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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

5 common home birth myths, debunked

5 common home birth myths, debunked

There are a lot of strong opinions about having a home birth. Knowing the facts—and common home birth myths—may help you decide whether it's right for you.

Jen Cutts

14 things nobody tells you about giving birth

14 things nobody tells you about giving birth

For nine months, everyone asks about your due date, your cravings and whether it's a boy or a girl. Here are the things nobody tells you about giving birth.

Today's Parent

My first birth was so fast, I knew I wanted to have my second baby at home

My first birth was so fast, I knew I wanted to have my second baby at home

For her second baby, this mom knew she wanted to have a home birth with midwives. While she was in labour, her three-year-old son was sound asleep upstairs.

Lynzie Kent

Are you a good candidate for having a home birth?

Are you a good candidate for having a home birth?

If you’re having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, you could choose a home birth instead of delivering your baby at a hospital.

Jen Cutts

8 things I didn't know about C-sections until I had one

8 things I didn't know about C-sections until I had one

Take it from me: Even if you're planning a vaginal birth, a C-section is always a possibility. And once I had one, I definitely learned a few things.

Joanna Myers

What is a birthing pool?

What is a birthing pool?

From size, shape and even colour, here's everything you need to know when choosing a birthing pool for your water birth.

Today's Parent

11 of the most common signs of labour to watch out for

11 of the most common signs of labour to watch out for

Did you know nausea is one of the early signs of labour? Here are eight signs of early and active labour that you should watch out for.

Erin Phelan

What is a vacuum delivery?

What is a vacuum delivery?

Erin Phelan

What you need to know before your membrane sweep

What you need to know before your membrane sweep

The stretch and sweep, or membrane sweep, done late in pregnancy can help you go into labour sooner. Here’s what you’ll want to know before you get it done.

Colleen Fisher Tully

My husband was a disaster in the delivery room (and we have four kids!)

My husband was a disaster in the delivery room (and we have four kids!)

Before you welcome your first baby, you don’t know how your partner will react to the stress of supporting you in the delivery room.

Louise Gleeson

8 things to expect with a water birth

8 things to expect with a water birth

Have you ever thought about delivering your baby in a tub but not sure what to expect? Here are some of the pros and cons to consider with a water birth.

Claire Gagne

8 epidural myths that way too many women believe

8 epidural myths that way too many women believe

Saroo Sharda

Does eating dates during pregnancy improve your labour?

Does eating dates during pregnancy improve your labour?

If there’s a way to encourage a smooth labour, we’re all for it. But can eating dates during pregnancy improve your odds of an easier childbirth?

Lindsay Kneteman

Why you shouldn’t shave down there before labour

Why you shouldn’t shave down there before labour

Once upon a time, hospitals shaved pregnant women before delivery. Now, shaving isn’t recommended at all. Here’s why.

Erin Silver

Does raspberry leaf tea induce labour?

Does raspberry leaf tea induce labour?

We asked the experts about claims that raspberry leaf tea, a popular herbal remedy, can help prepare women for an easier birth—and even start labour.

Claire Gagne

After the birth of my daughter, I wanted a delivery-room do-over

After the birth of my daughter, I wanted a delivery-room do-over

My first birth was a sh*tshow that left me shell-shocked. When I got pregnant with my second baby, I was looking for redemption.

Heather Cleland

Do all nurses act this way when you refuse an epidural?

Do all nurses act this way when you refuse an epidural?

I have no regrets about my decision to forgo pain medication. I only wish I had been better prepared for how that decision would affect my care.

Lorraine Allen

Dear Doug Ford, this is why midwives matter

Dear Doug Ford, this is why midwives matter

What do funding cuts to the College of Midwives of Ontario mean for women who may want to deliver their babies with a midwife?

Glynis Ratcliffe

I kind of wish I’d gotten the epidural—both times I gave birth

I kind of wish I’d gotten the epidural—both times I gave birth

I know I should feel lucky, but so-called “natural,” drug-free birth wasn’t the blissful experience I expected. Would an epidural have made a difference?

Kate Daley

I tore my clitoris giving birth

I tore my clitoris giving birth

“I remember looking at her and thinking, what?! I didn’t know you could tear that.”

Today's Parent

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