Highlights In the first few days after birth, your body and emotions will undergo many changes. Rest whenever your baby is asleep, whether it’s day or night. Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy, fiber-rich diet. If you experience…

Highlights The first few days of your baby’s life are very exciting, and they can also be tiring. Every baby is different — they often don’t follow schedules in the first couple of months. Your baby’s poo changes quite a…

Highlights Having a baby is different for everyone. After the birth, you may feel elated, exhausted, emotionally drained, or all of them at once. Your tummy will take time to go back to its normal size. It’s important to give…

Highlights Your midwife or doctor will check your baby soon after birth. When your baby is born, they may have blood and vernix on their skin. You may have your first breastfeed during skin-to-skin time, soon after birth. Your baby’s…

Highlights There are many non-medical options you can use to help relieve pain and discomfort during labour. Some pain relief options should only be given by qualified health professionals and are not suitable for everyone. Ask your hospital or birth…

Highlights Unless there is a medical reason, you can labour and birth in a position that makes you feel comfortable. Moving around during labour can help you manage labour pain. Labouring and birthing in an upright position can have health…

Highlights Waters breaking refers to the rupture of the baby’s protective amniotic sac, and this usually occurs during late pregnancy or labor. For most people, the waters break during labor, rather than before it starts. If your waters break before…

Highlights Contractions are when the muscles of your uterus (womb) tighten and then relax during labour. They help open the cervix and move the baby down the birth canal. Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that don’t open the cervix.…

Highlights Labour and birth are divided into three main stages. The first stage is broken into three phases — latent, active, and transition. The second stage is when your cervix is open and ends with your baby’s birth. The third…

Highlights Labour start times vary for each pregnancy. Early signs of labour usually appear between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Common early signs include cramps, a ‘show’ (bloodstained discharge), and waters breaking. Braxton Hicks contractions are not the same…