Articles tagged with Mothers
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.
A significant rise in caesarean sections in late labour has led to an increase in impacted fetal head (IFH) injuries, resulting in minor damage, lifelong consequences, or even death. New devices like the Tydeman tube and training approaches aim to improve management of this obstetric emergency.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.
Research shows that households participating in both WIC and SNAP consume high amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages. Mothers with young children who rely on these programs drank SSBs 8.7 times/week, compared to 4.5 times/week for those not participating in either program.
Researchers found that migrant male orangutan males use 'peering' behavior to observe local individuals and learn about new ecological knowledge, including how to process difficult-to-eat foods. This ability provides a survival advantage and is likely ancestral in the hominin lineage.
A study of US state-level maternal mortality from 1999 to 2019 found increased risk among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black individuals. The study highlights persistent disparities in maternal health care, with limited impact on prevention efforts.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that supportive communities and education about breastfeeding health benefits can boost breastfeeding rates, particularly in rural areas where it is less common. The study also showed that reduced stigma surrounding breastfeeding occurred with increased community exposure.
Researchers discovered that squash bug nymphs are attracted to the feces of adults of their own species, even in the dark or from a distance. This behavior is crucial for the bugs' survival as they need a healthy microbiome to grow and stay alive.
A study found that every member of a hyena clan, except the highest-ranking queen, suffers downward mobility across their lifetime due to demographic processes. Hyenas can move up and down in the hierarchy over time, but they slide down more often than jumping up.
New research from Duke University reveals that warmer temperatures increase the number of germ cells, which play a crucial role in determining the sex of turtles. This finding may explain why temperature-dependent sex determination persists in many animals, despite seeming like a risky strategy.
A multi-nation cohort analysis found that mothers with higher BMIs have shorter breastfeeding durations due to inflammation and cesarean section deliveries. The study identified dietary and systemic inflammation as modifiable factors associated with longer lactation duration in people with high BMI.
US delivery-related hospital mortality decreased for all groups between 2008 and 2021, while severe maternal morbidity increased, particularly among older women and minority patients with comorbidities
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that women who turned 35 in recent years and those without children are most at risk of excessive alcohol consumption. The study's findings highlight the need to address unhealthy drinking habits among middle-aged women, particularly those without children.
A McMaster University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for new mothers can lead to adaptive changes in infant brain functioning and reduce post-partum depression symptoms. The study tracked 73 pairs of mothers and babies undergoing PPD treatments between 2018 and 2020.
The study found that fathers who supported their partners' breastfeeding goals had higher rates of successful breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Fathers were also more likely to implement safe sleep practices when they received guidance on infant sleep safety. However, racial disparities in safe sleep practices persist, with Bl...
A study found that even insured patients with diabetes use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to cover excess medical expenses, including uncovered co-pays and life-saving care. Researchers urge policymakers to consider these needs when developing affordable diabetes care policies.
A new study in mice reveals that a middle-brain region controls aggression towards young animals, while another region promotes maternal behavior. The findings suggest that the brain mechanism behind infanticide by women may be similar to that in males.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that 'Kangaroo mother care' reduces the risk of mortality by 32% and severe infection by 15%. Starting KMC within 24 hours and for at least eight hours a day also appears to be effective in reducing mortality.
A new study from the University of Kansas emphasizes the importance of including unpaid care work in economic statistics, highlighting women's significant contributions to the economy. The study aims to provide a more complete understanding of labor activity and inform equitable public policy.
A study from Swansea University and the University of Cape Town tracked the movements of 13 chacma baboons in Cape Town, South Africa. The data revealed that female baboons stopped using urban space after giving birth, suggesting they adapt to reduce risks for their newborns.
A nine-year study led by Kyoto University found that critical thinking and logical decision-making promoted intelligent attitudes and risk literacy, reducing anxiety and food avoidance among citizens in Tokyo and Kansai regions.
Researchers found that 78% of patients reported at least one social risk factor impacting their health. A chatbot was developed to provide follow-up outreach and deliver educational content to recently discharged birthing individuals.
A study led by UC San Francisco found that breastfeeding duration increased by an average of 18% among U.S. women during the pandemic, with white and high-income women experiencing the largest gains. The study suggests that a national paid family leave policy could improve breastfeeding rates and reduce health inequities.
A new Dartmouth study reveals high rates of childbirth fear in US pregnant people, associated with factors such as racism, low income, and pre-existing conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these fears, leading to increased stress and anxiety during labor.
Research from Children's National Hospital found that maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic altered placental structure and function, which may influence fetal health. The study suggests a link between maternal mental health and the development of the placenta.