Researchers Anthea Lindquist and Stephen Tong report that vaginal birth after caesarean increases the risk of serious perineal tear by 20%, their large-scale review shows Pregnant women who previously birthed by caesarean section are presented with a choice: whether to try for a vaginal birth, or...
During the birth of her first child in 2015, Stephanie Thompsom sustained traumatic injuries to her pelvic floor. Stephanie is now on a mission to share her story and start conversations about how we view childbirth. Having been told by her midwives that it was...
Pregnant women in Australia are increasingly having their labours induced rather than giving birth spontaneously – and some without good reason. Report Hannah Dahlen, Ank de Jonge, Lilian Peters and Soo Downe A large proportion of first time mothers (41.6%) were induced in 2018, when the...
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...
