‘We’d built the business up, we’d brought the children up, so when Pauline turned 50 she said, “Right, I’m going to do something for me for once – I’m going to have my thighs done.”‘ Within 48 hours of the liposuction, she was dead

This week a poster claiming cosmetic surgery 'just got easy' was banned. The truth is, even a quick nip and tuck can kill. Jenny Kleeman reports

I did not eat for a year

Experience: It's hard to think of an occasion that doesn't involve sharing food or drink. It's not possible to replicate the feelings of warmth and companionship and the easy conversation that having a meal together promotes.

The family challenge

Is it possible for a family to do yoga together - and relax? Emma Cook grudgingly gives it a go, with Simon, Louis and Evie.

I always thought mothers who didn’t breastfeed were feckless – but now I realise why some reach for a bottle

Zoe Williams says she never went to any breastfeeding classes because three years ago, by chance, she met my best friend on her way out of one, and she was fuming.

The pros and cons of express delivery

Zoe Williams: With labour, it's not as simple as short good, long bad. Sure, there's a macho swagger to a short labour (say, under five hours): especially with a first baby.

Anti-natal

Zoe Williams: Pineapples, sex and curries are all supposed to bring on labour, but there is an even more desperate method.

My baby has taken total control of my life – and other parents can’t stop telling me how to live it

Lauren Laverne: Being pregnant has taught me valuable lessons. I swear that when The Bean finally makes his entrance into the world I will never give pregnant pals my two penn'orth unless they request it, even if I have to wear a bridle to afternoon tea.

Too busy for sex?

Fear not! The latest clutch of sex guides are full of advice for people with no time to Do It. But who has the time to even read about sex these days? To save you the trouble, Lucy Mangan sifts through Mating in Captivity et al for some top tips.

Leave those kids alone

Michael White: The idea that children shouldn't be allowed out on their own is ridiculous. Things have got worse since I was a child, but not that much worse.

Mistaken identity

On Monday, psychiatrist Russell Reid was censured for improperly authorising five sex changes. Claudia, whom Reid approved for gender reassignment 20 years ago, tells Julie Bindel how she was rushed into the operation - and quickly came to regret it.

OurChemist

Our Chemist – Health