Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Research led by Michigan State University scholar Amy K. Nuttall found that mothers who took on too much caregiving role as children tend to be less sensitive to their own children's needs, understanding child development and parenting in a similar harmful manner.
A study of 129 children born after prenatal exposure to cancer treatment found normal mental and heart function, contradicting fears that chemotherapy would harm fetal development. However, premature birth was more frequent among these children than in the general population, suggesting avoiding prematurity is key.
A study found that inadequate protein intake during pregnancy activates a genetic pathway leading to muscle atrophy and autophagy in the fetus. This can result in low birth weight and stunted growth in male offspring, increasing the risk of chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
A study by King's College London and University of Washington found that maternal chronic stress is associated with a higher prevalence of dental cavities among children. The study also found that mothers who did not breastfeed their children were more likely to have them develop cavities.
New research from Queen's University found that a strong relationship with a loved one can help manage stress in difficult situations. Physical closeness allows individuals to share the emotional burden more efficiently, regardless of their reported level of closeness.
A study found that participants consistently rated the skin of another person as being softer than their own, even if it wasn't. This phenomenon, known as the social softness illusion, may exist to ensure humans build social bonds through touch.
Research by Ben-Gurion University shows that Jewish mothers employ various protective strategies to mitigate the risk of eating disorders in their daughters, including filtering, positive reinforcement, and discussion. These methods help build resilience and promote a positive body image.
A new report from the University of East Anglia found that mothers who quit smoking in pregnancy are more likely to light up again if they feel stressed and lack support. The study highlights the importance of partner support, social influences, and women's beliefs about smoking in preventing postpartum relapse.
A series of parenting classes, Family Foundations, has been shown to reduce parental stress, depression, and anxiety, while improving parenting quality and long-term child outcomes. Participation in the program was linked to more optimal birth weight and shorter hospital stays for mothers at risk.
Antarctic fur seal pups identify their mothers by detecting the mother's vocal pitch at longer distances and using other components of the vocal signature at closer range. The study found that frequency modulations propagate reliably up to 64 meters, while amplitude modulations are degraded for distances over 8 meters.
Researchers found that reading emotional content in a second language results in blander facial expressions compared to native language readings. This reduced physiological response may influence decision-making by limiting the impact of emotions.
A study by Shireen Kanji and Emma Cahusac found that mothers who leave work to raise children experience an ongoing struggle to redefine their identities, leading to a sense of loss and disjuncture between their professional and personal selves.
A University of Illinois study finds that single mothers earn significantly less than single fathers, widening the gender gap. Single mothers are more likely to live in poverty and struggle financially due to lack of child support, whereas single fathers tend to be better off financially after a divorce.
Research suggests that fetal microchimerism can have both cooperative and competitive effects on maternal health, depending on the context. Fetal cells may provide benefits by migrating to damaged tissue and repairing it, while also contributing to inflammatory responses and autoimmunity in some cases.
A study by psychologists at the University of Rochester found that mothers who experienced childhood maltreatment have lower self-confidence and are more likely to use negative parenting behaviors. Intervention programs should focus on building mothers' confidence, rather than just teaching parenting skills.
A Georgia State University study found that 10% of mothers in southern Louisiana experienced chronic, persistent depressive symptoms two years after Hurricane Katrina. Despite the significant impact on mothers, maternal depression trajectories were not associated with differences in children's distress symptoms.
A large Canadian study found no significant difference in birth outcomes between low-risk pregnancies delivered by family physicians and obstetricians. The research analyzed over 799,000 births, concluding that specialized care may not be necessary for low-risk deliveries.
A comparative study of working mothers in four countries reveals that Sweden's gender equality policies provide the most support for balancing motherhood and employment. In contrast, U.S., German, and Italian women face significant challenges due to limited social welfare systems and cultural attitudes that undervalue unpaid work.
Researchers have identified a key protein in cilia assembly, which is essential for sensing chemicals and mechanical forces in the body. The discovery, published in Current Biology, sheds light on how cilia are assembled and could lead to a better understanding of ciliopathies, a group of disorders affecting millions worldwide.
New research finds mothers of seriously ill adult children give more instrumental and expressive support than expected, while their healthy children provide mostly comfort and encouragement. The study suggests that healthy children need to step up and provide more support to their elderly mothers during this challenging time.
