Mothers

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.

• By Kate Wheeling

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.

• By Pacific Standard Staff
• Member Exclusive

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.

• By Adriana Gallardo & Nina Martin

How current policies are keeping single mothers down and out of school.

• By Lara Burt

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.

• By Nathan Collins

Without access to paid maternity leave, many low-income mothers are forced to choose between their economic security and their health.

• By Maya Dusenbery

The incredible power of multi-role supermoms.

• By Tom Jacobs

An early education in the hollowness of patriotic performance.

• By Jacqui Shine

Reporters should go easy on the sanctimony and fear mongering as they frame articles on pregnancy and childrearing.

• By Alana Massey

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.

• By Maya Dusenbery

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.

• By Christine Friar

Two new books provide honest reflections on the growing trend of opting out.

• By Lisa Levy

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.

• By Jennifer Block

"Even a prison cannot ignore biology."

• By Jessica Pishko

It’s time for a less strict and judgmental definition of what makes for a functioning family.

• By Michele Weldon

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.

• By Jennifer Block

Germany is facing a serious talent shortage, but the country continues to stigmatize working mothers, who are already underpaid and underemployed.

• By Jim Russell

Tiny numbers, big impacts.

• By Pacific Standard Staff

Adrienne Rich calls attention to a ubiquitous system that pits women against each other. Recognizing it should help us to encourage and support instead.

• By Lisa Wade