Parent stories and expert advice / Baby 0-4 weeks

Am I the only one who experienced newborn parenting neurosis?!

New mums learn to expect heightened emotions during pregnancy, but after the baby is born and the hormones are released, what happens when you still feel neurotic?

And just like that‚ you're a dad

No one can prepare you for becoming a father. I fell completely in love with Victoria as soon as she was born but to say that I felt overwhelmed would be a major understatement...

A simple way new mums can reduce their anxiety

Parenting expert Dr Heather Rowe examines how fear-based health messages targeting those with a new baby can cause unnecessary anxiety in new mums.

A suspiciously spammy message for new parents

When it comes to parenting, author Kaz Cooke points out that "one person’s brilliant life-hack is always somebody else’s bonkers piece of melon wrapped in passive-aggressive ham."

Baby routines. Yay or nay for a newborn?

Many questions arise for new parents once they bring their bundle of joy home from hospital. Should considering a 'baby routine' be one of them?

Born in the USA

My partner and I are both from Melbourne, but we moved to New York a few years ago for work. There are lots of crazy things about the American health system, which has affected our birth experience in several ways.

Dealing With Doubt

Leaving the hospital with our beautiful baby was such an exciting moment for Tom and I. We packed our bags, thanked all the wonderful nurses and took photos of our new family all the way to the front door. The car pulled up and Tom opened the door to put our precious little Isabelle into the back seat and all of a sudden a feeling of doubt began to creep up on us both…

Don't come knocking if you're coughing

We love to have family and friends come and stay with us, although I cannot believe how many people have arrived on our doorstep unwell. Firstly, this stresses me, worrying about Abigail, what will she catch and secondly, I cannot afford to get sick, especially when I'm feeding 6-8 feeds a day, cleaning the house and cooking dinner.

Evelyn's first few weeks

After the crazy last night in hospital Evelyn did really well once we got her home. She seemed to be quite content to have left the hospital and be in this strange, cold house. Luckily the first night at home she went back to sleeping how she had been the first few nights...

Expectations of motherhood

Adjusting to life with a new baby is enormously challenging and it can take time. Having realistic expectations of what pregnancy and motherhood involve can help women adjust to life with a new baby. This article will provide common misconceptions surrounding pregnancy and motherhood, along with some strategies that may be useful during this time.