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August 11, 2025 48 mins

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Amanda found out she was having twins at just three weeks pregnant — surprise! In this episode, she shares what it’s like to raise two babies solo, flee a state mid-pregnancy, and survive postpartum with the help of friends, caffeine, and a synchronized nap schedule. Chaos? Yes. Regrets? Zero.

In this episode, Amanda shares her thoughtful journey into single motherhood by choice (SMBC), offering a wealth of practical advice and personal reflections:

  • Community Support: Amanda highlights the value of SMBC-focused Facebook groups as a vital space for connection and shared experience.

  • Tapping Into Benefits: She urges listeners to explore their employer-provided benefits, sharing how her insurance provider and HR department offered unexpected resources. Amanda emphasizes that HR reps often love to help and can even connect you with external brokers if needed.

  • Fertility Support: Her company offered Progyny as an enhanced IVF support program, and Amanda shares how her Progyny caseworker was instrumental—supportive, informative, and a true advocate.

  • Advocating for Benefits: Amanda encourages building relationships with HR reps—especially at smaller companies, where HR can influence future benefits based on employee needs.

Favorite Resources:

  • Emily Oster’s books for data-driven insights into pregnancy and planning.

  • “An Excellent Choice”, a memoir that deeply resonated with Amanda during her SMBC journey—one of the few she could find that spoke directly to her experience.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or navigating the SMBC path, especially those looking to make the most of their workplace support and benefits.


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