Mom Captures Moment With Newborn—Not Knowing Days Later She'll Be Sectioned
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A U.K. mom captured a happy moment with her baby, not knowing that, days later, she would be sectioned.
Jade Lloyd (@jadealloyd) posted a reel on Instagram smiling and playing with her newborn daughter, but, behind the scenes, the 31-year-old was falling apart.
Lloyd told Newsweek that she had struggled mentally after giving birth. At her six-week checkup, she tried to speak out, but her doctor didn't take any notice.
From left: Jade Lloyd holds her baby daughter while standing up.
From left: Jade Lloyd holds her baby daughter while standing up.
@jadealloyd
"It got progressively worse, which then started to turn into suicidal thoughts," Lloyd said.
After finally receiving a diagnosis of postnatal depression and being prescribed antidepressants, Lloyd felt pressure to appear as if she were improving.
"[I] started putting on a front, although, inside, I was falling apart," Lloyd said. "I was trying to hold it together until my brain couldn't handle it anymore, and it turned into psychosis."
Sleep deprivation, she was later told by clinicians, likely contributed to the onset of acute psychosis. "Over the period of a week, I probably slept a total of 10 hours," Lloyd added.
Lloyd was sectioned under the U.K.'s Mental Health Act and was admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit—a specialist facility where mothers can receive psychiatric care while staying with their infants.
"Initially, [it] felt like a prison, and, when I was sectioned, it meant I was unable to leave," Lloyd said.
"My daughter and I were able to stay together, which was vital for my recovery, as I kept thinking I had killed her. I couldn't imagine what it would have been like if I wasn't able to be with her."
Despite facing challenges during her stay, Lloyd said that her experience was positive overall, and she praised the staff who worked there.
"They listened, cared for myself and my daughter, and gave me space to heal. I will be forever grateful for them," she said.
Following her release after a month, Lloyd struggled with depression and found it difficult even to get out of bed.
Given that she wasn't permitted to drive for three months, Lloyd felt isolated in her small town. Thankfully, friends and family rallied around to help her find a way forward.
"Now I would say I'm in the best place I've been," Lloyd said. "I go back and volunteer [at the Mother and Baby Unit] and do the moms' nails. It's healing and rewarding at the same time."
Lloyd has also built an online platform to raise awareness and support others.
"The response has been positive, and I hope to grow this and go on to do more advocacy work to help better maternal care for mental health," Lloyd said.
To mothers who might be struggling, Lloyd offered this message: "Whether you've just given birth, or you are three years into your motherhood journey, you are doing amazing.
"Even if you're struggling with your mental health and you're just scraping by every single day, know that you are enough for your baby, and nothing can change that.
"There is light out there, and if you are in the darkness, there is a way out. It takes time and work, but you've got this," Lloyd said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
US Birth Rate Plunges to New Low — CDC
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States' total fertility rate fell to a record low in 2024, dipping below 1.6 children per woman, according to new federal data released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks a significant demographic milestone for a country that once stood apart among developed nations for maintaining a replacement-level birth rate of around 2.1 children per woman. The U.S. fertility rate, once buoyed by post-World War II baby booms and comparatively high birth rates among younger women, has been steadily declining for nearly two decades. Many women are delaying motherhood or opting out of having children altogether — a trend now bringing American fertility rates closer to those of Western Europe. World Bank data confirms this alignment with long-standing European demographic patterns. The toes of a baby are seen at a hospital in McAllen, Texas, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The toes of a baby are seen at a hospital in McAllen, Texas, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Associated Press Despite concern in some political circles, experts suggest the falling birth rate reflects broader cultural and economic shifts, rather than an imminent population crisis. "We're seeing this as part of an ongoing process of fertility delay," said Leslie Root, a fertility and population policy researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder. "We know that the U.S. population is still growing, and we still have a natural increase — more births than deaths." Nevertheless, declining fertility has captured the attention of policymakers. In response to the trend, the Trump administration has advocated for several pro-natal measures, including an executive order aimed at expanding access to and reducing the cost of in vitro fertilization. The administration has also floated the idea of "baby bonuses" to incentivize family growth. But critics argue that these proposals are unlikely to reverse the trend without addressing deeper structural