Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Researchers found that low-income mothers who experienced depression and/or obesity reported their preschool children watched an average of two hours of TV per day. Children exposed to these conditions spent less time outdoors. The study highlights the need for caregivers to examine how maternal well-being affects child activity levels.
A study found that parenting skills and children's IQs improved when low-income families left welfare behind. However, the benefits were limited to those who moved out of poverty, suggesting that current welfare reform mandates prioritize moving families off welfare without addressing underlying poverty issues.
A recent study published in Psycho-Oncology suggests that children of mothers with breast cancer can handle the bad news better than previously thought. The study found that these children experienced fewer behavior problems and anxiety symptoms compared to their peers.
A five-month study found that psychosocial counseling for war refugee mothers improved their mental health and reduced trauma symptoms. The children of these mothers also experienced significant weight gain, averaging 4.4 pounds more than the control group.
A recent study published in The Lancet found a link between DDT use in the US and an increase in premature births in the 1960s. Researchers analyzed stored blood serum from thousands of mothers, revealing elevated levels of DDT's breakdown product, DDE, in mothers of pre-term infants.
A Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study found that depression is a common issue among single mothers receiving welfare, with 40% reporting symptoms of clinical depression. Despite this, few receive mental health treatment, which may prevent them from gaining employment and becoming independent.
Low-dose combined spinal epidural and infusion techniques have been shown to increase the rate of normal vaginal delivery compared to traditional epidurals. However, these methods may also be associated with longer recovery times for newborns and increased risk of breathing difficulties.
A Cornell University developmental psychologist found that American adults and preschool children remember experiences differently from indigenous Chinese. Americans report lengthy, emotionally elaborate memories focusing on the self, whereas Chinese tend to give brief accounts of general routine events centered on collective activitie...
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that stimulating a mother's immune system can increase growth factors in the fetus, reducing birth defects. The study suggests a new role for maternal immunity in fetal development, potentially unlocking secrets to reversing certain birth defects.
A new study found that simple mother and teen conversations about the consequences of drinking can help prevent binge-drinking in college freshmen. Students who had more positive beliefs about drinking were more likely to drink excessively and experience negative consequences associated with binge-drinking tendencies.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that only 21% of mothers of preschoolers feel their children are overweight, highlighting a significant misperception. Mothers with lower education levels were more likely to underestimate childhood obesity and have heavier children.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that low-risk women who have had previous cesarean deliveries may benefit from trial of labor, which can reduce maternal fevers and need for transfusion or hysterectomy, while increasing small risk to the baby
A study examining 700 fifty-year-olds born between 1943 and 1947 found that those whose mothers starved during early pregnancy were three times more likely to develop heart disease. The researchers also discovered that the effects depend on the timing of maternal starvation during gestation.
A study published in Heart found that children born to mothers who starved during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy were three times more likely to develop coronary heart disease as adults. They also had higher blood pressure, weighed more, and a higher adverse cholesterol profile.
A shorter course of AZT therapy can reduce HIV transmission from mothers to children, now available at a lower cost. The study found that treatment regimens starting at 28 weeks pregnant and given to the infant for six weeks resulted in a transmission rate similar to standard long/long treatment.
Research in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that babies whose mothers smoked were twice as likely to experience colic. Breastfed infants were less prone to colic when their mothers smoked, highlighting a potential risk factor for smoking mothers.
A recent study found that a short regimen of nevirapine continues to reduce HIV transmission in infants even when breastfed. The results showed a sustained 39% reduction in risk over 12 months, and preliminary data suggest an additional 2% reduction after 18 months.
The Bay Area Perinatal AIDS Center's coordinated care model significantly reduces HIV transmission from mother to child. Nurse clinicians focus on the challenges of caring for HIV-infected mothers, implementing interventions such as coordinated medication schedules.
Australian fertility expert Professor Carl Wood discusses the controversies in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including embryo cloning, IVF for cancer patients, and LGBTQ+ access to fertility treatments. He emphasizes the need for careful consideration of these issues, highlighting both advantages and drawbacks.
