Mother nose best: Child body odor provides olfactory clues to developmental stages
Olfaction plays a role in signaling key dynamic changes in the mother-child relationship.... Read More...
parenting
New recommendations released on bedsharing to promote breastfeeding
Researchers release new evidence-based recommendations regarding the benefits and risks for breastfeeding mother and infant co-sleeping. The study reports safe bedsharing is possible, and existing evidence does not support the conclusion that co-sleeping in breastfed infants increases the risk for SIDS in the absence of known hazards.... Read More...
Mothers’ and babies’ brains ‘more in tune’ when mother is happy
Positive interaction with direct eye contact between mother and infant enhances the ability to synchronize brain waves.... Read More...
Young moms more likely to have kids with ADHD
While there is a clear genetic link between young mothers and ADHD in their children, the association is not necessarily causal.... Read More...
Mothers’ behavior influences bonding hormone oxytocin in babies
Greater maternal involvement upregulates the oxytocin system in their babies.... Read More...
Fish fathers exhibit signatures of ‘baby brain’ that may facilitate parental care behavior
Genomic analysis reveals some of the neurogenomic dynamics closely resemble changes associated with pregnancy and reproduction in mammalian mothers.... Read More...
Context may explain why dads are happier and less stressed than moms
The differences between each parents' stress and happiness may boil down to how, and when, childcare activities are split between the parties. Fathers tend to be less stressed and happier, especially if their childcare activities are more recreational. Maternal stress is higher, and happiness is lower, as they tend to provide more of the hands-on parenting. ... Read More...
Mom’s marijuana use may impair baby’s memory into adolescence
Many pregnant women are turning to marijuana to help curb morning sickness during early pregnancy. A new study reports maternal marijuana use may be detrimental to the brain development of children. Exposure to THC in utero can cause learning and memory problems in children that may continue through adolescence.... Read More...
Parental burnout can lead to harmful outcomes for parent and child
Psychologists warn parental burnout needs to be taken more seriously by both partners and clinicians. A new study reveals burnt out parents experience escape ideations, and show an increased risk of neglect and violence toward their children. Supporting a parent experiencing burnout by letting them relax and avoid exhaustion reduces negative feelings and is also good for the children.... Read More...
Human breast milk may help babies tell time via circadian signals from mom
Breast milk may help train the circadian clock in young babies. The hormonal composition of breast milk changes throughout the day, with cortisol levels being higher in the morning and melatonin levels being higher at night. ... Read More...
Lower stress and depression levels in mothers of children with autism following responsive teaching
Responsive teaching techniques help improve parental stress and depression in mothers whose children are on the autism spectrum.... Read More...
Children born to older parents tend to have fewer behavior problems
Children born to older parents have fewer externalizing behavioral problems than those born to younger parents. ... Read More...