Labour and birth
Top resources
More Labour and birth
Cord-blood banking: How it works (video)
Labour videos
Positions to ease labour pain: video
Vacuum and forceps during birth: video
See all in Labour videosGiving birth
The stages of childbirth
No one can tell you what your experience of labour will be like or how long it will last. There's plenty you can do to prepare yourself, though. It helps if you know what to expect.
How do I know when I am in labour?
How can I avoid an episiotomy?
When should my baby's head engage?
See all in Giving birthPlanning your baby's birth
Packing your hospital bag? What to take...
Print out this checklist to help you remember everything you need for your baby's birth.
Birth choices - Choosing midwifery care
See all in Planning your baby's birthWhere to give birth
Is a birth centre a good option for you?
In certain provinces, where midwifery is legislated and legal, midwives can attend your labour and birth in your own home.
Moms share their advice about home births
See all in Where to give birthBirth partners
Labour partner: why you need one
There are good reasons why you're encouraged to have a birth partner and why midwives and obstetricians are encouraged to involve them in your labour and birth.
Parents' tips: what to do if your mom wants to be there at your baby's birth
See all in Birth partnersWater birth
How to use a birth pool
Allow yourself plenty of time to find out which hospitals near you can provide a birth pool. Ask if your midwife is experienced in water birth.
The pros and cons of water birth
What people say about water birth
See all in Water birthPain relief in labour
Natural pain relief in labour
Applying warmth is a tried-and-tested way of relaxing aching, tense muscles. So it’s no surprise that it’s a very effective way of providing relief from labour pain.
What is an ambulatory or walking epidural?
See all in Pain relief in labourNatural ways to bring on labour
I'm overdue: now what?
A lot of women go beyond their expected due date, but the number who have what is called a "prolonged pregnancy" is thought to be somewhere in the range of 4-14 per cent.
Natural ways to bring on labour: a guide
See all in Natural ways to bring on labourLabour complications
Induced labour 101
Most labours begin naturally. Although its usually best to let nature take its course, sometimes the birth process may need a little help. Labour is "induced" when it is started artificially.
Are there any safe and proven methods to turn a breech baby?
Why might I need an episiotomy during childbirth?
See all in Labour complicationsCaesarean section
Writing a caesarean birth plan
You may already know that you are going to have a caesarean, or that it's a possibility, for example, if your baby is breech.
Recovery after a caesarean birth
I'm scared of labour pain. Can I opt for a caesarean section?
How many caesareans can I safely have?
See all in Caesarean sectionCord blood banking
Donating your baby's cord blood: The basics
Private cord blood banking in Canada: the basics
Cord blood versus cord tissue: an overview
See all in Cord blood bankingTrack your baby’s development
