Leigh Gallagher shares her experience as a strong single mother by choice, emphasizing how this path was the simplest decision she ever faced.
Deciding to have children is monumental for women, and more are taking this step independently without waiting for the perfect partner. Many are embracing the journey solo.
From sperm or egg donation to surrogacy and adoption, the choices for entering parenthood have expanded significantly. Networks like Single Mothers By Choice (SMBCs) offer vital support, guiding women through every aspect of their journey—from selecting a sperm donor to creating a nurturing community once the baby arrives.
In her early 40s, Gallagher chose to stop waiting for a partner and decided to pursue motherhood alone. She admits that despite her usual indecision, this choice was refreshingly clear. “I felt a hundred percent like I was reclaiming my power. It’s not about luck in dating anymore. It’s up to me to make this happen,” she reflects.
With a successful career as a business journalist and now a Senior Managing Director, Gallagher always felt that something was missing in her life. “I always imagined being a mom,” she shares. “I didn’t want to look back at 60 and wonder why I didn’t pursue this. I could already have a 10- or 15-year-old by then.”
Gallagher’s daughter, now five, often asks about their unique family structure. In these moments, she reassures her child, saying, “Mommy wanted you so much.”
“I explain that making a baby involves several factors and that there are wonderful people out there willing to help. I tell her she grew in my tummy and that the most important thing is that Mommy wanted her deeply, which she proudly repeats around the house.”
