S5:E2 - Carly & Rylan

From Car Accident to IVF: Carly’s Solo Mum by Choice Journey

Carly always knew motherhood was non-negotiable. Marriage? Optional. A partner? Nice, but not essential. But children? Absolutely.

After a serious car accident in 2020 forced her to stop and re-evaluate everything, Carly realised she couldn’t keep waiting for “someday.” What followed was a journey through public hospital waitlists, donor shortages, IUI disappointment, IVF pressure, and the emotional intensity of choosing a donor in a system where options are limited and timing is everything.

In this episode, Carly shares:

• The breakup that made her confront her fertility timeline

• The moment her dad said, “There are many ways to have a child.”

• Being hit by a car on the way to a first date

• Why donor selection was far harder than she expected

• The stress of donor availability disappearing in seconds

• Losing “her donor” and getting him back

• The emotional impact of failed IUIs

• Why IVF ultimately changed the trajectory

This episode is honest, grounded, and full of perspective for any woman considering solo motherhood.

Key Takeaways

• Motherhood can be non-negotiable, even when partnership isn’t.

• Public fertility systems can involve long waitlists and limited donor access.

• Donor shortages are real, particularly for Caucasian donors and IUI cycles.

• Extended genetic screening can reduce stress during donor selection.

• IUI success rates are low (around 10–15% per cycle).

• IVF may feel more clinical, but it can provide reassurance through embryo grading and higher success rates.

• Emotional resilience is just as important as medical readiness.

City Fertility Offer

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Free Download: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Solo Mum

If you’re at the very beginning of your journey and wanting clarity, confidence and a calm starting point, this free guide is a must-read. It will save you hours of Googling and help you understand what actually matters when you’re deciding whether to go it alone. Download your copy here.