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.

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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 »

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.

I don't have to be a supermum

Becoming a parent has confirmed for us that feeling daunted and overwhelmed had rhyme and reason. Early in the piece there were days and weeks where I felt in control, organised and managing this new little wriggly worm reasonably well.

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.