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 »
Visiting hours - tales from the tired trenches
New parents have to learn new skills. Sometimes, so do their well-meaning friends who come to visit.
I had mixed feelings about my newborn
Being a parent is a truly wonderful experiece. However, as this dad discovers, that doesn't mean it's "awesome" every minute of every day ...
Feeding time at the zoo
I hate to admit it, but I think breastfeeding is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I don’t mean to show off, but I have a number of wonderful talents. But breastfeeding is hard. After attending the breast feeding information session at the hospital, I was convinced that I would 'nail it', I haven’t...