A new study found that fathers were more involved in caregiving when they worked fewer hours and had greater marital intimacy. Fathers with high self-esteem and less traditional child-rearing beliefs were also more active in caregiving.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that shorter hospital stays may actually increase the likelihood of breastfeeding. The research suggests that giving clinicians and mothers more decision-making power over discharge timing can support breastfeeding, even in cases where risk factors suggest otherwise.
A new Penn State study reveals that restrictive feeding practices can pass eating problems from mother to daughter as early as five years old, increasing the risk of childhood overweight. Mothers who control their own weight tend to use more restrictive feeding practices, which can actually promote patterns of intake influenced by pala...
A study found that infant rats nursed by intoxicated mothers exhibit greater distress and aversion to alcohol, suggesting the mother's altered behavior is what causes their reaction. The researchers also suggest that early learning about alcohol is based on sensory experiences and context.
Mothers prefer family practice vaccinations over clinics, citing lack of empathy and pain from vaccination as reasons. Health professionals who acknowledge distress and engage with babies are valued most by mothers, research suggests.
A study by Dr. Karen Fingerman found that older mothers and daughters have a different perception of pleasant interactions, with fewer references to the mother-daughter bond itself. Instead, they often discuss family-related topics and the daughter's children, siblings, or husband.
A study published in JAMA found that nurse home visits to pregnant women and their families significantly improved health outcomes for years to come. The program reduced time on welfare, increased stability in family structure, and promoted economic self-sufficiency among mothers.
A study of 99 mothers found that those who smoked during pregnancy had toddlers with higher levels of impulsivity, risk-taking, and rebelliousness. The researchers speculate that reducing maternal smoking could lead to a decrease in childhood negativity.
A study found that mothers with alcohol and drug problems tend to be more punitive towards their children, using aggressive disciplinary strategies. This research highlights the need for interventions that address not only individual substance abuse but also family dynamics.
A study by University of Illinois professor Brian Wansink found that 70% of unused items were purchased for a specific reason in mind, while 20% were deemed inconvenient. To reduce clutter and save money, experts suggest actively planning new uses for products and donating unused items to food kitchens.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that children who spend more time in nonmaternal care have somewhat less positive interactions with their mothers. The study also showed that higher-quality child care is associated with increased maternal sensitivity and a stronger mother-child bond.
A study published by the NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found a modest link between infant and toddler care hours and maternal sensitivity. The quality of child care was also linked to maternal sensitivity, with better care associated with higher levels of maternal sensitivity.
New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that mothers and children in longer childcare hours were less attuned to each other. However, the study also revealed that better quality care had a positive effect on mother-child relationships.
Children raised by single parents perform just as well in school as those from two-parent families, according to a large study. The key factor determining success is the mother's level of education and coping skills, not the absence of a father.
Research reveals high symptoms of depression among mothers caring for inner-city children with chronic conditions. The study suggests therapists and educators can help these mothers cope by acknowledging limitations and modifying unrealistic expectations.
Research suggests that maternal depression may alter frontal brain activity associated with positive emotions in infants. The study found that infants of depressed mothers exhibited less left frontal EEG activity compared to right frontal EEG activity, indicating a potential impact on emotional processing.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that early discharge for full-term, Medicaid newborns in Ohio did not result in increased rehospitalization rates. In fact, rehospitalizations decreased 23% due to better post-discharge coordination of care.
Research finds that mothers with unwanted births experience depression, unhappiness, and lower quality relationships with their children. These effects persist throughout the children's lives, impacting all family members.
A major study found that children whose mothers are chronically depressed perform significantly worse on tests of verbal comprehension, language skills, and school readiness compared to those with no maternal depression. Mothers who were sometimes depressed fell somewhere in between.
Children of depressed mothers performed poorly on measures of school readiness, verbal comprehension, and expressive language skills. However, maternal sensitivity played a crucial role in the well-being of children, even when mothers were depressed.
A study found that untreated hypothyroidism in pregnant women is associated with lower IQ scores in their children. Children of mothers treated for the condition showed similar intelligence levels to those born to healthy mothers. Early detection and treatment may mitigate the negative effects.
