My name is Mel Johnson. I’m 43 and I live in Southport in the UK. I’m single and for as long as I can remember I wanted to start a family.
I’ve watched the vast majority of my friends have kids and wanted that for myself. I kept optimistic that it would happen for me one day, but in my mid 30s, I started to think I might have to investigate my options as I had still not met someone to do it with. Did I really need to find a man to start a family or were there other ways of doing it? You can read a bit more about the background in this article that was published in Elephant Journal.
I clearly remember the day that I googled fertility clinics. I called one in London but they didn’t have any appointments for quite a while, so I called Manchester Fertility Clinic and really warmed to the lovely receptionist I spoke to who booked me an appointment in two weeks time. I didn’t give myself chance to think about it, I just booked the appointment and that was it. The start of my journey!
Following IVF with donor sperm, I am now mum to the gorgeous baby Daisy.
This blog is focusing on the unique angle of going through pregnancy and parenthood as a solo woman. The challenges that it brings up, but also the positives and the amazing experiences I have been through.
With a coaching qualification from CoachMatch, I’m an experienced Life Coach having set up and run my own coaching company for over 5 years.
I’m using this coaching to provide support to other people in the same situation, to explore their options and to help support those who are deciding to go down the same path.
For a more day by day update on being a solo mum follow The Stork and I on Instagram stories.
If this sounds similar to your story, please feel free to get in touch for support or advice at mel@thestorkandi.com