about you going into labour naturally.You'll be given an epidural, the top of your pubic hair shaved, a drip put into your arm to give you saline fluid and a catheter inserted to empty your bladder. A screen will be placed in front of you so you won

between your baby and the bacteria in your vagina.'Lots of women choose to wait and will start contractions on their own in that time. However, if labour doesn't start spontaneously, you'll need to be induced.Some hospitals induce labour by inserting gel

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

slowed down contractions. This time, I only just made it to the hospital in time to deliver Jacob after a labour of less than two hours, with no pain relief at all.’ Jeni Wood, 29, from Bournemouth, mum to Jacob, 3 months, and Alfie, 3‘Get to know your

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

If you've already started thinking about your birth plan or labour day, chances are it doesn't include being induced, needing forceps or having stitches. But, however determined you are to welcome your baby into the world to the sound of chill

sure your wishes and needs are clear and at the end of it all you'll share that most precious and unforgettable of experiences-the moment your baby first enters the world.Take time to make the right choice, as these four mums did.Me and my man

to rocking back and forth. Fans of the ball say it gives great support in labour for the upper body, pelvis and legs.What to do: Order one in advance so you have time to get used to it. You can sit on it while you're watching TV and use it to practise birth

as long as there were no complications and labour started within 10 days of my due date, a home birth was fine.I had my antenatal appointments at the clinic, part of my GP's practice, and scans at the hospital. At 28 weeks it was explained to me

Our webchat is the chance to get answers to your intimate questions about post-birth healing.Expert Rachel Foux (pictured) has over 13 years experience in women’s health and holistic healing as a qualified maternity and fertility therapist