Mothers
Parenthood Is More Likely to Make You Happy If You're a Man
A large new study finds that fathers are generally happier than childless men.
ICE Ends Its Policy of Automatically Releasing Pregnant Women
An internal memo sent by ICE's acting director states that custody decisions for pregnant women should now be made on a case-by-case basis.
The Edit, Episode #1: A Conversation About New Treatment Options for Opioid-Addicted Moms
On the latest episode of Pacific Standard's podcast about how our stories are made, staff writer Francie Diep discusses her experiences covering the opioid epidemic and a promising new treatment program at the University of Kentucky.
Maternal Care Is Disappearing From America's Rural Counties
A new study shows that more than half of the country's rural counties now don't have hospitals with obstetric services. And women of color are being hit the hardest.
With Nicotine Addiction, It's Like Mother, Like Daughter
A new analysis shows parents have a powerful influence on their children's smoking habits, and nicotine-addicted mothers have a particularly strong effect on their daughters.
How America’s Lack of Paid Maternity Leave Worsens Inequality
Without access to paid maternity leave, many low-income mothers are forced to choose between their economic security and their health.
How I Cheated My Way Into Arlington National Cemetery
An early education in the hollowness of patriotic performance.
When the Press Puts Private Decisions About Pregnancy and Parenting Up for Public Debate, Women Lose
Reporters should go easy on the sanctimony and fear mongering as they frame articles on pregnancy and childrearing.
In the United States, Single Motherhood Is Bad for Your Health
As privileged women increasingly embrace their “inner spinster,” a new study offers a timely reminder that single motherhood still comes with serious, material disadvantages for most women in this country.
Subsisting on the Faves
Posting teen angst poetry and being part of an active commenting community helped Christine Friar digest the garden-variety pain of growing up, and—unbeknownst to her at the time—curbed the loneliness of being raised by one sick parent and one caretaker parent.
Single, Childless, and Empowered
Two new books provide honest reflections on the growing trend of opting out.
Our C-Section Rate Won't Budge—Is It Because We Don't Trust Women's Hormones?
An unprecedented new report looking at the biochemical mechanisms linked to birth and breastfeeding suggests that over-treatment in the delivery room is having lasting, harmful effects on both mothers and children.
The Unseen Consequences of Pumping Breast Milk
Exclusive pumping is becoming more popular among American moms, often seen as a way moms can “have it all.” Meanwhile, the effects on maternal and infant health—and workplace policies—are rarely discussed.
Mothers (and Others) Can Make Good Fathers, Too
It’s time for a less strict and judgmental definition of what makes for a functioning family.
Do We Worry Too Much About the Science of Breastfeeding?
Do we worry too much about the science of breastfeeding? A radical new documentary sets aside the usual arguments to encourage a closer look at the systems that set so many women up to fail.
Rabenmutter: The Raven Mothers of Germany
Germany is facing a serious talent shortage, but the country continues to stigmatize working mothers, who are already underpaid and underemployed.
Should Moms Hate Childless Women?
Adrienne Rich calls attention to a ubiquitous system that pits women against each other. Recognizing it should help us to encourage and support instead.