Hi, I'm Meaghan!

And I wrote the book, Brave Beginnings, a NICU children’s book inspired by my own journey and start to motherhood. I’m a South Aussie mum from Gawler, a teacher, and now, somehow, an author and illustrator too. (Still wrapping my head around that one… hello, imposter syndrome!)

Writing has always been a quiet dream of mine, but I never quite knew where to start. Then in 2024, after a nearly 4 year long and emotional journey through IVF and loss, our beautiful son Wyatt was born - and suddenly, I had a story I felt truly compelled to share.

Wyatt arrived 9 weeks early, weighing just 1040g (2lb 3oz). His start to life was filled with wires, beeping monitors, and far too many unknowns, but through it all, he showed a strength I never knew was possible. Each day, sitting beside his isolette in the NICU, I started writing. I started drawing. Slowly, I began to process our experience and turn it into something meaningful.

That NICU side project grew into Brave Beginnings, my very first picture book. I created all the illustrations myself (still very much a novice in this area) and I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside other NICU families and the incredible staff in the NICU/SCN where Wyatt was born to make this book as accessible and accurate as possible.

Reading to Wyatt is one of our greatest joys, and my hope is that Brave Beginnings becomes part of bedtime (and hospital bedside) routines for other families too.

First book? Yes.
Last one? Hopefully not.

Why Clive and Co?

The story and meaning behind my business and publishing name.

The name Clive & Co. holds a special place in our story. During my pregnancy, we started calling our baby “Clive” after my mother-in-law had consecutive dreams about this being his name. It began as a bit of a laugh, but somehow, the name stuck and Clive became our little in utero mascot (my students call it his first-first name!). He was the hope we clung to during our long and emotional journey through infertility, IVF, and loss.

Although the nickname didn’t seem to stick after Wyatt was born, it became a powerful symbol for us. Clive represented everything we were dreaming of: strength, resilience, and a future we had fought so hard for.

So here’s to Clive & Co, where dreams, hope, and stories come to life. 

Meet Brave Beginnings

Brave Beginnings is a story born in the NICU, written and illustrated just steps away from where my son lay fighting to grow stronger. It’s a book for NICU families, for anyone who’s ever sat by a crib full of tubes and monitors, holding on with love and hope while navigating the unknown.

It’s a story of strength, survival, and the extraordinary love that begins in the hardest places.

I wrote it for the parents who show up day after day with tired eyes and brave hearts. I wrote it for the little ones who fight more battles than most of us ever will. And I wrote it for the big siblings, the often overlooked warriors who wait, worry, and love fiercely from the sidelines while their baby brothers or sisters fight to come home.

Whether you’re a NICU parent, a nurse, a teacher, a support person, or simply someone who loves a little fighter, Brave Beginnings is a gentle, heartfelt celebration of resilience, family, and the many ways we show up for each other, especially when it’s hard.