issues. Karen Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina, said many young people are simply not ready to start families due to financial uncertainty, lack of support systems, and late marriages. "Worry is not a good moment to have kids," she explained. "And that's why birth rates in most age groups are not improving." Asked about the administration's initiatives, Guzzo was skeptical: "The things that they are doing are really symbolic and not likely to budge things for real Americans." She emphasized that lasting change would require more comprehensive policies, such as paid parental leave and affordable child care. The CDC's updated figures for 2024 show that the total fertility rate dropped from 1.621 in 2023 to 1.599. That statistic is derived from a more detailed analysis of birth certificates and replaced earlier provisional estimates. Interestingly, the new report also shows a 1% increase in overall births — roughly 33,000 more babies — compared to 2023, bringing the total to just over 3.6 million. However, this does not reflect a higher birth rate. The CDC clarified that the discrepancy stemmed from recalculated population estimates, which now account for an increase in women of childbearing age due to immigration. "That's plausible," Root said. "As the total population of women of childbearing age grew due to immigration, it offset small increases in births to women in those age groups." Ultimately, both experts agree the U.S. faces a complex demographic shift shaped by economics, policy, and evolving personal choices. This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Treatments From Llama's Brains Can Help People With Schizophrenia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Antibodies from llamas could be used to create a new generation of schizophrenia treatments that can effectively target the brain, rather than just reducing symptoms. This is the promise of a study led by scientists at the Institute of Functional Genomics in Montpellier, France, who have designed a new "nanobody", made from llama antibody fragments, that can activate a receptor involved in regulating neural activity. The new molecule can be injected into veins or muscles and has demonstrated its ability to cross the protective 'blood–brain barrier' and effectively reach receptors in brain cells. This makes the new nanobody more effective than the antibodies currently used in schizophrenia treatments, according to the researchers. It is also biodegradable and associated with limited side effects. "There is an urgent need for efficient and innovative therapies to treat brain disorders such as psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases," the study authors wrote. "Immunotherapies have proved to be efficient in many medical areas, but have not been considered to treat brain diseases due to the poor brain penetration of immunoglobulins." (Immunoglobulins are antibodies critical to the body's immune response.) Although current treatments for schizophrenia—usually a combination of personalized talking therapies and medicines—can provide support and more day-to-day independence, the researchers say that they have little effect on the cognitive deficits impacting those living with the condition. Affecting around one percent of Americans, schizophrenia can cause a range of different psychological symptoms related to thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. People may have so-called episodes, during which their symptoms are more severe, followed by periods when they experience few or no symptoms. A smiling fluffy llama face staring into the camera. A smiling fluffy llama face staring into the camera. Display/Getty Images "Patients have strong difficulties concentrating, leading to many cognitive problems," paper author and CNRS molecular biologist Jean-Philippe Pin told Newsweek. According to Pin, medications currently given to patients with schizophrenia "treat the symptoms well, but less the cognitive deficits." Some 'antipsychotics' currently used can also cause side effects in some people. In the new study, the therapeutic effect of the nanobodies was evaluated in two animal models of schizophrenia. The treatment was seen to correct cognitive defects and improve the animal's brain function from the first injection—with the beneficial effect lasting for at least one week. Pin explains that no llamas were harmed in the study—in fact, he added, "nowadays one can identify nanobodies from synthetic libraries generated in vitro, based on llama nanobody sequences. No need for the llama any more, and faster!" It is not clear at present whether this new llama-derived therapy is effective enough to stand alone, but early signs appear promising. "In humans obviously we don't know [yet], but in mice yes, it is sufficient to treat most deficits of schizophrenia," said Pin. However, as schizophrenia is a chronic condition, any such human-approved treatment would need to be taken for life. A graphic illustration representing colourful nanobodies targeting a protein found in the COVID-19 virus. A graphic illustration representing colourful nanobodies targeting a protein found in the COVID-19 virus. selvanegra/Getty Images Further clinical studies are now required to demonstrate that the nanobodies' ability to correct cognitive deficits could be safely and effectively applied to humans. "For development as a therapeutic tool, more safety and bioavailability studies are needed. Production of large quantities of high quality must be set up to start human studies. For these two possibilities, either a company takes up our project or we find investors to create a startup company," Pin explained. For now, the research confirms the potential of the nanobodies as a new therapeutic strategy acting on the brain, with scope for their use to eventually include the treatment of other neurological illnesses too. "Our results establish a proof of concept that nanobodies can target brain receptors, and pave the way for nanobody-based therapeutic strategies for the treatment of brain disorders," the researchers wrote. