Tell us about your difficult childbirth experiences

We’d like to hear about your experiences during and after childbirth and what helped you deal with them

‘Yes he’s alive but I’m not OK’: the bloody truth about childbirth

New mothers are sharing their horror stories online. But does talking about giving birth traumatise other women – or empower them?

Don’t tell women to shut up about childbirth. Sharing stories saves lives

Giving birth is bloody painful. Why deny it? But it’s also the experience of a lifetime, says Guardian columnist Suzanne Moore

Instead of judging women who want a C-section, why not listen?

Women’s needs should be paramount when it comes to birth planning, says the director of Birthrights Rebecca Schiller

The surprising truth about becoming a mother in your 50s – from the women who know

The number of births to women aged over 50 is soaring. But what’s the real story behind the rise? Three mothers talk about the joy of finally having a baby long after it would once have been possible

Adele shares story of friend’s postpartum psychosis to help new mothers

‘Talk about how you’re feeling,’ singer urges, as experts say taboos can leave people isolated

Harry Kane, the main thing about giving birth is mother and baby’s health

As the England footballer has discovered, how you have a baby is as competitive as football

Harry Kane tweet sparks hypnobirthing debate

Footballer criticised after praising wife for giving birth without pain relief, but hypnobirthing has many supporters

Cot death charity criticises call for baby boxes across UK

Midwives urge roll-out of boxes given to new parents but Lullaby Trust warns on safety

What does childbirth feel like? You asked Google – here’s the answer

Every day millions of people ask Google life’s most difficult questions. Our writers answer some of the commonest queries