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 »
Happy Mother's Day
Mother’s Day reminds us of the inestimable social contribution that women make to the world as they care for their fetuses, newborns, infants and young children. Sometimes, this contribution is forgotten. While Mother’s Day is a great way to celebrate mothers in our society, we should acknowledge the unparalleled addition that mothers make to our world every day.
One step forward, two steps back
I never thought sleep would rule my life so much. Sam is now 12 weeks old and is back to waking up twice overnight again.
Week 1 - Welcome Evelyn Bartels!
Evelyn arrived six days overdue on Tuesday 6th May 2014 at 11.58pm after almost 24 hours of labour and an emergency caesarean. She was a healthy 4.365kgs and as the obstetrician said when she pulled her out there wasn’t much chance of her coming out naturally given her size and her position (OP)...



