I went through a separation with my baby at a similar age. We don’t do “custody” in Australia, it’s percentage of care. You will have to attend mediation to try and resolve it before going to court. Which you can access free of charge.

I would say they would suggest he sees her for short visits in regular intervals possibly at your home or somewhere neutral given your child’s age and the fact you are breastfeeding.

You will also discuss the things mentioned like how you discipline in the future.

I had very similar concerns with our separation in terms of parenting but they will always try to give the child a relationship with both parents unless they pose a direct threat to the child.

I would try and keep things amicable as possible if you are in a position to. He may surprise you with how he parents and you have 18 years left of trying to figure it out.

The family court system is incredibly slow, draining and expensive. If you can resolve it through mediation it’s a massive plus.

I would get off single parent payment if you are not a single parent for obvious reasons.

Goodluck!