Loss & High Risk
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.
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.
Midwife home birth as safe as hospital, says study
Louise Hall Home birth assisted by a trained midwife is just as safe for low-risk mothers and their babies as a delivery led by a midwife in hospital, a study of more than half a million women has found.
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.
Designing principles at birth of a new era
Advances in gene technology are creating a host of ethical dilemmas, writes Rachel Browne. Genetic screening of human embryos may eventually eradicate inherited diseases ranging from breast cancer to...
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.
Giving birth by the stars
Andrew Bock Children with different star signs have different needs and some may be more difficult to raise than others, says astrologer Sherrynne Dalby.
Fresh ideas for working families
Brooke Wells In a time where 41% of working mothers are recommencing employment before their child is 4-months-old, the development of family friendly workplace policies are an important supplement to the paid...
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.
April 08 - Rhythms of Life: A Waterbirth Story
Anni Taylor Born in a birthing pool in her family home, little Tessa Claire was embraced by the natural rhythms of family life. Carla shares Tessa’s waterbirth story.
Tips for a VBAC
Melissa Maimann Are you planning or considering a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC)? With the Australian caesar rate up to 31% more and more women are reconsidering a subsequent caesar.
Work stress blamed for caesarean rise
Kate Benson Women who stop working at least a month before their baby is due are four times less likely to have a caesarean delivery because they are less tired and anxious, research has found.
Embracing motherhood
With the growing perception of the ‘supermum’ and society’s increasing pressure on women to ‘have it all’, Australian mothers often miss out on vital postnatal care and support that is the norm in...
Multiple Birth Resources
Books, websites and EB articles to guide you through the life-giving process of multiple births.
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.
What Jack taught us
Anni Taylor Amanda had battled through IVF and an incompetent cervix; giving birth at only 24 weeks pregnancy. Baby son Jack had waged his own battles; winning the fight to meet his parents, even for just a very...
Trial into the long or short of umbilical cord benefits
Matthew Benns Sydney researchers are set to launch a five-year trial into the benefits of briefly delaying cord clamping to improve the long-term health and development of premature babies.
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