Labour & Birth

Practical information about childbirth options and what happens during delivery. Articles cover preparation, pain management methods, medical interventions and different birth settings.

Admission Procedures and Early Labour Checks

Hospital admission procedures involve initial checks where a midwife assesses how far along you are and whether everything looks normal.

Am I in Labour?

Signs of labour can be confusing, especially for first-time mums—here's what to actually watch for.

Assisted Birth Delivery Methods

Forceps and ventouse are the two main assisted delivery methods used when labour isn't progressing or your baby needs help being born safely.

Baby Shower Basics

Get the basics on planning and hosting a baby shower, from timing and guest count to whether to include the guys.

Birth Induction

When labour doesn't start on its own, induction may be needed, here's what triggers it and how doctors make it happen.

Caesarean Section

A caesarean birth happens to one in six women, either planned or in an emergency, but here's what the procedure involves and what recovery looks like.

Choosing a Birthing Partner

Having the right person by your side during labour can make a real difference to how you experience birth.

Everything You Want to Know About the Placenta

The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to your baby during pregnancy and delivers after birth, here's what you need to know about it.

Getting Ready for a New Baby

Get practical advice on what you actually need to buy and set up before your baby arrives home.

Giving Birth: Pain Relief Methods

Pain relief options during labour include gas and air, pethidine, epidurals and TENS machines, each with different effects and drawbacks.

God Parents and Guardians

Godparents and guardians are trusted people you choose to support your child's upbringing and faith, with or without legal responsibility.

Having a Home Birth

Home birth offers a personal, intimate way to welcome your baby with freedom and comfort in a familiar environment.

How Much Weight Gain Is Expected During Pregnancy?

Most pregnant women gain around 28 pounds, but only a third comes from the baby and placenta, the rest is your body's natural changes.

Hypnotherapy and Hypno-Birthing

Hypnotherapy can help ease pregnancy and birth by inducing a natural state of relaxation and heightened awareness that many women find beneficial.

Is a Natural Delivery Possible After a Caesarean Section?

Many women can have a natural birth after a previous caesarean section, though success depends on your specific circumstances.

Is It Possible to Have a Pain-free Labour?

Several pain relief options exist for labour, from injected medications like pethidine to epidurals and natural methods.

Making a Birth Plan

Write down your birth preferences ahead of labour so your midwife knows exactly what you want when the time comes.

Natural Ways to Bring on Labour

Here are some popular natural methods people try when hoping to speed up labour at the end of pregnancy.

Useful Skills When Going Into Labour

Learn practical relaxation and visualisation techniques to manage labour pain and keep yourself and your baby calm during contractions.

Waterbirth Safety

Water birth is increasingly popular and research shows it's safe for both mother and baby, with benefits like reduced pain relief needs and shorter labour.

What Does Dad Need for the Birth?

As a dad-to-be, pack snacks, layers, phone charger and entertainment because labour can last hours and you'll need to be ready.

What Happens if I Get a Tear During Childbirth?

Perineal tears affect most women during childbirth—here's what you need to know about types, treatment and recovery.

What Happens When My Waters Break?

Your waters breaking during pregnancy explained: what it actually is, when it happens, and what to expect.

What Is a Retained Placenta?

A retained placenta happens when the placenta doesn't come out naturally after birth, here's why it occurs and what doctors do about it.

What Positions Are Best for Labour?

Moving around during labour can ease pain and help your baby, so try different positions rather than staying in bed the whole time.

What to Pack for Labour

Packing your labour bag by 36 weeks means you'll have comfort items, pain relief options and clothes ready when labour starts unexpectedly.

When Can You Expect to Feel Your Unborn Baby Moving?

Most moms feel their first real kicks between 18 and 22 weeks, but fluttering sensations can start as early as 16 weeks.