Finding Your Path
What motherhood path might be right for you? These resources can help you explore options as you consider this important question.
Essential Reading
"Mission: Motherhood: Writing a New Fairy Tale of Love and Family" by Cheri Bergeron
A gripping memoir about navigating multiple paths to motherhood including fostering, IVF, donor conception, and legal battles. Cheri shares her raw and honest story about her challenging journey, which included foster parenting, fertility treatments, anonymous donors, and losing a child.
"Three Makes Baby" by Jana Rupnow
Explores the emotional and ethical aspects of donor conception and family building. This book provides valuable insights for women considering donor options.
"Single Mothers by Choice" by Jane Mattes
A foundational text with practical and emotional guidance for women considering motherhood without a partner.
"Choosing Single Motherhood" by Mikki Morrissette
A research-rich, inclusive look at the journey and realities of solo parenting.
Counseling & Support
Fertility-Specific Therapists
Finding a therapist who specializes in family-building decisions can be invaluable as you navigate your options.
Postpartum Support International Directory
Search for specialists in fertility, donor conception, and family building.
Website: https://psidirectory.com
Thrive Psychology Group
Specializes in supporting women through fertility and family-building decisions.
Decision-Making Resources
Creating a Family
Comprehensive, unbiased resources covering all family-building options from a non-profit organization.
Website: https://creatingafamily.org
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
Offers support groups, educational resources, and advocacy for anyone exploring fertility options.
Website: https://resolve.org
Community Support
Online Groups
Facebook Groups
- Single Mothers by Choice — Thinking, Trying, Pregnant, Parenting
- Black Single Mothers by Choice
- Resources for Donor Conception
- Donor Conceived Best Practices and Connections
Reddit Communities
- r/SingleMothersbyChoice
- r/TryingForABaby (many solo paths represented)
- r/AskWomenOver40
Podcasts
- Single Mothers by Choice
- The Single Greatest Choice
- Motherhood Reimagined
- Creating a Family Podcast — Covers all forms of family-building
Financial Planning
SeedCoach
Fertility-specific financial coaching to help you plan for various family-building options.
Website: https://www.seedcoach.com
Future Family
Financing options for fertility treatments and family building.
Website: https://www.futurefamily.com
Questions to Consider
As you explore different paths to motherhood, consider:
- What aspects of motherhood are most important to you?
- What resources (financial, emotional, practical) do you currently have?
- What timeline feels right for your circumstances?
- How do you feel about different family structures?
- What support networks could you build or strengthen?
Remember that there's no single "right way" to become a mother. Your path may involve a combination of approaches or change over time. The resources in the following sections can help you explore specific options in greater depth.
"Whether through single parenthood, donors, fostering, adoption, or other alternatives, we can write our own motherhood stories. The key is to recognize what you truly want and be brave enough to pursue it on your own terms."
- Cheri Bergeron