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Breastfeeding rates reduced due to numerous practices recommended in hospital, suggests new review of research to-date

The review challenges common misconceptions about early milk production and breast pumps. It found that colostrum is sufficient for newborn needs and pacifier use does not interfere with breastfeeding. The study's findings suggest 'small changes' to support breastfeeding success in hospitals.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New study reveals how birth method and antibiotics may shape babies' gut bacteria

A systematic review found that babies born by caesarean section or exposed to antibiotics around the time of birth tend to have differences in their gut bacteria composition, with less diversity and beneficial bacterial groups less abundant. Exclusively breastfed infants appear to show a partial restoration of microbial balance.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalBMJ Paediatrics Open·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 9, 2026

Early birth safer for mother and baby in high blood pressure pregnancies

A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 20, 2026

One-fifth of pregnant people aren’t properly screened for syphilis

A study of 551,706 pregnancies in Ontario found that 8% were not screened for syphilis at all, while 79% were screened in the first trimester. The authors suggest that relying solely on traditional prenatal care models may not be sufficient to reach populations facing barriers to accessing care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2026

Most common methods of inducing labour similarly effective

A new review of over 100 clinical trials found that 13 common labor induction methods are similarly effective, with low-dose vaginal misoprostol being the most commonly used and safest. However, some methods showed better success rates for specific outcomes, such as oxytocin with amniotomy for achieving vaginal birth within 24 hours.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 26, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Unplanned, premature, out-of-hospital births pose challenges for emergency team

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that unplanned, premature births outside hospitals in Austria posed significant challenges for emergency teams. The study identified key findings on how to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns, including the importance of standardised protocols, training, and equipment availability.

SourceEuropean Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM)·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Skin-to-skin contact with babies increased significantly after training

A new study from Uppsala University finds that targeted training for healthcare professionals and parents significantly increases skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their parents in the first 48 hours after birth. This leads to improved health benefits for both the baby and parent, with a notable increase in the proportion of ba...

SourceUppsala University·JournalActa Paediatrica·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

Rare achievement: UTA undergrad publishes research

Caroline King, a UTA undergrad, published her research on rural midwifery in the Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care. Her study explores the benefits of midwife-assisted births for women with low-risk pregnancies, finding it to be safe and cost-effective.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 30, 2025

New research uncovers gender birth imbalances in Australia

Researchers found skewed sex ratios at birth among mothers from China, India, and Vietnam, with some mothers preferring boys over girls. The imbalance increased with multiple children, but remained stable for Australian-born mothers.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 29, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Rise in expectant mothers in UK with autoimmune diseases since millennium

A recent study published in Lancet Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmune conditions among pregnant women in the UK since the millennium. The research analyzed electronic healthcare records from 2000-2021 and discovered a 4.7% rise in expectant mothers beginning pregnancy with autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Nurses worldwide experience stress, loss, and violence

A study of 9,387 nurses from 35 countries reveals widespread mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. Nurses experienced more symptoms at work than at home, with loss and public aggression posing significant threats to their mental health.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Nursing Review·DateFeb 10, 2025

Inexpensive drug can prevent cerebral palsy in premature babies

A recent Cochrane review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a simple magnesium sulphate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug costs approximately £5 (~$6.50) per dose and has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2015.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 23, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Bidirectional link between premenstrual disorders and perinatal depression

A nationwide Swedish study reveals a bidirectional link between premenstrual disorders (PMS/PMDD) and perinatal depression. Women with PMS/PMDD are five times more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression are twice as likely to develop PMS/PMDD.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Hospitals with the most vulnerable maternity patients understaffed with nurses

A recent study found that hospitals serving more vulnerable childbearing populations tend to have inadequate nurse staffing levels, which can lead to poor maternal health outcomes. The researchers surveyed 3,471 registered nurses from 271 hospitals and discovered inconsistencies in nurse-to-patient ratios with national staffing standards.

