Patricia Lee learns to take nothing for granted as the midwife called for the emergency obstetrician. As I slumped onto the delivery bed, panting and sweating after another contraction, I knew something was wrong. After spending the entire day in labour and pushing for hours, my...
A major report just released has revealed that many Australian babies are being placed at unnecessary risk because their birth by caesarean section is scheduled too early, without a medical reason. This is despite clear evidence that waiting until 39 weeks – unless there is...
In a momentous leap forward for women’s health in Australia, a new national standard of care released today will reduce the risk of women experiencing a serious tear of the perineum at childbirth. Until recently, perineal tears were a taboo subject and women often suffered in...
The 31st anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child came and went in 2020, writes Liz Allen. Yet not every Australian child is registered or has a birth certificate. As we reflect on the value and place of children, this gives us a...
Many people think having a healthy baby is all that matters, particularly for couples who have struggled to conceive, but for some parents-to-be gender disappointment can seriously affect their mental health....
Can you believe it!? A breakthrough in preventing miscarriages has been discovered and some of its antidote can be found in a jar of one of Australia’s national treasures, Vegemite....
During COVID-19, women are opting for 'freebirthing' if homebirths aren't available. And that's a worry reports Hannah Dahlen The pandemic is prompting some Australian pregnant women to give birth at home without a midwife or registered health provider, according to a survey out this week. Another...
Research shows a strong link between mum’s mental health and her child’s emotional development. Women experiencing psychological distress during pregnancy and after birth are twice as likely to have children with emotional and behavioural issues throughout their childhood, new research shows, highlighting the need for broader...
So what is hypnobirthing? Mary Steen, looks at what the evidence says about its use? In a new parenting podcast, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, said she used hypnobirthing techniques to help her get through severe morning sickness – a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. She also...
Preparing for the birth of your first child? We shed some light on the labour process....
