Hospital shortages threaten local births for Vic women
Maternity services in Victoria's Geelong region are struggling to get enough staff, causing them to turn pregnant women away to other centres.
parent and child
Childhood trauma linked to pregnancy complications
Women whose childhoods involved domestic violence, maltreatment or substance abuse at home are more at risk of complications during pregnancy, researchers say.
Homebirths to be introduced at Royal Women’s Hospital
Victoria's publicly funded homebirth program will be expanded to three extra hospitals, including the Royal Women's Hospital, the state government says.
Mother-of-eight admits raping teen daughter
A 45-year-old woman has admitted raping her intellectually impaired teenage daughter after insisting the child live with her after leaving foster care.
One-shot virus vaccine hope to protect preterm babies
A team at a Brisbane mothers' hospital believe a new respiratory virus vaccine could deliver single dose protection for premature babies.
Childcare fee hikes hitting low-income families hard
Out-of-pocket childcare expenses climbed during the past four years and low-income families are faring worse as fees rise.
Childcare fee hikes on watchdog’s list as subsidy rises
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare says childcare centres lifting fees are in the sights of the ACCC as subsidies for parents increase.
Child protection body ‘missing opportunities’ on abuse
The Queensland Family and Child Commission wants to address abuse but often cannot help individual children until it is too late, an inquiry has heard.
Why do young children sometimes steal? And what should parents do about it?
When children steal, naturally parents can be very concerned. They might wonder if they’ve taught their child correctly, whether it’s just a phase or whether they’re going to have a young offender on their hands.
Mother pleads guilty to manslaughter over toddler death
Laura Rose Peverill has pleaded guilty in the Townsville Supreme Court to manslaughter over the death of her toddler in 2020.
Disturbing scale of child abuse delivers ‘wake-up call’
One in three Australian children suffer physical abuse while one in four suffer sexual abuse, according to a new nationwide study.
Victorian dad admits shaking, killing newborn son
A Victorian father has admitted shaking his newborn son, pleading guilty to causing his fatal injuries at just eight weeks old.
Breaking down the taboo of baby loss with just a name
Talking about babies lost to stillbirth and sudden infant death can be a big part of coping with grief, says Red Nose Australia.
Children ‘not protected’ due to failures by Qld govt
A Queensland watchdog has found that children have not been protected from harm because their parents weren't provided with state government supports.
Judge defends booting breastfeeding mum out of court
A judge is being urged to apologise to a woman who was ordered out of a Victorian courtroom for breastfeeding her baby.
Breastfeeding mother and baby kicked out of court
A mother breastfeeding her child was asked to leave a court by a judge because he was concerned she would be a distraction to jurors.
Building resilient kids could start with a bubble
A new toolkit developed by trauma and pediatric experts will help parents manage emotional harm and build resilience in their children after natural disasters.
UN pushes for Australian smacking ban
A United Nations committee has condemned Australians' use of corporal punishment, directing the country to ban it in all settings including the home.
Hospital delivers babies closure blow
One of the largest hospitals in a regional Victorian city has announced it is likely to close its maternity service in March.
Western Sydney no ISIS ‘dumping ground’
Questions remain after western Sydney mayors discussed ISIS-linked returnees with Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, ASIO and federal police.
Reform needed to get through downturn: PM
Anthony Albanese has used a speech to argue the country will need to reform its way through the economic crisis, defending the government's first budget.
Mum of slain Charlise Mutten spared jail
The mother of murdered nine-year-old Charlise Mutten can avoid jailtime over her role in a burglary that allegedly netted her fiance two firearms.
Push to replace second cars with e-bikes
Australian families are being encouraged to ditch their second car for an e-bike, with models powerful enough to carry children and groceries.
No bail for stepmother accused of murder
A woman charged with murder over the death of her four-year-old stepdaughter, who had Down syndrome, has been refused bail in a Brisbane court.
Qld foster children get new legal rights
Queensland foster children have been granted new legal rights after state parliament passed changes to protection laws.
Qld bus girl family wants childcare closed
The family of a young Queensland girl who was left on a bus outside a childcare centre for six hours says the facility should be closed down.
Qld toddler left on bus wakes in hospital
A Queensland toddler found unconscious after being left on a bus for six hours has woken up in hospital, as authorities investigate the incident.
Cheaper or free kindy for more Qld kids
State funding for free or subsided kindergarten in Queensland, including efforts to attract staff to remote areas, has prompted calls for more federal action.
Child support birthday loophole to end
A loophole restricting the ability for child support to be recovered once a person turns 18 will be closed under a new government plan targeting 18,000 parents.