Deciding whether your children should be present during the birth of a new sibling is a deeply personal choice. Some families find it beautiful and bonding; others discover that labour is simply too intense for young kids. Author Gabrielle Targett shares her real-life experiences and...
Professeur Nicolas Mathevon reports on why a baby’s cry is a simple, powerful alarm and why maternal instinct is a myth. The sound slices through the quiet of the night: a muffled sob, then a hiccup, quickly escalating into a high-pitched, frantic wail. For any parent...
Researchers Jennifer Koplin, Debbie Palmer and Desalegn Markos Shifti look at the current advice for mothers. Many questions pop up when you’re growing or raising a new baby. Among them, women often wonder if what they eat during pregnancy or breastfeeding will affect whether or not their...
Do kids cost more now? Asks expert, Ben Phillips. Calculating the cost of raising kids is complicated. Australians are having fewer children than ever. At 1.5 babies per woman, the fertility rate is at a record low. Many attribute this to the cost of having and...
Each year, thousands of babies are born with congenital anomalies — structural or functional differences that can affect development. While modern medicine has advanced dramatically, many families still face the uncertainty of a child’s undiagnosed condition. In Part 1, Clinical geneticist Dr Susan White reflects on...
Kate Gorringe-Smith considers the qualities of the mental images we hold of our own families, and how others remember our children. Parents see daily change, but it’s relatives who hold vivid snapshots. Why memory works this way—and how to treasure your child’s fleeting stages. The Familiar Family...
Dr YooMi Byun reports on her study of the association between 8 years of fathers’ psychological problems and children’s social and emotional wellbeing. The Changing Role of Fathers in Children’s Lives The role of fathers has changed significantly in most developed societies over time. As mothers have...
National guidelines are urgently needed to give clarity and consistency to the rules around surrogacy. For many Australians, surrogacy offers a precious pathway to parenthood. In Australia, surrogacy is altruistic only – meaning it’s not paid, beyond covering expenses – and often takes place between close friends or...
What families need to check for a Surrogacy Birth (hospital policies, legal paperwork, etc.) Before the Birth ✅ Legal agreements: Make sure you and your surrogate have a written surrogacy agreement, and both parties have had independent legal advice (a requirement in most states). ✅ Counselling sessions: Confirm...
From cooler nurseries to calmer nights, these simple tips help families cut energy bills while keeping little kids comfortable, whatever the weather outside. How to Save Energy with a Newborn Welcoming a baby changes everything – including how you use energy at home. Origin Energy has shared...