SourceNew York University·JournalNursing Outlook·DateMar 31, 2023

Midwifery care safe for moderate- and high-risk pregnancies

A new UBC study reveals midwives provide safe primary care for all medical risk levels, with comparable or improved birth outcomes. Midwives also assist with lower caesarean delivery rates and collaborate with specialists.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2023

Average pregnancy length in the US is shorter than in European countries

A new study reveals that US pregnancies are shorter than those in England and the Netherlands, with average lengths declining by over half a week between 1990 and 2020. This finding suggests that reducing medical interventions during the birthing process could improve maternity care outcomes in the US.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Top five reasons why midwives stay in the job

A University of Gothenburg study found that midwives' job satisfaction is linked to possibilities for development, role conflict resolution, and burnout avoidance. The research highlights the importance of quality work, recognition, and autonomy in midwives' occupational roles.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Planned home birth presents little risk where midwifery is well-integrated

A recent study analyzing over 10,000 community births in Washington state between 2015 and 2020 found that planned home births with licensed midwives are as safe as births at a licensed birth center. The research team discovered no increased risk for parents or babies associated with the birth setting.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

UIC researchers awarded $9.9 million for Black midwives program

A new health program aims to improve pregnancy outcomes for Black patients by combining four evidence-based strategies, including racially concordant care providers and coordinated care. The five-year study will enroll 432 women and compare their experiences with usual maternity care versus a new model.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateAug 11, 2021

Are we medically intervening in maternity care when we don't need to?

Researchers found that reducing caesarean section rates among first-time mothers can result in substantial economic savings, with net present values of €1.1million and £9.8million per annual cohort. Improving vaginal births after c-sections also yields significant benefits, with net present values of €3.5M and £23.0M per annual cohort.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 6, 2020

Improved access to Midwifery Units is urgently needed, says new study

A recent study found that a quarter of local maternity services in England lack midwifery units (MUs), and women face barriers when trying to access them. The research identified several factors contributing to low MU use, including a lack of information and misconceptions about their safety and cost.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 19, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Home births as safe as hospital births: International study

A large international study published in EClinicalMedicine journal reveals that home births have no increased risk of baby's perinatal or neonatal death compared to hospital births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 intended home births and similar numbers of hospital births in eight countries.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateAug 7, 2019

New research will improve diagnosis of antenatal anxiety

A new study has identified reliable symptoms for diagnosing antenatal anxiety in pregnant women, improving screening tools for health professionals. The findings suggest that elevated worry, panic symptoms, and excessive concerns about the baby's health are robust indicators of antenatal anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 25, 2019

Midwifery linked to better birth outcomes in state-by-state report cards

A new U.S.-wide report card ranks all 50 states on their maternity care quality, revealing a strong connection between midwifery integration and improved birth outcomes. States with high midwifery integration scores tend to have lower rates of premature births, cesarean deliveries, and newborn deaths.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 21, 2018

Midwifery linked to better birth outcomes in state-by-state 'report card'

A study found a strong correlation between midwife integration and better birth outcomes, with higher rates of vaginal births and breastfeeding. States with high midwife integration, such as Washington and Oregon, had lower rates of premature births, cesarean deliveries, and newborn deaths.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 21, 2018

Midwifery care at hospitals is associated with fewer medical interventions

A study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers found that hospitals with higher midwife-attended births had lower rates of cesarean deliveries and episiotomies among low-risk pregnancies. The findings suggest that increased access to midwifery care could enhance perinatal care and reduce costs.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateNov 16, 2017
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

For low-risk pregnancies home births do not increase risk of complications

A recent study published in CMAJ found that planned home births among low-risk pregnant women do not increase the risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, or serious events. In fact, these women were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and breastfeed exclusively after delivery.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 21, 2015

Increased risks in pregnancy for obese mothers and their babies, says study

A new systematic review highlights the increased health risks of maternal obesity during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood-pressure, and pre-eclampsia. The study recommends pre-conceptual weight loss for women with obesity to avoid complications, and calls for improved support and education.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalObesity Reviews·DateJun 3, 2015

The Lancet: Midwifery matters 'more than ever'

A major new Series in The Lancet emphasizes the critical role of midwifery in saving millions of women and children worldwide. Effective midwifery can prevent up to three-quarters of stillbirths and maternal deaths, and even modest improvements in coverage could halve current rates by 2030.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

'It takes a village' -- Community-based methods for improving maternal and newborn health

A series of studies published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health highlights the effectiveness of community-based interventions in improving maternal and newborn health in rural Ethiopia. The Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership initiative has reduced mortality rates by increasing demand for focused maternal and...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Midwifery & Women s Health·DateFeb 18, 2014

Global collaboration aims to improve mother and newborn health

A global collaboration led by the University of York is examining key areas of reproductive, maternal and newborn care within midwifery services. The project will culminate in a special series on midwifery in The Lancet, providing evidence to guide national decision-making and improve midwifery services.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 19, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Physicians Campaign Doomed Practice Of Midwifery

A historian's research reveals that physicians' campaigns to control midwives were driven by stigmatization and a desire to suppress abortion. The campaign successfully restricted midwifery practices in the US by the early 20th century, despite the role of physicians in illegal abortions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateSep 4, 1996