Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
The study found that faster growth rates in some mammals are due to the more intimate connection between mother and baby, resulting in shorter pregnancies. Humans have relatively lengthy pregnancies due to their simple placenta structure with limited connections between mother's tissues and foetus.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that oxytocin medication is often unnecessary in normal deliveries, particularly for healthy first-time mothers with spontaneous starts of labor. The research, which monitored over 100 women, showed no significant differences between groups in terms of complications or outcomes.
New human research suggests oxytocin influences feelings of well-being, sensitivity to advertising, trust, empathy, and reduces anxiety in stressed animals. Oxytocin is linked to happiness, resilient individuals are less likely to be depressed.
Researchers found that up to 53 out of 128 studied societies believe in the principle of multiple paternity. Women benefit from this system as secondary fathers provide gifts and support, increasing child survival rates. Men also gain by formalizing alliances through shared wives, strengthening family bonds.
A comprehensive review of 70 research articles finds that prescribed bed rest may have negative effects on pregnant women's physical and emotional health. The study suggests that hospital stays deny women the opportunity to rest in a comfortable environment, potentially leading to depression and post-traumatic shock disorder.
A citywide smoking ban has been shown to significantly decrease the prevalence of maternal smoking and pre-term births. In a study comparing Pueblo and El Paso County in Colorado, researchers found a 23% decrease in preterm births and a 37% decrease in maternal smoking after the ban took effect.
Mobile phone technology is being used to improve healthcare for mothers, newborns, and children in underserved populations. The use of mHealth has the potential to support global development goals, particularly in reducing child and maternal mortality.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that female boa constrictors can reproduce asexually, producing all-female babies with rare genetic traits. The study found that these WW-chromosome females retained their mother's color mutation and lacked any male influence.
A home visit program for high-risk mothers appears to increase the likelihood of waiting at least two years to have a second child. The program demonstrates benefits in rural areas, where it may be better suited to meet community needs and avoid overwhelming caseloads.
A new study reveals that social and genetic effects are both crucial for female dolphins' reproductive success. Female dolphins who have help from their friends and relatives tend to be more successful mothers than those without such support.
Research reveals that immigrant Latino mothers in rural areas need culturally sensitive, affordable, and flexible child care options. Many struggle to communicate with English-speaking providers due to language barriers, hindering their ability to work outside the home.
Pediatric researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a program to guide mothers in breast-feeding their newborns with complex birth defects. The Transition to Breast Pathway improved breast-feeding rates, reduced infant stays in the NICU, and lowered the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University argue that traditional vaginal delivery for breech babies is not only safe but also safer than C-sections. The study's findings indicate reduced morbidity and mortality for mothers. The expert advocates for retraining obstetricians and midwives in traditional techniques to revive vaginal birth methods.
A new certified intervention, Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST), has proven to be more effective in long-term stress reduction compared to other psychological methods. Mothers of newly diagnosed patients were able to decrease their stress levels sooner and sustain them longer with PSST.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that new mothers' brains grew in areas linked to motivation and behavior, particularly in those who showed intense affection for their babies. The researchers suggest that this growth may be due to hormonal changes after birth, which trigger active brain building.
A randomized trial of over 2,000 women found that DHA supplementation during pregnancy did not reduce postpartum depression in mothers or improve cognitive and language development in their offspring. The study suggests that current recommendations to increase DHA intake during pregnancy may not be supported by evidence.
Children from lower-income households benefit more when their mothers enter the workforce, according to a comprehensive analysis of 50 years of research. The study found that mothers who returned to work soon after childbirth had little impact on their children's long-term well-being.
A survey of Spanish mothers found that they are more concerned about vaccinating their children due to the HPV vaccine incident. In contrast, mothers in Switzerland and Norway expressed less concern about vaccine safety. The study also showed that healthcare professionals are the most trustworthy source of information on vaccines.
A study published in BioPsychoSocial Medicine found that stressed-out mothers can exacerbate their children's asthma symptoms. Researchers discovered that mothers who suppress their emotional expressions or are chronically irritated and angry can increase their child's disease status. The study suggests that parents should focus on man...
Research by Michelle J. Budig and Melissa J. Hodges finds that low-paid women experience the largest earnings penalty from having children, ranging from 4-15% per child. The study also highlights the importance of policies aimed at reducing the motherhood penalty to address the gender pay gap.
