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.

c-section mom with baby on chest

C-section mamas are beautiful, strong and brave

A birth photographer shares stunning photos of C-section births and their resilient mamas.

Updated Feb. 23, 2024

Birth Plan Basics

8 tips to help you create a birth plan that’s right for you.

Updated Nov. 01, 2022
mom doing skin to skin after giving birth

Planning an epidural? Here are 4 ways to have the best experience possible

Deciding to get an epidural isn’t the “easy way out.”

Updated Jan. 31, 2023
baby boy on oxygen smiling

World’s most premature baby, given 0% odds of survival, celebrates first birthday

Baby Richard weighed less than a pound when he was born 131 days premature.

Updated Jan. 23, 2023

Meghan Trainor shares her son’s NICU birth story

Baby Riley was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit after his arrival.

Updated Oct. 14, 2021
mom hugging baby to chest - birth quotes

You’ve got this, mama: 15 empowering quotes on giving birth

"When you change the way you view birth, the way you birth will change."

Updated Oct. 12, 2022
woman crying with her newborn baby on her chest

18 emotional photos of partners meeting their baby for the first time 😭

There's no feeling that compares to the moment you become a mama, but one that feels just as sweet is seeing your partner with your baby for the first time.

Updated Jun. 03, 2021
pregnant woman working on a laptop

This mom was pressured to finish a work meeting—even after her water broke

This is just one example of how harmful 'hustle culture' can be toward pregnant workers.

Updated Jan. 23, 2023

She gave birth while in a COVID-19 coma. What this mom wants you to know

When Monica Ramirez regained consciousness, she learned that her daughter was already two weeks old.

Updated Oct. 17, 2021
mother holding newborn baby on a plane

A woman unaware she was pregnant gives birth on airplane

Luckily, a doctor and three NICU nurses were on board the same flight.

Updated Sep. 30, 2022
pregnant mom packing hospital bag for baby

Here’s the ultimate hospital bag checklist for mom & baby

If you've been stressing over what you'll need for those long hours in the hospital when you give birth, we've got you.

Updated Dec. 03, 2021

Are birth classes covered by insurance?

Here's how to find out if your birth class is covered by insurance or your HSA/FSA.

Updated Dec. 20, 2022
Camilla Luddington holding newborn in the hospital

After a 15-hour labor while wearing a mask, Camilla Luddington says she felt “claustrophobic”

The "Grey's Anatomy" actress said she feels a bond with other mothers who had similar experiences.

Updated Jan. 26, 2022
baby in a NICU wearing a tux

These adorable photos of a NICU baby prom will absolutely melt your heart

The NICU pulled out all the stops with a tiny tux, itty-bitty dresses, and baby-sized corsages!

Updated Feb. 14, 2022
Barbara Higgins holding newborn son in the hospital

This rockstar mama gave birth at 57

The New Hampshire woman was weightlifting until the day she went into labor!

Updated Jan. 26, 2022
mom holding newborn baby on her chest at hospital after birth

These powerful birth photos capture the beauty and strength of mothers

The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers announced its contest winners—and the photos are stunning.

Updated Jan. 19, 2023
C-Section Recovery Products

17 C-section recovery products you might not think of (but won’t want to live without)

It's major abdominal surgery so make sure you take the time to recover.

Updated Jan. 31, 2024

Gigi Hadid opens up about her home birth and how Zayn caught their daughter

"Afterward, Z and I looked at each other and were like, we can have some time before we do that again," Hadid told Vogue.

Updated Oct. 14, 2021
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