Backlash Grows Against Free Birth Society in Episode Six
A backlash against the Free Birth Society intensifies as Emilee and Yolande respond. This is episode six of a year-long Guardian investigation. Support independent journalism.
Category : Maternity
FBS Ideology Goes Global in Guardian Investigation
Guardian journalists trace the astonishing global spread of the FBS ideology created by Emilee and Yolande. Listen to episode five of this year-long investigation.
The Birth Keepers: Inside the UK's Doula Empire
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.
Urgent Search for New Mum Missing from London Hospital
Police urgently seek a vulnerable woman in her 20s who left a Romford hospital after giving birth. Her baby is safe. Call 101 with info ref CAD3892/30Dec.
Why your period is heavier and more painful in January
Experts reveal why your menstrual cycle may be heavier and more painful in January, linking it to festive alcohol, rich foods, and less exercise. Learn how to ease symptoms.
Free Birth Society Podcasts Linked to Pregnancy Tragedy
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.
The Incontinence Treatment Women Aren't Told About
A personal story reveals a quick, minimally invasive fix for stress urinary incontinence that transformed one woman's life. Why is this knowledge not reaching the millions of UK women who suffer in silence?
The Birth Keepers: Doulas and the UK Maternal Care Crisis
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.
Free Birth Society ideology nearly costs mother her life
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.
Mother's account of home birth in rural France
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.
Scarlett Moffatt opens up about late miscarriage heartbreak
TV star Scarlett Moffatt shares her devastating experience of a late miscarriage after welcoming son Jude. The Strictly winner discusses the 'soul-destroying' loss and her decision to stop trying for more children. Read her emotional story.
Rare Full-Term Ectopic Pregnancy Ends with Healthy Baby
A California ER nurse gave birth to a healthy baby after an 'essentially unheard of' full-term ectopic pregnancy, hidden behind a 22lb cyst. Read this incredible medical story.
Asian women twice as likely to suffer severe birth tears
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.
Having a baby with a best friend: a modern family story
Journalist Nicola Slawson and her best friend Tom Hayes share their journey of choosing co-parenting over solo parenthood. Discover the challenges and joys of their unique family setup.
NHS pays maternity inquiry lead up to £26,000 a month
Donna Ockenden, chairing the Nottingham maternity review, invoices up to £26,000 monthly for advice. The final report is due by June 2026. Read the full investigation.
New Baby Travel System Bundles Aim to Solve Parent Headache
Ickle Bubba and Maxi-Cosi launch new travel system bundles for newborns, combining pushchairs with car seats. The range is on sale until early February, offering a streamlined solution for parents.
Women and Babies Targeted in Global Conflict Zones
A Guardian investigation reveals a harrowing global pattern of attacks on maternity services in war zones, endangering mothers and newborns. Read the full report on this critical breach of human rights.
Boy's kindness helps pregnant mum with spilled shopping
A heavily pregnant woman's shopping disaster was saved by a kind 10-year-old boy. His small act of kindness offered hope and practical help when adults looked away. Read this heartwarming story.
Free Birth Society ideology nearly costs woman her life
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.
Postpartum Bleeding: Maternal Choice is Key
New guidelines emphasise informed consent for managing postpartum haemorrhage. Discover why patient choice is now central to maternal care in the UK.
Free Birth Society linked to infant fatalities worldwide
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.
Festive Food & Drink Guide for Pregnant Women
Navigating Christmas while pregnant? Discover expert-approved, delicious alternatives to champagne, oysters, pâté and more for a joyful, safe festive feast. Get inspired for a merry (and mindful) celebration.
C-sections overtake vaginal births in England
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.
The Agony of Hyperemesis Gravidarum in Pregnancy
A powerful podcast revisits the severe reality of hyperemesis gravidarum, far beyond 'morning sickness', and explores new hope for sufferers. Listen to the 2025 audio long read.
Katherine Ryan's cosmetic surgery 8 weeks after giving birth
Comedian Katherine Ryan reveals she underwent major cosmetic surgery just two months after welcoming her fourth child, taking the newborn with her. She explains her surgeon choice and defends her decision.
Guardian Investigation Exposes 48 Cases Linked to Free Birth Society
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.
Paloma Faith hospitalised with flu during pregnancy
Singer Paloma Faith shares her hospitalisation for flu while pregnant at 44, opening up about her fears and past fertility struggles. Read her full story here.
IVF couples use legal loophole to rank embryos
Couples in the UK are using a legal grey area to screen IVF embryos for traits like intelligence and height, raising major ethical questions about 'designer babies'. Discover the implications.
Mother of world's first IVF boy shares her story
Grace MacDonald recounts her pioneering journey to motherhood via IVF in 1979, giving birth to the world's first IVF boy, Alastair. A story of hope, science, and an unbreakable bond.
UK parents praise Riff Raff baby sleep toy as 'cornerstone of sleep'
Australian brand Riff Raff's sleep toys, now in the UK, help babies self-soothe with lullabies and white noise. Parents call them a game-changer for bedtime routines. Discover the details.
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