Researchers found that approximately half of increased umbilical cord IgE levels were due to maternal IgE transfer. This discovery challenges the use of umbilical cord blood for assessing allergy risk in infants.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found no increased risk of socioemotional difficulties or cognitive deficits at 5 years of age for children born to mothers who light drank during pregnancy. Children born to light drinkers were 30% less likely to have behavioral problems than those whose mums had a...
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that postpartum intervention/support can significantly reduce smoking relapse and increase breastfeeding duration. Mothers who quit smoking during or just prior to pregnancy, received support and encouragement, remained smoke free and continued breastfeeding for longer periods.
Non-Hispanic Black/African American women are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding due to a lack of desire and self-efficacy. Fifty-four percent of black women start breastfeeding, which is lower than the national average, according to research presented by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A University of Georgia study suggests that mothers who consume a diet high in trans fats double the likelihood that their infants will have high levels of body fat. Infants whose mothers consumed more than 4.5 grams of trans fats per day while breastfeeding were twice as likely to have high percentages of body fat.
A new report by World Vision highlights the need for direct healthcare investment in families and communities to tackle preventable child and maternal deaths. The organization calls on world leaders to prioritize these efforts to meet Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 targets.
A study of over 86,000 families in the UK found that parents are at high risk for depression in the first year after a child's birth, with mothers experiencing significantly higher rates than fathers. The findings highlight the need for better detection and support for parental depression to improve children's outcomes.
Researchers found that male bonobos with high social status have greater mating success, while mothers' support enhances their sons' chances of impressing females. This study suggests a unique kinship system where mothers play a crucial role in promoting female reproductive success and potentially increasing the number of grandchildren.
A new study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that Canadian teenagers have more freedom than their French and Italian peers. The investigation examined how parents fashion emotional bonds and exert behavioural control with adolescents, revealing that Canadian parents value a democratic conception of education that promotes ...
Research reveals that breastfeeding significantly reduces mothers' risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Mothers who did not breastfeed had a 56% lower rate compared to those who breastfed, highlighting the benefits of lactation on maternal health.
Exposure to low doses of BPA affects the earliest stages of egg production in the ovaries of developing mouse fetuses. The study reveals a striking down-regulation of mitotic/cell cycle genes, raising concerns about the reproductive lifespan of female mice.
A new study suggests that mothers in violent or controlling relationships may face a decline in mental health even after leaving the relationship. Women who had more social support from friends and family showed improved mental health outcomes compared to those with less support.
Research finds that sons with fond childhood memories of their fathers are more emotionally stable in stressful situations. A good father-son relationship is linked to lower psychological distress and fewer stressful events as an adult. The study controlled for factors such as age, family income, and parental presence.
Researchers at UCI identified a long-hidden part of the brain called the perforant path, which may help with early diagnosis. The study used ultrahigh-resolution MRI to track water molecules in the brain, confirming the passage weakens gradually with age and deteriorates more quickly due to Alzheimer's disease.
Children of incarcerated parents face increased risks of behavioral problems, substance abuse, and lower academic performance. A strong attachment with alternative caregivers can mitigate these effects, according to research by Julie Poehlmann at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
A large population-based study found that excess maternal weight gain is a strong predictor of high birth weight, regardless of genetic factors. The study highlights the importance of weight management efforts before birth to reduce the risk of obesity and related diseases.
A sociological study found that state tax credit programs can reduce the incidence of low-birth-weight babies and help break cycles of childhood poor health. The study also suggests that these programs can improve prenatal health, higher birth weights, and reduced maternal smoking.
Recent meta-analysis finds planned home births double the risk of neonatal deaths and triple when infants have congenital defects. Women should receive adequate midwife care and have quick access to hospital equipment for safe delivery.
A new study found that intensive home visits from therapists teaching parenting skills and emotional support significantly improved mothers' behavior and reduced child maltreatment. The intervention was more effective than conventional services, resulting in fewer recurrences of abuse.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that maternal affection at 8 months predicts emotional distress in adulthood. The study tracked 482 participants from childhood to adult life, revealing a strong correlation between mother's warmth and child's emotional well-being.
