Complications
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your birth plan
These days you and your partner can play a far more active role in your pregnancy, labour and birth.
Public hospital care
Public care offers several options, each of which are free of charge if you are a Medicare cardholder.
Independent midwives and homebirth
A homebirth is an option for low risk pregnancies, but it will still depend on how your pregnancy progresses, and any other medical and safety considerations.
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.
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