Monday briefing: What a new Guardian investigation reveals about a group ‘radicalising’ women into unassisted birth

In today’s newsletter: A report dives into the disturbing story of a ‘wild’ pregnancy and freebirth business that ‘radicalises’ women, with tragic consequences

The 36 best gift ideas for US teens in 2025 – picked by actual teens

Teenagers tell us what gifts they actually want this year, from Lululemon to slushie machines

The loneliness fix: I wanted to find new friends in my 30s – and it was easier than I imagined

It is said to be harder to make friends as you age. But I found that a mix of apps and other tools, as well as a happy attitude, led to a world of potential new pals

Five key findings from our investigation into the Free Birth Society

Year-long investigation into multimillion-dollar business exposed serious concerns, from dangerous medical claims to FBS-linked stillbirths

Being labelled a Highly Sensitive Person was validating and empowering – until it wasn’t

An online personality quiz made me feel understood, but it also created a mental cage

My schoolmates mocked me for being a UPF-free, ‘weird lunchbox’ kid. Turns out my mum was right all along

In the 90s my mum embarrassed me with her rejection of ultra-processed foods – but the growing body of evidence about them is vindicating her, says Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world

A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors

The 12 best US gifts for the fitness fan in your life, vetted by a CrossFit coach

From Lululemon to LMNT and Nike, here’s the fitness gear that’s stood up to sweat tests and made workouts better

She was pregnant and addicted to fentanyl. Getting to keep her baby saved them both

A baby is born in withdrawal every 18 minutes in the US, and most end up in foster care. At centers like Maddie’s Place, mothers stay with their infants – and leave together, in recovery

Hold an ice cube – and shake like a dog: therapists on 16 simple, surprising ways to beat stress

It can cause physiological and emotional problems, but none of us can avoid it entirely. Here are some of the best ways to react when stress hormones start coursing through your body ...