Films that portray childbirth with a moment of light panting followed by images of women airbrushed and made-up cuddling quiet newborns make women feel like failures according to actress Tilda Swinton, 50, who was talking at the Cannes Film Festival

You may be wondering how to approach your next birth more positively after a bad labour experience the first time.There is no reason why a second birth cannot be far more positive.If you feel traumatized becuase of medical problems during the first birth, write to the head of mid...

How can hypnotherapy help you cope with labour?'Hypnotherapy can help with the birth experience on a number of different levels. It can teach and help the expectant mother how to distress and relax. It can boost her confidence levels and dispel any fears she may have. It can also...

Just 2.5% of births take place at home, but a National Childbirth Trust survey found 43% of women would consider one.The reason most women don't even consider giving birth at home is because they simply don't have enough information about it.If you

Q: I'm 28 weeks pregnant, which is a miracle as I have a condition called vaginismus, where the muscles of the vagina go into spasm involuntarily. I can't be examined or have a smear, and become a wreck at the thought of it. I've asked for an elective C-section but my consultant ...

Birth and labour are the biggest worries for many pregnant women. Where to have the baby? How to make the right choice for you and your bump?We know that these concerns feature large for BabyExpert members, so we've teamed up with one of the UK's leading experts on maternity care...

Lead Midwife for Argyll and Bute, NHS Highland, Joanne Thorpe says:Yes, it's safe to give birth at home as long as you've had a normal, healthy pregnancy. However, if you're considered 'high risk', for example, if your baby is lying sideways instead of head down, it may not be an...

Ideally your birth partner will be:CALM:Birth is a demanding experience, so you need someone who can handle the highs and lows, and not take it personally if you snap at them.Would your husband or mum get upset seeing you in pain during labour, or your best friend panic if there ...

You can get pregnant from three weeks after the birth, even if your periods haven't returned yet. So although sex may be the last thing on your mind, make sure you're protected.For more info on family planning, see your GP or practice nurse or visit www.netdoctor.co.uk. Alternati...

One of your very first questions - probably while you're still clutching that positive test - is likely to be ‘When's my baby due?' When you visit your GP, you can ask them to confirm your due date for you.  To find out when your baby is due Your pregnancy is considered to start ...