What non-parents 'unlike' about parents
ELISSA GRIESSER There are lots of annoying people on Facebook. We parents are among them.
Brad Pitt praises 'heroic' Jolie over double mastectomy
Brad Pitt has praised his partner Angelina Jolie, describing her decision to have a double mastectomy to prevent the chances of developing breast cancer as "absolutely heroic".
Angelina Jolie undergoes double mastectomy
Sarah Berry Angelina Jolie has revealed that she recently underwent a preventative double mastectomy.
Monster-in-law, or time to get over yourself?
Melanie Hearse Mother-in-law more of a cause for teeth gnashing than celebration? Maybe the solution is a little closer to home than you think ...
Same-sex parenting: why biology doesn't matter
KASEY EDWARDS "Biology and genetics are important to my kids' doctor, but they are totally irrelevant to how much I love them how much they love me," says one mum in a same-sex partnership.
Why my kids come before my partner
Jacinta Tynan Why one mum puts her children ahead of their dad - and why research says that's actually not a bad thing.
Terminating a high-risk pregnancy
SONJA EBBELS After years of miscarriage and fertility problems, one woman finally fell pregnant. What came next is every pregnant woman's nightmare.
Everything you need to know about the NDIS
Staff writers with National Times Julia Gillard issues high-stakes ultimatum to Tony Abbott to immediately back special levy to finance a disability insurance scheme or see the issue mired in political campaigning.
Wise words for women
Karen Hardy An e-book version of Kaz Cooke's self-help guide looks at a range of women's issues, and gives those who need it most a helping hand.
Running for it
Sally Heppleston An inspiring story of how one mum turned her health - and lifestyle - around, one step at a time.
'I almost missed it'
Dr Dawn Barker Her job is diagnosing and treating mental illness, but even Dawn Barker brushed aside warning signs of postnatal depression in a friend. She shares her story.
When is it time for baby number two?
Thinking about adding to your family, but aren't sure what the best age gap between children would be? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Mum's confession
'I'm not the mum I thought I'd be'
Jessica Kelemen I've come to the realisation that almost all of my frustration and guilt comes from the fact that I am not the mum I wanted to be. And I'm disappointed.
Amity: "I never thought in a million years we'd do as well as we did!"
AMITY DRY In her first column since winning The Block All Stars, Amity reveals the secrets behind their win.
Real life
Losing Hope: life after a stillbirth
Sally Heppleston Life with little ones is always busy, but after her first child died during labour Sally Heppleston can't help but think, “My life should be busier”.
Video: Federal Minister for Families Jenny Macklin talks to Essential Baby
Staff writers Last year, the Minister for Families Jenny Macklin, asked OurSay and Essential Baby to find out the most important issues affecting Australian families today. Watch her video response to the winning questions.
Little-known illness a danger to mum and baby
Kate Hagan It is a debilitating condition that few have heard of, yet postnatal psychosis affects three new mothers in NSW every week.
When three is a crowd
As told to Samantha Selinger-Morris An unplanned third child has left one mum struggling with guilt and a lack of time. She shares her innermost feelings.
Stress busters for busy mums
PINKY MCKAY The responsibility of nurturing a little being is rewarding and joyful, but also takes up a lot of energy, both physical and mental. If you're feeling overloaded right now, here are some tips to regain your balance.
Facilitate rather than criticise: Dr Fiona Wood's message to other mums
Staff writers Former Australian of the Year Dr Fiona Wood, AM, was once told by another mother, "I love my kids too much to work."
When most new mums resume sex after birth
EB staff writers Most new mums start having sex again six to eight weeks after giving birth to their first child, a new study has revealed.
New heart gives young mum new life
Rebecca Belt, Natalie Croxon and staff writers In DonateLife Week, we share the story of a young mum whose life was saved by the pure generosity of a stranger and their family.
We need to talk about our abortion laws
AMY CORDEROY Imagine if you could end up in court, just for doing your job. That is the daily experience of the men and women who provide abortion in NSW and Queensland.
Four families, four questions
Staff writers Last year, the Minister for Families Jenny Macklin, asked OurSay and Essential Baby to find out the most important issues affecting Australian families today. Over 114 individuals submitted questions to the Minister, which received over 5000 votes from the general public. Here we present the top four eligible questions as voted by you.
Lust, love and parenthood: what they never tell you
PINKY MCKAY Not so long ago, you probably promised each other that a baby wouldn't change your relationship - but once the baby arrives, it's a whole other ball game. Pinky McKay gives advice on how to keep your love and sex lives on track.
