Giving birth

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

I was forced to give birth alone because of coronavirus

I was forced to give birth alone because of coronavirus

As coronavirus spread, the hospital told pregnant women like me that partners would not be allowed in the delivery room. I would be giving birth alone.

Laurel Ingraham Aquadro

So you're about to give birth in a coronavirus pandemic

So you're about to give birth in a coronavirus pandemic

Pregnant women have many questions about how coronavirus will change their labour and delivery. We took those questions to top Canadian experts.

Claire Sibonney

Midwife, family doctor or obstetrician: What’s the difference?

Midwife, family doctor or obstetrician: What’s the difference?

When it comes to choosing a midwife or other primary care provider for your pregnancy and delivery, it’s both easier and harder than you think.

Andrea Karr

Do you need a vagina mirror during labour?

Do you need a vagina mirror during labour?

Commonly offered by midwives and other care providers, a birth mirror can be an incredible motivational tool to check your progress during labour.

Andrea Karr

It's time we all stop apologizing for our pubic hair during labour

It's time we all stop apologizing for our pubic hair during labour

Doctors, nurses and midwives deal with vulvas and vaginas all day long, and trust us—they literally don't care AT ALL if you look “cleaned up” down there.

Claire Sibonney

Should you bank your baby’s cord blood?

Should you bank your baby’s cord blood?

Cord blood banking could help treat a life-threatening illness for your child or relative. We asked the experts to help you make the right decision.

Kate Daley

These are the weirdest things we’ve EVER done (or demanded) during labour

These are the weirdest things we’ve EVER done (or demanded) during labour

From frantically sewing a Halloween costume to eating the equivalent of eight large McDonald’s fries, here are some of bonkers things moms do during labour.

Claire Sibonney

Yes, moms are licking their newborns right after birth

Yes, moms are licking their newborns right after birth

Some moms get the urge to give their newborn babies a few licks when they first hold them after birth, and there's a pretty good reason why.

Kevin John Siazon

This baby was born 'pregnant' and had a C-section the next day

This baby was born 'pregnant' and had a C-section the next day

Talk about a birth story. This mom became a real life matryoshka doll when doctors discovered that her baby had another baby growing inside her.

Kevin John Siazon

9 old wives' tales for inducing labour

9 old wives' tales for inducing labour

Past your due date and looking for natural ways to jump-start labour? Nine old-fashioned strategies that may work.

Michele Holcomb

I didn’t want my husband in the delivery room

I didn’t want my husband in the delivery room

Two generations ago, birth was left to the mother-to-be. Now, partners are pressured to be essential guides in the process, but that may not be the best thing for all couples.

Kelly Burch

Extreme birth story: An unbelievably fast labour

Extreme birth story: An unbelievably fast labour

Find out what happened during one woman's unbelievably fast labour.

Jason McBride

Yes, people like me can have babies

Yes, people like me can have babies

What it’s like to give birth as a woman with a physical disability.

Kalli Anderson

What supplies do I need for a home birth?

What supplies do I need for a home birth?

If you're planning a home birth, or tend to have fast labours, consult this list of home birth supplies as part of your labour and delivery prep.

Today's Parent

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

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