Check out this great article with lots of facts and stories about dads taking prenatal leave - the challenges and benefits.

Article Published in Curtin University E-newsletter | Faculty of Health Sciences | October 2017

We've been hearing of disturbing trends for FIFO rosters becoming less family friendly, as mining companies seek to cut costs and those left are desperate to keep their jobs. 

There are many families with a FIFO parent who make the lifestyle work really well - for themselves, their partners and their children. But for some families, the unique stresses from this lifestyle catch up with them - especially mums with young children. Dawson makes comments on FIFO - the effects on partners and the role of organisational leaders - in this article by the Australian Mining Review...

The recent AFCC Think Tank of 32 family law experts resulted in a table of considerations for determining post-separation overnight care of children aged 0-3 years. 

The table is reproduced on the last page of this document and is available online at http://www.afccnet.org/Resource-Center/Center-for-Excellence-in-Family-Court-Practice/ctl/ViewCommittee/CommitteeID/27/mid/495

The table is a handy tool to assist in the assessment of individual families. Although its not easy to navigate, it does respect the developmental needs of infants and the unique dynamics of a family system. I am very concerned however by introductory clause number 3 at the top of the document...


Download the file for the rest of my reflections on this important issue.

Dawson

The controversy over this issue has a long history(1). The debate has escalated over the past decade with concerns over family law reforms, although there has been scant new evidence to be considered. Recently, media in the UK (Telegraph, Guardian, Daily Mail, Independent) and here in Australia (ABC, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald) have covered this topic. The media attention has been sparked by the controversial opinions of Penelope Leach – countered by Sheila Kitzinger and fathering advocacy groups. Journal publications addressing shared overnight care of young children (2-10) have been referred to in support of the case for and against shared care after separation. 

It is generally agreed that the important issue here is what is best for the child – not parent rights (see my posts on the comparable issue of the increasing use of child care). The parenting role does not come with rights - it comes with responsibilities. The demand for parental responsibility is highest at a child’s time of greatest vulnerability - around birth and infancy. It is imperative that at this vulnerable time others uphold the rights of the infant.

I'm still reeling from the news of the Federal Government's commitment to provide all parents with 26 weeks of paid parental leave. Check out this document for details. 
I nearly fell off my chair!! 
It will surely be good for helping families make a strong start - and a fantastic boost for breast feeding success. Return to work for many new mothers signals the end of breastfeeding.  Despite best attempts, juggling work and child care can place a strain on new parents, one that leads to breastfeeding being given the flick.

Im not a big Royal follower but when a new baby arrives I think we all naturally pay a bit of attention. 

Didn't Kate look so normal - happy but tired - displaying her post-baby bump which makes us all feel a whole lot more normal.  
They both made sweet comments about the baby showing their obvious attachment and curiosity with the new member of their family. William spoke of wanting to get to know his son and has taken a couple of weeks off duty. Kate is also drawing close to her parents for that extra support - I think there are a few telltale signs that things are looking good for the little Prince.