Articles tagged with Mothers
A long-term study on wild chimpanzees found that young orphaned chimps experience high levels of stress when their mothers die, but this stress subsides over time. Adult orphaned chimps are supported by other chimps, which may contribute to their recovery from maternal loss.
A study found that sex trafficking survivors' trauma affects their parenting, causing them to be overly protective and emotionally withdrawn. Despite this, they cope by finding meaning in motherhood and social support, and often experience strong connections with their children. The research highlights the need for policies and program...
A new study found that young Weddell seals prioritize learning to swim and navigate over foraging while still dependent on their mothers. This behavior is crucial for survival, as these seals need to find breathing holes in icy waters.
African American mothers face significant barriers to breastfeeding due to racism and lack of economic support. The authors identify three forms of institutionalized racism that perpetuate this disparity, including the exploitation of Black women's labor and lack of employer-based support.
US sex trafficking survivors experience difficulties building parenting confidence and exhibiting emotional withdrawal, impacting their ability to be protective parents. The study highlights the need for targeted support to help these individuals overcome challenges in motherhood.
A West Virginia University study found that college students' initial status of self-control is partly dependent on their willingness to try new things and their maternal attachment. Students who are less interested in trying new things and have a secure attachment to their mothers tend to maintain stable control throughout the year. C...
Researchers discovered that hormone biomarkers from the placenta can identify women at risk for pregnancy complications, which affect around one in ten pregnant women. The study found that these biomarkers are present from the first trimester and can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Prenatal supplements may affect breast milk microbiota composition, while maternal obesity can impact child health. Physical activity during pregnancy is linked with epigenetic changes that influence offspring health.
A new study led by Kumi Kuroda at RIKEN Center for Brain Science identified the calcitonin receptor as a crucial brain protein driving nurturing behaviors in mice. The research found that this protein motivates mothers to care for their infants, suppressing self-interest and risk-taking behaviors.
Researchers found that training health workers to promote healthy feeding practices in pregnant women resulted in children consuming less fat and carbohydrates at 3 years of age and having lower measures of body fat at 6 years. The study suggests that early intervention can have a significant impact on childhood obesity risk.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth significantly improves survival rates for pre-term babies with a very low birth weight. Continuous Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) reduced mortality by 25% and lowered the risk of low body temperature or bacterial blood poisoning.
A study published in BJPsych Open found that women with depression during pregnancy or a history of depression had reduced quality of mother-infant interactions. Despite this, all mothers and their babies improved over time, indicating potential for future attunement.
Research shows that ECD interventions can improve maternal mental health, women's financial wellbeing, and overall empowerment. However, many studies overlook the indirect benefits for mothers and caregivers, leading to policy misinvestment.
Young male and female orangutans exhibit distinct preferences for role models, with males learning from immigrant adults and females from their mothers. These differences reflect the animals' ecological needs and adaptability, highlighting the significance of social learning in shaping behavior.
Immature female and male orangutans direct their social attention to different types of individuals, acquiring sex-specific ecological knowledge. Females focus on local knowledge and skills, while males prefer immigrants with relevant ecological skills.
A new study found significant disparities in congenital heart disease diagnosis based on ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic status. Mothers from Hispanic or low-income neighborhoods were less likely to have their child's critical heart condition diagnosed before birth.
A study of over 350,000 people found that genetic variants in mitochondrial DNA can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA influences characteristics such as height and lifespan. The study suggests complex interaction between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA.
A Penn State-led study found that maternal stress during pregnancy can shorten the telomeres of male lizard offspring, leading to decreased lifespan. The researchers discovered a sex-specific effect, where stressed mothers give birth to sons with significantly shorter telomeres, highlighting potential implications for human longevity.
A new study finds that Rwandans conceived during the 1994 genocide have poorer adult health outcomes, including depression, PTSD, and pain intensity. Those born of genocidal rape experience the worst health effects, highlighting the need for interventions to mitigate these effects.
A new study found that almost half of women with babies under six months old met the threshold for postnatal depression during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Social isolation and lack of support were significant contributors to this increased risk.
A mixed-methods study found that units with more family physicians and midwives had lower cesarean delivery rates. The study identified unit culture factors that contributed to success, including valuing patient-centered care and shared decision-making.
