Category: Maternal Health

There are many ways for partners, family members, and friends to build meaningful connections without feeding the baby. Image Credit: Hannah Shifflette While breastfeeding is a close experience between a mother and baby, the support around them can shape that experience. Family members may sometimes offer strong opinions, make comparisons, or have expectations about feeding. […]

Introduction Early in the journey of parenthood, many breastfeeding parents worry that they are not making enough milk to nourish their baby. While concerns about low milk supply are not uncommon, true low milk supply itself is much less common than perceived low milk supply. Many normal newborn feeding behaviors, such as frequent nursing, cluster […]

This fact sheet is Part 1 of the Hormones and Chronic Disease series. Follow along each month to learn more about hormones and how they impact chronic disease risk, prevention, and management.   Introduction  Hormones are part of the endocrine system which includes various glands (pituitary gland, pineal gland, hypothalamus, parathyroid, thyroid, thymus, and adrenal gland) and organs […]

In May 2026, the condition formerly known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was officially renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). What is PMOS (formerly PCOS)? PMOS is a condition that affects over 170 million women worldwide and is linked to hormonal dysregulation in the body. The exact cause is unknown but is linked to […]

Maternal mental health is a nuanced topic involving many diverse factors which shapes different outcomes from woman to woman. Women with maternal mental health concerns should practice gentle care with themselves to support themselves and their babies. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Introduction Part one of this maternal mental health series introduced the perinatal mental […]

Maternal mental health is a nuanced topic involving many diverse factors which shapes different outcomes from woman to woman. Women with maternal mental health concerns should practice gentle care with themselves to support themselves and their babies. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Introduction Maternal mental health during the perinatal period, defined as the time spanning […]

Newborn feeding and sleep can be quite a mystery for new parents. Both are essential for infant wellbeing and are closely connected. In this article, we will look at the connection between infant feeding and sleep, patterns and cues to watch for, the importance of safe sleep, and the power of a bedtime routine. How […]

Introduction Postpartum maternal nutrition is a cornerstone of breastfeeding success. Breastfeeding and lactation increase a new mother’s energy and nutrient requirements, not only to produce breastmilk, but also to support her body and health during recovery from childbirth. Adequate nutrition influences the quantity of breast milk and ensures that infants receive the essential nutrients required […]

Breast milk provides complete nutrition for infants, whether a baby feeds directly at the breast or is given expressed milk. Breast milk expression is the process of removing milk using hands or a breast pump, and may be medically necessary in some situations. Premature birth, certain medical conditions, or periods of separation all may warrant […]

Introduction  Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both a mother and her baby. Along with being a complete source of nutrients for the baby, breastfeeding is also associated with improved health outcomes for mothers. While the benefits are clear, many new mothers face challenges when beginning their breastfeeding journey. Offering any amount of breastmilk is beneficial, […]