The Guardian view on maternity care failures: birth trauma can and should be reduced

Editorial: A pioneering report from MPs should lead to much-needed improvements in the treatment of new mothers by the NHS

The birth trauma scandal is not about one bad apple, one bad culture or one bad area – it’s about the mess of austerity

When I gave birth in the 00s, things were not perfect by any stretch, but unlike now, they were not broken absolutely everywhere, writes Zoe Williams

‘I often say the journey time is longer’: how to make sex after 50 work for you

Many people’s sex lives can dip in middle age – and tiredness is a real passion killer. But there are simple things that can make a difference

What if HRT isn’t right for me? And is cold-water swimming really the answer to everything? Your menopause questions answered

We asked the experts for advice on how to ease your path through menopause and what alternative treatments work best

Cheese, please! Eight everyday foods that are great for gut health – and aren’t kimchi, kombucha, ’kraut or kefir

There’s more to looking after your internal microbiome than stuffing down the four Ks. Here are some cheap, readily available alternatives

Should all workers get unhappiness leave? It beats awaydays, work-life balance seminars and company yoga

Staff at a Chinese supermarket chain can take ‘unhappy days’ whenever they want. Perhaps we’re finally recognising a basic truth: work doesn’t make us happy, says Emma Beddington

‘I was grieving on a very biological level’: how three women got through menopause

Women’s experiences can differ vastly. Some manage their symptoms easily. Others struggle for years. And sometimes menopause can bring benefits they’d never imagined

‘It lowers inhibition’: how saunas are challenging UK pubs as the place to meet

With venues sprouting, what was once a niche industry is sharing ideas on creating new community spaces

Pills or patches, sprays or gels … everything you need to know about HRT

Is hormone replacement therapy right for you and, if it is, what type should you take? All your key questions answered

Bird flu strain found in US cows flown to UK lab for testing

Virus is sent to high-security lab so that experts can examine the potential risks to people and livestock