A New Reality, What Were We Thinking! Blog

"One fits all" parenting?

"What's wrong with Lily?" My husband said while I was trying to calm her down for over an hour. My response: "Go to her room, grab the parenting manual and let me know!" There was a blank look on his face at that point, but at least I had a chuckle...

On-the-job occupational fatigue for new parents

While most occupations have safety regulations to manage worker fatigue, however as Professor Jane Fisher discusses, new parents don't receive the same benefits in their hardest role to date - parenthood.

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...

Politically correct parenting

Michaela wants to know why being new to parenthood suddenly warrants the opinions of those you do, and don't, know!

Power is knowledge, and support is key

No one can prepare you for pregnancy or parenthood, however as Fiona Darling highlights, advice and support is only ever a click away.

Pregnancy, babies and budget papers ...

Kelly O'Dwyer, Federal Member for Higgins, reflects on pregnancy as a first time parent ... and what life will be like juggling a new baby and the nation's budget papers!

"Read to my baby? Now?!"

When should you begin reading books with your baby? Maternal Child & Health Nurse Sue Doogan says the sooner the better!

Released back into the wild

After four days, the holiday is over. With one mildly lumpy breast and a new baby, we are being released into our native environment to roam free like creatures of the wild once again...

Sleep deprivation

I cannot believe how bad the sleep deprivation has been. L is now 3 months, and he’s sleeping way better than he used to, but it’s still not easy. With apologies to the LGBT movement, I just keep thinking: “it gets better.” Or, I look at my own mum, and realize it must get better at some point …

Sleeping at Night

Iris is 11 weeks today and as she grows, and jumps up a size in her clothes, I can't help but feel a little sad ... she's growing too fast! But it's these times that I realise how lucky I am to have a year off from work so that I can focus on this beautiful little person in our lives...

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Parent stories and expert advice / A new reality