Pregnancy

Giving birth

What are the signs of labour? What’s a c-section like? And what if your home birth doesn’t go to plan? Learn what you need to know about giving birth

VBACs aren’t as risky as you might think

VBACs aren’t as risky as you might think

Though VBACs have been on the decline, there's evidence that they can lead to better outcomes for mom and baby. Here's what you need to know.

Vanessa Milne

6 prenatal and postnatal procedures that are actually optional

6 prenatal and postnatal procedures that are actually optional

First-time parents may be surprised to find out that they can opt out of some common prenatal and postnatal interventions. Here's what experts recommend.

Wendy Haaf

Why can't I just keep my midwife forever?

Why can't I just keep my midwife forever?

Charlotte Helston

This woman gave birth on her front lawn—and it was all caught on the doorbell camera!

This woman gave birth on her front lawn—and it was all caught on the doorbell camera!

Laura Dalton

Should you ask to be induced at 39 weeks pregnant?

Should you ask to be induced at 39 weeks pregnant?

A groundbreaking study shows that inducing labour at 39 weeks is better for mom and baby—but the debate is far from settled.

Claire Sibonney

10 ways to be an awesome birthing partner

10 ways to be an awesome birthing partner

From going to prenatal classes to packing snacks, these tips will help you prepare to be the best labour partner ever—though she may still swear at you.

Today's Parent

My instincts during my unplanned home birth were a total surprise

My instincts during my unplanned home birth were a total surprise

Saphina Waters

Is getting rid of hospital nurseries unfair to new moms?

Is getting rid of hospital nurseries unfair to new moms?

“Rooming in” with your newborn is supposed to encourage breastfeeding, but it can also jeopardize maternal mental health.

Vanessa Milne

I survived labour as a Black woman—and I believe my Black nurse played a huge role

I survived labour as a Black woman—and I believe my Black nurse played a huge role

My baby and I already had a higher chance of dying during delivery, but when my fear turned to panic, only one person in the room could help: the one who looked like me.

Alicia Lue

Why you should have a birth plan—even if nothing goes to plan

Why you should have a birth plan—even if nothing goes to plan

Risa Kerslake

This Eggplant Parmesan Recipe Put Me In Labour—Twice!

This Eggplant Parmesan Recipe Put Me In Labour—Twice!

Brett Tryon

These scientists say that feeding C-section babies a bit of their mom's poop can improve their gut health

These scientists say that feeding C-section babies a bit of their mom's poop can improve their gut health

Turns out, giving a little poop to newborn C-section babies goes a long way. We get to the bottom of this gross study, published in the journal Cell

Kevin John Siazon

Guide to labour induction: What to expect if you're getting induced

Guide to labour induction: What to expect if you're getting induced

If your midwife or OB has recommended inducing your labour, there are several different induction methods and terms you should know about.

Bonnie Schiedel

These Are What the Stages of Labour Are REALLY Like, According to Two Doulas Who've Seen it All

These Are What the Stages of Labour Are REALLY Like, According to Two Doulas Who've Seen it All

From the very first contractions to the five (yes, five!) different stages of pushing, this is what you can expect as your labour progresses.

Natalia Hailes

What it’s like to have a fourth-degree tear—yup, right to your butt

What it’s like to have a fourth-degree tear—yup, right to your butt

Yes, it’s possible to tear straight through to your anal sphincter during childbirth. It’s not pretty, but here's how to deal.

Andrea Karr

I was so judgy about home birth—until I accidentally had one

I was so judgy about home birth—until I accidentally had one

I had always been adamant: I didn’t want to give birth at home. But 18 hours into labour, I changed my mind and had an unplanned home birth.

Chantel Guertin

The surprising reason many babies die around the world—and what's being done about it

The surprising reason many babies die around the world—and what's being done about it

Just before the world shut down due to COVID-19, I travelled to Ethiopia to report on the number one cause of death in babies worldwide: prematurity. Here's what I learned.

Claire Gagne

As an Indigenous woman, I was scared to have my baby in a hospital

As an Indigenous woman, I was scared to have my baby in a hospital

The same systems and professionals that make white people feel safe—medical care, the police, social workers—have been genocidal in practice against my people for generations.

Andrea Landry

After an explosive birth, I found relief in the weirdest place

After an explosive birth, I found relief in the weirdest place

Overwhelmed doesn’t begin to describe how I felt during those first few weeks as a new mom. My iPhone’s autocorrect was oddly comforting.

Natalie Stechyson

This new term for C-sections gives power back to moms

This new term for C-sections gives power back to moms

C-section moms are tired of being told Caesareans are something that happen to you, but vaginal births are an accomplishment. This new term changes that.

Kristen Thompson