Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Research with contemporary hunter-gatherer societies found infants receive attentive care from up to 15 different caregivers for about nine hours a day. High levels of sensitive care and personal attention are crucial for mother and child wellbeing, supporting maternal care and reducing risks of neglect and abuse.
In cooperative bird societies, mothers lay larger eggs for more help with nestling care, allowing them to focus on prenatal investment. This strategy enables helpers to contribute indirectly, benefiting offspring development.
A new survey from Northwestern University found that dads working from home during the pandemic reported twice as much parenting stress as those who worked onsite. The study suggests that societal expectations on men to prioritize work over family may contribute to this increased stress.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that postpartum individuals living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience postpartum depression symptoms. Lower-income populations covered by Medicaid saw the greatest benefits, with a 32% greater likelihood of breast...
A University of Missouri study found that opioid-dependent mothers experience stigma, leading to withdrawal from healthcare and negative outcomes for their infants. The research highlights the need for compassionate support and education to promote better health outcomes.
New research reveals widespread harassment and stereotyping of women in coastal sciences, affecting their ability to participate in fieldwork and advance their careers. Women often experience objectification, discrimination, and micro-aggressions, which can be traumatic and disadvantage them professionally.
Researchers have identified a group of babies born to mothers who used fentanyl during pregnancy with similar facial and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The study suggests the emergence of a novel syndrome, which may be caused by fentanyl exposure or another contaminant.
A large study of 91,460 mother-offspring pairs found no link between prenatal corticosteroid and beta-2 adrenergic agonist exposure and offspring neurodevelopmental issues. The findings suggest these medications are safe for pregnant individuals with asthma.
A University of Auckland study suggests a link between sexism and poorer parenting, with parents exhibiting less responsive behavior towards their children when holding hostile sexist attitudes. The research found that both mothers and fathers who believe in male authority and power tend to be less engaged with their kids.
A new study finds that fathers and mothers who hold sexist attitudes towards men's power and authority exhibit less responsive parenting behavior, which can lead to behavioral issues and lower academic achievement. The research highlights the need for addressing hostile sexism to improve child well-being and reduce gender inequality.
A new study found that body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy varies widely among women, influenced by complex factors such as positive and negative experiences. Negative body image can have serious effects on the mother and baby, including depression, anxiety, and poor quality interactions. The research highlights the importance ...
A new study found that hybrid closed-loop technology significantly improved maternal blood sugars in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. Women who used the technology spent more time within the target range for pregnancy blood sugar levels, gained less weight, and had fewer complications.
Researchers found that training expectant mothers can improve their ability to recognize happy baby expressions, leading to fewer signs of depression. This new approach aims to promote healthier emotional development for both mother and child.
Research by the American Psychological Association finds that parents and mentors often underestimate girls' chess abilities and perceive them as having a less supportive environment. This study highlights the need for continued structural support to improve girls' experiences in chess.
A new study has identified 40 genetic variations linked to placental growth, which can contribute to the risk of preeclampsia and earlier delivery. Faster-growing placentas were also found to be associated with shorter pregnancies.
The new research project examines the associations between relationship events and partners' personalities, focusing on socialization effects. Couples will be asked about their everyday lives to understand how situations evolve.
New research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory explores how adult brains adapt through critical periods of learning, such as caring for young. MECP2 dysfunction causes neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome, but the study finds that brain circuits can be rapidly rewired in adults.
A new clinical trial has found that administering metformin to pregnant women with gestational diabetes does not increase adverse neonatal outcomes or maternal health risks. The study provides hope for expectant mothers and healthcare providers seeking a safe alternative to traditional insulin-based treatments.
A recent study found that grandparent childcare does not significantly impact maternal mental health and wellbeing, nor does it reduce mother-child conflict. In fact, poor maternal wellbeing at age three was linked to poor child social and emotional outcomes at age seven.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that children of parents with higher work-related stress have lower socioemotional competency at age 4-5. Meanwhile, mothers' job dissatisfaction does not impact family mealtimes, but fathers' financial dissatisfaction leads to reduced attendance and negative child development outcomes.
A new Michigan State University and Corewell Health research found that in-home prenatal services can significantly reduce the risk of premature births and infant deaths. Pregnant individuals receiving enhanced prenatal care saw a 57% reduced risk, while expectant Black mothers experienced an even greater reduction.
Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality, has increased by 37% in Texas since 2017. A new $1.47 million NIH grant will support research initiatives to address preeclampsia rates in six Panhandle counties.
A new study from North Carolina State University explores how racism shapes Black motherhood in the US, revealing distinct challenges and stresses faced by Black mothers. The study categorizes these effects into three areas: protective mothering, resistance mothering, and encumbered mothering.
A new study in rodents reveals that infant cries prompt the release of oxytocin, a brain chemical controlling breast milk, in mothers. The study shows how sound information travels to the brain, triggering the hormone release, which continues for around five minutes.
Research by the University of Leeds found that fathers who engage in interactive activities with their children, such as reading and playing, have a positive impact on their educational achievement. The study suggests that even small changes in father-child interaction can have lasting benefits for children's learning.
Exposure to plasticizers during pregnancy has been linked to smaller total gray matter in the brains of children at age 10. Additionally, maternal exposure to certain phthalates is associated with lower child IQ at age 14. The relationship between exposure and lower IQ is partially influenced by total gray matter volumes.
Researchers found that mature sperm carry only 100 organelles with mitochondria but no intact mtDNA. This discovery has important implications for human fertility and germ cell therapy, potentially limiting the risk of accumulating harmful mtDNA mutations.
York University researchers found that maternal care significantly impacts the development, microbiome, and health of wild carpenter bees. Without proper care, pathogen loads increase, leading to reduced microbiomes, increased disease susceptibility, and poor overall health.
A longitudinal study of over 8,100 women reveals seven pathways that illustrate the long-term ripple effects of major life events. The research highlights the fluidity of education in many women's lives and challenges traditional notions of adulthood.
Children born to parents with substance use disorders are at increased risk of intellectual disability, regardless of whether the issue is with mothers or fathers. The study found that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to this risk.
Research reveals Chinese families' strong son preference can lead to daughters' emotional and financial exploitation, causing severe mental health consequences. Daughters are socialized from birth to prioritize their family's needs over their own, resulting in feelings of debt and low self-esteem.
Researchers at McMaster University found that peer-led group cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered online significantly improved symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers. The model has the potential to substantially improve access to effective treatment for mothers with postpartum depression.
A study led by Washington State University researcher found that half a million children lived in 'doubled-up' households with grandparents during the pandemic. These arrangements were mainly driven by economic and instrumental needs, such as childcare and elder care, outweighing health concerns.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that first-time fathers face a steeper decline in relationship satisfaction following childbirth compared to second-time fathers. Second-time fathers experience an increase in relationship satisfaction within 14 months postpartum, returning to baseline levels.
Research found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment for postnatal depression was associated with reduced child behavioral difficulties, ADHD symptoms, and maternal depression. The study also suggested long-term benefits of SSRI treatment on child outcomes up to five years after childbirth.
A study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Woman's Hospital found that pregnant women in Louisiana were more likely to exceed recommended weight gain levels during the pandemic, with a 3-7% increase. This rise in non-optimal gestational weight gain may have long-term impacts on maternal and infant health.
A new prison parenting program in Australia, led by Belinda Lovell, has been developed to ease the strain of separation and maintain mother-child bonds. The program involves direct input from Aboriginal women and includes positive parenting skills to encourage successful parenting after release.
A new study by the University of South Australia finds that mothers are experiencing a relentless mental load linked to their children's digital use, impacting their physical and mental health. This 'digital care work' requires mothers to monitor and manage their kids' media use, adding an extra layer of complexity to modern mothering.
The new Southern Center for Maternal Health Equity will develop innovative approaches to reduce pregnancy-related complications and deaths in the Gulf South. The center aims to promote maternal health equity and address disparities in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black pregnant and postpartum people.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that pregnant women living in walkable areas engage in more physical activity and have fewer issues with pregnancy complications. The study also suggests that walking can have health benefits beyond exercise, such as social interactions and community engagement.
A new study found that high-stress caregivers had higher klotho levels and longer telomeres in specific immune cells, which may provide protection against aging. In contrast, low-stress caregivers showed no significant associations between klotho levels and telomere length.