Researchers have developed soft sensors that comprehensively monitor pregnant women without wires, providing more precise data on vital signs, physical movements, and laboring positions. The devices offer improved comfort and freedom of movement, while also increasing the reliability of data collected during labor.
Research finds emotional distress in mothers and fathers during infancy accelerates weight gain in children from age 5 to 14. Fathers' distress, but not mothers', is associated with steeper increases in BMI and excess body fat for both girls and boys.
Researchers from China conducted a clinical trial comparing two vasopressor protocols for preventing hypotension post-spinal anesthesia during cesarean sections. They found that norepinephrine infusion significantly reduced maternal hypotension and neonatal tachycardia, as well as improved cerebral oxygenation in newborns.
Researchers analyzed over 19,000 breastfeeding-related tweets to identify negative and positive themes affecting breastfeeding behaviors. The study found new factors influencing breastfeeding, such as fear of biting, and proposed interventions to address these issues, including technological aids and workplace accommodations.
Research suggests that supporting mothers' mental health can improve their ability to engage in protective forms of play with children, reducing the risk of behavioral problems. Mothers with minimal anxiety were more likely to play pretend games with their children, leading to improved social and emotional skills.
A study published in Women's Health found that the pandemic significantly increased stress levels among mothers with preschoolers, leading to reduced sleep, physical activity, and a higher risk for obesity and poor health. The researchers recommend providing reliable childcare options and support systems to help mothers balance work an...
New research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows that planned cesarean deliveries on maternal request are safe for low-risk pregnancies. The study analyzed data from over 422,000 pregnancies and found that mothers who requested cesarean delivery were more likely to have certain characteristics. Planned cesarean ...
A new study from the University of South Australia reveals that most cases of child maltreatment occur within intergenerational cycles, with 83% of substantiated cases involving mothers who experienced abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for better support for victims and their children to disrupt this cycle.
Researchers studied 90,000 newborns in Sweden and found only 0.9% were infected with COVID-19. The study supports the Swedish recommendation not separating mother and baby after delivery, as it poses no risk to the baby's health.
The research group has developed a new method to produce diploid genome assemblies in marmosets, revealing huge variations between the two paternal genomes. These findings provide standards for biodiversity genomics and have implications for understanding primate evolution, biology, and diseases.
A four-year effort in California has lowered the state's C-section rate for low-risk, first-time mothers to below the national average, according to a Stanford-led study. The campaign, which included messaging, public reporting, and quality improvement initiatives, resulted in a reduction from 26% in 2014 to 22.8% in 2019.
A Weill Cornell Medicine team found rare variants of the virus in mothers' blood that can escape broadly neutralizing antibodies. These variants are associated with increased transmission risk to infants, suggesting vaccines or treatments need to be effective against them. Researchers propose high-dose combination therapy for pregnant ...
A new study found that while COVID-19 mother-to-newborn transmission is rare, socially vulnerable mothers' worsening illness increases the risk of preterm birth and related health complications. Newborns tested positive at a rate five times higher than others
A study of nearly five million live births found that babies born to mothers diagnosed with cannabis use disorders at delivery were more likely to experience negative health outcomes. Infants born to women with cannabis use disorders were also less likely to be hospitalized within the same year.
A study found that babies born to mothers with cannabis use disorder were more likely to experience negative health outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Infants born to these mothers were also at a higher risk of infant mortality.
A study published by Stanford Medicine has found no link between epidural use during childbirth and an increased risk of autism in children. The research controlled for various socioeconomic, medical, and family factors, including genetic influences, to reach this conclusion.
The Binational Early Asthma and Microbiome Study (BEAMS) examines how the 'hygiene hypothesis' affects children's risk of asthma in Mexico and the US. The study explores the role of microbiomes, family health history, and environmental exposures in developing asthma.
The study estimates the cumulative number of child deaths experienced by mothers between 20 and 49 years old in 170 countries. Mothers in select African countries are significantly more likely to have lost a child, with some experiencing up to 30 times more child deaths than those in high-income countries.
A new study by Penn sociologists finds that remote work has worsened gender disparities in domestic labor, with mothers taking on more responsibilities and facing greater pressure to manage children's schooling. The study suggests that increased work flexibility may lead to a more egalitarian division of household duties.