A new study by Jennifer B. Kane found that a woman's weight at birth, education level, and marital status before pregnancy can impact the birth weight of her daughters and granddaughters, with biological and social factors influencing this cycle across generations.
A recent study from McGill University Health Centre reveals that gestational diabetes in mothers can be a predictor for type 2 diabetes in their fathers. The research analyzed data from Quebec between 1990 and 2007, finding that men whose partners have gestational diabetes are 33% more likely to develop the disease.
Researchers at Bielefeld University discovered that Antarctic fur seals have a unique 'scent profile' that enables them to identify their offspring and family members. This finding suggests that scent plays a crucial role in the animals' social behavior, particularly in recognizing kin and selecting mates.
A new study by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons finds that imaging studies necessary to diagnose traumatic injuries in pregnant women are generally safe. The radiation doses from these studies are well below thresholds considered risky. However, multiple scans and repeated exposure increase the likelihood of a harmful effect.
A study by the Max Planck Institute found that parents experiencing a drop in happiness after the birth of their first child are less likely to have a second child. The effect is strongest for well-educated and older parents. In fact, only 58 out of 100 couples who reported a significant decline in happiness had a second child within t...
A new study found that mothers limit their partner's involvement in child-rearing when they perceive a less stable relationship or lower confidence in parenting. Mothers who are perfectionists or anxious/depressed also tend to restrict fathers' involvement.
A study funded by NIH found that many new mothers do not receive advice from physicians on infant care recommendations, including sleep position and breastfeeding. The survey showed that African American women and first-time mothers were more likely to receive advice than white women and mothers of two or more children.
Researchers found a strong correlation between maternal mind-mindedness and child's ability to understand others' thoughts. The study showed that mothers who used more 'mind related comments' with their babies had children who performed better in social tasks at age 5.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin found that post-separation contact between fathers and their children can lead to the continued abuse of women and children. The research highlights the need for support services to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children in these situations.
The research team at PolyU has established Hong Kong's first breast milk nutrient database, revealing that the DHA level in over 80% of breast milk meets the recommended intake for infants. The study suggests that breastfeeding mothers consume adequate amounts of omega-3 rich fish and other nutrients to support infant growth.
A new study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that mothers with chemical intolerances are two to three times more likely than other women to have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children of these mothers reported having more illnesses an...
Research suggests that fathers who read to their infants with autism and take active roles in caregiving activities can reduce mothers' depression and stress. The study found that when fathers engage in literacy and responsive caregiving activities, mothers report fewer depressive symptoms and improved well-being.
A newborn's first stool may indicate a child's risk for persistent cognitive problems, according to a new Case Western Reserve University study. High levels of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in meconium can predict lower IQ scores and developmental issues.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that mothers who smoke and have a preterm birth face significantly increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. The risk increases with the number and severity of preterm births, highlighting the importance of preventing smoking among pregnant women.
A study by researchers at the University of Miami found that individual traits such as optimism, social and spouse support, benefit finding, and coping styles positively associated with better relationship satisfaction for parents of children with ASD. The study highlights the importance of positive traits in enhancing family functioni...
Children of depressed mothers who show increased pupil dilation to sad faces are at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms and diagnoses over two years. The study suggests pupillometry could be used as a low-cost tool for pediatricians to identify children at highest risk.
A $1.25 million NIH grant will fund research into the effectiveness of rosiglitazone, a diabetic medication, in stimulating placental function and halting severe preeclampsia. The condition is responsible for 76,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 infant deaths annually worldwide.
According to new research, millennials are more accepting of working mothers and traditional gender roles compared to gen xers. A growing minority still holds onto traditional gender-based views. The study found that support for working mothers increased significantly over the years.
Research from San Diego State University reveals that societal acceptance of working mothers is at an all-time high among millennials. Attitudes towards women's work and family roles have changed significantly since the 1970s, with only 22% of 12th graders in the 2010s believing a preschool-aged child would suffer if their mother worked.
A five-session intervention teaches social and emotional competencies to reduce sibling conflict. Moms report improved emotion regulation after watching sessions and coaching their kids. Fathers also show reduced negative emotions when children's conflicts decrease.