A study by USC Marshall School of Business finds that luxury brands charge more for 'quieter' items with subtle logo placement and size, appealing to patricians. Counterfeiters predominantly copy lower-priced, louder luxury goods, while poseurs are more likely to express intent to purchase counterfeit bags.
A new study found that prenatal alcohol exposure has a greater impact on the attention of children born to older mothers. Children of older women are more vulnerable to the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, with increased cognitive-behavioral deficits and physical anomalies compared to younger mothers.
Longitudinal studies found higher rates of behavior problems among preschool children exposed to 9/11, particularly if their mothers suffered from PTSD and depression. Direct exposure played a small but significant role in explaining the severity of mental health symptoms.
Animal research suggests that a high-fat diet consumed by nursing mothers increases the risk of obesity and pre-diabetes in their offspring. In contrast, consuming a high-fat diet during pregnancy only reduces the risk of obesity when combined with postnatal breastfeeding on a low-fat diet.
Research suggests that a pregnant mother's diet can interact with her child's genetic predispositions to affect the type or severity of birth defects, including congenital heart disease. A high-fat diet has been shown to increase the risk of this condition in mice offspring, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet during pregnancy.
Researchers found that female immune cells actively produce specific T regulatory cells in response to fetal antigens, protecting the fetus from rejection. This active immune tolerance is essential for successful pregnancies and may provide insights into pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia.
Newborns of non-smoking mothers exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy have genetic mutations that may affect long-term health, including survival, birth weight, and susceptibility to diseases like cancer. The study confirms previous research on the effects of passive smoke on gene expression.
Women who enrolled in WIC during their first or second trimester were less likely to introduce cow's milk too soon than those who enrolled later. This study highlights the importance of timely nutrition reinforcement for low-income mothers and their children's health.
The G8 Muskoka Initiative fell short of its target funding, with only $5 billion pledged over five years, despite annual global health funding requirements of $42.5 billion by 2015.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that informal childcare arrangements significantly reduced the likelihood of breastfeeding, affecting all strata of society. Around a third of infants were breastfed for at least four months.
A WSU study found that mothers of autistic children experience increased stress due to work demands and lack of flexibility. Nearly 60% have suffered financial problems in the past year, highlighting the need for workplace adaptations to support affected parents.
Two new articles analyze the current status of maternal, newborn, and child health in Africa, identifying interventions that hold the greatest potential for preventing maternal and child deaths. The studies conclude that prioritizing high-impact outreach interventions could save millions of lives and cost an estimated $1.21 per capita.
A new study suggests that a father's involvement before birth may play an important role in preventing death during the first year of life. Infants born to absent fathers were more likely to experience lower birth weights, preterm births, and small size, as well as higher rates of neonatal mortality.
A new comic book aims to promote healthy lifestyles among migrant families, particularly Latina mothers. The 'Small Changes Big Results' comic book offers practical tips on nutrition and exercise, targeting a high percentage of overweight or obese children in these communities.
A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that toddlers adopt different behaviors and cues from their mothers and fathers during play and caregiving situations. In play, children tend to be more involved in directing interactions, while in snack situations, they accept parental authority.
A recent study found that objective total sleep time measured by actigraphy is more strongly associated with self-reported relationship satisfaction among first-time parents than subjective sleep quality. The study also revealed that mothers and fathers have different perceptions of each other's sleep, highlighting the importance of ad...
A new study found that choline supplementation during pregnancy and nursing may improve cognitive and emotional abilities in people with Down syndrome. The research also suggests potential protection against neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
A study on child survival in rural Bangladesh found that mother's death massively reduces child's chances of survival to age 10 years. The father's death has a negligible effect on child mortality rates, with the greatest impact seen in children aged 2-12 months whose mothers had died.
A University of Alberta researcher discovered female red squirrels adopt abandoned babies with common genes, ensuring the continuation of their gene pool. This behavior, initially thought to be unique to social animals, reveals a rare instance of altruism in solitary creatures like red squirrels.
Red squirrels have been found to adopt orphaned pups from related individuals, challenging the assumption that such behavior is common only among extended family groups. Over two decades of study, researchers observed only five cases of adoption out of thousands of litters born, highlighting the rarity of this altruistic behavior.