S4:E25 - Bunny & Frank

IVF Pivot, Planned C-Section & Building a Village: Bunny’s Solo Mum Story

From IUI plans and donor list hiccups to IVF with genetic testing, a breech baby, and ten weeks of carefully organised support, Bunny’s story is one of persistence, planning, and proving that solo motherhood can be full of joy.

She always wanted to be a mum. After years of travel and teaching, Bunny decided she wasn’t going to wait for the “right” relationship. Starting with IUI, donor complications pushed her to pivot into IVF at Melbourne IVF, where she qualified for Medicare and created five embryos. Her very first transfer worked. Pregnancy was smooth, but a calcified placenta at 36 weeks and a breech baby meant a planned C-section at 38 weeks. Recovery was tougher than she expected, but the village she organised—ten straight weeks of family and friends rotating through—made the newborn stage manageable. Breastfeeding worked, Frank slept through most nights, and Bunny embraced hacks, humour, and support. Now thriving with her son, she’s excited about the future and clear in her advice: “Go for it—and have fun.”

Key Highlights:

• Early Clarity, Open Conversations - Bunny always loved babies and knew she’d parent solo. She told family, friends, and colleagues early—openness brought enthusiasm and practical support.

• From IUI to IVF with Genetic Testing - An IUI-eligible donor wasn’t approved, forcing a pivot. At Melbourne IVF, with counselling and Medicare access, she created five embryos. The first transfer succeeded.

• Planned C-Section for Breech & Placenta Issues - At 36 weeks her placenta was “very calcified.” With Frank breech, she had a planned C-section at 38 weeks and a more painful recovery than expected.

• The Village She Built - She stacked ten weeks of rotating support: her best friend (a new midwife), mum, aunt, cousins, dad—plus freezer meals and dog-walking. Each arrived as the last left.

• Practical Wins & Looking Ahead - Breastfeeding worked, Frank sleeps well at night (usually one wake), though afternoons are fussy. She prepped finances with a bigger mortgage buffer, embraced hacks (baby seat in the shower), and is considering another child when the time feels right.

City Fertility Offer

I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.

Considering Solo Motherhood?

Feeling overwhelmed about becoming a solo mum? The Considering Solo Motherhood course walks you through everything—from emotional readiness to finances and fertility—so you can make a confident decision. - Find out more

Expecting Solo?

Pregnant or TTC as a solo mum? The Expecting Solo course is designed for your first trimester—helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the start. Includes 2 live sessions + expert resources - View the next course dates

The Bump Membership

Pregnant or trying to conceive on your own using a donor? Join our warm, supportive monthly membership made just for solo mums-to-be. Includes connection calls, WhatsApp group, discounts, and free resources - Find out more