The female midlife crisis
Samantha Selinger-Morris It's not just men - women, too, get the midlife blues. And it can't be fixed by buying a Porsche ...
Sister act: Let's hear it for older siblings
CHRISSIE SWAN Let's hear it for older siblings, and the secret knowledge and instant cool they bring.
Birth behind bars for 'ASIO risk' Ranjini
DANIEL FLITTON A Tamil woman locked in immigration detention for the term of her pregnancy after the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation branded her a security risk, has given birth to a boy.
'I hate playgroup'
Andie Fox After having her second child, Andie Fox tried returning to playgroup. It didn't work out.
Be SPF-smart this summer
Most Australians have grown up with the 'Slip slop slap' message, but with continual developments in sunscreen, and ongoing research into skin cancer and sun damage, we can always use a refresher.
What happens after the baby arrives?
Lindy Alexander As parents, it's vital that couples keep their communication lines open - and having discussions about your relationship even before the baby's birth will only strengthen your bond.
A child taken, a mother grieves
MARK BAKER It's more than three months since Rebecca's child was taken from her, but the pain is still raw. She didn't lose her child because she was incompetent or abusive; instead, she has a mild intellectual disability.
Those with disabilities can be able parents, too
Colleen Pearce Colleen Pearce, Victoria's Public Advocate, responds to the recent disturbing case of a mother with a mild disability being separated from her young daughter.
'Impossible expectations are impossible': Drew Barrymore
AMBER ROBINSON In a world where celebrities can be publicly shamed for not losing baby weight as quickly as humanly possible, it's refreshing to see stars who are taking their time to shift unwanted kilos. Drew Barrymore is the latest new mum with a realistic outlook.
If I'd known then what I know now ...
Mel Hearse For one mum, the first few months with a new baby were okay - but then anxiety and depression set in. She shares her story and her 'cheat sheet' of advice for other mothers.
Is it okay to share photos of stillborn babies on Facebook?
MELISSA DAVEY Would you take a photo of your stillborn child and share it on Facebook? Some say it's too confronting, but others believe it's an important step in the parents' grieving process.
Study: Parenting anxiety worse for young mums
AMY CORDEROY There’s a stereotype that older mothers are highly strung, but a new survey suggests it might actually be younger mothers who experience more stress.
Eternal memories for a little life cut short
Larissa Nicholson When their son died at 24 weeks gestation, Andrew and Deborah Braddock were unsure about having a photograph taken of their boy. Now they're grateful they were given the choice.
Escaping family violence
Ben Schneiders with staff writers In the last two years, dozens of employers have begun offering paid leave to workers in abusive relationships.
Change for the better: escaping the mummy fog
AMBER ROBINSON After years of consistently putting herself last on her list of priorities, Amber Robinson has decided it's time to make some changes and emerge from the mummy fog.
Are you crying more than your baby?
PINKY MCKAY Postnatal depression, just like any form of depression, is a serious condition that can have a devastating effect on the whole family.
What kind of mother do you aspire to be?
Bree Katsamangos I'm going to be the Mum who dances in the rain and jumps in the puddles.
Real life
Letting go of a newborn
Julie Egan As one mother tries to bond with her newborn son, another mother attempts to let go ...
Life, love and loss
KERRI SACKVILLE For Kerri Sackville, a birth and a death in the family will always be linked.
Top tips for baby and mum's best night sleep
If there's one thing every new mum wants, it's an extra hour of sleep! If you're feeling deprived of shut-eye, these tips may help to ensure a better night's sleep for you and your baby.
Packing for a day out with baby
Preparing for your first outing as a family can be daunting. Having the right items at your disposal can make all the difference to your day - here's what we recommend.
Early intervention eases relationship stress of first baby
MEGAN JOHNSTON First-time parents may benefit from couples counselling.
When you have children and your friends don't
SONJA EBBELS What happens to friendships when kids come along and interrupt them?
Forums
Your Diet & Fitness Forum
Encouragement and support on your diet and fitness plan
Relationships Forum
A members-only forum to seek support and discuss sensitive subjects
Beauty and Fashion Forum
How to look good and feel great
Natural Therapies forum
Get involved in our Natural Therapies forum, read experiences and get advice from other members.
Spirituality Forums
Discuss spirituality and your take on it with other EB members.
