Solo Parenting: Choosing to Thrive and Finding Balance in Work and Motherhood
Alexia cleared her own tokophobia and developed a method that has helped women clear theirs for more than 10 years.
In this episode I talk to Steph Bennett about her decision to become a solo parent.
Finding balance in work and motherhood
Steph talks about building a career and becoming a mother on her own terms, and about the challenges and joys along the way.
Steph chose work that gave her control over her time. She talks about optimising her life rather than compromising. As a managing director she found balancing work and parenting hard at first, but gradually found ways to work flexibly. She feels workplaces still need to do much more to support working mothers.
Here are some of the things we talked about.
Deciding to solo parent. Steph always knew she wanted to be a mother, partner or not. She talks about deciding to go it alone and her worries about the physical and emotional side of raising a child by herself.
Choosing insemination. After tests at a fertility clinic, Steph chose IUI (intrauterine insemination). She describes choosing a sperm donor from an online catalogue, based on health information and personality.
Work and motherhood. Steph talks about setting boundaries and not overworking, and about the lack of respect and flexibility many working parents face.
French and British parenting. We compare parenting in France and the UK, including letting children be independent and the challenge of French school holidays for working parents.
Letting children choose. Steph wants to give her daughter the freedom to make her own decisions and mistakes and to find her own path.
Resources mentioned during the episode
- Steph’s podcast, For the Love of Kids, where she talks to parents and non-parents about the challenges and joys of parenthood.
About Steph Bennett
Stephanie Jane Bennett is a marketing and social media consultant with twenty years’ experience, working with brands including Nespresso, Lavazza, Pernod Ricard, Google, Gatwick Airport, the RSPCA, Harrods, Hotels.com and Great Ormond Street Hospital. As a freelance consultant she provides marketing, social media, website and podcast production services, and works as a mentor, trainer and business development strategist. She launched the parenting podcast For the Love of Kids as a passion project inspired by becoming a solo parent.
Connect with Steph on LinkedIn.
Episode timestamps
00:31 Solo parenting: working mother’s journey and challenges.
04:49 Fertility tests.
08:43 Can I physically do it? Major concerns. Emotional stability, financial practicality. Blind spot. Living situation.
11:42 One shot, IUI process, watch and wait.
14:58 Selected sperm donor had diverse mixed heritage.
17:15 Early pregnancy cravings led to immediate test.
20:39 Partner absent during pregnancy, friend allowed once, support from remote friend.
23:31 Preparing my house, typing, attempted induction, contractions.
28:24 Extended hospital stay after caesarean; baby’s health concerns.
30:50 Parents feel pressure to be perfect, adapt.
35:59 Working mothers face unfair treatment and disrespect.
39:26 Taking control of work, family, and guilt.
40:58 Women leaders who inspire other women.
44:42 Changing laws and societal shifts are impacting lives.
49:44 Life in France and studying French.
51:36 Children need boredom to foster creativity.
56:23 Little gestures build confidence; independent young woman.
57:28 Parenthood changes perspective and impacts all aspects.
Fear Free Childbirth is a publication and is not a substitute for medical or mental-health care. If you’re struggling to cope or in crisis, please contact your GP, midwife or a qualified professional.
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- Thousands of Mothers May Be Living With Undiagnosed PTSD After Childbirth - 16th October 2026
