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In May 2024, a groundbreaking study by King’s College London unveiled new insights into the psychological outcomes of donor-conceived versus non-donor-conceived individuals. This research is particularly timely and relevant, given that over 70,000 donor-conceived (DC) people have been born in the UK since 1991. Despite this significant number, little has been known about their long-term psychological outcomes, and no previous systematic review has assessed these comprehensively. The recent study fills this gap by exploring the nuanced impacts of donor conception, revealing several positive aspects that are especially relevant for solo mothers by choice. For those who have embarked on this unique parenting journey, the findings offer affirmation and support, highlighting the strengths and successes that come from our supportive and loving parenting. Donor-conceived children often show higher levels of psychological well-being and self-esteem, reflecting the positive impact of loving and supportive parenting. Read a summary of the findings below or the full research study here. Being a solo mother by choice is a journey filled with love, dedication, and unique challenges. Recent research sheds light on the positive impact of this choice, particularly on the well-being of donor-conceived children. Here’s a quick summary of some inspiring findings that highlight the strengths of your parenting journey: 1. Health and Well-Being Boost Studies reveal that donor-conceived (DC) children often experience higher levels of health and well-being compared to their peers. They score better in mental health assessments and self-esteem measures, showcasing their resilience and confidence. 2. Social and Academic performance Donor-conceived children also shine in social and academic realms. Research indicates that they tend to have higher social competence and perform better academically than their peers. These findings highlight the significant positive influence of supportive parenting, leading to well-rounded and successful children and adults. 3. Strong Parent-Child Bonds The quality of parent-child relationships in solo mother families is particularly notable. Research shows that these families often experience fewer conflicts and maintain a nurturing and respectful environment. This positive dynamic contributes to a strong and loving bond between mothers and their children. 4. Power of Early Disclosure Another key finding is the benefit of early disclosure. Telling children about their donor conception status before the age of 7 is associated with better psychological well-being and fewer negative emotions. Early honesty helps foster trust and supports the development of a positive self-identity in children. In Conclusion These findings affirm that the love, dedication, and unique family dynamics of solo mothers by choice have a profound and positive impact on their children. Your commitment to creating a supportive and loving environment is making a significant difference in their lives. Curious to hear your thoughts! What's your take on the findings of this research study on the positive impacts of donor conception? Leave a comment below and let's spark a conversation. want to read more research studies on the positive impacts of donor conception? Subscribe now... so you never miss a single research article!

Welcome to  'SMBC Stories: Insights from the Journey '. In this heartfelt series, we delve into the lives of remarkable women who have embraced solo motherhood by choice. Through candid interviews, we aim to inspire, educate, and uplift those considering or embarking on this transformative journey. Join us as we share stories of resilience, courage, and determination, offering support to all navigating the journey to become a single mother by choice. Caroline Hall, 42 The tests were brutal—I knew my fertility wasn’t exactly spring chicken level, but hearing that it was even lower than expected for my age was a gut punch! The consultant didn’t sugarcoat it—it was gonna be a tough ride. The Decision-Making Process My Fertility Journey Support Systems Solo Parenting Reflections   Finances, Work & Motherhood Self-care & Wellbeing Lessons learned Cultural & Societal Perceptions Future Aspirations Words of Encouragement The decision-making process How did you navigate the decision-making process? I am one of four and always dreamed of travelling, having epic romances, and eventually starting a family. I figured it would all fall into place once I found the right partner to share my life with. After years of adventures and epic romances, I had a revelation: if I truly wanted