Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
A recent study by George Mason University researcher Mona Ternus found that mothers' military deployment has a significant impact on their health as well as the health of their adolescent children. Deployment duration is associated with an increase in symptoms and risk behaviors among both mothers and teens.
Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have impaired arousal responses and increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The study suggests that maternal smoking can impair a baby's ability to respond to external stimuli, which may explain their increased risk of SIDS.
Formerly depressed women show different brain activity when exposed to criticism from their mothers, even if they report being fully recovered. They exhibit increased activity in the amygdala and reduced activity in emotion regulation areas compared to healthy controls.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that mothers of multiples have a 43% increased risk of moderate to severe depressive symptoms nine months after giving birth. Only 27% of mothers with depressive symptoms reported seeking professional help.
A Penn State professor is evaluating a bilingual school-readiness program called Madres Educando a Sus Niños/Mothers Educating Their Children, which engages mothers through Hispanic culture. The program aims to promote children's literacy and language development by providing mothers with books that focus on cultural experiences.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that hospital practices significantly influence the success of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers. Among first-time mothers, only 50% achieved their intention to exclusively breastfeed within one week, with supplementation being a major barrier. The study emphasizes the importance o...
A study from Case Western Reserve University found that mothers' depressive symptoms significantly impact family functioning and problem-solving abilities. Mothers with higher levels of depression struggle to create normal family lives, while those with greater problem-solving skills fare better.
A new study suggests that supportive co-parenting between mothers and fathers can help protect children from certain behavior problems. Researchers found that children with low effortful control showed increases in negative behaviors, but those with supportive co-parenting relationships did not experience the same growth.
Researchers will analyze stress levels and maternal behavior in wild chimpanzees to shed light on human infant development and health. The five-year study aims to identify stressors of female chimpanzees and their impact on offspring stress, health, and development.
A study of urban single mothers nearing the end of their welfare eligibility found a high prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders, affecting up to 60% of participants. Despite these challenges, many remain untreated, with only 21.7% receiving treatment for psychiatric disorders in the previous 12 months.
A new study found that an educational program increasing knowledge of infant crying and its prevention increased mother's awareness and sharing of strategies for coping with frustrating infant cries. The PURPLE Crying Program showed a 6% increase in knowledge about crying and shaking among mothers.
Two studies published in CMAJ found that mothers who received educational materials on newborn care had increased knowledge and behaviors that prevented shaken baby syndrome. The materials, including a booklet and DVD, provided coping mechanisms for frustrated parents and emphasized the dangers of shaking infants.
Studies in Canada and US show that educational materials on infant crying increased mothers' knowledge of new triggers for shaking. The materials also influenced mothers to share information with caregivers about coping strategies and warned them about the dangers of shaking an infant.
Prenatal vitamin manufacturers are encouraged to use only potassium iodide, not kelp, for a consistent daily iodine dose of 150µg. Iodine deficiency affects 2.2 billion persons worldwide and can cause preventable mental retardation.
A new study published in JAMA found that low-income women with diabetes have a more than 50% increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression. The research suggests that healthcare facilities and clinicians should pay attention to managing mental health concerns in women with diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Preschool children with secure mother-child attachments form closer friendships due to their positive understanding of others and open emotional communication. Open emotional communication also predicts fewer hostile attributions and greater teacher-reported friendship quality.
Human mothers with social support can conserve energy, allowing their bodies to prepare for the next pregnancy. In contrast, nonhuman primates lack this flexibility and have relatively low reproductive rates due to similar energy demands during lactation. Social support plays a crucial role in human reproductive success.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that first-time mothers are at a higher risk of developing psychosis in the month following childbirth. Women with higher infant birth weight and maternal diabetes had lower risks, while smoking and living without their partner did not significantly impact psychosis risk.
Young southern right whales learn from their mothers where to feed in the ocean, but researchers worry they may not be able to adapt if food sources become scarce due to global warming.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that a mother's enriched environment during her youth can significantly impact her child's learning disorder severity. This effect, known as transgenerational inheritance, was observed even when the offspring were raised by non-enriched foster mothers.
Researchers found that older killer whales nearing menopause have a 10% higher survival rate for their calves compared to younger females. This suggests that these older mothers may be more successful in rearing their young due to maternal experience and increased allocation of effort.
