New research finds that while some women thrived during lockdown, others found breastfeeding to be difficult and overwhelming.
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The WHO recommends women should be encouraged to breastfeed straight after birth, for both the mothers's and baby’s health, including increasing baby’s immunity.
There is no evidence that the coronavirus is transmitted through breast milk, and breastfeeding is encouraged during COVID-19. However, the support available to new mothers has changed dramatically.
For new mothers with postpartum depression, social distancing limits some of the best ways to improve their mental health.
Mobile health apps, teleconferencing with experts and thoughtfully designed educational platforms can all help families during the chaotic and confusing early years.
Most UK workplaces aren't set up for women to breastfeed, so is it any wonder rates are so low.
Regular home visits by community health workers helped to increase breastfeeding rates in Kenya.
Breastfeeding mothers are turning to online groups due to dwindling real-life support — but these volunteer-led platforms don't always have the best advice.
Mothers are told to stop breastfeeding when taking certain medications – even if they won't harm their baby.
About 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental illness.
New study finds that giving birth through an emergency caesarean increases the risk of developing postnatal depression in the first nine months after childbirth by about 15%.
The transition to parenthood comes with plenty of stress. A psychology researcher suggests that paid family leave could help lift some of the burden – with positive health benefits down the road.
When World War II struck, the British government evacuated women to hospitals in the countryside to give birth – and the change still affects maternity care today.
Breastfeeding isn't easy, and that's ok – new parents can handle the truth.
Childhood trauma impacts women's health and can be passed from parent to child. New research shows that when new mothers feel supported, the risk of pregnancy complications is reduced.
Having a newborn can be rough, whether you're a mom or a dad. New research ties men's testosterone to their postpartum depression – with some surprising upsides for their partners.
The pressure on new mums can be overwhelming, but culturally they are expected to go it alone.
The quest to be a 'perfect' mother versus a 'good' mother may actually harm a mother’s parenting.
Why are some new parents wiping vaginal fluid all over their baby’s mouth, eyes, and skin?
Top contributors
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Professor of Child Public Health, Swansea University
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Assistant Professor of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
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Hannah Dahlen is a Friend of The Conversation.
Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Leader, Western Sydney University
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Jane Desborough is a Friend of The Conversation.
Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, MPH, PhD
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Honorary Associate Professor, Australian National University
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Professor of Human Sciences and Psychology; Faculty Associate of the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, The Ohio State University
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Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center
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Clinical Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London
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Senior Lecturer at York Business School, York St John University
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Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Psychology, University of Calgary
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University of Calgary
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Research Fellow in Public Health and Parenthood, DECIPHer, Cardiff University
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PhD Candidate in Health Services Research and Policy Department, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University
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PhD Candidate in the School of Arts and Humanities, Nottingham Trent University
