Skip to content
logo_australian-government-department-of-health-disability-and-ageing.svg
Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile.
Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.
  1. Home/
  2. Parenting and family

Find a health service

Search now

Parenting and family

Adoption and surrogacy

Learn about adoption, foster care and surrogacy, with guidance on legal steps, emotional journeys and support.
Learn more

Baby safety

All parents want to keep their baby safe. Find out the essentials like keeping your baby safe in your home, around water, out in the sun and when out and about in the car.
Learn more

Family violence and abuse

Learn about what to do if you experience family violence or abuse, how to recognise the signs and how to find support for yourself or someone you care about.
Learn more

Being a parent

Postnatal depression, single parenting, relationship breakdowns and divorce and losing your identity can be some of the difficulties faced by parents.
Learn more

Partner's guide to being a parent

Find some practical advice of how to help your partner through the pregnancy and for when you bring your baby home.
Learn more

Family and siblings

Children grow up in different structures such as nuclear families, blended families, rainbow families (same sex parents) and single parents.
Learn more

Parental rights and finances

Parents have rights in regards to workplace issues, parental leave, discrimination and breastfeeding. Financial assistance and benefits are also available.
Learn more

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?
1800 022 222
Video call
logo-pbb.svg

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia.

About
About Pregnancy, Birth and BabyAbout our contentInformation partnersOur privacy commitmentTerms of useHow we use AIPromotional material
Explore
A to Z topicsDue date calculatorFind local health servicesGlossary of pregnancy and labourPregnancy and parenting in picturesPregnancy and baby appsSymptom Checker
Connect
Contact usVideo callNewslettersLink to usConsumer engagement

Follow

logo_dep-health_white.svglogo-hda-white.svg

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2026 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.