‘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

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

‘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

‘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