Information, resources and reassurance for new parents navigating the highs and lows of life with a baby
The birth of a first baby is one of the biggest life transitions an adult will experience. Major life changes are always accompanied by mixed feelings and most parents feel under-equipped for the tasks of infant care and managing a household with a baby.
This website contains information about common experiences in the early months of parenthood and some effective ways of thinking about and managing them.
All information on this website is drawn from up-to-date research and the experiences of many parents of new babies. We hope that you find the site helpful as you learn to live with your first baby.
www.whatwerewethinking.org.au content was developed with funding from the Australian Government and the Jack Brockhoff Foundation. The authors have sole responsibility for the content of the website.
The site content is provided for your information; if you have comments you are welcome to submit them to:
This site is not a substitute for advice from your family doctor or another health professional.
If you feel sad, worried, or irritable most of the time, then it is important to talk to your family doctor.
For Parents »
» Introduction
» 'About Babies' Worksheets
» 'About Mothers & Fathers' Worksheets
For Professionals »
» Background Theory
» Research and Evidence
» Frequently Asked Questions
WWWT Blog »
Plan to be unplanned
Day four was ‘go home day’ and feeling confident about our progress so far (milk in, happy feeder, happy sleeper and no mastitis). I was excited that my husband had taken the day off work to drive us home...
Sharing the load
We have learnt to juggle our time to help each other and manage Penelope. Having another pair of hands to quickly hang out the washing together each day is a godsend. We make the bed together each morning, and Ben gobbles his breakfast talking sweet nothings and baby goo-gah with Penelope while I throw myself under the shower.
Challenges now my baby has reached 6 months
Hitting 6 months has meant fun fun fun! Quicker to feed, easier to settle, established solids to help distract from those mini tantrums, and best of-laughing, smiles, hugs and finally a show of genuine love towards her mummy and daddy.