A Penn State study reveals that unmarried mothers, particularly young and African American women, predominantly live with their parents before and after childbirth. The data indicates that co-residence with parents remains the most important living arrangement for first-time, never-married mothers.
Researchers recommend genetic screening for pregnant women with liver illness and their families to prevent life-threatening conditions. The E474Q mutation is identified in 19 children out of 24 families studied, leading to AFLP or other liver disorders in mothers.
Research by Hirokazu Yoshikawa found that welfare recipients who received high levels of educational, job training, and center-based child-care assistance had higher earnings and better math and verbal achievement scores. The long-term support service approach also benefited the children themselves.
Research found associations between anxiety and depression in adolescent mothers and their use of negative control tactics, leading to higher levels of disruptive behavior in their children. The study showed that frequent yelling, threatening, and spanking by mothers during conflict did not lead to a decrease in child behavior problems.
A new study at the University of North Carolina links increased levels of oxytocin to lower blood pressure among mothers who nurse their babies. Mothers with higher oxytocin levels had lower blood pressure before and after discussing recent life problems, suggesting that breastfeeding may help reduce stress.
Researchers found that maternal soothing was not effective in reducing infants' cortisol response or behavioral reaction to stress, but may influence the child's developing model of the world. Maternal behavior in general is crucial in affecting cortisol and behavioral stress responses.
A new longitudinal study found that working mothers do not have a significant negative impact on their children's development. The research, based on the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, analyzed data from approximately 12,600 individuals and found no significant differences between children of employed and non-employed mothers.
Researchers found that 82% of mothers of full-term babies thought their child's temperament was easy, while only 34% of preterm baby mothers shared the same sentiment. This disparity may be attributed to prolonged hospital stays and limited social interaction with other mothers.
Pregnant women infected with HIV can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their infants by about 50 percent if they deliver by elective cesarean section before labor and membranes rupture. The study found that c-sections cut mother-to-child HIV transmission by at least 50 percent.
Four Harvard physicians recommend a moratorium on reducing the national cesarean section delivery rate due to concerns about maternal and infant safety. They argue that economic forces are driving the goal, rather than patient well-being.
Mothers of premature infants tend to overestimate their babies' difficult temperament, leading to increased risk of behavior problems. The study highlights the importance of maternal perception and social support in caring for preterm infants.
A comprehensive examination of 100 female statuettes carved in Europe between 30,000 and 20,000 years ago suggests they prioritized the health of mother and child during childbirth. The statuettes depict physical effects of pregnancy and show little evidence of long-term use.
Researchers identified risk factors for infant homicide victims, including second or later birth order and mother's age, education level, and prenatal care. The study found that visiting nurse programs could reduce the infant homicide rate by helping teenage mothers gain behavioral skills and support.
Research suggests that anesthesia during labor and delivery may cause temporary delays in nursing, but has no long-term effects. Breastfeeding is strongly recommended by the AAP, with newborns being nursed frequently to promote immune system development.
A University of Michigan study reveals that surrogate mothers express some degree of disappointment about their roles, with those who have satisfied relationships with adoptive parents experiencing better outcomes. The quality of the relationship post-birth significantly impacts long-term satisfaction and regret among surrogate mothers.
Researchers found that young rats learned to distinguish lactating females from others through repeated trials, but did not yet recognize their mother. This study sheds light on the complex process of mammalian recognition and attachment.
A Penn State study reveals single mothers on welfare are more likely to have psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for mental health services in welfare reform programs. The research found that major depression and agoraphobia were prevalent among welfare recipients.
A recent study found that males from father-absent households face a significantly higher risk of incarceration, with odds almost three times as high as those from intact families. The presence of live-in grandparents in these households can help mitigate this risk.
A study by Adrian Raine found that three-year-olds who are half an inch taller than their peers tend to be more aggressive as 11-year-olds. The researchers also discovered that stimulation-seeking and fearless toddlers were at higher risk for aggression, regardless of gender.
University of Washington psychologists found a connection between mothers' morning sickness and infant salt preference. Babies whose mothers experienced moderate to severe nausea had a stronger preference for salty solutions, suggesting dehydration may imprint taste preferences during pregnancy.