I ate my wife’s placenta raw in a smoothie and cooked in a taco

Placentophagy is becoming popular, thanks to health claims and celebrity advocates. And afterbirth is a surprisingly versatile ingredient, finds James Mackinon*

At last, a doctor who respects older mothers

Lynsey Hanley: David Richmond recognises why women are having babies later – they want to take control of their lives

What I’m really thinking: the mother of a stillborn baby

'I've joined an invisible club that gains, on average, 17 new members a day in the UK – the highest stillbirth rate for any country in Europe'

Sales reps in NHS maternity wards are a marketing push too far for mothers

We have come to associate parenthood with buying stuff – but that's no reason to subject bed-bound new mums to the hard sell, says Mumsnet editor Sarah Crown

New mothers lack lifesaving advice, says Netmums survey

Only a quarter of respondents remembered receiving advice on spotting conditions that could kill them or their baby

These Are Our Children by Julie Maxwell – review

Julie Maxwell's funny, thought-provoking novel gives questions around conception and childbirth a vigorous going over. By Jane Housham

Drug to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth could save thousands of lives

Maternal mortality rates in poor countries with hot climates could tumble if trial of resilient new medicine proves successful

FGM charges against doctor ‘have left medical staff afraid’

Maternal health expert says midwives and obstetricians now fear prosecution if they repair damage after childbirth the wrong way

Tales of pregnancy and childbirth: the world wide womb

Global traditions have much to teach us on pregnancy and childbirth. In the run-up to Mother's Day, a new book reveals what we can learn from Japan's sumo wrestlers, the generous Finns and Moldova's fear of fish, writes Amy Fleming

Would you hire a photographer for your child’s birth?

Rachel Holmes: A photograph of the first moments of your child's life, or the agonies of labour, could be a precious memento of a very special time. But then again, the results might not be pretty