a family of my own, I needed to take matters into my own hands! Growing up, I saw my mom raise four of us single-handedly, proving that a traditional family isn’t the only path to happiness. Deciding that my family would consist of just me and a little one was the first step. Once I made that decision, I dove into researching all my options. Living abroad, I knew I’d have to head back to the UK to either adopt or pursue fertility treatment—solo parenting wasn’t really a thing in the countries I was in! So, I started saving up like a pro! When a break in contracts finally allowed me to move back to the UK, I had done my homework and knew exactly what I wanted. Fertility treatment was my top choice, with adoption as a backup plan. I even weighed the pros and cons of going private versus NHS. Considering my age, I opted for the private route! becoming a single mother by choice: My FERTILITY JOURNEY Can you share your experiences with fertility treatments or the path you took to concieve? Back in the UK in July 2020, smack dab between the two COVID lockdowns, I had already scoped out my fertility clinic, which conveniently had branches in London and Liverpool—places I was considering settling down. Despite not having a steady job, I was in pretty good health and financially stable as I could be! While I was figuring out where to plant my roots—scouting rentals and job scenes—I jumped into fertility tests to gauge whether I needed to kickstart things right away or if I had a bit of leeway. At 40, I knew time wasn’t exactly on my side, especially with COVID looming. Little did I know how spot-on I’d be about needing backup plans with the possibility of another lockdown! The tests were brutal—I knew my fertility wasn’t exactly spring chicken level, but hearing that it was even lower than expected for my age was a gut punch! The consultant didn’t sugarcoat it—it was gonna be a tough ride. Decision time—ASAP it was! So, while settling in Liverpool and job hunting, I picked my sperm donor and shifted my file over to the Liverpool clinic. Initially, I opted for medicated IUI, but the Liverpool consultant set me straight—basically said it would be throwing money down the drain (okay, maybe with more colourful language). He broke down the odds based on my fertility, giving me another choice to mull over. IVF with donor sperm it was! Ordered from a European Sperm Bank since COVID made finding a donor in the UK a headache. Once that was sorted, I geared up for the rollercoaster ride—those injections were no joke. Everything seemed to be sailing smoothly until the day of egg collection in Manchester—turns out, there was nothing to harvest. Talk about a gut-wrenching blow. After a counselling session and a frank talk with my consultant (seriously, he was brutally honest—gun to my head, donor eggs were the way to go, his words!), I went for it. Chose an egg donor, had the magic happen, and boom—six top-notch embryos in the bank! Four FETs and four negative results—tested my patience, positivity, and faith that this would pan out. Toughest part? Knowing I was pulling out all the stops to conceive, yet nothing was sticking. Embryo number five didn’t make it, and by the time embryo six rolled around, I was all but resigned. But I soldiered on through the motions. I vividly recall sitting on the bathroom floor, tears streaming, asking the clinic receptionist what two lines on a test meant! Even then, it didn’t fully sink in that I was actually pregnant until around week 20! SUPPORT SYSTEMS How did your friends and family react to your decision, and what kind of support did you receive? When I spilled the beans, one brother went, ‘About bloody time!’ Classic! Dad jumped in right away, asking if I needed any cash. My family’s just awesome like that. We’re scattered across different countries and cities, but they’ve always got my back. My brother even gave me some hands-on training with his little ones—nephew and niece duty, you know? Moving to Liverpool meant starting from scratch in the friends department. Luckily, I scored some gems at my job, where I’d been holding it down for a year and a half before the bun started baking. These pals were my ride-or-die crew, cheering me on through the ups and downs, almost as stoked as I was when I got the baby news! But I knew I needed more backup, so I hit up a Single Moms By Choice Facebook group. From there, I hopped into a WhatsApp chat and met some kickass ladies whose due dates were all around springtime. Those girls? Lifesavers from pregnancy woes to nappy dilemmas and beyond. SOLO PARENTING Reflections Reflecting on your journey, what stands out as the most rewarding aspect of being a