Are water births easier?They can be. 'Water helps you stay relaxed,' says midwife Louise Adams. 'It triggers your natural painkillers and helps you get into the best position for your baby to descend into the birth canal.A Swiss study in 2000 found

scaring yourself silly imagining all sorts of scenarios. So, here, to calm your fears, are the facts from the experts… What exactly is a tear? It is damage to the skin, tissue and, occasionally, muscles of your vagina and perineum (the area between your

You wouldn't think of running a marathon without training first, and the same goes for preparing your body for the physical challenge of giving birth.'If you're fit and well, you'll have more strength and stamina for labour,' says antenatal teacher

A tear during labour means that you have suffered damage to the skin, tissues and occasionally muscles of your vagina and perineum - the area between your vagina and anus.The tear could be anything from a nick in the skin to a deeper laceration

.She will be with us on babyexpert for a LIVE webchat on THURSDAY Feb 5, 12-1pm giving answers to your questions about genital healing and recovery following birth.Perhaps you're worried about the aftermath of tearing or an episiotomy, or want to know how to re

While there’s no way of knowing exactly how your labour will go, being 
as prepared as possible will help you feel calmer and more in control. Heres what these new mums felt helped them...‘Have realistic expectations of your partner

the elasticity of the skin. Once the pushing stage starts, it helps if it's done gently and gradually. Your midwife will help you through.‘I'm afraid of the pain' Pain is frightening because it's associated with the body being damaged, yet in labour something

. Even if you're propped up, there isn't much gravity to help you push the baby down.'Lying down can make labour last longer, increase the level of pain, affect your blood pressure and reduce the amount of oxygen your baby receives. Also, your body's main