A study by researchers at the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that news coverage of expert scientific evidence on vaccine safety increases public acceptance of vaccines. In contrast, personal narratives about real side effects diminish the positive effect of such messages. The experiment tested six video clips featuring experts an...
A study analyzing over 73,000 fathers' cases reveals significant childhood adversity and economic hardship as key factors in repeat care proceedings. Fathers are often viewed solely as risks, but the research argues for a more nuanced analysis of their resources and needs.
A comprehensive review of past decade research found limited evidence to encourage MOM feedings in Black and Hispanic preterm infants. The study recommends targeted, culturally sensitive lactation support interventions to address racial/ethnic disparities in breast milk expression.
Research suggests that postpartum women are at a higher risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than previously thought, with symptoms often going undetected. The study found that up to 17% of new mothers experience OCD symptoms related to infant-related harm, emphasizing the need for targeted screening and assessment me...
Researchers found that every person has two to four hidden genetic defects, which can lead to diseases if inherited from both parents. Consanguineous couples are at high risk, with 20% of cases showing increased risks for serious disorders in offspring.
Wild bonobos have been observed adopting infants from different social groups, providing maternal care, including nursing and nesting. The findings suggest that adoption in bonobos may not be limited to kin relationships or pre-existing social bonds.
Researchers examine the biographical information of individual heritage language speakers, highlighting the significance they place on their language in everyday life. The study sheds light on the maintenance and revitalization of minority cultures through the personal experiences of indigenous activists.
Scientists observe bonobos adopting infants born outside their social group, revealing strong parental instincts and emotional connection. The discovery sheds light on why humans adopt children without prior connections.
A new report published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests older age and alcohol consumption before conception may alter a specific gene's epigenetic marks, impacting human egg development. The study provides valuable insights into environmental factors affecting gene regulation through epigenetics and imprinting.
Research suggests that maternal exercise during pregnancy can prevent the transmission of metabolic diseases from parent to child. The study found that maternal exercise only during pregnancy completely blocked the negative effects of either mother's or father's obesity on the offspring.
New research highlights the need to protect and strengthen care for small and sick newborns during the pandemic. The study found that implementing Kangaroo Mother Care could save over 125,000 newborn lives, with a 65-fold increase in risk of death if not done.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that school closures disproportionately affect mothers' labor force participation, with a 23 percentage point gap in some states. Mothers' work attachment fell more significantly than fathers', and the gender gap is expected to have long-lasting effects on lifetime earnings.
A 16-week lifestyle intervention reduced stress levels and led to fewer fast-food meals among overweight, low-income mothers. The program focused on stress management and practical tips, resulting in a 7% decrease in high-fat food consumption.
Researchers and peers from around the world, including mothers of color, address workplace inequalities through a proposed five-sphere-of-influence policy roadmap. The manifesto calls for a culture shift to support pregnant and parenting academics, including flexible research involvement, mentorship, and policy change.
A new paper in PLOS Biology proposes solutions to retain mothers in science during and after the pandemic. The authors emphasize the need to rethink tenure extensions and address financial inequities, as well as treat researchers as whole people, not just their professional roles.
A study suggests that maternal stress and social isolation during the pandemic can have toxic inflammatory effects on mothers and infants. The research highlights the need for immediate action to understand the impact of the pandemic on this vulnerable population.
This study found that high levels of social support for mothers of patients with eating disorders are associated with lower scores for loneliness and depression. However, there was no significant impact on patient symptoms. The findings suggest that social support can help prevent caregiver depression and loneliness in this population.
A new Northwestern University study finds that trained paraprofessionals delivering cognitive-behavioral therapy can reduce depressive symptoms in pregnant women as effectively as mental health professionals. This approach may help address the growing need for treatment and alleviate the burden on overwhelmed healthcare providers.
Despite family-leave offerings, women in academia experience a 20% drop in productivity after having children, while men generally do not. The study found that fathers publish more than mothers and that parental leave is crucial for women to maintain their careers. Institutions with gender-neutral policies can help close the gap.
A study of 3,064 tenure track faculty found that mothers experience greater reductions in short-term research productivity than fathers, contributing to the gender gap. Flexible policies, such as accessible lactation rooms and affordable childcare, may help alleviate this impact and support women in academia.