S9 E4: Unexplained Infertility and Cultural Expectations as a SMBC with Choice Mom Coach, Reema Kiran
Becoming a single mother by choice is complicated enough, but when you add layers of cultural expectations, family pressure, and the uncertainty of fertility, it can feel like there’s just no roadmap and no one who gets it. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Reema Kiran, executive coach, founder of Choice Mom Coach, and now published author of the book, Choice Mom. We go deep into her process of navigating unexplained infertility, cultural traditions, and making the call to prioritize motherhood on her own terms.
Together, we share the real, lived experience of choosing this path despite fears and grief over what “should have been". Reema opens up about childhood dreams clashing with grown-up realities, the importance of mindset, and what it meant to face questions from family and her Indian community.
We talk about what’s helped us both, and what it has looked like for our families (and ourselves) to come around to single motherhood by choice. Whether you’re in the thinking stage, facing fertility challenges, or wrestling with letting go of the life you imagined, this is a truly supportive, honest conversation.
In this episode, we talk about:
Navigating cultural expectations and family reactions as a single mother by choice
The emotional side of infertility, failed fertility treatments, and shifting your mindset
Reema's experience with egg freezing and entering the world of IVF on her own
Grieving the loss of the partner and child vision, and finding your own way forward
Day-to-day realities and surprises of solo motherhood (from mental load to mom guilt)
How to speak with confidence to loved ones who might not understand your choices
The power of self-compassion, community, and taking just one next step
Connect with Reema Kiran:
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