In the first, The Sydney Morning Herald led with, "Record low fertility rate predicted but Frydenberg has no plans for baby bonus". The coronavirus pandemic, "risks pushing the fertility rate to a record low".

The federal government's economic update a couple of weeks ago flagged an expected fall in the birth rate, "due to the weaker economic conditions and outlook".

When Australia hit the lowest-fertility rate on record of 1.7 babies in 2001, the federal government gave new parents a $2500 baby bonus in the 2002 federal budget.

The fertility rate fell to 1.74 in 2018, the latest data available.

The required fertility rate for population replacement is 2.1.

Australia has not achieved this level since 1976.

Some think it's time to revive the "baby bonus".

Before I go on to mention the other story that prompted me to write on this topic, I think it is worth mentioning possibly the most beautiful "new mum" picture I have seen for a long time.

It was taken by photographer Steven Chee for marie claire magazine and showed former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins reclining on a bed looking lovingly into the eyes of her new baby, Frankie.

This was a promotional story on The Daily Telegraph's website.

Little Frankie was about five months old in the picture.

The promo went on to say that Jennifer has previously "spoken of her struggles to fall pregnant", and that becoming a mother has, "shown her what unconditional love means".

I hope all young mums, and prospective mothers, listen to Jennifer Hawkins' advice: "I have so much more respect for my body ... and I don't mind what people say because I'm happy within myself," adding, "I thought I'd be worried about having a stomach that wouldn't pull in. But I just think: 'Who cares?'"

Young mums worrying that their youthful body is not returning would do well to search for Jennifer's whole story.

Her love for motherhood far exceeds any concern for what anyone else may say about her appearance.

I'm certainly no expert on this topic.

Our first child arrived nine months and three weeks after our wedding, and the next three came nearly as quickly.

But what I can tell you after almost 47 years, is the pride I feel for my children and their achievements, and even more so, the pleasure I get from being with my grandchildren.

A former girlfriend once asked me, "If we get married, and have children, who will you love most - me or the baby?"

I thought this was a very strange question, and I stumbled over the answer.

"I think it's a different kind of love," I stammered. "Of course I would love you both, but in a different way."

I wondered what her experience of family had been, and whether she had felt truly "loved" or appreciated by her parents.

"Love" is one of those words that has become grossly corrupted.

"Real love is back," the promos for Farmer Wants a Wife tell us. But what is real love in today's world?

Real love is practising what the old marriage vows used to say - "in sickness and in health", "richer or poorer" and so on.

Because real life is sickness.

Real life is having difficulty paying bills.

But most importantly, real love is forgiveness when silly things happen.

To me, real love, marriage and children, and the concept of family is knowing that someone really cares. And your care and sacrifice is rewarded over and over in the devotion of your family.

Keeping family secure and loved has its long-term rewards.

We have an aunt who never married.

She is 98, in a facility, and would be alone and unloved but for two devoted nieces.

If I had not married, loved my wife and children, and cared for my grandchildren, would I be alone and unprotected, too?

Which brings me to that other newspaper story I mentioned, a column on this page a few weeks ago, recommending the single life for young ladies.

Take Jennifer's way. Share your life. Be loving and faithful until the end.

Our society's strength and future depends on it.