Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
A new study at UNC-CH aims to help low-income black mothers cope with HIV by providing home visits, counseling, and teaching. The program has shown promising results in improving women's understanding of the disease and their mental health.
Infants of smoking mothers who breastfeed have higher urine levels of cotinine, a substance produced by nicotine breakdown, compared to bottle-fed children. The study highlights the importance of helping mothers quit smoking during pregnancy and nursing.
Researchers tracked 290 children for three years, finding that those who remained with their mothers had better motor and neurological development compared to those placed in foster or kinship care. The study suggests that environment plays a significant role in the growth patterns of these infants.
The Bright Beginnings program has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to expand its support services for vulnerable inner-city women and their babies. The program, which pairs trained volunteers with pregnant women, aims to promote good health care and parenting practices.
A new study at Ohio State University reveals that three out of four mothers feel their partner's opinion greatly influences their decision to breast-feed. Fathers' negative attitudes about breast-feeding often stem from misconceptions or feelings of being left out, but education can change these attitudes.
A recent study found that the uterine environment can have a profound impact on cognitive behavior in mice. The researchers discovered that hybrid-uteri mice, which are born from non-immune mothers with transplanted BXSB embryos, demonstrated significant cognitive advantages over other groups.
Researchers link biblical story of Hannah to first documented case of anorexia nervosa and its associated infertility. The article, published in Fertility and Sterility, suggests that extreme weight loss may have contributed to Hannah's inability to conceive.
Researchers discovered a simple mechanism of aging in yeast cells, where extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA (ERCs) replicates until the cell dies. ERCs' accumulation causes enlargement and fragmentation of the nucleolus, leading to cell death, suggesting a potential target for intervening aging processes.
A study found that 80% of older mothers admit to having a favorite child, while 71% of their grown children correctly identify their mom's favorite. The researchers also discovered that how parents feel about their children depends on factors like social status and personal history.
Emory University researchers found that newborn rat pups who received more infantile stimulation handled stress better in adulthood, both externally and internally. The study suggests that early experiences shape the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to stress, which can have implications for human health.
Research finds that stay-at-home dads participate equally in household chores as stay-at-home moms, yet work mothers often resume their traditional roles when returning home. The study also highlights the impact of stay-at-home dad arrangements on mother-child bonds.
The study, led by psychologist Barbara Kerr, Ph.D., found that young adults raised in happy families were more likely to grow up in larger-than-average families and have parents who spent more time at home. These families often had occupations considered creative and encouraged children to participate in artistic activities.
Research suggests that mothers of children with cancer often struggle with emotional distress and may benefit from problem-solving skill training. The study found that these mothers reported lower general well-being and physical health compared to mothers without children with cancer.
A Duke University study found that working mothers' stress hormone levels increase even with just one child at home, putting them at a higher risk for health problems. The study also showed that the number of children does not affect stress levels, and that quality of work and family experiences may be key factors in stress levels.
Researchers found that children's negative beliefs about mothers and peers predict rejection and depression in a multidimensional study of 81 preadolescent children. Non-depressed kids tend to have more positive attributes about their mothers, while depressed kids may experience more stress in their family.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that mothers' behavior and perception of their child's temperament can influence a child's problem-solving abilities. Children rated as more difficult by their mothers were more likely to struggle with task completion and had lower IQ scores.
Researchers found that parents with two children spend an average of 57,661 hours raising their kids to age 18, exceeding the previously estimated 7.25 hours a day. This includes primary child care and secondary child care activities. The study also revealed that mothers spend more time on primary child care than fathers.
A new study found that 41% of current AFDC recipients will reach the 60-month cutoff for lifetime receipt of welfare, and 52% will be forced to seek employment or work activity. States have options to exempt up to 20% of caseloads, but millions of families will still be affected.
Research reveals family characteristics and early child care experiences have a greater impact on the mother-child relationship than non-maternal child care. High-quality care reduces negative effects, but family traits and child temperaments play a significant role.
A major new study shows that good early child care helps rather than hinders infants' and toddlers' thinking and language development up to age 3. The research found that quality child care matters, even when other family variables are considered.
A Cornell University study found that New York adoptive parents are overwhelmingly in favor of laws allowing adult adoptees access to information in their birth certificates. The study surveyed 1,274 adoptive parents and found that adoptive mothers were more likely to support opening adoption records than fathers. Key findings include ...
Researchers found higher Down syndrome prevalence among Hispanic mothers under 40, lower rates among older mothers, compared to white counterparts. Prenatal genetic testing usage also showed significant differences between ethnic groups.
A new study reveals that premature infants born to women with mild high blood pressure may have a lower incidence of respiratory distress syndrome compared to those born to mothers with severe hypertension. Infants born to mothers with mild hypertension tend to mature faster, reducing the risk of chronic lung problems.
Newborns exposed to crack cocaine in the womb display excitability, lethargy, stress, and delayed motor skills, but may not require special care. Cocaine exposure may also impact parenting styles and lead to negative outcomes for babies.
A new study by Cornell University and the University of Arizona found that when parents argue with their spouses, they are more likely to have tense interactions with their children. Fathers are particularly prone to this 'tension spillover', especially in families where mothers work full-time.