Labour
Easing labour pain naturally
Julia Medew Terrified by memories of her sister giving birth, Chantal Stravens learned hypnosis so she could stay calm during her own labour.
Preparing for labour
You are approaching the end of your pregnancy and it is time to get ready for that important moment when labour begins.
Labour and birth, a man's role
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.
Natural births better for babies
Danielle Teutsch and Kate Benson Babies born by caesarean section are more vulnerable to asthma, allergies and infection as they miss out on receiving their mothers' good bacteria during birth, a scientist says.
Birth: a woman's right to decide?
Justine Caines The maternity reforms had the ability to place women as the focus of care, rather than the current practice of meeting the needs of organisations and practitioners first.
Rise in induced births worries doctors
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.
Your birth choices
The following information is designed to assist you with making choices about the type of care you would like throughout your pregnancy, and how you would like to give birth to your baby.
Home birth program that delivers
Kate Benson It took Bailey Mannion only 75 minutes to slip calmly into the world, amid the comforts of his own loungeroom, unaware he was quietly making history.
Beating the odds - our premature arrival
Nicole Salinas My husband Nathan and I started trying for our first baby in 2001. After 6 months and a lot of questions from me, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Born in an ambulance
Nicole Salinas When I found out I was pregnant for the 3rd time I was over the moon. The emotions I felt with my other pregnancies and births came rushing back! I was sure I was going to go early and have a fast...
Birth rights
John van Tiggelen In many countries, home births are commonplace - and generally regarded as safe. So why in Australia, where such births are rare, is the Government discouraging the practice? John van Tiggelen...
Roxon joins mother of birthing battles
Leslie Cannold The Rudd Government's threatened ban on home births is moving closer to reality.
Baby steps as hospitals deliver a helping hand to home-birth push
John Elder Midwives working away from labour wards are to be covered by insurance under a pilot scheme, writes John Elder.
Birthing after July 1, 2010?
Melissa Maimann Essential Baby explains the changes to legislation and the consequences it may have for those birthing after mid-2010.
Packing your hospital bag
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!
Liz's VBA2C story
Liz My third child was born after a successful vaginal birth after two caesars (VBA2C) - drug and intervention free at the local public hospital.
Emma's homebirth after two caesars
Emma I have had two “failure to progress” labours leading to two emergency c-sections. My third time around I was aiming for, and achieved, a HBA2C (home birth after two caesars)!
My "VBAC" story
Anne Anne shares the experience of her traumatic first birth and her successful attempt at a vaginal birth after caesar (VBAC) to deliver her second child, Lauren who was born weighing 5.76kgs!
Angela's VBAC story
Angela I was just so happy and so proud of myself, not just for having a VBAC but for being able to be in control of my birth experience.
How to have a positive caesarean experience
Melissa Maimann Caesareans have been the subject of controversy for quite some time. The purpose of this article is not to debate the relative merits of a caesarean or a vaginal birth because for some women, a...
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