But what should be a happy time can instead be a nightmare for mums and dads whose children are born fighting for their lives.
Starting on Tuesday, we meet the first of our Born Survivors from Courier country and spend a day in a neonatal hospital unit with parents, babies and the passionate and dedicated staff.
We’ll catch up with children who faced the toughest of starts in life, but who are now sitting exams at university or following their sporting passions.
And we’ll find out what the future holds as cutting edge local research saves even more young lives.
See the start of our three-day special series in Tuesday’s Courier, or try our digital edition.
