Pregnant women in Australia are increasingly having their labours induced rather than giving birth spontaneously – and some without good reason. Report Hannah Dahlen, Ank de Jonge, Lilian Peters and Soo Downe A large proportion of first time mothers (41.6%) were induced in 2018, when the...
We love vintage collections that evoke nostalgic childhood memories. Natalie Ritchie explains why her little collection of teacups brings back time well spent with the women in her family. When I was a child, afternoon tea was a place where so many good things came together...
When it comes to the Tooth Fairy, Anthea Rowan tries to put her money where her mouth is. My children have a charming book that tells the story of a little girl who is on a quest to discover what the Tooth Fairy looks like. Her...
Mary Pearl reflects on the Terrible Twos as she spends some time with her energetic granddaughter. My two-year-old granddaughter slapped a perfect stranger at the park. All the poor kid wanted was a turn on the slippery slide, but as Rachel saw it, she was protecting...
Hellen Morgan-Harris ponders how children might figure in her life. I wonder how on earth I am to explain to the angelic eight-year-old face peering at me that her uncle is wearing swimmers to bed because we have been warned that she might jump into bed...
Patricia Lee learns to take nothing for granted as the midwife called for the emergency obstetrician. As I slumped onto the delivery bed, panting and sweating after another contraction, I knew something was wrong. After spending the entire day in labour and pushing for hours, my...
Why First-Borns Rule the World and Later-borns want to change it by Michael Grose, published by Penguin Life, p/b RRP$34.99 (pub. June 1, 2021) Originally published as Why First-Borns Rule the World and Last-borns want to change it, 2003 this is fully revised and republished and updated...
Lara Cain Gray recounts a hairy moment involving her son. My 10-month-old son ate a spider. Let’s not sugar-coat it (although I’m sure that it's a delicacy somewhere) – it was frightening and revolting in equal measure. We’d had a typically hectic morning trying to get our...
When her daughter was eventually diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Sue McLachlan finally understood the reason for her daughter’s many rituals. When my daughter was about four years old, I was impressed that she had a genuine concern for hygiene. She loved to have her bath each...
A major report just released has revealed that many Australian babies are being placed at unnecessary risk because their birth by caesarean section is scheduled too early, without a medical reason. This is despite clear evidence that waiting until 39 weeks – unless there is...
