Becoming a mom was always Brooke Withington’s dream. At just 28, she’s not only living that dream but thriving as the proud single mother of five children. But her journey wasn’t what most would call “traditional.” In fact, her fifth child, Nora, was conceived thanks to a sperm donor Brooke found through a Facebook group.
For Brooke, who hails from Australia, motherhood was a goal she held close to her heart from an early age. “I always wanted at least five children,” she shared. “Of course, I thought I’d be married first, but life had other plans.”
Her first four children—Edward (8), Gilbert (6), Odette (4), and baby Mabel (4 months)—were all born during relationships that eventually ended. After her third child, Brooke decided to embrace single life, but her dream of a larger family didn’t fade.
“I was happy on my own,” she explained. “But I still wanted more children, so I decided to explore the sperm donor route.”
A Modern Solution: Turning to Social Media
Brooke initially considered a sperm bank but wanted a more personal approach. That’s when she remembered hearing about a Facebook group called Sperm Donation Australia. Intrigued, she joined the group and posted her story, soon receiving responses from potential donors.
What appealed to her most about this process was the chance to meet the donor in person. “I loved that you could actually get to know them—their personality, their history. It felt much more personal than a clinic,” she said.
Brooke didn’t take the decision lightly. She carefully vetted candidates, asking plenty of questions, conducting background checks, and ensuring her chosen donor understood that she wasn’t looking to co-parent.
The Big Decision
After selecting her donor, Brooke opted for artificial insemination, which she felt was the most comfortable and safe method. “I wanted to be in control of the process,” she said. “I even booked a hotel room for the procedure, where the donor left his sample, and I used a syringe myself.”
Nine months later, in May 2021, baby Nora arrived, completing Brooke’s family of five.
Facing Criticism
While Brooke is overjoyed with her family, she’s not immune to online criticism. Trolls often accuse her of relying on taxpayer money, but Brooke is quick to set the record straight. She works a solid job and prides herself on instilling the value of hard work in her children.
“I know people judge me, but I don’t let it bother me,” she said. “I’ve created the family I always wanted, and I couldn’t be happier.”
A Remarkable Journey
Brooke’s story is one of resilience, love, and breaking societal norms to achieve her dream. Her journey reminds us that family comes in many forms—and sometimes, a little creativity and determination can go a long way.
What do you think about Brooke’s unconventional path to motherhood? Share this story with your friends and spark a conversation!