single mother by choice? Watching my boy grow and turn into this curious little dude as he explores the world—it’s everything! And let me tell you, nothing beats that cheeky smile of his to light up my day! FINANCES, WORK & MOTHERHOOD Being a single mother by choice involves unique financial challenges. How do you navigate these challenges and overcome them effectively? I kicked off this journey with a simple choice: house or baby. Easy call for me—I could always hustle for more house cash later! So, I dove in headfirst, stashing away every spare dime into my baby fund while still keeping tabs on travel and house savings. Weekly budgeting became my jam, although it freaked me out a bit at first. Thankfully, I’ve honed my skills over the years—just had to keep my eyes on the prize and tighten the purse strings. Reviewing my budget monthly became a ritual, helping me tweak what worked and what didn’t. Keeping a separate account for spending kept me from going overboard. I still shuffle my money around like a pro, sticking to a strict budget, but hey, I’ve still got my baby fund and travel stash intact for the essentials and a bit of wanderlust! Once I hop back into the work grind, I plan to divvy up my paycheck much the same way. That way, we can live the good life and I can give my little dude the world. Oh, and I’ve even set up a savings account for him, chipping in each month so when he hits 18, he’ll have a fat stack waiting for either some epic travels or university adventures. SELF-CARE & WELLBEING Prioritizing self-care is key; how do you ensure your well-being while managing the responsibilities of single parenthood? Man, being a Single Mom by Choice (SMBC) is no joke! I totally didn’t expect it to be this tough. It’s a constant work in progress, let me tell you! But hey, I make it a point to sneak in a hot cup of coffee or a quick shower whenever I can catch a breather. And now that my little dude’s munching on solids, we chow down on the same grub, ensuring we both get our healthy fix. Oh, and let’s not forget my monthly eyebrow sesh—gotta treat myself, right? Plus, it’s always a blast catching up with Beth, who’s been by my side through this whole journey. She gets a kick out of seeing my little munchkin too! Instead of drowning in chores, I’ve learned to kick back and relax during nap times—if I’m not catching some Z’s myself, that is. Despite the challenges, I’ve realized that being kind to yourself is key. And hey, a little reminder: social media ain’t raising your kiddo—you are! So, do what works best for you, mama. You got this! LESSONS LEARNED Reflecting on your journey, what valuable lessons have you learned on the path to single motherhood by choice? Go all in! I was dead set on leaving no stone unturned to score that positive pregnancy test. Every setback only fueled my determination, and knowing I gave it my all left me with zero regrets. If things hadn’t panned out the way they did, I wouldn’t have looked back with a single ounce of regret. CULTURAL & SOCIETAL PERCEPTIONS How do you navigate societal perceptions or judgments about being a single mother by choice? I’m pretty upfront about my journey, and I’ll set the record straight with folks I know if needed. But I’ve learned not to let random comments from strangers get under my skin. This path ain’t easy, and a lot of people just don’t get why we choose it—and that’s totally fine. It was the right call for me, but hey, it’s not one-size-fits-all. FUTURE ASPIRATIONS Looking to the future, what are your hopes and aspirations for both yourself and your child? Our next big move? Snagging our own home and planting ourselves in a fabulous community—just keep on building our dream squad, you know? WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMNT If you could share a message with women considering the path of being a SMBC, what would it be? Hey, if having a family is your thing, don’t let society’s rulebook hold you back. It bums me out when I hear women say, “I wanted this, but…” Nah, no room for “buts” when it’s your heart’s desire—go all in and figure out how to make it work! And hey, don’t go it alone—reach out to someone, like a counselor. They’re golden for helping you navigate the highs and lows of this journey. Trust me, I found bits of myself I never knew existed along the way! Caroline Hall We hope you enjoyed this insightful glimpse into Caroline's' journey as a single mother by choice. A big thank you to Caro for sharing. If you want to hear more empowering stories like this one, be sure to subscribe. Want to share your SMBC story? Email smbclife@gmail.com  Stay tuned for more uplifting tales from other single mothers by choice!

