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Parent stories and expert advice / Baby 17-20 weeks

Establishing routines together

Establishing routines together

Penelope is just over 6 months and it’s a godsend for us to finally have a little more routine in our lives.  I won’t lie and tell you I live and breathe a strict routine, I don’t think Penelope would really allow that, and to be honest I am a touch lenient on myself if I am enjoying a walk or a coffee for longer than planned...

Flying with baby

Flying with baby

A clinical psychologist and first-time mum shares her experiences and offers tips for air travel with a baby.

Holiday or Headache?

Holiday or Headache?

My husband and I have just been away on an action packed getaway with friends, family and our 5.5 month old son, William. I noticed some changes to the pre holiday thinking. My mind began running wild with ‘what if’ situations about three weeks before we left...

My baby is 4 months old ... what's next?

My baby is 4 months old ... what's next?

So you arrive at 4 months, thinking the hard part is behind you, well we did anyway. Penelope was becoming a better sleeper, we knew her cues and she responded well to a little more routine that together we were beginning to get the hang of. To be honest, until 4 months I believe it’s hard to set any formal routines...

My Support Network

My Support Network

Gratitude is everything, and I am truly grateful to have such a wonderful support network around me. These people have helped me build confidence and even rebuild confidence within me. 

New babies, new parents and managing the holiday season

New babies, new parents and managing the holiday season

There is generally lots of things to participate in and to do at the end of one year and the beginning of the next one: family gatherings, parties, presents, preparations and late nights. These can be daunting for anyone to face but when you have a new baby, it is more complicated...

"One fits all" parenting?

"What's wrong with Lily?" My husband said while I was trying to calm her down for over an hour.  My response: "Go to her room, grab the parenting manual and let me know!"  There was a blank look on his face at that point, but at least I had a chuckle...

Parenthood: a reflection from us!

Parenthood: a reflection from us!

Best, Challenging, Feeding, Sleep, Lifestyle, Do Differently, Something that’s Worked, Best Discovery…well what more can I say? What does everyone else think?

Questions to support new mums

Questions to support new mums

In this article for health professionals, Jean Hailes Professor Jane Fisher explains the art of finding out if a woman needs help for postnatal depression.

The importance of play 'time' with your baby

The importance of play 'time' with your baby

When it comes to play time with your baby, our MCHN expert Sue suggests the best toy on the market is you.