Birth

Push to get new babies home in four hours

Fiona Lewis with her son, Jess.

Rachel Browne Hospital to home in four hours? It would have been unheard of a generation ago but in NSW maternity wards of the future, it is not unusual.

Assisted delivery

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Brooke Tasovac About 11% of births in Australia are assisted deliveries (also referred to as instrumental or operative vaginal deliveries) which require an obstetrician or midwife to use instruments and methods that help a baby to be born.

Best positions for labour

Water birth

Brooke Tasovac Once labour is underway, the positions the mother decides to take will certainly have an effect on comfort level!

Pain relief options in labour

Gas during labour

Brooke Tasovac There are various types of pain relief available to women during labour, although there are several factors that will influence what types can be administered.

Tweeting during childbirth? Why not?

Woman labouring in childbirth

I’ve been criticised for sharing too much and I’ve been criticised for not sharing enough.

When should I go to hospital?

pre-labour

Brooke Tasovac There are several signs that labour may have begun but knowing when is the right time to go to the hospital can still be difficult to tell ... perhaps you should familiarise yourself with the signs.

Myleene's little Hero

Myleene

British singer-turned-TV star Myleene Klass became a mother for the second time on Friday, welcoming a little girl named Hero.

Do dads belong in the labour ward?

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Tim Elliott Fathers now regularly attend the births of their children, but their presence isn't always welcome.

Miranda Kerr joins fight against fistula

Miranda Kerr

A very-pregnant Miranda Kerr has fronted a new video campaign to raise awareness of fistula, a birth complication which can spell death developing countries.

Birth from the business end

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Troy Jones A dad spills on what childbirth is really like - for men.

Stages of labour

Pregnant belly

Brooke Wells Find out how you can tell if labour is established and what each stage of labour entails - from dilation of the cervix to pushing and afterbirth.

Easing labour pain naturally

Birth de-briefing

Julia Medew Terrified by memories of her sister giving birth, Chantal Stravens learned hypnosis so she could stay calm during her own labour.

Rise in induced births worries doctors

Newborn

Kate Benson One in three pregnant women in NSW has her labour induced - a rise of at least 15 per cent in the past 10 years - with almost half of inductions done without a medical reason.

Orgasmic birth an old midwives' tale

Avril Moore Hippie claptrap aside, childbirth is far more agony than ecstasy says Avril Moore.

Packing your hospital bag

Birth Boom

Essential Baby members The days of grabbing your keys, mobile and wallet and heading out the door are soon to be over, and it all starts with the birth! Here is a comprehensive checklist devised by Essential Baby members to help you with your first step on the journey of parenthood!

Labour and birth, a man's role

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Chances are, you are going to be the birth partner when your partner gives birth. Although you don't have to go through the physical strain of having the baby, your support role is just as important.

Forums

Your birth stories

Share and read EB member's birth stories. Stories of all kinds - some to make you cry, and some to make you laugh out loud, but all to make you proud of womankind.

Labour & Birth Forum

Forum to ask and share advice on what to expect on the big day.

Tools

Announce your Baby's Birth

Congratulations on the birth of your little bundle of joy. We hope you enjoy this special time together! EB will help you share the news with friends and family, click here to enter the details of your new family member.

Baby Shower tips

Our EB readers on Facebook have given great tips for throwing the essential baby shower.

WIN & save on a Stayz holiday!

Win 1 of 5 ultimate holiday get-togethers and save 50% on selected Stayz properties!

Toddler day out at the beach checklist

The essential checklist for a day out at the beach with your toddler.

The daycare blues

As I mounted the steps of the fabulous new childcare building, my gut churned with the familiar dread at settling a child into care. Again.

Happy Chinese New Year!

If your baby is born after today, then he or she will be born in the highly coveted Chinese Year of the Dragon.

Pumpkin Patch

Win 1 of 3 $50 Pumpkin Patch 3 gift cards.

Woah mama! Beyonce's post baby appearance

Beyonce Knowles looked healthy and happy at her first public appearance since having a baby.

Michael Klim: Dad in Profile

Michael Klim is a dual-Olympian and father of three.

Win a Swim with Klim

Click here for details.

Win one of TWO Dreambaby® Super Comfy Bath Seats

with clever heat sensing indicator.

Baby's First Year Guide

This monthly guide to your baby's first year covers development, sleeping, baby care, immunisation reminders, feeding and more.

EssentialBaby Directory

Are you looking for a birth photographer or baby and maternity clothes? Look no further than the Essential Baby Directory!

Family finances, travel and more

Visit the EB lifestyle section

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Being Dad Book & DVD offer!

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