Birth

An ode to my first pair of mom underwear

Every time I go to throw them away, I feel a pang of guilt. This underwear saved my life. Okay, maybe it wasn't that extreme, but it did bring me comfort. This package of underwear was the first step towards regaining some semblance of dignity and normalcy after giving birth. This underwear propelled me into motherhood.

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?

These celebrity moms shared their honest, vulnerable C-section experiences—and it’s a must-read

Amy Schumer, Jessica Simpson and more open up about their c-sections.

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.

My birth story: A scheduled second C-section

Although I didn't push, I gave birth just the same. It diminished nothing about the moment of becoming a mother again.

Your birth plan worksheet: The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama

10 questions to consider when writing your birth plan

Shawn Johnson East felt ‘like a failure’ when she had to have a C-section

There is no *wrong* way to give birth.

Meditations from The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama: Redefining the Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Journey

Take time to relax, mama.

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

Good news for preemie parents.

Everybody’s birth is different—just ask Jennifer Garner and Kristen Bell

Jennifer Garner described giving birth as "romantic" and Kristen Bell totally disagreed.

Sydney Leroux returns to pro soccer 3 months after giving birth

Leroux just showed the world that motherhood doesn't have to end an athlete's career. Mothers are strong.

What went viral this week: Toddler BFFs & a teacher who gave birth at school

In an age when outrage and anger dominate online spaces, we fill this space with uplifting news each week.

Shay Mitchell’s boyfriend objects to epidurals—but he’s not the one giving birth

Where do we even begin here?

Wow—this 74-year-old just became the oldest woman to give birth

To twins, no less.

Barbra on feeling robbed and depressed after needing a C-section

"New moms are at once the strongest people you will ever meet and the weakest. They are at once warriors and defeated soldiers."

Surprise! This mama gave birth to triplets and didn’t even know she was pregnant

This story is unreal!

5 surprising birth stories from ‘Bachelor’ contestants

You can't write a better Bachelor ending than that!