A Cardiff University research project found a link between prenatal smoking and anti-social behavior in children, but only when the mother was genetically linked to the child. The study suggests that factors other than smoking during pregnancy influence anti-social behavior.
A University of Illinois study finds that single mothers' education is crucial in creating a nurturing home environment, followed by employment in standard daytime hours or flexible jobs. Stable day shifts with flexibility allow mothers to spend more time with their children and form an attachment.
A study found that local online forums can provide tailored support for new mothers, but may exclude fathers. The researchers encourage healthcare professionals to promote these communities as a viable alternative to traditional support systems.
A new three-year project aims to improve infant feeding practices and prevent childhood obesity by promoting responsive feeding styles and portion control. The study, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, will work with over 1,000 mothers of infants from birth to 4 months old.
A study found that a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy can increase the risk of obesity-related diseases in her offspring. Reverting to a low-fat diet after a high-fat diet period reduced these risks.
Researchers studied stone-handling behavior in Japanese macaques, observing the transmission of traditions across generations. The study found that infant proximity to their mothers influenced development of stone-handling skills, with infants exposed to frequent maternal behavior acquiring the skill more quickly.
Two studies by University of California, Berkeley researchers suggest that taking maternity leave before and after birth reduces the risk of C-sections and improves breastfeeding. Women who took longer leave had lower risks of C-sections and higher breastfeeding establishment rates.
A groundbreaking study by the University of Illinois found that recovery coaches can significantly reduce substance-exposed births and help reunite substance-involved families. The coaches increased reunification rates by 6% and saved the state $5.5 million in foster-care costs.
Researchers found that overweight and obese women who thought they weighed less than they actually did at the start of pregnancy had seven times the odds of gaining excessive weight during their pregnancy. In contrast, normal weight women who thought they weighed more than they actually did had twice the odds of gaining excessive weight.
A new study published in Epidemiology found that smoking during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of cleft lip in newborns. The study suggests that 19% of cases may be due to maternal smoking, with a two-fold increased risk from heavy smoking and 1.6 fold risk from passive smoking.
A study of over 20,000 first-time mothers found that repeated miscarriages and hormone treatment for infertility increased the risk of pre-eclampsia. Women with one or two miscarriages were not at higher risk, but those who had three or more miscarriages saw a 50% increase in pre-eclampsia risk.
Researchers at Montreal Neurological Institute identify a genetic bottleneck that determines the proportion of mutated mtDNA transmitted from mother to child. This understanding can inform genetic counselling and treatment, offering hope for preventing debilitating diseases like maternally inherited blindness.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing reveals that poor sleep quality is closely linked to postpartum depression. Women with PPD experience worsened symptoms when their sleep quality declines.
A UCSF study found that maternal cells enter the fetus during pregnancy, inducing regulatory T cells that enforce a state of tolerance between the fetus and mother. This discovery defines a previously-unrecognized pathway for human tolerance development.
Researchers discovered over 200 serum proteins in umbilical cord blood, revealing changes in protein levels that indicate cigarette smoke exposure. The study identified biomarkers linked to key metabolic pathways, providing insights into the molecular effects of fetal exposure to toxic chemicals.
A study found that high levels of prenatal smoking exposure strongly modify sleep patterns in preterm neonates, with disrupted sleep structure and fragmentation observed. This may have serious consequences for the development of the infant's brain and increase the risk of developmental difficulties throughout childhood.
A team of CSHL scientists has discovered that maternal small RNAs called piRNAs pass on the trait of fertility from mother to offspring in fruit flies by silencing DNA sequences that induce sterility. This new mechanism of inheritance effectively doubles the number of mechanisms by which epigenetic information is known to be inherited.
Researchers found that single mothers provide 83-90% of child-rearing time as married counterparts, but with quality time compromised due to limited resources. The study suggests public policy should focus on resources and educational opportunities for mothers, regardless of marital status.
A new study found that African American adolescent girls whose mothers used psychological control, such as guilt trips and withdrawn affection, reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. In contrast, boys showed no such effect. The researchers suggest a need for parents to strike a balance between giving children autonomy and guidi...
