• A mother's shock as a stranger smacks her child

    One mother tells of her shock when a stranger took it upon herself to smack and reprimand her child while shopping.

    Debbie Green and her father, Michael, with Sophia.
  • Battling 'mum insomnia'

    As parents, we all know that we have to accept a degree of sleep deprivation. But many mums still find themselves wide awake during the night, even when their kids are sleeping through.

    tired woman
  • How much sex is normal?

    Two of the most common questions I am asked by my clients are "How much sex is normal?" and "What is the average amount of sex that other couples are having?". These sound like simple questions, but there are no right answers.

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  • How a week at sleep school changed my life

    I’m sure I knew to expect sleep deprivation and stress, but the reality of having a baby who didn’t sleep was one of the most isolating and exhausting experiences of my life.

    sleep baby
  • Breastfeeding mums want to ruin your day

    The catchy new Aussie song that pokes fun at people who are outraged by breastfeeding 'exhibitionists'.

    ACT-based performers Juliet Moody and Catherine Crowley from Sparrow Folk. Photo: TedX Canberra.

Conception

Growing up Asian in a white household

Yeong Sassall Some people argue that cross-cultural adoption isn't 'natural'. But Yeong Sassall, who was adopted from South Korea into a white Australian family, begs to differ.

Couples with unexplained infertility could be rushing into IVF, doctors say

ivf

Kate Hagan Providing IVF treatment for unexplained infertility may be leading to overtreatment of couples who could go on to conceive naturally, a group of fertility doctors has argued.

Pregnancy in your forties

Woman with transplant womb undergoes embryo transfer

Indian children being trafficked for illegal adoption

Choosing my partner over motherhood

Pregnancy

Why Essential Baby and its editor, Amber Robinson, supports Pregnant Pause

Staff writers Amber Robinson explains why Essential Baby is a proud media partner of the Pregnant Pause campaign, and shares some insight into the ways medical advice over drinking in pregnancy has changed, even in the past few years.

Birth

An elective caesarean saved my sanity

Donna Webeck It's a divisive parenting debate that flares up often: natural childbirth versus an elective caesarean. But for me, there was only one option that would help my physical and mental wellbeing intact.

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Blood loss in labour on the rise

Pregnancy

AMY CORDEROY A sharp rise in the number of women needing blood transfusions when they give birth is concerning doctors, who are at a loss to explain why more women are experiencing serious bleeding in childbirth.

Woman gives birth on sled after snow storm

The wonder of 'One Born Every Minute'

Meet New Zealand's 'quake baby'

'Our four kids have the same birthday'

Baby

Charlie Be Home sleeping bags for babies and toddlers

Babyology We do love a beautiful infant sleeping bag, and these are just about as lovely as they come - with a hip twist.

Toddler

Why kids whine - and what you can do about it

CATHERINE RODIE Most parents would probably agree that whining is one of the most irritating sounds known to mankind. But your kids aren't doing it just to annoy you - and there are constructive ways for you to respond.

Daycare and separation anxiety

daycare

My toddler is starting daycare again soon and I am dreading the first few weeks because I know it is going to be a running battle. What can I do to try and prevent his anxiety?

Baby suffers third-degree burns at skate park

Stop telling me girls are easier

Mystery of fire poker through toddler's tongue

Video: NZ toddler a skating marvel, amid concerns for his safety

Being Dad

A great dad, but not a super hero

AMBER ROBINSON If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between the roles mothers and fathers play in the family home, this photo – or the public’s reaction to it – illustrated it entirely.

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Couvade syndrome: when dads have pregnancy pains too

belly

Libby Hakim Insomnia, nausea, tiredness and indigestion. While they’re not the most wonderful part of pregnancy, they usually don’t come as a surprise – unless it’s the dad-to-be who’s the one suffering.

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Dad and daughter's loving tribute in mum's memory

Dad dies hours after holding son for first time

Family's plea to help find missing dad Nick Eade

Male pill a step closer to reality

Lifestyle

New book on overcoming the baby blues

Paula Goodyer A new book looks at the huge emotional challenges that come after childbirth - and the help that's available to mums.

Channing Tatum: 'I am very fappy'

channing tatum

Actor Channing Tatum says he’s a fat and happy dad since welcoming daughter Everly with his wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum eight months ago.

What is scombroid fish poisoning?

Battling 'mum insomnia'

A mother's shock as a stranger smacks her child

Family's tragic tale of two lost sons