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 »

You and your pelvic floor

Incontinence or light bladder leakage (LBL) can be a wee problem for post-partum women. Here's what to do to maintain your core strength after giving birth.

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.

Zac, me, childcare and sickness!

After having Zac in childcare for 4 months now, I am beginning to wonder if it's all worth it! The amount of sickness we have had in this four months feels like what some people would have in a life time...