A recent study by Sam Houston State University professor Melinda Tasca found that two-thirds of children who visited a parent in prison experienced fear, anger, and anxiety. The study suggests that institutional environment and parent-child relationship are key factors shaping children's responses to prison visitation.
Researchers have developed new approaches to estimate overall solvent content, model disordered bulk solvent, and identify distinct electron density of ordered solvent molecules in macromolecular crystals. Advanced models are needed to improve understanding of the protein-solvent interface region.
A new placenta-on-a-chip technology was developed by NIH researchers to better understand the inner workings of the human placenta and its role in pregnancy. The device models nutrient transfer from mother to fetus and may help address questions difficult to answer with current placenta model systems.
A study found that low-income noncustodial fathers spend an average of $60 a month on in-kind provisions, while those paying formal child support spend about $38 a month. The most disadvantaged dads tend to give a higher proportion of their support through gifts.
The Government of Canada has renewed funding for Grand Challenges Canada, investing $161 million (2015-2025) in initiatives supporting maternal, newborn and child health. This support will help enable the renewal of flagship programs Saving Lives at Birth and Saving Brains.
A study found that umbilical cord stem cells from children born to obese mothers have a 30% higher fat content compared to those from normal-weight mothers. This suggests an inherent propensity towards more fat accumulation in the offspring's cells, potentially leading to insulin resistance and metabolic disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified an antibody response that confers protection against HIV transmission from infected mothers. The study found a strong antibody response to the HIV envelope third variable loop, which was previously considered inadequate for protection.
The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield grant will support the Teen Alliance for Prepared Parenting Program (TAPP) at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The program aims to provide reproductive health care services, including prenatal care and parenting services, to pregnant teens in Ward 8.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found pregnant women living near high-density natural gas wells were more likely to have babies with lower birth weights. The study, published in PLOS ONE, examined birth records from southwestern Pennsylvania and controlled for various factors that may influence newborn weight.
A new study by the University of Warwick has found no evidence of discrimination against fathers in English and Welsh family courts. The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, reviewed over 200 case files from 2011 and concluded that contact applications by fathers were successful, with a similar success rate to mothers.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that mothers are more likely to estrange themselves from their adult children due to differences in core values and societal norms. Mothers who were divorced or widowed, with a single child who had violated their expectations, were also more likely to experience estrangement.
Researchers found that fathers tend to speak in a more adult-like tone, whereas mothers use higher pitches and varied pitch ranges when interacting with their young children. This study suggests that fathers may be acting as a link to the outside world by helping children deal with unfamiliar speech patterns.
A new study by researchers found that maternal obesity compromises the immune system of babies born at time of birth, putting them at risk for diseases such as heart disease and asthma. The study, led by Ilhem Messaoudi, analyzed umbilical cord blood samples from infants born to lean, overweight, and obese mothers.
Research suggests single motherhood before age 50 is associated with poorer health in later life, particularly in countries with weak social support safety nets. Single mothers tend to be younger, less well-off, and less educated than dual-parent households.
A study found that public health advisories from the FDA and Health Canada led to a 45% relative reduction in codeine dispensing to postpartum women over four years. The reduction may reflect changes in prescribing patterns, including clinicians' adoption of safety recommendations.
Researchers found that early human families likely formed around cooperating groups of mothers and children, not just adult relatives. As mothers became more successful at producing children, they needed the cooperation of other adults to care for their dependents.
A new study found that when highly educated, dual-career couples have their first child, women add significantly more daily housework and childcare responsibilities than men. Before the baby was born, both spouses thought their workloads would increase equally, but detailed time diaries showed a stark contrast.
The Motivating our Mothers (MOM) program uses pediatricians for diagnosis and coaching mothers to seek additional help. The intervention showed a remarkable impact, with 74% of mothers in the intervention group seeking help compared to 54% in the control group.
A recent study published by the British Psychological Society found that children in families where fathers feel unsupported by their partners exhibit more troublesome behavior. In contrast, mothers' perceptions of support from their partners do not seem to impact their child's behavior.
A study found that early separation of cow and calf has long-term effects on social behavior, stress responses, and motivation in dairy cows. Animals raised with maternal contact showed improved heart rate regulation and higher activity during isolation.