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 »

Learning new tricks

My days are more predictable but not always easy. John has been back at work for months now and I feel I need to get meals cooked and organise the shopping, cleaning and washing. It’s not that I mind doing this it is just that it can take me all day. At times I feel unorganised and annoyed I can't manage simple household tasks.

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.

New friends

I can’t believe how much of the day I spend feeding, changing and settling baby Ari, if anyone had told me I don’t think I would have believed them. I thought babies slept most of the time and never imagined it was such a full time (day and night) work.