A midwife left this letter by the bed of a new mother after she gave birth. Whether you’re a first, second or third-time mum, the message will still resonate. But prepare to shed some tears, especially if you’ve just given birth…
baby
Mornings
For early-rising babies, parents are told to simply make the room darker, or push the morning nap back. But as Joel Defries has discovered, it doesn’t always work. Here are his ideas for surviving 5am starts…
Family
“Never had I contemplated the complete void that you fall into when you hear those words: “I’m sorry guys, there’s no heartbeat”. Writer Sarah Matthews writes about the deep pain of miscarriage…
Family
For many mothers, establishing breastfeeding is difficult and painful. But surprisingly, putting an end to breastfeeding can be a challenge, too. Here are some ideas for how to stop…
Family
As a child, you’re taught to avoid strange men in parks, says dad-of-one Joel Defries. “But once you have a child you BECOME that weirdo in the park. You can’t get enough of mindless chats with strangers by the swings.” Joel Defries on the realities of fatherhood…
Work Life
Motherhood may impact a woman’s career but it doesn’t have to destroy it. In fact, The Early Hour’s editor, Annie Ridout, found hers blossomed after giving birth. Here, she argues against the idea that babies are a barrier to your career…
Wellbeing
One day, you have the most laid back baby in the world. The next, he’s clinging to you like a koala bear and howling if you leave the room. It’s called separation anxiety, and it’s very normal. But Annie Ridout is finding it hard…
Family
A recent trial offered a cash incentive to mothers for breastfeeding their babies. Annie Ridout argues that what mothers need is respect and a change in attitude towards breastfeeding in public – not a patronising suggestion that money solves all issues…
Sleep
Sleep deprivation can leave us short-tempered, devoid of energy and struggling to cope. Once sleep is sorted, parenthood becomes a whole lot easier. So Annie Ridout called in sleep consultant Kerry Secker to advise on her early rising baby…
Sleep
Late nights, early mornings and night wakings with a baby can be unbearable, leaving mums and dads knackered and cranky. So we asked sleep expert Jo Tantum to share her secrets for getting babies to sleep through the night…