Labor & Delivery

When do I lose my mucus plug?

Ciara was ‘literally in labor’ finishing this song & music video

"I probably could only do each take for like two minutes and then I needed to take a break."

These emotional birth photos show why midwives are so important

As a younger mother—and especially as a Black mother—21-year-old Anya was very much at risk for having her voice silenced during her birth experience. Moms under 30 are more likely to report being mistreated or have their concerns ignored by medical providers while in labor, which can lead to deadly consequences. Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die during or after pregnancy or birth compared to white mothers. That's why Anya choose to have a midwife supported birth in a birth center.

This pre-packed hospital bag has everything I wish I packed for my birth 🙌

The Fully Prepared bag from Belly and Bag includes basically everything but the baby.

The one lesson from birth class I actually used

I'm a labor and delivery nurse and *this* was new information to me!

Should I switch to a home birth during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Here are some key points to know when switching to an out-of-hospital birthing setting.

Everything we know (so far) about giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic

So far, it does not appear that COVID-19 can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

Black women will suffer the most if forced to give birth alone

For black mothers, the need for support during birth is even greater. Black women are 2.5 times more likely to die in childbirth than white women—at least in part because of institutional racism.

The truth about moms & newborns being separated as hospitals cope with the pandemic

It's rare, but it is happening.

This baby’s viral birth photo is a #mood

Look at that adorably mad face!

8 powerful, award-winning birth photos you need to see right now

This is what birth really looks like.

Why are birth rates declining in the US?

"These are not small co-pays. The costs are staggering," says Dr. Michelle Moniz, M.D.,M.Sc., an obstetrician-gynecologist at Michigan Medicine's Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital and researcher with the U-M Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

I’m giving birth soon—these are the 23 items I’m packing in my hospital bag

As a second-time mama, I learned a lot the first time around.

New research on water births could see more mothers asking for them in hospitals

Would you choose or did you have a water birth, mama?

Labor + delivery FAQs

Join pediatric nurse, midwife and Motherly’s Digital Education Editor Diana Spalding as…

The complicated problem with ‘baby-friendly’ hospitals

They might not be as 'mom-friendly' as we need them to be.

Most preemie babies grow into adulthood with no serious health complications, study shows

Good news for preemie parents.

This viral birth photo captures the moment a mama learned she’d had a son

She was expecting her third daughter and got a big surprise.

These vintage hospital birth instructions show just how much has changed for mothers

Micala Gabrielle Henson's grandmother was given these instructions back when her mom was born in 1968 and they are...something else.

8 Gross Things That Happen After Childbirth

Because getting the baby out is just the beginning.