• Shivani Singh chose IVF at 38 to become a single mom, facing cultural stigmas. • She kept a semi-private pregnancy, initially worried about others' perceptions. • She balances a legal career and single motherhood through the support of her family.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shivani Singh, a 41-year-old mom of one and legal professional in Sydney. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I was idealistic, thinking there would be a prince charming who would come riding in on his horse and we would start a family.

However, as I neared my 40s, I thought the longer I wait, the less possible it might be from a biological perspective. I knew I didn't have all the stamina I did in my 20s and 30s.

I did a lot of thinking and, after conversations wit

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