That horrible morning sickness you're having? It's actually a good sign for the baby

The first three months of pregnancy, a time that parenting magazines and Hallmark cards often portray as magnificent and carefree, can actually be a wretched experience for many women.

As many as 90 per cent of mothers-to-be experience some degree of nausea and vomiting, and scientists have long speculated about what, from an evolutionary standpoint, the function of all that unpleasantness might be. The leading theory has to do with food.

Putting your baby to sleep: some good news

I remember thinking, after my pregnant wife's water broke, minutes after I went to bed, anguishing really, over one thought as we drove to the hospital: "I'm never going to be well rested again."

If there's one thing all new parents wish for, it's a good night's sleep.

Not everyone who stares is judging you

It's Saturday morning and I'm enjoying – no relishing- some child-free shopping time.

I have a coffee in one hand and my phone in the other, texting my friend to find out if her soon-to-be five-year-old is still into The Octonauts or if he's moved on to another franchise. It's his birthday party later on and – true to form –I'm doing the last minute present dash. "Story of my life," my friend texts back.