioned: • Motherhood on Ice Audiobook [https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/778193/?refId=40886&refId=77121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20081933518&gbraid=0AAAAADzSbyJopnpW1bN2oWf5hMjHvlsLc&gclid=CjwKCAjw5ZXQBhBdEiwAI5XVWaRotQ2GA_JyoqV5QP8TfJP9f-gfFuZYy6tywrNXYxdh7XDzFsQiyhoC818QAvD_BwE] • Motherhood on Ice by Marcia C. Inhorn [https://www.amazon.com/Motherhood-Ice-Anthropologies-American-Medicine/dp/1479813044] Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

She Blooms: Healing from Within

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice explores the emotional realities of motherhood—across every stage of the journey. From fertility and infertility to pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, mental health is a thread that runs through it all—yet it’s often the part we talk about the least. Laura is joined by Cathie from She Blooms, a practice dedicated to supporting women through the emotional complexities of fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. Together, they dive into the layers of maternal mental health, why it matters, and how we can begin to create more space for honest, supportive conversations. This episode is a reminder that mental health isn’t separate from motherhood—it’s foundational to it. Whether you’re navigating this journey yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, validation, and a gentle reminder that you don’t have to do it alone. Learn more and find support: https://maternalmentalhealthnow.org/ [https://maternalmentalhealthnow.org/] https://www.she-blooms.com/ [https://www.she-blooms.com/] https://www.she-blooms.com/postpartum-prep [https://www.she-blooms.com/postpartum-prep] Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]