Giving Birth - Everything You Need to Know - Motherly
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Birth

It’s go time, mama! Whether you’re counting down the days or trying to plan ahead, learn more about giving birth with advice and essays from real mamas.

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
RX kids: A new mom holding her baby

Moms are getting $7,500 for having a baby in Michigan—here’s how it’s transforming lives

What if we just paid women when they have babies? A revolutionary new program is testing exactly that—and it’s already changing lives.

Updated Dec. 09, 2024
Childbirth - Woman holding her baby who she gave birth to in the back of an ambulance

‘You kept me calm’: Michigan mom delivers baby in ambulance with help from heroic first responders

While Demsey had experienced childbirth twice before, this delivery was a first for everyone involved, including the Clinton Township paramedics who assisted her.

Updated Dec. 05, 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
mother holding baby in hospital after birth - discarding placentas

We should stop discarding placentas after birth, scientists say

We’re missing a major research opportunity: The placenta can tell us a lot about the health of both mom and baby.

Updated Sep. 26, 2024
Infant in the hospital

The infant mortality rate in the U.S. is rising for the first time in over 22 years

There are many factors that could contribute to a rising infant mortality rate, as experts point out.

Updated Aug. 02, 2024

Kansas City dad who became a doula is inspiring other dads to ‘step up’ during childbirth

James Hogue trained to be a doula after watching his wife go through a complicated delivery.

Updated Jun. 25, 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
newborn baby in the hospital in mothers hands low US birth rate

New report shows US birth rate has hit a record low—but please don’t blame moms

We’re in a baby bust. But we should point fingers at failing systemic supports, not mothers.

Updated May. 14, 2024
Pregnant Black Female Touch Knees During Contractions- black women need strong advocates

My birth story highlighted a critical reality: Black women need strong advocates

The constant advocating throughout my birth experience was exhausting.

Updated Apr. 29, 2024

Yoga Moves To Avoid After Giving Birth

7 moves that may not be safe postpartum.

Updated Aug. 06, 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
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