Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice

Laura Nave
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Parenting

Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice — the podcast for women who are done waiting for “the one” and ready to become a parent on their own damn terms. We’re talking fertility, pregnancy, the emotional chaos, and the village it takes to raise a kid.Sometimes you cry in the bathtub. Sometimes you're crying because your toddler bit you. And sometimes, you cry because you chose all of this.Unfiltered conversations about solo motherhood—because doing it alone doesn't mean doing it quietly.

  1. 6d ago

    Unfiltered Conversations: Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Part 2 of Controversial Topics continues the conversation with Andrea, Annie, and Kristen as we shift from some of the more divisive parenting opinions into the deeper layers of the Single Mom By Choice journey. In this episode, we talk about the donor experience — including navigating the donor process, genetics, donor-conceived sibling connections, and the emotional weight that can come with making these decisions. We also discuss the reality of asking for help, why that can feel so difficult, and the importance of building a support system and village along the way. What started as a conversation around controversial topics became something much bigger: honest dialogue, shared experiences, and unexpected connection. Whether you’re a Single Mom By Choice, considering this path, or simply curious about the conversations happening behind the scenes, this episode offers a candid look into the complexity, vulnerability, and community that can come with building a family differently. Support the show

    28 min

  2. Jun 8

    Unfiltered Conversations: Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 1 of Controversial Topics, Andrea, Annie, and Kristen dive headfirst into some of the biggest conversations surrounding the Single Mom By Choice journey. From structured vs. unstructured learning and differing views on vaccinations, to the importance of male role models, dating during pregnancy, and what it really takes to build a strong support system — nothing is off limits. This honest conversation dives into the perspectives behind the opinions, the personal experiences behind the choices, and the topics people are often hesitant to discuss openly. Whether you agree, disagree, or are simply curious, this episode creates space for real conversations, different viewpoints, and the complexity that comes with modern motherhood. Support the show

    37 min

  3. Jun 1

    The Long Game: Kathleen Did It Her Way

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Kathleen, who became a Single Mother by Choice in 2000 after spending years in sports and ultimately choosing a new path toward building her family. She shares what it was like making that decision at a time when the process looked very different—long before digital profiles and modern fertility platforms, when donor information often arrived in the mail in catalog form. Kathleen reflects on the determination and long-held drive that led her to motherhood, and how that journey unfolded with the support of her family and community. At the center of it all is her son —who she describes as the greatest joy of her life.  Support the show

    53 min

  4. May 25

    Maternal Mental Health with Erika

    Send us Fan Mail In this special Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month conversation, we are joined by Erika Schmitt, Director of Counseling and Family Support Services at a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit, to explore the importance of reproductive mental health support across the entire journey into motherhood — from trying to conceive, through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Erika shares her perspective on expanding access to counseling services that support individuals navigating infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum experiences, and highlights the critical need for care that meets people where they are emotionally and medically throughout these stages. The conversation underscores how maternal mental health is not a single moment in time, but an ongoing journey that deserves compassion, resources, and specialized support. Resources mentioned in this episode: Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/Jewish Fertility Foundation (Veterans Program): https://jewishfertilityfoundation.org/veteran/Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Moms-Have-Scary-Thoughts/dp/1641701307The Postpartum Depression Workbook: Exercises for Healing https://www.amazon.com/Postpartum-Depression-Journal-Exercises-Reflection/dp/1638783284Support the show

    44 min

  5. May 18

    From Baby Dolls to Baby Girl: Mom Life with Bernie

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, Laura sits down with Bernie — a newer mom to a baby girl conceived through embryo donation — for one of the most honest and entertaining conversations yet. Bernie opens up about knowing from a young age that motherhood was always part of her dream, the relationship that almost changed the course of her journey, and how she ultimately found her way to solo motherhood. Together, Laura, Kristen and Bernie explore the beauty of self-regulation, what it looks like to help your baby learn emotional regulation alongside you, and the reality that motherhood often teaches us just as much about ourselves as it does about parenting. The conversation also dives into the hilariously relatable side of single motherhood — including why dating in this season of life can feel like far more work than it’s worth. Honest, thoughtful, funny, and deeply real, this episode is a reminder that there’s beauty in embracing motherhood exactly as it comes.  Resources Mentioned: • Motherhood on Ice Audiobook • Motherhood on Ice by Marcia C. Inhorn Messy Midlife: Honest conversations about hormones, identity, and change.Three naturopathic doctors. One therapist. Unfiltered talks about the midlife transition.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Resilience Podcast SeriesWe explore key challenges affecting civil society in Central and Eastern Europe.Listen on:   Spotify Support the show

    1h 3m

  6. May 11

    She Blooms: Healing from Within

    Send us Fan Mail In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice explores the emotional realities of motherhood—across every stage of the journey. From fertility and infertility to pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, mental health is a thread that runs through it all—yet it’s often the part we talk about the least. Laura is joined by Cathie from She Blooms, a practice dedicated to supporting women through the emotional complexities of fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. Together, they dive into the layers of maternal mental health, why it matters, and how we can begin to create more space for honest, supportive conversations. This episode is a reminder that mental health isn’t separate from motherhood—it’s foundational to it. Whether you’re navigating this journey yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, validation, and a gentle reminder that you don’t have to do it alone. Learn more and find support: https://maternalmentalhealthnow.org/ https://www.she-blooms.com/ https://www.she-blooms.com/postpartum-prep Support the show

    57 min

  7. May 4

    Beyond the Diagnosis: Tori’s Story

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, Laura sits down with Tori to share her journey through endometriosis, fertility challenges, and ultimately, building her family in a way she never expected. After years of navigating chronic pain and difficult medical decisions—including the loss of both fallopian tubes—Tori was forced to rethink what her path to motherhood could look like. Her story highlights the importance of finding the right medical support, advocating for your needs, and staying open to possibilities even when the plan changes. From pursuing motherhood through a donor embryo to creating a beautiful, blended life with a fellow solo mom by choice, Tori’s experience is a reminder that there’s no single way to build a family. Resources & Education on Endometriosis:  Endometriosis Foundation of America: https://www.endofound.org Endometriosis Association: https://endometriosisassn.org American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): https://www.acog.org/womens-health World Health Organization – Endometriosis Fact Sheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosisSupport the show

    1h 6m

  8. Apr 27

    I Knew Something Wasn’t Right: Pregnancy, Delivery & Postpartum

    Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal episode, I share my pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum journey—from a physically challenging first trimester to navigating gestational hypertension and postpartum preeclampsia. I open up about months of severe migraines and sickness, the anxiety of advocating for my health, and why I chose to keep my pregnancy private early on. I also reflect on becoming a single mom by choice, the mixed reactions I faced, and the strength it took to stand firm in my decision. From a 51-hour induction and unexpected complications to the realities of postpartum recovery, this episode covers the highs, lows, and everything in between. More than anything, this is a story about resilience, self-advocacy, and trusting your body. If there’s one takeaway: give yourself permission to experience it all… not just the strength, but the softness too. Support the show

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice — the podcast for women who are done waiting for “the one” and ready to become a parent on their own damn terms. We’re talking fertility, pregnancy, the emotional chaos, and the village it takes to raise a kid.Sometimes you cry in the bathtub. Sometimes you're crying because your toddler bit you. And sometimes, you cry because you chose all of this.Unfiltered conversations about solo motherhood—because doing it alone doesn't mean doing it quietly.

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