Discover a supportive community of like-minded individuals. We've collated below a list of must-join Facebook groups tailored for single mothers by choice. Whether you're seeking advice, sharing experiences, or simply connecting with others on a similar journey, these groups offer valuable support and community. Explore the Facebook groups categorized for your convenience! Click on a category to dive In. UPDATED MUST-JOIN FACEBOOK GROUPS FOR SINGLE MOTHERS BY CHOICE: CATEGORIES   Region, Country & Location Support Age & Number of Children Religion  Dating, Relationships & Cohabiting Interests Race & Ethnicity Business & Finance Sibling Connections Profession & University If the facebook group is highlighted, it means it has been newly added to the list. 1. REGION, COUNTRY & LOCATION Africa African SMBC Single Mothers by Choice South Africa SMC or SMBC Asia SMBC - South Asian Australia Single Mothers by Choice Australia Solo Mum Society Australia Australian Solo Mothers by Choice - Inc New Zealand - ASMBC - SMC - Mum Canberra Region SMBC Sydney SMBC SMBC Gold Coast SMBC solo mums by choice Gold Coast, Brisbane and surrounds Single Mothers by Choice Using Donor Eggs AND Sperm/Embryos - Australia Canada The Journey to Being a 'Single Mother by Choice' - Canada Single Mothers by Choice Canada Single Parents by Choice to Children with Special Needs in Canada SMBC Alberta SMC Alberta - Alberta Choice moms Private Group Our SMBC Village! Single Moms by Choice - Montreal & Surrounding Areas Single moms/parents by choice Nanaimo and North SMBC Ottawa-Gatineau Choice Parents Toronto (Single Moms, Dads, Gender Variant by Choice) Single Parents by Choice (Victoria BC) Single Moms/Parents by Choice - Winnipeg Europe Single Mom's by Choice (SMC's) Europe Single Mother by Choice - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg France Association Mam’ensolo : Groupe d’échange entre mamans solos par choix Ireland Single Mothers by Choice (Ireland) SMBC Mums SMBC Mums in Waiting Smbc cork/munster Israel Single Parents by Choice Israel Mexico SMA SMC's & Single Parents (San Miguel de Allende) Netherlands Single Mothers by Choice in the Netherlands New Zealand Single Mothers by Choice New Zealand Waikato Single Mothers by Choice Singapore Single Mothers by Choice in Singapore: A Support Group United Arab Emirates Solo Mothers by Choice in the UAE United Kingdom Solo Mothers by Choice UK Solo Parents by Choice UK United States of America Boston Area SMC California Single Parents by Choice Sacramento SMCs (Single Mothers by Choice) Single Mothers By Choice (SMCs) - San Francisco North & South Carolina Single Mothers by Choice (SMCs) Single Mothers by Choice Charlotte, NC Chicago Single Mothers by Choice SMC - Chicago Colorado Solo and Single Parents by Choice Single Mothers By Choice - Colorado Chapter Single Parents by Choice - Connecticut and Westchester CT SMC Florida Single Moms By Choice (SMBC) Boise Single Mothers by Choice (SMC) Single Mothers by Choice of Southern Illinois (SMBC/SMC of IL) Single Mothers by Choice (SMBC) Inland Empire Iowa City Single Mothers By Choice SMC - Single Mothers by Choice, Central Iowa Single Mothers by Choice // Knoxville, TN & surrounding Single Mothers By Choice Las Vegas Single Moms by Choice (SMBC) in Los Angeles/Ventura County Single Mothers by Choice - Seacost ME/NH/MA Single Moms by Choice New Jersey (SMBC) SMC-NJ Single Mothers by Choice In South Jersey, Philly, DE Single Parents by Choice: New York City SMC NYC (Manhattan) Single Mothers by Choice - Western New York Single Moms by Choice of New England Single Mothers by Choice - Oklahoma Central Pennsylvania SMBC Single Mothers by Choice ~ Philly Western Suburbs Pittsburgh SMCs/Choice Moms SMC/SPC Portland Single Parents by Choice Bay Area Single Mothers by Choice San Diego Santa Cruz Single Mother's By Choice (SMC/SMBC) Single Choice Parents - Seattle Area SPCNW - Single Parents by Choice in the Seattle Metro Area Silicon Valley Single Mothers by Choice Single Moms by Choice South Sound STL Single Mothers by Choice (St. Louis) SMBC - Texas TN SMBC SMBC - Tinley/Orland/Frankfort Single Mothers By Choice In Virginia Single Parents by Choice of Burlington area, VT Single Mothers By Choice: DMV Network Single Mothers By Choice- Madison, WI