A study by Sarah Kendig and Suzanne Bianchi found that single mothers spend less time with their children than married mothers. However, if single mothers had similar levels of education and employment as married mothers, they would spend the same amount of time with their children.
A recent study published in Reproductive Health found that pregnant women who attended water aerobics classes had shorter labor durations and lower rates of analgesia requests compared to those who did not participate. The research suggests that moderate water aerobics during pregnancy may improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
A multi-project study will investigate how cocaine exposure during pregnancy affects maternal-infant interactions, brain development, and hormonal responses. Researchers hope to inform the development of innovative interventions for mothers struggling with substance use.
Women who have had two or more induced abortions have a 60% reduced risk of pre-eclampsia compared to those with no history. Physical activity during pregnancy shows some protection against pre-eclampsia, particularly among women under 25 BMI.
A new therapy programme has been developed to treat depression in women in developing countries, improving recovery rates and reducing serious consequences. The programme, using community health workers, was tested in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and showed significant results.
Women with serious mental illnesses are at least twice as likely to experience stillbirths or newborn deaths compared to those without such conditions. Research revealed that mothers with schizophrenia have a higher risk of stillbirth, while those with other psychotic illnesses face significant complications during childbirth.
Children born to mothers with pregnancy-related diabetes are twice as likely to experience language development problems. Research from Université Laval found that babies' brains develop differently due to gestational diabetes, affecting vocabulary and grammar skills even after starting school.
Research found that mothers who smoked during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a baby with a cleft palate or lip. Nearly 7,000 babies are born annually with oral-facial clefts in the US, which can lead to feeding difficulties and other health issues.
Researchers found that fetuses of obese mother rats developed obesity in adulthood due to altered energy homeostasis and hormone levels. The study suggests that women maintaining optimal conditions during pregnancy may be crucial in preventing adult-onset obesity.
A recent study by Temple University researchers found that breastfed children are more likely to develop healthy eating habits, which can help prevent obesity later in life. The study suggests that mothers who bottle-feed may rely too heavily on schedules and ounces instead of their baby's internal cues.
Research at University of New South Wales finds a link between maternal obesity and increased body fat in offspring. Pups from obese mother rats were nearly twice as heavy as those born to lean mothers with regular milk consumption.
Two new studies by UCSF researchers found that infants born past 40 weeks of gestation are at higher risk for impaired health and death. The studies, which analyzed over 2.5 million births, confirmed the increased risk of cesarean deliveries and poor maternal or child outcomes as early as 40 weeks.
High-profile meeting at UN General Assembly tackles financing issues surrounding MDG 4 and 5; authors emphasize need for innovative financing to reduce maternal and child mortality. A child dies every 3 seconds, a mother every minute, the statement reads.
A new UNC study reveals that good parenting can counteract the effect of genes in babies' responses to stress, even at early ages. The research, published in Child Development, suggests a strong interplay between environmental experiences and genetics in shaping physiological responses to stress.
A new Iowa State University study found that mothers' self-fulfilling effects on their children's alcohol use are rooted in the power of positive thinking and self-verification theory. The research suggests that if moms help their teens develop a positive self-view, it can limit their chances of using alcohol.
Researchers at Yale University found that natural childbirth is associated with stronger emotional connections between mothers and their babies. The study suggests that vaginal delivery may influence neurohormonal factors that contribute to parental bonding and postpartum depression.
A new study has found that antibiotics given to pregnant women experiencing premature labor with intact membranes increased the risk of functional impairment and cerebral palsy in their children. The ORACLE Children's Study analyzed data from over 3,200 children born to mothers who received antibiotics or a placebo.
A study conducted in Bangladesh found that vaccinating mothers during pregnancy with the flu shot can greatly reduce a newborn's risk of infection, with a 63% reduction in proven influenza illness among infants. The study also showed a 36% decrease in serious respiratory illnesses for both mothers and infants.
Research shows that early parenting plays a key role in shaping infants' physiological responses to stress. At 6 months old, parenting affects the impact of genes on vagal tone, a cardiac response that helps regulate heart rate during challenging situations.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that parents of terminally ill or severely premature newborns often struggle to understand their treatment options due to miscommunication with doctors. The study's findings highlight the need for clearer explanations and empathy in end-of-life care discussions.