A heartfelt NICU story

A Keepsake to Treasure

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Written & illustrated by a NICU Mum

A Story That Understands

About

Behind the pages

From NICU to Home

FAQ's

NICU Birth Details Sticker Add On

Personalise Your Copy

Add to my order!
Brave Beginnings Graphic

Welcome to Clive and Co!

The home of Brave Beginnings, a heartfelt picture book created to spark empathy, understanding and hope for anyone touched by the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) journey.

When my son came into the world unexpectedly at 31 weeks, I longed for a story that could help him - and me - make sense of the NICU journey and hold its significance as he got older. Finding nothing that felt right, Brave Beginnings began as the story I wished existed, honouring the courage of babies and the strength of families while offering a keepsake to treasure.

AVAILABLE NOW

Brave Beginnings

Buy a Copy!

A story for NICU families and loved ones, Brave Beginnings honours the courage of babies and the families who support them. It tells the journey with honesty, reflecting on the challenges, the triumphs, and the love that carries each day. More than a picture book, it’s a treasured keepsake to hold close and remember this unexpected chapter.

aDD ON

'Your Brave Beginning' Birth Details Sticker

Buy a Sticker!

Capture the moments that matter with the Your Brave Beginning: Birth Details Sticker - a special add-on to personalise your Brave Beginnings book for your NICU warrior/s. Designed for NICU families, it sticks neatly on the inside endpapers and includes spaces for birth details, milestones like first cuddles and first bath, and any unique moments from your baby’s journey. This beautiful sticker is a meaningfulnway to turn your copy of Brave Beginnings into a personalised keepsake you’ll treasure for years.

  • Support for Neonatal and NICU Families

    A dedicated space for neonatal support, helping NICU parents, premature baby families and caregivers navigate early and unexpected beginnings.

  • A Children’s Book That Explains the NICU Journey

    Brave Beginnings is a heartfelt children’s book that helps to gently explain NICU experiences and premature birth to young children.

  • A Meaningful Resource for Parents, Siblings & Professionals

    Created for NICU siblings, neonatal graduates, parents and healthcare teams seeking a compassionate way to understand and share the neonatal journey.

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A few helpful answers before you order:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book only for NICU families of premature babies?

Not at all! 
Brave Beginnings is meaningful for any child - whether they were born early, full term, spent time in the NICU, or simply want to learn about this world through someone else’s story. It’s also a valuable resource for siblings, extended family members, early childhood educators and healthcare professionals. Even families with no direct connection to the NICU can use it to help children build understanding, empathy and compassion.

What age is the book suitable for?

Brave Beginnings is best read to children aged 3 and up. The language and illustrations gently support young children in understanding neonatal and NICU experiences. It’s also a beautiful keepsake for parents and caregivers, with a space to include special messages - whether from family, friends, or even the nurses and doctors who cared for your baby. You can also choose to add matching birth details stickers to personalise the inside of your book.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! I currently ship most often to New Zealand, USA, UK, and Canada. If you're in another country, I'm still happy to help - just reach out via social media or email admin@cliveandco.com.au and I can provide a shipping quote.

Because international shipping from Australia is quite expensive and exchange rates fluctuate, I’m not able to offer a flat international shipping rate. Instead, shipping is calculated as accurately as possible based on your location and order size.

Do you offer bulk or group discounts?

If you're purchasing for a hospital unit, organisation, parenting group, or charitable initiative, please reach out via the contact page. I love supporting NICU communities and can offer bulk pricing for larger orders.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Orders are typically packed within 3-6 business days (often faster!).

Shipping times vary depending on your location and postage option selected. You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your order is on its way from my little packing nook.