A historical analysis of Bern Maternity Hospital data showed a notable surge in low birth weight and stillbirth rates coinciding with the 1918 'Spanish flu' pandemic. Researchers found that mothers exposed to the pandemic had a higher risk of stillbirth, highlighting the potential impact of pandemics on infant health.
A study by Hebrew University researchers found that directly involved war veterans exhibited almost double the level of PTSD symptoms compared to indirectly active veterans. Parents of active veterans experienced heightened secondary traumatic stress, with mothers bearing a greater burden than fathers.
Pregnant individuals who received a full course of COVID-19 vaccination and a booster have the strongest immune protection from the disease. Boosting after previous infection increases antibody levels in both mothers and newborns, providing maximum possible protection to infants as SARS-CoV-2 evolves.
A Swansea University-led study found that Welsh breastfeeding rates increased during the pandemic, with a significant correlation between mothers' intention to breastfeed and exclusive breastfeeding duration. The study proposes targeted interventions during pregnancy and policies to support families to improve breastfeeding duration.
A large cohort study found that a low intake of dietary fiber during pregnancy is associated with neurodevelopmental delays in children. The study analyzed data from over 76,000 mother-infant pairs and found that children of mothers who consumed less fiber were more likely to show delays in brain function development.
The study reveals that women physicians prioritize family building over career advancement, leading to a shift in their professional paths. Women in medicine experience significant alterations to their careers due to fertility concerns and family planning, contributing to ongoing gender disparities.
A nationwide Finnish study found that premature parental death is strongly linked to poor mental health and lower earnings in adulthood for both sexes. Boys are more vulnerable than girls, with nearly twice the odds of hospital admission for intentional self-harm after losing their mother prematurely.
The study found a significant increase in maternal HCV infection rates during pregnancy from 16-fold higher in 1998 compared to 2018. This is associated with adverse maternal-infant outcomes such as preterm labor, poor fetal growth, or fetal distress.
The study found two distinct groups: low maternal sleep (5-6 hours/night) and average maternal sleep (7-8 hours/night). Children in the low maternal sleep group slept less. Establishing early bedtime routines and consistent sleep patterns improved sleep duration and reduced sleep problems.
A recent study has found that babies born to fathers with psychiatric diagnoses are more likely to be born prematurely. The study analyzed data from over 1.5 million births in Sweden and found a significant increase in preterm births among infants whose father had a psychiatric diagnosis.
A new analysis of Swedish birth records found that fathers' psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of preterm birth, with risks higher for infants whose parents have both diagnoses. The study suggests that additional social support and prenatal care may help mitigate this risk.
Research found that mothers' childhood experiences and pregnancy anxiety are reflected in their 2-year-old children's gut microbiomes, with smaller populations of microorganisms and reduced genetic diversity. These changes may influence children's socioemotional development and brain-gut microbiome connection.
New research shows that post-menopause female killer whales protect their sons from fights with other whales, reducing the incidence of socially inflicted injuries. This unique behavior suggests that females prioritize helping their male offspring, who have more genetic potential for passing on their mother's genes.
Researchers found that post-menopause females have lower incidence of tooth marks in their social unit, implying they may be protecting their sons from conflict. This suggests a new pathway for the adaptability of menopause in killer whales.
Exposure to commonly prescribed antiseizure medications during pregnancy does not negatively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children. The MONEAD study found that lamotrigine and levetiracetam pose low risks for cognitive effects, with some caution needed for high dosages of levetiracetam.
Research in rats suggests that loss of immune cells late in gestation may factor into the onset of maternal behavior. Depletion of microglia, a type of immune cell, sped up care for rat newborns in non-mom female rats.
A new study reveals that breast milk contains a unique set of antibodies passed from mom to baby, which can vary significantly between mothers. This variability may explain why some infants develop life-threatening diseases like NEC, while others do not.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University found that parent attitudes about politics can predict subsequent increases in adolescent child political alienation. In households where parents and adolescents are close, parents transmit political apathy to their children, which may contribute to low youth voter participation.
Fetuses use a copy of a gene inherited from their dad to force their mum to release as much nutrients possible during pregnancy. This 'remote-control' system is operated by genes that can be switched on or off depending on whether they are a 'dad's' or 'mum's' gene.