S4: E4 Using An Au Pair As Part Of Your Support Network The Stork And I podcast

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In this episode I speak to children's entertainer and Red Wiggle, Caterina Meta about her journey to become a solo parent of twins. *trigger warning we do discuss miscarriage in this episode For over three decades, The Wiggles, the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group have educated, entertained, and enriched the lives of millions of pre-schoolers (and their parents) all over the globe. Today, generations of fans that grew up watching The Wiggles are sharing their love of them with their own children. Having sold over 30 million albums and DVDs and 8 million books globally, as well as accumulating over 2 billion music streams and 3 billion views on YouTube, The Wiggles continue to dominate the preschool entertainment scene. Their live shows annually sell out to audiences on three separate continents, and their videos are seen in over 190 countries around the world. The Wiggles recently launched a new educational series on YouTube called Wiggle and Learn. This pioneering series explores crucial early childhood themes including language development, basic maths, social skills, and health and world understanding, offering a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for young learners. A new episode lands every Friday and includes Caterina talking about her pregnancy to children. I first came across Caterina when I saw her lovely pregnancy announcement and the clear communication that she had used a donor to conceive in a message for her pre school audience. In this episode we discuss: - Caterina's fertility journey - Finding out you are having twins - How sharing your journey when you're in the public eye, can inspire others who may not have known about this path to parenthood - How society paints happily ever after as meeting a partner, getting married and having children together - How children react and don't judge when we share different journeys to parenthood - The importance and options around support network - Balancing career and being a solo parent and MUCH MUCH more! We were joined by Caterina's gorgeous dog for some of the interview, who also wanted their voice heard!! You can follow Caterina on Instagram here For more information in solo parenthood head to www.thestorkandi.com…

The Stork and I

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S7: E3 Solo Parenting with Holly 59:53

hace 1 year59:53

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In this episode I speak to solo parent Holly. We cover: - Choosing a sperm donor - Finding donor siblings - Deciding whether to try for a sibling - The experience of being a solo parent and sharing some of the trickiest parts - Experiencing post natal anxiety - Our desire for constant cleaning to feel more in control - The mental load of a solo parent - Feeling lonely in the early days of solo parenting - Asking for help and the sort of help that can be useful - The benefits of finding your people and much more.... You can follow Holly here Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S7: E2 Solo Parenting with Sarah @singlemammybychoice 45:45

hace 1 year45:45

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In todays episode I speak to solo parent Sarah In the episode we cover: - The difference between using the term single parent or solo parent - Making the decision to become a solo parent - Having IUI or IVF - Having a really tough time postpartum and getting through it - The benefits of parenting solo - The unrealistic expectations we think we'd have of a partner! - Advice for those considering solo parenthood and much more..... You can follow Sarah here Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S7: E1 Cultural considerations with Jayneel 56:00

hace 1 year56:00

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In todays episode we meet with Jayneel Patel about her journey to solo parenthood. In the episode we discussed: Coming from an Indian family and the impact that has on the decision to become a solo parent Going through an arranged marriage and the learnings from that Considering adoption Having the support of the important people in our lives Being embraced by the extended family Choosing a sperm donor and considerations around ethnicity Getting things done as a solo parent Juggling career and parenthood And much more! If you want to follow Jayneel you can find her at @jp1409 Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6: E10 Inconceivable - the Solo Parent Memoir 40:23

hace 1 year40:23

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In the last episode of Series 6 of the Stork and I Podcast I chat to solo parent Alexandra. Alexandra is a solo parent and an award winning Melbourne writer who has written for theatre, screen and print. Her memoir Inconceivable was recently published by Hachette. In the episode we discuss: - Her memoir Inconceivable - Splitting up with a partner because they don't want children and you do - 'Settling' for someone as an alternative to pursuing solo parenthood - The challenges of dating when wanting children - Considering using a known donor - The importance of our solo parent network - Moving location to be closer to parents and MUCH more! You can follow Alexandra at: https://www.instagram.com/alexandracollierwrites/ You can purchase Inconceivable here Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6: E9 Solo parenting abroad with Jess 54:19

hace 1 year54:19

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Todays episode is with Solo parent Jess, who lives with her baby daughter in Thailand. In the episode we cover: - The considerations of solo parenthood when you live abroad - Using a known donor - Support network when you live away from family and how friends can really step up - Childcare options when abroad - Deciding whether to try for a 2nd baby - Navigating being a solo parent and having a new relationship and much more You can follow Jess at @theglobe_thebaby_andme/ Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6: E8 Solo parenting with Talia 1:03:48

hace 2 years1:03:48

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Todays episode is with solo parent Talia. In the episode we cover: - Why things are not always easier with a partner - Keeping a positive attitude - Embracing non traditional living arrangements and making them work for us - Pregnancy after loss - Enabling our kids to engage with other donor conceived people and the importance of that for them You can follow Talia on Instagram at @taliamck Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6: E7 All things Solo Parenting with @Claire_Needs_Coffee 58:31

hace 2 years58:31

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Todays episode is with Claire Holland AKA @Claire_needs_coffee. Claire is a solo mum to her 4 year old Theo and chats with me all about her decision to become a solo parent, the journey to get there and the realities of parenting with no partner. In the episode we discuss: - Choosing IUI vs IVF - Having a more challenging fertility journey than expected - Getting time to yourself in the evening - Balancing career and parenthood - Finding your tribe and much much more! Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6: E6 Deciding on the ethnicity of your sperm donor 48:33

