Single Motherhood

Considering motherhood without a partner? These resources can help you connect with supportive communities, find essential information, and navigate the practical aspects of this empowering path.

Communities & Support

Single Mothers by Choice (SMC)

The original community for women choosing solo motherhood, offering private forums organized by stage (Thinking, Trying, Pregnant, Parenting), local meetups, virtual groups, and research-based articles.

Website: https://www.singlemothersbychoice.org

The Single Greatest Choice

Podcast and resource hub focused specifically on single motherhood by choice, covering sperm donor conception, emotional readiness, and financial preparation.

Website: https://www.singlegreatestchoice.com

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association

Advocacy organization with resources specifically for single mothers pursuing fertility treatments and family building.

Website: https://resolve.org

Online Groups

Facebook Groups

Private, active communities offering real-time support and connection:

  • Single Mothers by Choice — Thinking, Trying, Pregnant, Parenting
  • Black Single Mothers by Choice
  • Single Moms 40+
  • IVF/IUI Single Moms By Choice
  • Resources for Donor Conception
  • Donor Conceived Best Practices and Connections

Reddit Communities

  • r/SingleMothersbyChoice
  • r/TryingForABaby (many solo paths represented)
  • r/AskWomenOver40

Essential Reading

"Single Mothers by Choice" by Jane Mattes

A foundational text with practical and emotional guidance for women considering or pursuing motherhood without a partner.

"Mission: Motherhood" by Cheri Bergeron

A gripping memoir involving foster parenting, IVF, donor conception, and a landmark custody battle in Texas, offering hope and guidance for women writing their own motherhood stories.

"Choosing Single Motherhood" by Mikki Morrissette

A research-rich, inclusive look at the journey and realities of solo parenting with practical advice based on interviews with many single mothers by choice.

"The Single Mother's Social Club" by Jacinta Tynan

Honest and uplifting guidance for navigating judgment or doubt, with practical wisdom for building confidence in your choice.

Financial Planning

SeedCoach

Fertility-specific financial coaching to help plan for the costs of donor conception and fertility treatments.

Website: https://www.seedcoach.com

Future Family

Financing options specifically for fertility treatments, including donor sperm and IUI/IVF.

Website: https://www.futurefamily.com

Health Savings Accounts (HSA/FSA)

Can sometimes be used for donor sperm, insemination, and fertility-related care—check with your provider for details.

Mental Health Support

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Offers specific groups for single mothers and perinatal support throughout the journey.

Website: https://postpartum.net

Specialized Therapists

Find therapists who specialize in solo motherhood and donor conception through the PSI Directory.

Website: https://psidirectory.com

Podcasts & Social Media

Podcasts

  • Single Mothers by Choice - Interviews with SMCs at various stages
  • The Single Greatest Choice - Focused on the decision-making process
  • Motherhood Reimagined - For women facing fertility challenges

Instagram Accounts

  • @singlemotherbychoice
  • @singlemombychoice
  • @motherhoodreimagined
  • @thesolomama
  • @thesinglegreatestchoice

Children's Resources

Books for Donor-Conceived Children

  • "You Were Made for Me" by Sheri Sturniolo
  • "What Makes a Baby" by Cory Silverberg (inclusive language for all families)
  • "The Pea that was Me" by Kimberly Kluger-Bell
  • "Mommy, Was Your Tummy Big?" by Carolina Nadel

Questions to Consider

As you explore single motherhood, consider:

  1. What support systems do you currently have, and what might you need to build?
  2. What method of conception feels right for you (donor insemination, IVF, adoption, fostering)?
  3. What financial resources will you need for your chosen path?
  4. How will you address questions from your child about their origins?
  5. What are your feelings about known vs. anonymous donors if pursuing donor conception?

Remember that thousands of women have successfully built families as single mothers by choice. The communities and resources above can provide both practical support and connection with others on similar journeys.

"I discovered there's more than one way to build a family—and sometimes the best path doesn't look anything like what you'd expected."

- Cheri Bergeron, Mission: Motherhood