Claire Jackson Claire is a 41 year old Scottish expat living in Adelaide, South Australia. As a First Nations single mother, Amanda’s journey to her son Brodie’s birth, which became traumatic, has been a difficult one. Claire was all in on the “one and done” plan at first. Her life turned upside-down when her marriage crumbled only six months after she went public about her story in an interview. Now living as a single parent, she must overcome financial and emotional obstacles, but is filled with emotion as she experiences the true happiness of motherhood.
While Brodie’s birth would lead to Claire’s eventual frustration and transformation, the early years were her happiest. It did not come without trauma that led to her chronic health issues. This traumatic birth experience changed the course of her life and understandably, her view of having any more children. Claire had previously taken solace in the idea of only having a single child. She felt that it would be simpler, both emotionally and financially, to put all of her resources towards Brodie.
The Impact of Trauma on Motherhood
Claire’s experience with motherhood doors was opened by a huge fight. The result of Brodie’s traumatic birth was chronic health complications that Claire is still dealing with today. Here’s what she has to say about her experience. These days, she understands that her mental health and physical health need to be priorities in her decision-making.
“I could not fathom putting my body or mental health through another child.” – Claire Jackson
This emotion is reflective of her intent to not expand beyond a one-child home. Claire feels that her experiences have profoundly shaped her view of motherhood. She puts health first rather than ask, or feel pressured, to have more children like society often expects bigger families.
In the two years after Brodie’s birth, Claire encountered postpartum obstacles that extended far past the first few months. Now, two years postpartum, she is left to navigate the consequences of it all. Claire’s optimism and persistence permeate as she constantly works to overcome these hurdles all while ensuring she holds space for Brodie to develop.
The Shift to Single Parenthood
The realization that Claire’s marriage was crumbling added an additional stressor to her already complex life. A half-year after she pledged to herself to be “one and done,” her marriage was over. Now, she enters this next chapter as a single mom. Now that Claire and Brodie are living in two different households, each has to maintain their own set of bills and adult obligations. This change has brought pressure both financially and emotionally, with Claire now needing to support two homes.
Even with these hurdles, Claire speaks fervently about the strength of other single mothers who juggle with multiple kids. She sheds light on the willpower it requires to bring up more than one kid by yourself underneath the burden of economic and emotional pressures.
Now that Brodie is nearing school age, Claire says that he’s more independent, which has lifted some of that day-to-day strain. Claire uses that freedom to invest in herself as a woman, while finding ways to be the present, active, and engaged mom she hopes to be.
Navigating Life’s Challenges
Claire’s new reality has forced her to rethink the decisions that brought her here and where she goes from here. She is appreciative of her connection with Brodie. She never forgets to tell us how lucky she feels to be his mom.
“I’ve learnt it’s OK to hold space for future opportunities while still being aligned with a certain way of moving forward now. And giving myself permission to change my mind.” – Claire Jackson
This philosophy continues to serve Claire well as she learns to age, to grieve, and to embrace the flatteringly defiant challenge of single motherhood. She understands that life is full of surprises, and learning to go with the flow has been key to her happiness.