hace 2 years48:33

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In todays episode I chat to Alpa, solo mum to 5 year old Mia. We discuss: - Deciding to become a solo parent - Managing pregnancy solo - Moving to be closer to parents - Choosing a sperm donor - A challenging birth and post natal experience - Changing careers - The realities of parenting solo and much much more. Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6: E5 Solo Parenting Twins When One Has a Complex Heart Condition 38:07

hace 2 years38:07

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In todays episode I chat to solo parent to twins, Julia Shields. Julia has 4 year old twins. Her son was born with a complex heart condition that shapes a lot of how they live their lives. In this episode we discuss: - Julias decision to become a solo parent - The living arrangements Julia has put in place - How blended family living can work - Parenting during covid - The impact of her son having a complex heart condition from new born to today - How Julia manages through challenging times and much more...... Huge thanks to Julia for sharing her story and massive respect for the strength she has. She is a true inspiration. You can follow Julia on Instagram Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6: E4 Making the decision to use double donation and to have 2 children solo 1:00:50

hace 2 years1:00:50

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In todays episode I chat to solo parent Kirsten. Kirsten is solo mum to 2 children by double donation. In todays episode we discuss: - Fertility tests an understanding your fertility - Deciding to use donor eggs as well as donor sperm - Making the decision to try for a sibling - The experience of parenting two children solo Thanks so much to Kirsten for taking the time to share her story with us. Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6: E3 When the hardest part of the journey isn’t the decision to start 43:32

hace 2 years43:32

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In episode 3 of series 6 of the Stork and I Podcast, I chat to Claire Davies about her roller coaster journey to solo parenthood so far. We discuss: - Deciding between IUI and IVF - Getting treatment on the NHS - Experiencing chemical pregnancy - Dealing with miscarriage and recurrent loss - Not realising how tough the journey can be after you've spent a long time considering whether it's the right path - The importance of having amazing people around you ...and much more You can follow Claire on Instagram Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6: E2 Solo Parent and Doula, Amelie 49:01

hace 2 years49:01

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Todays episode is with 38 year old solo parent Amelie Patrux Eddy. She is based in the French countryside on the outskirts of Paris but by the time this episode has aired with have moved to the Brittany region. Amelie grew up in France, was raised by an (almost solo) South African mom and has lived many years in Australia before landing again recently in the suburbs of Paris (in the midst of a global pandemic you might have heard of!) This melting pot of cultures gave her a profound love and curiosity for the diversity in people’s ideas, cultures, lives and opinions that make each one of us so unique and interesting. She is a solo mom 'mostly' by choice to Elijah (Eli) , her now 22 months old toddler. Eli was conceived in Sydney through a clinic, after a breakup with her ex-partner and born in France in her family home surrounded by her mom and sister. As a doula @feeling she has supported many solo moms, before having her son. She recently created an online program naissanceholistique in France to help couples and solo moms prepare for birth. Being solo-mom-inclusive was absolutely a priority for her. In June 2021, after a two-year debate in parliament, France has finally legalized fertility treatments including IVF for lesbians and single women – making the procedures free for them, just as they are for qualified heterosexual couples. Before that, French women were travelling everywhere in Europe to access fertility treatments. She also created a small project called @nuancesdefamilles where she showcasts that there are many nuances to being a family but that LOVE is what makes a family. She created it to connect to like-minded families and offer different family models to children. In todays episode we discuss: - The option of living with family - The benefits of parenting solo - The importance of support network - Redefining family - Making the decision to pivot your career for a period of time - The realities of solo parenting and the importance of sleep. You can follow Amelie on Instagram Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S6:E1 No Need For Prince Charming 47:00

hace 2 years47:00

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In the first episode of Series 6 I chat to Alisha Burns AKA @Noneedforprincecharming Alisha is the host of the No Need For Prince Charming Podcast where she interviews Australian Solo Mums about their journey to parenthood. For a change, she was the one being interviewed and I found out all about her own story, when she started thinking about solo parenthood, her journey to get there as well as her experiences as a parent. We also discussed the children's book she has written. My Perfect Family. She very generously sent me a copy and I can honestly say it's one of the best books on family diversity that I've seen. You can get 15% off using code STORK15 You can follow Alisha on Instagram at @noneedforprincecharming Thank you for listening to The Stork and I Podcast! I would love for you to share this episode and let me know what you think! Please take a moment to rate and review, it really helps others find the podcast which can be a great source of support! About Mel Johnson Hi! I'm Mel, The Solo Parenthood Coach and following my own journey to solo parenthood, I created The Stork and I to support others going through the same journey. I'm also on a mission to change the narrative around solo parenthood Learn more about me and the coaching I offer at The Stork and I Website Newsletter I have created a monthly Solo Parent Stork and I Newsletter that you can sign up for here Instagram: Join our Instagram community for more support Thriving Solo: You can sign up to Thriving Solo , The Stork and I Membership Community for solo mums to get access to our members only Podcast as well as loads of materials and resources and a monthly remote Community Connection Call to meet other Solo Parents.…

The Stork and I

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S5; E10 Chatting to donor conceived Skyler who was raised by a solo mum 32:35

hace 3 years32:35