Could you forgive your childhood bully? Katy Wix confronts a painful memory

When the actor and comedian’s teenage best friend suddenly became her cruel tormentor, Katy Wix’s mum told her to be patient and not to let it get to her. But it did. Decades later, a message arrives out of the blue…

How a solo retreat helped relight my creative fire

It felt selfish, but at home I couldn’t finish a thought without being interrupted by my kids – so I packed my bags and headed to the coast

We should embrace our inner goddess – but let’s not create another test for women to fail

You don’t have to wear a floral wreath or take milk baths to adhere to a modern goddess philosophy

Water births do not increase risk of complications, study finds

Using a water pool during labour for low-risk pregnancies is as safe as giving birth out of water, research shows

‘I felt entirely alone’: comedian Grace Campbell on the aftermath of her abortion

When Grace Campbell had an abortion, she felt relief at being able to exercise a right so many women had fought for. But nothing prepared her for the depression that came after. Here, the comedian reflects on the physical and emotional toll

The period that almost killed me: ‘My mam was told, if you take her home, she won’t last the night’

What happens when a woman’s monthly bleeding just won’t stop? Marjolein Robertson discusses her years-long fight to get help for her haemorrhaging and pain – and how she turned this into comedy

Rosalie review – intriguing empowerment tale of a 19th century celebrity ‘bearded lady’

Based on a true story, this film presents hormone-disordered Rosalie, who has hair on her face and body, as a perky outsider in period dress

‘It was empowering and joyful’: the UK women hiring private midwives

After a troubling report on NHS care, the number of pregnant women seeking more control over their birth plans is growing

‘The darkest period of my life’: I struggled to breastfeed – then a drug sent me spiralling

The anti-sickness medicine domperidone is increasingly being prescribed or bought illegally to aid lactation. Yet, as I discovered too late, side-effects can include anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts

‘It was my gateway drug to self-harm’: a writer’s journey to finding the joy in makeup

As a girl, the author Emma Forrest defaced herself with lipstick to convey the emotional maelstrom she felt inside. Now in her 40s, she has finally mastered how to use makeup as an agent of happiness

OurChemist

Our Chemist – Health