S8, Ep 7 Finding a Known Donor and Choosing Solo Motherhood with Viveka Mandhyan

Connect with Viveka on instagram: Solo Mama To Be (@soloparentonpurpose)

What if the desire to become a parent is strong, but the partner hasn't shown up?

In this episode, I’m talking with Viveka, a school psychologist who has spent her career supporting kids and families—and who’s now navigating her own path to solo motherhood.

Viveka started out as a preschool special education teacher, is certified as a yoga instructor and nature therapy guide, and brings a deeply grounded, global perspective to everything she does. She’s biracial, trilingual, a former Indian classical dancer, and one of those people who’s just naturally good with children. 

When Viveka found herself single in her late thirties and experiencing dating burnout, she decided it was time to freeze her eggs. But once she took a step into this world, she realized that she could be that woman who decides to pursue solo motherhood.

Now over a year into her process of becoming a single mother by choice, Viveka shares what it’s looked like to shift her priorities, explore known donor conception through Seed Scout, and start the process of trying to conceive—without waiting for a partner.

This conversation is about so much more than logistics. It’s about identity, intuition, culture, and what happens when you finally give yourself permission to want what you want.

In this episode about choosing solo parenthood, we talk about:

• The early stages of becoming a solo mom by choice;

• Experiencing dating burnout;

• Choosing solo motherhood when you find yourself single in your 30s or 40s;

• Cultural considerations and family conversations;

• Using Seed Scout to find a known sperm donor;

• Navigating fertility clinics, timing, and IUI with a known donor;

• Balancing career, future dreams, and the realities of single parenting;

• And more.