British Black women die in childbirth at an appalling rate. I’m tired of fighting a racist system in vain
Fixing this will require systemic change that goes way beyond healthcare, says author Candice Brathwaite
At long last, some recognition of the pain after childbirth. Why is women’s suffering so ignored?
Research shows opioid painkillers are unlikely to harm breastfed babies – but history shows how often women have had to sacrifice their own health, says historian Agnes Arnold-Foster
‘I kept begging for pain relief’: the women forced to give birth without gas and air
Some hospitals are suspending supplies of gas and air, after it was found to pose health risks to midwives. What can be done to ensure pregnant women still get the help they need?
What makes me happy now: dimples
This March, my first child will be here – and I’ll be able to touch the little dimple in his ultrasound pictures. When I smile, I have one, just like my mother
My most romantic moment: I had just given birth – and my boyfriend made me a perfect bowl of pasta
He cut up the linguine with hair scissors, because he knew somehow what I would need when I began breastfeeding. It was the best meal I’ve ever eaten
Black babies stillborn at almost twice rate of white babies, ONS figures show
Campaigners call for greater research into why there are such stark variations in England and Wales
My 72-hour labour was a nightmare. But at least I had access to clean water
It is a shocking fact that more than 16 million women give birth every year without this basic necessity. This cannot go on, says chef, author and presenter Nadiya Hussain
New parents in the UK: what challenges are you facing?
We’rd like to hear from new mothers and fathers in the UK who are facing challenges, such as financial worries, health concerns or a lack of support
Acupuncture relieves back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, study suggests
Analysis shows significant benefits with no major side-effects for mother or baby but more trials needed ‘to confirm results’• [Update: the study on which this article reports was later withdrawn by the BMJ owing to ‘fundamental flaws’ in the research – see footnote]
‘I felt I was being assessed on my skin colour’: Black women around the world share their birth stories
From Rio to Reykjavik, London to Shanghai, Black women face a maternal health crisis. Six mothers share their stories of pregnancy, birth – and racism