My first labour was harrowing. Hypnobirthing made my second like a dream First-time mothers can be terrified because they’re rushed through labour, but I overcame my fears with the help of this meditative practice
Neurotribes review – the evolution of our understanding of autism A life-affirming study shows how much attitudes have changed to the condition once known as ‘childhood psychosis’
The Man Who Closed the Asylums: Franco Basaglia and the Revolution in Mental Health Care by John Foot – review Dangerous idealist or revolutionary hero? A nuanced look at a reforming psychiatrist
Naked at Lunch review – the funny thing about nudism Mark Haskell Smith’s undercover view of nudism is both thoughtful and hilarious
Worrying: A Literary and Cultural History review – ennui and its origins Francis O’Gorman’s study of why we worry covers everything from medieval monastic life to modern cultural theory without really providing any answers
Belle Gibson: wellness blogger’s mum says cancer story was just a ‘white lie’ Natalie Dal-Bello says people are allowed to ‘tell little porky pies’ as she attempts a reconciliation with her daughter and grandson
A Place of Refuge by Tobias Jones review – an experiment in communal living A refreshingly honest account of one couple’s remarkable project: to open their family home to some of society’s most vulnerable people
Modern Romance review – a refreshing male take on sex Aziz Ansari entertains and illuminates as he observes how technology complicates relationships
Tobias Jones Q&A: ‘When you’ve got lice or nits in your hair, are you allowed to kill them?’ Tobias Jones talks about the communal refuge he runs, the criteria for allowing newcomers in and the effect of his faith
Worrying: A Literary and Cultural History by Francis O’Gorman – review ‘Now it’s over, I can enjoy my holiday.’ It’s sometimes self-indulgent and often irrational. So why do many of us spend our lives fretting?