Diary Of a Solo Mum

An Interview with an Egg Donor

In this episode I talk through the process of egg donation and I was privileged to speak to an egg donor and discuss her motivations and expectations for the future. Further resources: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/egg-donation-a-factsheet/ [https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/egg-donation-a-factsheet/] https://www.londoneggbank.com/donating-eggs/ [https://www.londoneggbank.com/donating-eggs/]? https://www.ivf-embryo.gr/en/egg-donation-greece?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=112262601&gbraid=0AAAAADsGCsdDRDoXxJkdDkFZjXGHAG2XJ&gclid=CjwKCAjwgajSBhBEEiwASicJU2V2M1VKhtYm7lyhsGq5-g7Z1MHz8ZMTSs_NChc2SSw53esgSAOSphoC6hEQAvD_BwE [https://www.ivf-embryo.gr/en/egg-donation-greece?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=112262601&gbraid=0AAAAADsGCsdDRDoXxJkdDkFZjXGHAG2XJ&gclid=CjwKCAjwgajSBhBEEiwASicJU2V2M1VKhtYm7lyhsGq5-g7Z1MHz8ZMTSs_NChc2SSw53esgSAOSphoC6hEQAvD_BwE]

Dating as a Solo Mum

There are common misconceptions when it comes to solo mums and dating, many assume; * We couldn't find a man and therefore we HAD to go it alone, implying we are undateable * We must HATE men and that is why we have chosen to use a donor In the vast majority this is not the case, maybe time has slipped away from us, maybe we have higher standards than our prior dating history, or maybe we are just not interested in having a relationship. Whatever the reasons we got here it does not prevent us from dating in the future. In this episode I discuss my dating decisions and speak to other solo mums on their perspectives when it comes to dating as a Solo Mum

A quick guide to IVF

IVF can be full of acronyms and new terms which can be overwhelming, this episode is a quick guide to IVF and I have included some links below for further information https://www.fertility-academy.co.uk/blog/the-ivf-process-a-step-by-step-guide/ [https://www.fertility-academy.co.uk/blog/the-ivf-process-a-step-by-step-guide/] https://www.hfea.gov.uk/i-am/single-women/ [https://www.hfea.gov.uk/i-am/single-women/] https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/using-donated-eggs-sperm-or-embryos-in-treatment/ [https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/using-donated-eggs-sperm-or-embryos-in-treatment/] https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf/ [https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf/] https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/treatment-add-ons/ [https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/treatment-add-ons/] https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/treatment-add-ons/pre-implantation-genetic-testing-for-aneuploidy-pgt-a/ [https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/treatment-add-ons/pre-implantation-genetic-testing-for-aneuploidy-pgt-a/] https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/embryo-testing-and-treatments-for-disease/ [https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/embryo-testing-and-treatments-for-disease/]

Having a Baby in Spirit

Losing a baby is indescribable and the pain does not leave you. While time may pass and carrying the loss gets more familiar it never leaves you. Having Savannah will never replace Poppy or my other little ones, however it does give rise to a different level of pain and guilt. I will always be eternally grateful for both my daughters and I am sure Poppy is watching over Savannah every day If you have experienced miscarriage or child loss I found the following organisations really helpful: https://www.sands.org.uk/ [https://www.sands.org.uk/] https://www.miscarriageuk.org/ [https://www.miscarriageuk.org/] https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support [https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support] https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/bereavement-support/practical-advice/places-to-go-for-support/ [https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/bereavement-support/practical-advice/places-to-go-for-support/] https://www.ellies.gift/ [https://www.ellies.gift/] https://www.achingarms.co.uk/ [https://www.achingarms.co.uk/] https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/ [https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/]

The Impact of screen time on our children

In this episode I discuss the use of screen time in our parenting, the government (UK) guidelines and what the research says. Below are links to the research I have referenced in this episode: Government guidelines: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s/ [https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23468623168&gbraid=0AAAAAowZrskBLjBt9AlbZeLOOR3wZF_wF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_vnQBhCxARIsADcZyxK13JXp_LaR2ZQTGupQ1d8BZBB3xUgUMlWV5jp888DVi500g-YaHUMaAiKYEALw_wcB] Why Kids shows like Cocomelon hamper critical brain development: https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/05/17/why-kids-shows-like-cocomelon-hamper-critical-brain-development/ [https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/05/17/why-kids-shows-like-cocomelon-hamper-critical-brain-development/] Is 'CoComelon' Bad for Kids? Here's What Experts Think: https://www.parents.com/news/some-think-cocomelon-is-too-stimulating-for-their-kids-we-asked-an-expert-to-weigh-insome-think-cocomelon-is-too-stimulating-for-their-kids-we-asked-an-expert-to-weigh-in/ [https://www.parents.com/news/some-think-cocomelon-is-too-stimulating-for-their-kids-we-asked-an-expert-to-weigh-insome-think-cocomelon-is-too-stimulating-for-their-kids-we-asked-an-expert-to-weigh-in/] Red Flags to look out for in your children's favourite tv show: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/blog/social-instincts/202406/2-red-flags-to-look-out-for-in-your-childs-favorite-tv-show [https://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/blog/social-instincts/202406/2-red-flags-to-look-out-for-in-your-childs-favorite-tv-show]