Hi there, my name is Gina. I’m a mama to my 7-month-old little girl, a licensed clinical social worker and photographer living in Fairfield County. I am also a single mother by choice, meaning I don’t have a partner and instead became pregnant through fertility treatments. In this growing community, a single mother by choice (SMBC) is identified differently than a single mother by circumstance. We are women who are parenting solo, commonly after using fertility treatments or through successful adoption.
There are many different reasons why someone would choose to become a single mother by choice. I have heard many and respect each woman’s story and decision to take on such an important role.
I’ve always known I wanted to be a mom. As the years went on and different experiences challenged my sense of identity, I found this one desire remained constant. By 25, I started considering single motherhood and accepting that my journey to being a mom would look different from what I had imagined (you know, the white picket fence and Mr. Right bringing me chocolates and flowers daily). By the time I was 30, I had begun researching doctors, choosing a donor, and preparing for treatments. When COVID started, I wasn’t sure if I would move forward with the process, but I persevered and soon became pregnant.
I’m now another year older and living my BEST life with my daughter by my side. Each day, the joy she brings me is indescribable, and I am so grateful to be her mom.
I feel so empowered when I reflect on my journey to motherhood. I am proud of my ability to reclaim my life by becoming who I’ve always wanted to be, “Mom.”
I have a wonderful community of women around me who I find myself in awe of daily. And I appreciate all of the love and support from friends and family.
This path is not for everyone, and at times it can be challenging due to the misconceptions people may have. But if single motherhood may be a good fit for you, I say, “Go for it.” You have a right to live the life you’ve always dreamed of, even if it looks a little different!
I am so excited to be a part of the Fairfield County Mom team, and I look forward to sharing my journey and unique perspective on parenting. I hope to connect with and reach other SMBC or women who are considering this path! 
Hi Gina, I’m a SMBC too! In Westport, raising my daughter who’s 5 now. And, I’m a therapist. Would love to connect.
Hi Pamela, this is so wonderful to hear! I would love to connect and chat further. Would it be okay if I send an e-mail to your linked address?
Hi Gina. I’m also an SMC and recently relocated with my daughter back to Fairfield County to be near family. I was in LA with a huge SMC community, so would love to connect with other SMCs here! Feel free to email on my address if you see this.
Hi,
I am a SW working with a SMC. She is navigating unemployment. She is receiving rent/bill assistance from family, in process of receiving support with food and has WIC. She has a fair housing option. Wondering if you know of good resources to help her navigate unemployment? She has a college degree, experience in customer service, strong resume but no one is reaching our to her.
Hi, Margaret! Thank you for your comment. Since this individual will be receiving food support, assuming from SNAP she should be eligible for their career support/training.
https://portal.ct.gov/dss/-/media/dss-beta/pdf/kb/partners-and-programs-2025–rev-8-2024.pdf?rev=76686d78ad7c4e93878a888cb4dd551d&hash=D85555B0DA977F0850D033974701B536&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLhxstleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgqSZAgxOVQYYHRFH82h0E7NvGc4EaVlvXL21CnxeNkgxA8_lmAqkmlo2mpk_aem_KumcQnbhqa9C75HfZPKhgw
She could also check out these places for employment or support with employment.
https://jobs.ct.gov/training?language=en_US&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLhxvNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHo4ZjWxcaskaT6s445H-ZaXebeW_OAWGfGsdfuosbsG-fx8sk8dAhVVsnjEM_aem_isprCWxEu-7p0W2P8Unejg
Additionally, she could contact the college she attended and receive support from their career service center.
Although I’d imagine already contacted, 211 can also help with sorting through appropriate resources based on where she is located in the state. Good luck!