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 »

Some of the things we used to do

Having some more predictability during the day means I can get more rest and even eat lunch. My Mum visits a few times a week and because Sam can go to sleep without needing a feed I can leave him with her.

Finding confidence

Sam has started making cute noises like he is trying to talk. I melt when he looks at me and smiles. He is playing with his hands and sucks on his fist. I think this helps him go to sleep because when I put him to bed I can hear him sucking before he goes to sleep.

I can't get sick

I’ve had a sore throat and fever for the past couple of days, Ari is also unwell as he has been unsettled and waking every two hours over night wanting to be cuddled all the time.