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.

mom helping older sibling hold baby after giving birth the second time

5 surprising facts about giving birth the second time around

You might feel more cramping after birth—but also more confidence.

Updated Oct. 05, 2022

10 reasons to use turmeric after birth

This bright kitchen spice has powerful health benefits.

Updated Sep. 15, 2022
pregnant woman in labor - grandma helped me through labor

How my grandma helped me through labor and delivery

At the end of it all, we are home safe and healthy, which is exactly what my birth plan was. 

Updated Jan. 09, 2024
mother holding newborn baby in hospital bed and smiling possibly after using laughing gas for labor

More women are using laughing gas for pain relief during labor—here’s why

According to ACOG, nitrous oxide "reduces anxiety and increases a feeling of well-being so that pain is easier to deal with."

Updated Aug. 30, 2022
pregnant woman walking down the street - curb walking to induce labor

Does curb walking induce labor? Here’s what experts want you to know

An OB-GYN and a midwife offer details on curb walking—including when to start and how to do it safely.

Updated Jul. 05, 2024
pregnant woman doing a meditation on the floor - what is hypnobirthing

Curious about hypnobirthing? An expert explains what you need to know

It's all about focusing on positive messages and affirmations around birth to help you feel relaxed, confident and in control.

Updated Feb. 22, 2023
pregnant woman doing yoga poses to induce labor at home

Try these 4 yoga poses to induce labor—safely

Ready to get things moving? Experts say these yoga poses can help.

Updated Feb. 01, 2023
group-of-pregnant-women-talking - what to expect during labor for first-time moms

6 expert tips on how to prepare for your first birth

2. Babies don't always follow birth plans, and that's OK.

Updated Jan. 31, 2023
mom and newborn

No doula? No problem—experts share how to advocate for yourself during pregnancy

Yes, you can still advocate for yourself, even without a doula.

Updated Jan. 23, 2023
woman embracing her pregnant belly

An overlooked tool in pregnancy and birth? Breathwork

Let’s get back to the inhale, exhale, mama.

Updated Nov. 10, 2022
giving birth in a hospital

4 simple things you can do to have a better hospital birth

It’s possible to have a great birth experience in a hospital. You just need a game plan in place before your due date.

Updated Jan. 31, 2023
A newborn and his mother at maternity ward

Where does the placenta come from? We didn’t know either

The placenta is a fascinating organ you probably know little to nothing about.

Updated Jan. 03, 2023
mom touching newborn baby in a hospital bed - What we wish we packed in our hospital bags

What we wish we packed in our hospital bags

The moment you start feeling contractions is not when you want to toss together the bag.

Updated Nov. 09, 2022
pregnant woman getting a back massage - how to induce labor

10 tried-and-true ways to induce labor naturally

If you’ve reached full-term in your pregnancy and are ready to try to speed things along by trying to naturally induce your labor at home, we feel you.

Updated Mar. 14, 2023
dylan-dreyer-third-baby

Dylan Dreyer shares first family photo at home with baby Russell

The TODAY host’s third baby “graduated” from the NICU this week. [Editor’s…

Updated Oct. 08, 2021

A midwife’s guide to having your best birth

From prepping your partner to not listening to scary birth stories, here's what you need to know.

Updated Feb. 01, 2023

Where to give birth: Here are your labor and delivery options

Is a hospital, birthing center or home birth best for you? Here's what to think about for your upcoming delivery.

Updated Jan. 19, 2023
woman in tub during labor - pregnant people are endurance athletes

Pregnant mamas are the ultimate endurance athletes, research confirms

And while athletes get help for their injuries, moms don't.

Updated Dec. 01, 2022
mom looking at baby after a clear drop c-section

These birth photos prove how beautiful clear drape C-sections can be

It's important for mamas to know that this is an option you can ask for.

Updated May. 11, 2022
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