An investigation into the unregulated world of UK doulas, known as 'The Birth Keepers', and their growing influence on maternity care. Discover the promises, risks, and the women at the centre of this movement.
An investigation by Guardian journalists reveals how a mother's engagement with the Free Birth Society community in 2018 led to devastating consequences. Listen to the full story.
Explore the rising doula movement in the UK as it confronts systemic gaps in maternity care. Meet the women offering emotional and physical support where the NHS falls short.
An investigation reveals how the Free Birth Society's message led one woman to the brink. Discover the risks of unassisted childbirth and the year-long Guardian probe.
A mother shares her experience of a planned home birth, supported by professionals, advocating for informed choice and a middle ground between free birthing and hospital intervention.
The birth of baby Lara in Pagliara dei Marsi highlights Italy's deepening demographic crisis, with national birth rates hitting a historic low. Can policies reverse the trend?
Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh announces the birth of her fourth grandchild, Bobby, in a heartwarming Christmas Day Instagram post. Read the full story and see the adorable family photos.
Exclusive NHS data reveals Asian women are nearly twice as likely to experience severe vaginal tearing during childbirth. Experts warn of a critical awareness gap among healthcare staff.
A Spanish woman awarded nearly €1 million after discovering she was switched at birth in 2002. The shocking DNA test result revealed her parents were not biologically related. Read the full story.
A London commuter was left emotional after spotting a personal birth announcement on a Tube station board. The viral TikTok video captured a moment of unexpected joy at Notting Hill Gate.
An investigation by The Guardian reveals how the Free Birth Society's message of rejecting medical care endangered pregnant women. Listen to the full podcast series for the shocking details.
A Guardian investigation reveals the multimillion-dollar Free Birth Society, promoting unassisted childbirth, has been linked to baby deaths globally. Listen to the Full Story podcast.
China will impose a 13% VAT on condoms and contraceptive drugs from January 1, ending a 30-year exemption. Experts warn of risks to public health as social media users ridicule the move.
China ends a 30-year tax exemption on contraceptives, imposing a 13% VAT from 1 January. This 'carrot-and-stick' approach aims to boost the birth rate, but experts doubt its effectiveness. Explore the policy shift and public reaction.
NHS data reveals a historic shift: 45% of births in England are now caesareans. Explore the trends, age factors, and expert insights behind this change in maternity care.
A Guardian investigation into the Free Birth Society reveals 48 cases of serious harm, highlighting the dangers of unregulated online health advice and the urgent need for safeguards in the digital age.
A Labour minister has candidly stated life is 's**t' for young adults struggling with housing and childcare costs, as UK birth rates hit record lows. Read the full analysis.
Made in Chelsea stars Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing have announced the arrival of their first child, a baby boy named Ziggy. The couple shared the joyful news on social media.
This Morning star Alice Liveing shares her post-partum health scare after being hospitalised with unusual bleeding. The fitness influencer urges new mothers to seek medical advice.
Discover six compelling Guardian stories including Free Birth Society investigation, changing Beatles perceptions, and Britain's disappearing living rooms. Perfect weekend reading.
An NHS midwife responds to the Free Birth Society, arguing that accessible, autonomous midwifery is the solution to both medical overreach and risky free births.
Exclusive: NHS websites directed women to a factsheet promoting the Free Birth Society, linked to baby deaths. Discover the full investigation into this shocking breach of trust.
Medical professionals warn against unassisted childbirth promoted online. Learn why experts call this trend 'life-threatening' and what expectant parents should know.
Exclusive investigation into the Free Birth Society reveals alarming safety concerns and lack of medical oversight in unassisted childbirth movement. Essential reading for expectant parents.
WWE icon Torrie Wilson announces the birth of her daughter, Poppi, via surrogate, calling motherhood a 'dream come true' at 50. Read her emotional message and see the reactions.
Princess Beatrice reveals the loneliness of premature birth while supporting Borne charity's research campaign. Join the conversation on maternal health support.
Tony Donnelly became an emergency midwife when his partner Kelsey gave birth to their daughter Jessie in their Peugeot. Read their incredible roadside delivery story.
Princess Beatrice makes her first UK charity appearance since her father Andrew was stripped of his prince title, supporting premature birth research. Discover the personal connection.
Campaigners fighting for justice after anti-nausea drug Primodos caused devastating birth defects call for urgent government investigation into historic medical scandal.
Leading maternity experts call for urgent improvements in home birth safety, including clearer risk information and guaranteed access to skilled midwives across the UK.