S2:E11 – Jaime & Charli

Becoming a solo mum at 44: IVF over 40, low odds & the joy of choosing motherhood

Trigger warning: This episode discusses serious medical complications during fertility treatment.

What does it really look like to start fertility treatment over 40 — without frozen eggs, without guarantees, and with low odds — and still find deep joy on the other side?

In this episode of No Need for Prince Charming, Jaime shares her journey to becoming a solo mum at 44 after years of endometriosis, major surgery, and a period where her health was seriously at risk. She speaks honestly about being told her chances were slim, navigating IVF later in life, and making the decision to try anyway — knowing there were no promises.

But this episode isn’t just about the medical hurdles.

Jaime also reflects on the emotional experience of becoming a mum later in life — the gratitude, perspective and quiet confidence that came from choosing motherhood on her own terms. She shares what surprised her about solo motherhood, how it felt to finally hold her baby after such a long and uncertain road, and why the joy of becoming a mum outweighed the fear she carried along the way.

This is not a fairytale or a guarantee. It’s a real, nuanced story about fertility after 40 — one that holds both the hard parts and the profound positives of becoming a parent later in life.

This episode will resonate if you’re:

• considering IVF over 40

• exploring solo motherhood later in life

• navigating fertility treatment with endometriosis

• weighing up low success rates and difficult decisions

• wanting to hear honest stories that include hope, joy and realism

Key Takeaways:

• What IVF over 40 can look like without previously frozen eggs

• How endometriosis and serious health challenges can affect fertility decisions

• Why low odds matter — but don’t tell the whole story

• The emotional reality of starting this journey later in life

• The unexpected joy, fulfilment and clarity that can come with becoming a mum after 40

If you’re over 40 and wondering whether it’s still worth exploring your options, Jaime’s story offers perspective, honesty and a reminder that joy doesn’t have an age limit.

Curious about becoming a solo mum but don’t know where to begin?

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

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.