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about schizophrenia? Let us know via health@ Reference Oosterlaken, M., Rogliardo, A., Lipina, T., Lafon, P.-A., Tsitokana, M. E., Keck, M., Cahuzac, H., Prieu-Sérandon, P., Diem, S., Derieux, C., Camberlin, C., Lafont, C., Meyer, D., Chames, P., Vandermoere, F., Marin, P., Prézeau, L., Servent, D., Salahpour, A., ... Rondard, P. (2025). Nanobody therapy rescues behavioural deficits of NMDA receptor hypofunction. Nature.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Health Care Data CEO Gets Real About Wearables
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. This is a preview of Access Health—Tap here to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Good morning. Moody's released its quarterly health care report on Tuesday. Let's take a look at the highlights. Moody's quarterly paints a sobering picture for hospitals and health systems. The biggest headline, unsurprisingly, is that Medicaid cuts are coming—and they're steep. The newly enacted federal budget reconciliation law is projected to slash Medicaid spending by $1.1 trillion through 2034, compared to previous projections from the Congressional Budget Office. This could leave hospitals with more uninsured patients and fewer reimbursement dollars, especially safety-net and rural providers. Congress' next moves will determine the exact conditions of this new normal. If lawmakers do not extend expanded premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act by the end of the year, the CBO estimates that the number of uninsured Americans would increase by at least 4.2 million. Republicans are not keen on this measure, but it's still possible that they could compromise with Democrats to get other key GOP health care policies passed. One of those key policies is pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, something that, historically, has garnered bipartisan support. They've been criticized by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for overcharging for medications. Cigna, CVS Health and UnitedHealth—which together own 80 percent of the PBM market—face a credit risk if the government does crack down, according to Moody's. For more on the Congressional health care standoff, read on to the next section. Insurers' finances are also in a precarious position. On the bright side, CMS' Medicare Advantage reimbursement rate is rising to 5.1 percent in 2026. This is likely to float the industry to more typical earnings and margins after a period of weak performance, Moody's projects. But its analysts aren't sure how long it will take to regulate. For now, they gave health insurers a "negative" outlook due to higher-than-expected spending, particularly on weight-loss drugs and behavioral health care. I'll end on a positive note. Moody's analyzed CMS data, which suggests that the independent dispute resolution (IDR) process is becoming more efficient. The No Surprises Act (NSA) has been a headache for many providers since it was enacted in 2022, but the process is finally hitting its stride, per the numbers. New IDR claims continued to increase throughout 2024, but the number of resolved claims began to surpass new claims starting in the third quarter. "This, along with a consistently high provider win rate in disputes, suggests a decline in NSA-related accounts receivable and an easing of liquidity stress," Moody's analysts said in the report. How are you feeling about your organization's financial situation as we head into the latter half of 2025? Let me know at In Other News Major health care headlines from the week Congressional Republicans are hoping to pass a bipartisan health care package by year's end, with proposals to rein in pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), expand Medicare coverage for weight-loss drugs and boost cancer screenings. But Democrats—frustrated by deep Medicaid cuts in the recent GOP megabill—are demanding Affordable Care Act tax credit extensions as a condition for talks, according to Politico. But Democrats—frustrated by deep Medicaid cuts in the recent GOP megabill—are demanding Affordable Care Act tax credit extensions as a condition for talks, according to Politico. The standoff highlights deep partisan tensions over health care, with both sides weighing how much they're willing to trade to secure their policy wins. Bankrupt hospital operator Steward Health Care has filed a lawsuit against its former CEO Ralph de la Torre and three other executives, alleging they harmed the company "through their greed and bad faith misconduct." and three other executives, alleging they harmed the company "through their greed and bad faith misconduct." A spokesperson for de la Torre