The IVF egg donor: ‘I knew I didn’t want children. I’ve just found out I have three’

Altruists such as Vanessa Traill are playing an increasingly important role in helping childless couples unable to conceive naturally. Joanna Moorhead meets one of them

These are the baby bottle wars of New York

Emma Brockes: Notebook: One hospital is militantly pro-breastfeeding – another couldn’t give a toss. It’s the land of choice

Nice: mothers-to-be at risk of mental health problems need more support

Vulnerable women planning a child should receive guidance on how pregnancy could affect their mental health, says report

The perils of having an older parent

When Charles Lambert was born, his father was 64. After a childhood overshadowed by ill-health and old age, he cautions against late-life parenthood

Phthalates risk damaging children’s IQs in the womb, US researchers suggest

Additives found in plastics and scented products could affect brain development and lower IQ

I had postpartum psychosis. More must be done to help mothers like me

Vonny Leclerc: Postnatal depression’s bigger, uglier brother hit me. When all eyes are on the beautiful baby, we can forget to look at the mum

Better care urged for pregnant women with mental health problems – study

Deaths from indirect causes such as suicide have remained constant despite overall fall in maternal mortality rate

Should I have a home birth?

Studies show that, for healthy women, they are safe and, largely, free of complications. But the choice between home and hospital is still up to you

Breasts are so ostentatious. If only women could spurt milk from their fingers

Barbara Ellen: It’s not mothers feeding their babies naturally, but those who insist on taking offence at the act who should be ashamed of themselves

Mothers breastfeed outside Claridge’s in support of woman told to cover up

Mass ‘nurse-in’ protest targets five-star London hotel after staff ask Louise Burns to hide her baby under a napkin