Labor & Delivery - Real Stories From Real Mamas - Motherly
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Labor & Delivery

What’s it like to give birth? Learn more about the stages and get tips from real mamas who’ve been there.

Nurse

Labor nurse begins her shift like any other—then her own baby arrives

As a labor and delivery nurse, Allison knew the process, the people, and the plan. But sometimes, knowing too much can be a double-edged sword.

Updated Apr. 23, 2025
Black moms: A Black mom cradling her belly

Black Moms are being told to ‘speak up’ during birth—but they deserve better, too

Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. 

Updated Dec. 16, 2024
Doula

Why every mom deserves a doula (and how Texas is stepping up to help)

Black women are over three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.

Updated Dec. 13, 2024
Mom holding her premie baby

The preemie crisis in America: Why the US keeps failing its most vulnerable babies

The NICU became our new reality, but the most haunting moment came when I returned home without her—staring at an empty car seat that should have cradled my baby.

Updated Nov. 20, 2024
A pregnant mother cradling her belly

They asked me to ‘prepay’ for my baby: The rising cost of maternity care no one prepares you for

Imagine this: At just your second prenatal visit, a moment brimming with hope and excitement about your growing baby, you’re handed an unexpected bill.

Updated Nov. 20, 2024
pregnant woman preparing for labor - pelvic floor PT

Here’s how a pelvic floor PT preps for labor & childbirth

Looking for birth prep advice? Your internet searches stop here.

Updated Jun. 07, 2024
Mom holding baby after giving birth

Epidurals during labor significantly decrease birth complications, according to new study

Epidurals can provide more than comfort and pain management when it comes to labor and delivery.

Updated Jun. 07, 2024
pregnant mom holding her belly wondering about early signs of labor

Am I in labor? 5 early signs of labor to know about

While it looks different for everyone, there are a few early signs of labor to look out for.

Updated Nov. 30, 2022
woman scratching her arm, one of the possible epidural side effects

Getting an epidural? Here are 10 side effects to be aware of

While very safe, epidurals still carry some risk. Here's what you need to know about choosing an epidural for your delivery.

Updated Oct. 04, 2022
partner supporting woman in labor after traumatic birth

How to overcome—and heal—from a traumatic birth

If you have had a troubling, difficult or traumatic birth, there are some positive steps you can take.

Updated Nov. 07, 2022
pregnant woman doing one of Motherly's best yoga poses for labor

Yoga poses for labor

5 poses you might want to strike when baby’s bearing down.

Updated Aug. 07, 2024
man holding womans hand while she's giving birth

I captured the emotions of men while watching women give birth—and it was powerful

For every soul we create, there is a soul that we felt a connection with first.

Updated Aug. 07, 2024
midwife helping a pregnant woman on a birthing ball during labor

How to use a birthing ball during labor

3. Leaning against the ball, on all fours

Updated Apr. 03, 2024

Early labor: How to know when it starts—and what to do when it does

Wondering what to do in early labor? Spoiler alert: Rest, eat and move, mama!

Updated Apr. 01, 2024

Some hospitals aren’t letting women push during birth when they need to—and that’s not OK

"I've never felt a more painful experience in my life [than] being strapped down and forced to hold a baby in," says Elaina Loveland.

Updated Aug. 07, 2024
Woman in labor at hospital evidence-backed ways to prevent perineal tears during birth

5 evidence-backed ways to prevent perineal tears during birth

Recent research has changed the way we think about perineal tears and episiotomies.

Updated Apr. 03, 2024
pregnant woman holding belly

7 things to think about when you go past your due date

We are here to tell you that it really will be ok! Here are some thing to keep in mind during these final days of your pregnancy.

Updated Apr. 01, 2024
mom holding newborn in a hospital bed

Should I get an epidural?

8 questions about getting an epidural during labor, answered.

Updated Apr. 01, 2024

This mom just gave birth in 45 minutes and this common supplement may be why

How does melatonin affect labor? Researchers are finding out.

Updated Sep. 15, 2022
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