told the Telegram & Gazette that he denies the allegations. Massachusetts-based Steward filed for bankruptcy in May 2024, subsequently closing two hospitals and selling others. De la Torre has previously been criticized for buying a megayacht while the system was in financial and legal turmoil. Hims & Hers is facing a lawsuit from a group of its shareholders , alleging the telehealth platform's senior executives and board gave misleading statements to investors. , alleging the telehealth platform's senior executives and board gave misleading statements to investors. The plaintiffs claim that Hims & Hers misrepresented its short-lived partnership with Novo Nordisk , which was announced in April and terminated by the pharmaceutical company in late June. Hims & Hers allegedly told investors that it could offer both Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and compounded semaglitude under the agreement—which Novo Nordisk has denied, calling the sale "deceptive" and claiming it "put patient safety at risk." , which was announced in April and terminated by the pharmaceutical company in late June. Hims & Hers allegedly told investors that it could offer both Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and compounded semaglitude under the agreement—which Novo Nordisk has denied, calling the sale "deceptive" and claiming it "put patient safety at risk." The investors' lawsuit also claims that Hims & Hers falsely represented the legality of compounded semaglutide sales, and told them it was compliant with FDA regulations. The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine has officially opened in Bentonville, Arkansas, TIME reported. Walton—Walmart heiress and the world's richest woman—will cover tuition for the first five graduating classes. Pulse Check Executive perspectives on key industry issues Jannine Versi is the CEO and co-founder of Elektra Health. Jannine Versi is the CEO and co-founder of Elektra Health. Elektra Health We're gearing up for our Women's Global Impact event on August 5 in New York City, and a number of health care leaders will be in attendance from companies like MUSC, the American Heart Association, Northwell Health and Virtua Health. During our health care spotlight panel, we'll discuss the leadership gender gap in the industry and explore how women executives are working to bring more attention to female health issues. For this week's Pulse Check, I'm bringing you a sneak peek from my interview with Jannine Versi, co-founder and CEO of Elektra Health. The company aims to "smash the menopause taboo" via its telehealth clinic, educational materials and private community for women. Here's what Versi told me about her journey and priorities: Has being a woman shaped your leadership style or the way that you think about your work in the health care industry? Absolutely. I know what it feels to be dismissed or minimized or told by a provider "that's just PMS" "or you need to manage your stress" in an offhanded way when something feels wrong. In terms of my team, we are female-founded and predominantly identify as women, but I actually don't think that changes how I try to lead — with urgency and empathy and also, with a high bar because our patients deserve the best. Women make up 70 percent of the global health care workforce, but hold just 25 percent of the industry's leadership positions. What do you make of this gender gap? How might we begin to close it? This gap is a moral issue and a missed opportunity. Women are the engine of the health care system, yet their perspectives are often missing from the rooms where decisions get made. That disconnect affects everything from research agendas to benefit design. We need more women at the helm of health systems, on investment committees and leading companies. But we also need systems that are built to retain and promote them. That means flexible leadership paths, accountability on gender metrics and real investment in women-led innovation. Put differently, I believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. I also want to call out a couple partner organizations – like the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and Emblem Health — both led by women — which aren't just talking about women's health. They're investing in it meaningfully because it's smart and strategic for their business and the right thing to do in serving patients and members. Meanwhile, I have heard for a long time from various payers and systems that they are "still figuring out" their women's health strategy. I suspect some will regret not moving more swiftly because women are increasingly and rightly expecting better from their providers and insurers. That kind of leadership sets a new standard—and hopefully, it's just the beginning. Register here to see Versi speak live at Newsweek's Women's Global Impact Summit in New York City on August 5. C-Suite Shuffles Where health care leaders are coming and going Bill Gassen has been chair-elect of the American Hospital Association. The Sanford Health CEO will assume the seat in 2027, making him the AHA's top elected official. has been named The Sanford Health CEO will assume the seat in 2027, making him the AHA's top elected official. Click here to snag a ticket! Gassen will be speaking at Newsweek's Digital Health Care Forum on September 16 in New York City. I'll be moderating the conversation, discussing the