Single mothers by choice utah 2. SUPPORT FOR SINGLE MOTHERS BY CHOICE Single Mothers by Choice Thinkers (SMC) SMC/SPC - Thinking/Trying Support Group For Solo Mothers/Parents by Choice Single Mothers by Choice Tryers (SMC TTC) IVF/IUI Single moms by choice SMC - Single Mothers by Choice by Known Donor SMBC and Intended Parent via Surrogacy Single Mothers by Choice - Home Insemination with a known donor Single Mothers by Choice or Chance Pregnacy, Birth & Beyond SMCs (Single Mothers by Choice) SMC - 4th Trimester & Beyond Support Group for Solo Moms by Choice IVF/IUI-Single Moms by Choice The Mothering Years Single mothers by choice with preemies Single Moms By Choice (SMBC) Embryo Donors/Recipients Matching group SMCs (Single Mothers by Choice) with Multiples SMCs living after loss Single Moms By Choice (SMBC) Support Group Maverick Motherhood - Single Mother by Choice Support Motherhood Reimagined SMC Support SMBC - I'm a MOM, now what? Solo Mothers by Choice (SMC) - Welcome to reality Being your Best Mom: SMBC with MH/other Health Issues Single Mother By Choice: Survivors - navigating being a SMBC after sexual trauma The SMBC Group For SMBC Peaceful Parenting as a Single Mother by Choice (SMC, SPC) Single Mothers by Choice - Parenting Kids of all ages and stages SPC SMC Single Parents by Choice Home schoolers And Crisis Schoolers Single Parents by Choice with Elderly Parents   3. AGE & Number OF CHILDREN Single Parents by Choice - One and Done Single Mom by Choice - 1+ Kiddos Two Under Two - SMBC SPCs Single Parents by Choice with 3+ Kids SMC (Single Mothers by Choice) with Tweens & Teens (10 and up) Young Single Mothers by Choice Single Mothers by Choice - Parenting Kids of all ages and stages CNY Fertility - "IVF" - SMBC 30s & 40s (SINGLE MOTHERS) Single Mothers by Choice (35+) - Parenting Single Mother By Choice 40+ Old Badgers (40+yrs) SMBC Mature SMCs (45+) Single moms by choice smbc/smc babies due in 2024 SMBC due fall 2024 SMBC Babies Due in Spring/Summer 2022 Spring 2020 Birthdate Group (Single Mothers by Choice) Single Mothers by Choice 2020 Babies Summer 2020 Babies: SMBC 2019 SMBC All Ages SMBC Single Parents by Choice 2017 kids * Donor Conceived Persons of Single Mothers by Choice 4. RELIGION Christian Single Moms by Choice Jewish Single Moms by Choice Jewish Single Parents by Choice - Atlanta 5. DATING, RELATIONSHIPS & COHABITING SMBC Dating & Relationship Chat SMC Dating & Romance (Single Mother's by Choice) SMBC Now Partnered (Married Or In Serious Relationship) Single Mothers By Choice Housing & Cohabitation Network Single Mothers By Choice (SMC) Shared Housing Western USA (momune) 6. INTERESTS SMC Recipe Exchange Journaling, Blogging And Instagramming Single Mothers By Choice TTC Single Parents by Choice (SPC/SMC) - Camping Adventures Single Moms by Choice TRAVEL Sightsee with SMC's SMC Retreats in Greece SMBC Disney Fanatics Single Disney Parents (by Choice) - Travel Single Moms by Choice ~ Disney Cruises & Parks SMC visits, stays, and group rentals Single Mothers by Choice - Positive Affirmations 7. RACE & ETHNICITY Black SMBCs Mocha SMC (Single Mothers by Choice) Melanated Single Mothers by Choice (a Start to Finish Motherhood group) Young Black Single Mothers by Choice Single mothers by choice - Biracial Babies Melanated Single Mothers by Choice (a Start to Finish Motherhood Group) 8. BUSINESS & FINANCE SMC Finances SMCs in Business (Single Mothers by Choice) SMC/SMbC Resource Directory and Connection Zone (Single Mom by Choice) 9. SIBLING CONNECTIONS Single Mothers by Choice Only - Donor Number Sharing and Sibling Connection 10. PROFESSION & UNIVERSITY Single Mothers By Choice in Media & Production SMBC Mental Health Providers SMC Educators Smithie Single Parents by Choice Remember, you're not alone – a community of incredible single mothers by choice is just a click away. So, dive into these virtual hubs, share your stories and make connections. Here's to the supportive friendships, shared laughter, and empowering conversations that await you in these wonderful online spaces. Happy Facebook group connecting! Got a great Facebook group in mind that should be on this list? Don't be shy—share your suggestions in the comments below! Your insights help make our community stronger.