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.

epidural in labor: pregnant woman in hospital talking to doula

My epidural worked *too* well—here’s what I wish I knew

I had a panic attack while in labor, but now I know what to ask for next time.

Updated Nov. 09, 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

These are the best birth photos of 2021—and they’re breathtaking

These are the winners of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers 2021 Birth Photography Image Competition.

Updated Oct. 31, 2022
pregnant-woman-on-a-bed-holding-her-belly

Preparing for your birth? Have you heard of Motherly’s birth class?

Pregnancy and birth are some of the biggest moments of life—it can feel…

Updated Jan. 19, 2023
black maternal health: Black-mother-holding-newborn-in-hospital

Giving birth shouldn’t be a death sentence, but for Black moms, this is the reality

For decades, Black mothers and their needs during pregnancy have been ignored and pushed aside.

Updated Mar. 23, 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

I’m a midwife, and I can’t be silent about our broken birthing system

A midwife speaks about the world's other other health crisis we need to confront.

Updated Oct. 15, 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
midwife helping mom swaddle baby - to my midwife thank you

To my midwife—thank you

You believed in me. You, quite honestly, gave me the power to believe in myself.

Updated Sep. 28, 2023
pregnant mom who wants to chewing gum after c section

It’s Science: Chewing gum after a C-section can help you leave the hospital sooner

We'll take all the help we can get with that first postpartum poop.

Updated Oct. 03, 2022

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
mom holding baby in the NICU

I’m a survivor. I’m a NICU mama.

Walking out of the hospital with a NICU baby is a true miracle.​

Updated Aug. 26, 2024

Body cam footage shows officer delivering baby in 7-Eleven parking lot

Watch the entire amazing birth from start to finish—congrats to all!

Updated Sep. 30, 2022
woman crying taking a selfie

This mama reminds us that becoming a mother is the birth of a human AND a new woman

"You go from the highest your hormones will ever be in your life to the lowest all in one swift moment."

Updated Nov. 29, 2022
mom holding newborn baby after birth

When I tell you about my difficult birth, here’s what I need you to do

Please don’t say, “At least the baby’s healthy.” 

Updated Nov. 07, 2022
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