business case for technology and innovation. Howard University Hospital Corporation in Washington, D.C., has selected Kerry Watson as its interim CEO, effective August 1. This won't be his first time at the safety-net health system; he worked there as an administrator from 1982 to 1992. Watson has held numerous executive roles at health systems across the U.S., including service as interim CEO of UF Health St. Johns, CEO of Maui Health System and president of Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center (which shuttered in 2022). UC Davis Health has has announced three changes to its leadership team, selecting an interim CEO, interim vice chancellor of human health sciences and permanent dean of the School of Medicine. Dr. David Lubarsky, former CEO and vice chancellor of human health sciences, retired in February to become president and CEO of Westchester Medical Center Health Network in his home state of New York. to become president and CEO of Westchester Medical Center Health Network in his home state of New York. The California health system has divided his former positions amongst Michael Condrin (interim CEO) and Dr. Bruce Lee Hall (interim vice chancellor of human health sciences). Condrin most recently served as UC Davis Medical Center's chief operating officer, while Hall was the enterprise's chief clinical officer. (interim CEO) and (interim vice chancellor of human health sciences). Condrin most recently served as UC Davis Medical Center's chief operating officer, while Hall was the enterprise's chief clinical officer. Dr. Susan Murin assumed the top role at the School of Medicine in January, reporting to Hall. She has been with UC Davis Health for 29 years, previously as vice dean for clinical affairs and executive director of its medical group. Executive Edge How health care execs are managing their own health Dr. Mitesh Rao is the founder and CEO of OMNY Health. Dr. Mitesh Rao is the founder and CEO of OMNY Health. OMNY Health For this week's Executive Edge, I connected with Dr. Mitesh Rao, founder and CEO of the health care data platform OMNY Health. I've featured him before for his insights on wearable technology and how he uses it to monitor his health while balancing a busy work and travel schedule. In late June, at a House Energy Committee hearing, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., told lawmakers that wearables will be "key" to his "Make America Healthy Again" (or "MAHA") agenda. He hopes that every American will be wearing one of these devices in the next four years—a goal that sparked significant debate about wearables' data security and efficacy. I followed up with Rao to get his latest take on wearable tech in health care. Here's what he told me: "Wearables have become a hot topic in health care, especially after RFK Jr. touted plans to get every American wearing one, then quickly backed off. I wear an Oura ring daily and have tried a variety of different wearables, including a Fitbit and a Google Watch, which I found more distracting than helpful." "What keeps me coming back to wearables isn't the reminders to stand up or go for a walk--it's the data. I enjoy seeing how my sleep quality changes after a long week of work travel, or how my body responds to things like a late dinner or a skipped workout. These are helpful personal reminders and insights, but it doesn't necessarily mean I will eat dinner earlier tomorrow or skip my next work trip." These are helpful personal reminders and insights, but it doesn't necessarily mean I will eat dinner earlier tomorrow or skip my next work trip." "That said, I do see value in wearable data in the clinical setting, and research shows 94 percent of people who use one are open to sharing their data with their doctor . However, as someone who has devoted their career to democratizing access to health care data, I believe we need to address some major privacy concerns before rushing to use these insights for research." . However, as someone who has devoted their career to democratizing access to health care data, I believe we need to address some major privacy concerns before rushing to use these insights for research." " Think about 23andMe . A few years ago, everyone was quick to take the saliva test, but when they filed for bankruptcy, people immediately realized 'Wait, my DNA could be sold in a fire sale?'" . A few years ago, everyone was quick to take the saliva test, but when they filed for bankruptcy, people immediately realized 'Wait, my DNA could be sold in a fire sale?'" "If wearable data is going to be used responsibly, we must always make sure it benefits people more than it benefits platforms. This begins with transparency. Every time I've set up a new wearable device for myself, I've chosen not to allow it to share my data for 'research' because I've no insight into how or what is being done with that data, or how it will be secured and protected. Until this is made clear for users, we're not ready to apply it meaningfully in health care." Before you go, check out Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg's reflection on what "excellence" actually means in health care. He is the president and CEO of the Integrated Health & Social Services University Network for West-Central Montreal, and a member of Newsweek's CEO Circle. This is a preview of Access Health—Tap here to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.
