What to really expect

Bern Morley I remember being given a copy of ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ when I was first pregnant. Well, I can save you forty bucks. Just expect your life to change. Massively.

Announcing the birth of your baby

Brooke Tasovac With so many people waiting to find out when your little one enters the world, some new parents will want to get the word out as soon as possible from the delivery room while others may want to take some time to themselves before they begin the often lengthy and tiring task of letting people know.

Baby belly busters

Post-baby body watching is like a spectator sport as gossip mags chart the ability of celebrity bellies to ease back into their jeans almost overnight. But in the real post-partum world of patchy sleep and milk-stained nighties, how easy is it to reclaim your former abs?

Forget 'baby brain' - mothers' grey matter grows after the birth

Nicky Phillips New mothers may experience forgetful moments, but their brains actually grow after giving birth, a US study has found.

Recovery after birth

Brooke Wells Regardless of whether you deliver vaginally or by Caesarean section, all mothers will experience certain symptoms as they recover from giving birth.

So proud to be Dad for the first time

Lucy Perry Many men report an odd sense of concern that they are handed this little child with no instruction manual, no test to pass or interview process to go through in order to prove their aptitude for fatherhood. Together with your partner, you’re out on your own and this can feel a little scary.

Super Hubbo Action

Juliana Fridman I was barely awake that whole afternoon and full next day after the caesarean. In the meantime, Jon has been the best father (and husband) anyone could wish for. Jon goes see the boys 24x7, he worries and celebrate every little step.

A turn around on events, getting my health back

Juliana Fridman I wasn’t feeling that well, one week since the caesarean and I still don’t walk much, my water retention got worse, and I have some problems breathing, especially at night.

Sex and baby

Although everyone’s different, a new baby will inevitably have some impact on your sex life. Here Sarah Scheller O’Donnell explains what to expect before, during and after pregnancy

Many still believe depression comes with motherhood

Jennie Curtin Most people think depression is a ''normal'' part of pregnancy and women do not need treatment, according to a survey by the mental health group beyondblue.

Did pregnancy and its aftermath ruin your body?

Kylie Orr As I look down at my sad and sorry excuse for a cleavage, I try to remember that babies are miracles that enhance our lives.

No tricks for Klum

When Heidi Klum famously walked the runway in lingerie for Victoria's Secret less than two months after giving birth to son Henry, she became the envy of mums everywhere still struggling to lose post-baby kilos.

News archive

The maternal dilemma

Julia Baird In Manhattan, motherhood is seen as a disruption to a woman's real life - leaving Australian expat Julia Baird wondering if something has been lost.

Sex after baby

Melissa Maimann Welcome to parenthood! New babies are amazing, wondrous beings, aren't they? But, for someone so small, they can bring with them endless tasks. Is there any time or desire for sex?

Counselling the key after birth

AFP Many women struggling with postnatal depression may expect only a hug or a couple of pills, but in new studies doctors say counselling can not only treat this risky condition but prevent it too.

Tips for sex after baby

Melissa Maimann Pregnancy, birth and newborn babies bring on a flurry of questions and inevitably you will come to ask the question about resuming sex post birth. Here are our tips for getting in the mood!

Embracing motherhood

With the growing perception of the ‘supermum’ and society’s increasing pressure on women to ‘have it all’, Australian mothers often miss out on vital postnatal care and support that is the norm in traditional cultures around the world.

Jessica's honesty over baby blues

Christine Sams Television star Jessica Rowe has revealed the shocking depths of her postnatal depression, hoping her honesty will help women suffering as she did.

Perinatal anxiety and depression

Gloria Barton & Catherine Knox Around 20 percent of women suffer from perinatal anxiety and depression, which equates to 50,000 women each year. The illness does not discriminate, and if left untreated can have far reaching effects on a woman's health, wellbeing and her family.

Perinatal depression and anxiety fact sheet

Gidget Foundation Giving birth can be an empowering and exciting experience. A new baby can bring so much joy. This phase of life is very special for most couples most of the time. It can also be an emotional roller coaster for most couples some of the time, but for some women and their partners it can be an overwhelming time of stress and struggle. Many of us have heard of post natal depression. The illness is now referred to as perinatal anxiety and depression.

'Father' to go from birth certificate

Heath Gilmore A controversial new bill that will remove the word "father" from birth certificates to recognise lesbian couples who have children through IVF will be put before NSW Parliament.

Resuming sex after baby

While your sex life during pregnancy may continue normally, sex after the birth is probably going to be the last thing on your mind.