‘I started shouting at the midwives’: the stress of giving birth under lockdown

Having a baby is always nerve-racking – and women now have unexpected worries to contend with. New mothers share their stories of ‘incredible’ midwives, and the joy and pain of giving birth during a pandemic

‘I asked three times for an epidural’: why are women being denied pain relief during childbirth?

A new report concludes that women are not being given epidurals and not being fully informed about pain relief by NHS trusts. Does a belief in natural births lie behind this?

I thought I wanted all the drugs I could get in childbirth – so why am I doubting myself?

Six days before my due date, I am lost in a fog of indecision and my birth plan is blank. As a woman who knows her mind, this is a new feeling, says Terri White

Tell us: share your experiences of epidurals during childbirth

We would like to hear from women about their experiences of epidurals during childbirth. Share your stories

I last had a baby five years ago – a lot has changed since then

Scans, ‘natural’ childbirth and epidurals: the political shifts in maternal care

New mothers in England to receive health check six weeks after giving birth

Campaigners welcome move to assess women for physical and mental wellbeing

Health secretary to investigate allegations of women denied epidurals

Matt Hancock ‘concerned’ by reports of pain relief refused during childbirth by NHS trusts

Thank you to … my midwife, for reassuring a pregnant dad

Freddy McConnell thanks Jo for her care and common sense, making no fuss or fanfare

Boys born underweight ‘more likely to have infertility problems’

Experts say men have a higher risk of reproduction issues if born below average size

Record number of over-45s giving birth in England

More than 2,000 women aged 45 and older had babies last year, ONS figures show