The article critiques the trend of female biohacking and supplement use, especially among exhausted mothers, highlighting the risks of over-reliance on unproven products like creatine and weighted vests, and emphasizing the importance of rest and natural strength over constant self-optimization.
A 2023 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that more American mothers reported worse mental health compared to 2016, with declines across all sociodemographic groups, highlighting concerns about maternal and child health.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals a significant decline in mental health among US mothers from 2016 to 2023, especially among single mothers and low-income families, with an increase in reports of poor mental health, highlighting ongoing challenges exacerbated by economic pressures and the pandemic.
A new study finds that sexual activity can help mothers, especially those with children with autism spectrum disorder, mitigate the harmful effects of chronic stress on metabolic health. The research showed that sexually active moms had healthier metabolic hormone levels compared to their inactive counterparts, regardless of their overall physical activity or relationship satisfaction. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to understand the mechanisms behind these benefits.
Palestinian mothers in Gaza gave birth to their babies amidst a war between Israel and Hamas, with their homes destroyed by airstrikes and limited access to medical treatment and supplies. The infants are suffering from malnutrition and lack of proper care, with the families struggling to provide for their children in the midst of the ongoing conflict, leaving their envisioned lives for their babies uncertain.
Vaccine skepticism among mothers, particularly white and middle-class, is rooted in their negative experiences with the U.S. healthcare system, including instances of medical harm and mistreatment from childhood through childbirth. These experiences have led to widespread mistrust of public health entities and pharmaceutical companies, prompting mothers to conduct their own research and reject recommended vaccines. High rates of medical error and maternal deaths contribute to a growing population of Americans who believe that the U.S. healthcare system does more harm than good, leading to rational skepticism and distrust.
A group of Israeli mothers, including Michal Brody-Bareket, whose son is a soldier deployed in Gaza, have formed The Mothers' Cry to call for an end to the Gaza war. Despite overwhelming support for the military campaign, these mothers are drawing inspiration from the Four Mothers movement and are advocating for a cease-fire and the release of hostages held in Gaza. The group's anti-war stance has received little public exposure, and they have faced opposition from another group of mothers calling for intensified military operations in Gaza. Israeli police have suppressed anti-war demonstrations, leading to concerns about freedom of expression and protest.
The Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador will feature two transgender women, two mothers, and a plus-size model among the 84 contestants. This year's competition aims to be the most inclusive yet, with mothers and married women allowed to participate for the first time. The pageant has also welcomed transgender contestants since 2012. The contestants are breaking stereotypes and promoting women's empowerment in their respective countries.
The 72nd Miss Universe pageant is breaking barriers by welcoming two transgender women, two mothers, and a plus-size model as contestants. Miss Portugal and Miss Netherlands are the first trans women representing their countries in the competition. Miss Guatemala and Miss Colombia are the first married women and mothers to enter, while Miss Nepal is the first plus-size model. Miss Pakistan is also making history as the first delegate from her country. The Miss Universe Organization changed its rules in 2012 to allow transgender contestants and recently revised them to include mothers, married people, and divorcees. The final part of the pageant will be held on Saturday in San Salvador.
The participation of US mothers in the workforce has declined due to the high cost and limited availability of childcare facilities, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many mothers are forced to stay at home to care for their children, leading to a significant loss of household income. Approximately 16,000 daycare centers, or 10% of the total, have closed since 2020. Even for those who can afford childcare, the prices are often exorbitant, with around 25% of household income going towards it. The lack of accessible and affordable childcare options has resulted in a labor shortage and a decline in female labor force participation. Efforts are being made to address this issue, including raising funds to establish more daycare centers and supporting working parents.
Mothers face the hidden burden of overseeing and managing their children's digital lives, according to a study published in the journal New Media & Society. This "unpaid digital care work" involves intense and constant monitoring, establishing rules and boundaries, and negotiating with skeptical partners. Mothers invest considerable time, energy, and emotional toll in ensuring their children's responsible digital citizenship. While the digital umbilical cord helps mothers stay in touch and keep their children safe, it can also provoke anxiety. The increased use of digital devices impacts mothers' career choices and paid work patterns, highlighting the need for further research on the unacknowledged time mothers spend on their children's digital care.
Mothers of the thousands of people who have disappeared in Mexico due to violence held protests on the International Day of the Disappeared, demanding that the government take more action to locate their loved ones. Most of the missing individuals are believed to have been abducted by drug cartels or kidnappers. The protesters also criticized the government's apparent effort to downplay the issue. Lack of funding and resources have left police and prosecutors unable to conduct thorough searches, leaving it to volunteer groups of mothers to search for their missing children. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has claimed that the number of missing has been exaggerated, launching a door-to-door effort to check if missing relatives have returned. Activists argue that the government's resources should be focused on finding the missing or their remains.
American mothers are re-entering the workforce at high rates, challenging traditional gender roles and contributing to the changing dynamics of the labor market.
Casey DeSantis, wife of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, made her solo campaign debut in Iowa, emphasizing the role of mothers in politics and advocating for her husband's presidential nomination. Speaking at an event in Johnston, Iowa, Casey DeSantis shared personal stories and highlighted her initiatives as Florida's first lady, including breast cancer awareness and mental health education. She launched the "Mamas for DeSantis" group, aiming to mobilize parents and grandparents to support Ron DeSantis' campaign. Casey DeSantis also appeared in a campaign ad, addressing controversial topics such as COVID-19 restrictions and transgender rights. Her solo campaign stop in Iowa was seen as an opportunity for voters to interact with her and assess her message.
Since the start of Russia's invasion, nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been unlawfully transferred to Russia or Russian-controlled territories. Mothers and grandmothers, determined to find their children, have taken matters into their own hands. With the support of the Pulitzer Center, filmmakers document the journey of these fierce women as they navigate the challenges of crossing front lines and returning to Russian-held territory to rescue their children.