Giving birth

Everything you need to know about hypnobirthing

Everything you need to know about hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing is a relaxation technique that may help reduce pain and anxiety during labour. How does it work and is there any science to support it?

Cara Rosenbloom

I never imagined a simple nose bleed in pregnancy was a sign my baby and I were both in danger

I never imagined a simple nose bleed in pregnancy was a sign my baby and I were both in danger

My story is a reminder you should never accept strange symptoms as just a part of pregnancy. For me, something quite common was a sign of HELLP syndrome.

Krissy LePage

Doctors say some of these trendy birthing choices aren't safe

Doctors say some of these trendy birthing choices aren't safe

From lotus and water births to vaginal seeding, here's what you need to know about the overall safety of some popular alternative birthing methods.

Hasan Merali

Does childbirth hurt more for redheads?

Does childbirth hurt more for redheads?

Research on redheads and pain shows that they may react differently to pain meds, but experts say there’s no need to worry about your labour.

Tamar Satov

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

This Toronto doc delivered a baby mid-flight and got the sweetest surprise from the mother

This Toronto doc delivered a baby mid-flight and got the sweetest surprise from the mother

Sara Romano

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

Amy Schumer, Gabrielle Union and more share raw photos of their postpartum experience

Amy Schumer, Gabrielle Union and more share raw photos of their postpartum experience

Jessica Pollack

I was convinced my baby was switched at birth

Postpartum care

I was convinced my baby was switched at birth

I was sure that my second son couldn't possibly be mine. I had no idea it was a symptom of postpartum depression, lurking beneath the new-mom exhaustion.

Natalie Stechyson

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

Watch as this Ontario mom delivers her baby on the side of the highway

Watch as this Ontario mom delivers her baby on the side of the highway

Arisa Valyear

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

New moms are not OK

Postpartum care

New moms are not OK

The newborn days can be isolating at the best of times, but COVID has meant little to no family help and skyrocketing anxiety. Ten months in, many parents are barely coping.

Erin Pepler

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

7 Things You Need to Know About Your Second Pregnancy

7 Things You Need to Know About Your Second Pregnancy

Does it really get easier each time? Here’s what to expect during your second pregnancy, including if your labour will really be shorter.

Kate Winn

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 one thing I really needed to hear when I was pregnant

The one thing I really needed to hear when I was pregnant

I'll never forget the woman who told me the only childbirth and motherhood tip I truly needed.

Linsey Nogueira Flannery