Doctor

Homebirth mothers being refused prescriptions

Kate Benson Doctors, fearing they will be sued, are refusing to prescribe drugs or order tests for women who want to give birth at home, and this is forcing mothers to give birth in hospitals or putting lives at...

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.

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.

Be my baby: On the road to fatherhood

Neil Humphreys With a theatrical sigh, I took the still warm plastic contraption, held it at arm's length in such a way that it suggested it was radioactive and rested it on top of the toilet.

In nature's hands

Nicole Salinas I was 28 and expecting my second child. All was well with the pregnancy and we were very excited to be adding to our family.

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...

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.

Same-sex parenting: Our story

Nicole Salinas Everyone’s definition of a “normal” family is different. We believe that children in general are very accepting and it’s the parent’s views that influence how other children will treat our son.

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...

Parents find third baby is a bonus

Deborah Smith and Ellie Harvey In the two years following the introduction of the Baby Bonus payment in 2004 the birth rate in NSW for women having their third or subsequent child rose significantly across all sectors of society.

Perinatal depression and anxiety fact sheet

Gidget Foundation Giving birth can be an empowering and exciting experience. A new baby can bring so much joy. This phase of life is very special for most couples most of the time.

Birthing your baby at home

Melissa Maimann Homebirth is increasingly being spoken about as an alternative to hospital birth, however it remains a less common choice for birth, with the majority of Australian women birthing in hospital.

Why would anyone free-birth?

Mia Freedman When it comes to giving birth, Mia Freedman is frustrated by women who treat the medical profession as the enemy.

Deprogramming birth

Anni Taylor A few hours after having my first baby, I rang my mother to ask, “How did you do THAT seven times?” But deep within, I sensed that birth didn’t have to be this traumatic.