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...
Nearly 140,000 Australian babies were protected against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this winter, thanks to the country’s world-first National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program. Early results show a 30% drop in hospital admissions for infants under six months, including a 33% fall in intensive care admissions,...
Barbara Fraser recalls how desperate she felt after the birth of her son… some 40 years ago. The Crying That Never Stopped From birth, he cried, drawing his little legs up in agony. Medical checks showed nothing wrong, and our GP put it down to colic. Medication...
Many women don’t realise they have choices, write researchers Kate Levett, Deborah Fox and Vanessa Scarf So, you’re about to have a baby. You’ve been to the birth classes – you learned how being upright and moving around can help you be as comfortable as possible....
