Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Researchers create strengths-based intervention to enhance daily interactions between caregivers and children exposed to IPV. The Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC) project aims to reduce long-lasting effects of trauma on families.
Research at UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston found that infants born to obese mothers have a heightened risk of developing colorectal cancer later in life. The study also linked timing and magnitude of maternal weight gain during pregnancy, as well as birth weight, to increased risk of the disease.
Research of over 18,000 mother and child pairs found that maternal obesity was associated with a heightened risk of bowel cancer in adulthood. Conditions in the womb may be key risk factors for the disease, which is expected to increase globally due to rising rates among younger adults.
Researchers discovered that human milk oligosaccharides can prevent GBS infections in cells and tissues, and in mouse models. The sugars may act as anti-adhesives and prebiotics to support good bacteria growth, making them a potential substitute for antibiotics.
Research suggests that healthcare musicians can help families cope with premature infants in intensive care by creating an intimate atmosphere and improving their relationship. Music practitioners work collaboratively with medical staff to provide emotional support and create a sense of calm during difficult times.
Researchers found that observing an experienced mouse mother train another female mouse to care for her pups led to the production of oxytocin in the brains of virgin females. This neural response enabled them to mimic maternal behavior without direct interaction.
A recent study found SARS-CoV-2 infection among maternal-infant pairs to be extremely rare in early infancy. The findings suggest that while transmission is uncommon, continued monitoring and vaccination efforts are necessary to protect newborns from COVID-19 and its variants.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine, MAHEC, and community partners will address racial disparities in maternal care by improving data accountability and providing community-based doula support. The study aims to decrease pregnancy complications for Black women and improve outcomes in maternal care.
Researchers investigated how to measure joint attention in young infants who cannot yet talk. The study revealed low agreement among raters in assigning looks from infants to their mothers, challenging the idea that quality of infant looks can be reliably distinguished as a marker of joint attention.
New research at Penn State found that close, supportive relationships with parents, especially dads, can help stave off certain adjustment problems during adolescence. The study showed that father-adolescent intimacy was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and weight concerns across most of adolescence.
A study published in Community Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology found that children with mothers suffering from postpartum depression or bonding disorders brush their teeth less often. In contrast, mothers showing strong affection towards their children increase the frequency of their child's toothbrushing.
Scientists analyzed genomes of East Asian citrus varieties and found a new citrus species native to Okinawa that arose about two million years ago. This discovery may have commercial implications and opens the potential to create additional hybrids with favorable traits.
Spotted hyenas inherit advantageous social networks from their mothers, which affect their health and longevity. Higher-ranking mothers imprint these networks on their cubs more accurately, leading to longer life and reproductive success.
A recent study on tsetse flies found that a mother's age and diet influence the health of her offspring. Female tsetse flies produce weaker offspring as they get older or feed on poor-quality blood. The study also revealed that nutritional stress affects female fertility, but not the rate of reproductive ageing.
A new study led by Dr Gizachew Tessema found that a 15-year-old WHO recommendation to wait at least 24 months after a previous birth may be too long for mothers in high-income countries. The research discovered no increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes after an interpregnancy interval of less than six months.
A new study reveals that inherited social networks passed from mothers to offspring are essential to spotted hyena life and survival. The strength of the maternal relationship affects social inheritance and is positively correlated with long-term survival for both mother and offspring.
A massive study of spotted hyena data over 27 years reveals that social inheritance plays a crucial role in forming and maintaining social networks. Offspring inherit social bonds from their mothers, influencing survival and reproductive success, with higher-ranked mothers having more accurate copying of social associations.
Researchers used 27 years of detailed data on hyena social interactions to reveal that mother's social networks are inherited by their cubs. Higher-ranking mothers' cubs closely replicate their mother's social connections, while lower-ranking offspring diverge more.
A study by CU researchers found that choline deficiency in Black pregnant women is linked to increased risk of developmental and behavioral issues in their children's later lives. The research also highlights healthcare disparities in caring for Black mothers and their children in the US.
Researchers from Japan and Zambia have found a significant negative correlation between chronic lead poisoning in children and the health-related quality of life of their mothers. The study, which included 40 households in Kabwe, Zambia, showed that maternal vitality and mental health were particularly impacted by child lead exposure.
Researchers found that a maternal diet rich in canola oil, compared to corn oil, protected mice from breast cancer development. The study showed slower-growing and smaller tumors in offspring whose mothers were fed canola oil.
A new study on banded mongooses found that providing extra food to mothers created initial size disparities among pups. However, the well-fed mothers then provided more care to smaller pups, reducing these differences and promoting fairness in pup survival.
A Finnish study published in Acta Diabetologica found that gestational diabetes significantly increases the risk of fetal hypoxia during labor. The risk is nearly seven-fold compared to non-diabetic mothers, and can lead to birth injuries, brain damage, and infant mortality.
A new study published in CMAJ found that Indigenous mothers are 23% more likely to travel 200 km or more to give birth compared to non-Indigenous women. The disparity is attributed to a lack of birthing facilities and providers near rural Indigenous communities, reflecting colonial policies prioritizing non-Indigenous settlements.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.