Water births do not increase risk of complications, study finds
Using a water pool during labour for low-risk pregnancies is as safe as giving birth out of water, research shows
‘I felt entirely alone’: comedian Grace Campbell on the aftermath of her abortion
When Grace Campbell had an abortion, she felt relief at being able to exercise a right so many women had fought for. But nothing prepared her for the depression that came after. Here, the comedian reflects on the physical and emotional toll
The period that almost killed me: ‘My mam was told, if you take her home, she won’t last the night’
What happens when a woman’s monthly bleeding just won’t stop? Marjolein Robertson discusses her years-long fight to get help for her haemorrhaging and pain – and how she turned this into comedy
Rosalie review – intriguing empowerment tale of a 19th century celebrity ‘bearded lady’
Based on a true story, this film presents hormone-disordered Rosalie, who has hair on her face and body, as a perky outsider in period dress
‘It was empowering and joyful’: the UK women hiring private midwives
After a troubling report on NHS care, the number of pregnant women seeking more control over their birth plans is growing
‘The darkest period of my life’: I struggled to breastfeed – then a drug sent me spiralling
The anti-sickness medicine domperidone is increasingly being prescribed or bought illegally to aid lactation. Yet, as I discovered too late, side-effects can include anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts
‘It was my gateway drug to self-harm’: a writer’s journey to finding the joy in makeup
As a girl, the author Emma Forrest defaced herself with lipstick to convey the emotional maelstrom she felt inside. Now in her 40s, she has finally mastered how to use makeup as an agent of happiness
I’m about to have a mastectomy and need some skincare advice
Got a beauty dilemma? Our expert is here to help. This week, Sarah is looking beyond cancer surgery
‘Breasts are a serious political problem’: one woman’s quest to reclaim her chest
Sarah Thornton had dismissed them as ‘dumb boobs’ until a double mastectomy changed everything. Her new book, Tits Up, explores what our beliefs about breasts mean – from feeding babies to bra design and Baywatch
I feel the strongest I’ve ever been. Menopause hasn’t slowed me down
Despite the physical signs of ageing, I am determined to stay fit, keep my mind sharp, share my knowledge and embrace new adventures