Latest news with #mothers
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Teesside mums front breastfeeding campaign
Mums breastfeeding their babies are being urged to "be kind to yourself".Twelve mothers have recounted their experiences as part of a campaign launched on Teesside in an effort to address a below-average rate of breastfeeding in the of those taking part in the Mamazing project, Hayley O'Sullivan from Ormesby, said she experienced early struggles but now remembers "beautiful moments" shared with her campaign has been organised by Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils. The mums, chosen to feature in the campaign via a competition, took part in a photoshoot with their images now displayed on ads across the south Tees area. Stress 'doesn't last forever' Mrs O'Sullivan, who has breastfed two daughters, said she hoped seeing and hearing the women's "raw and authentic" stories would be a powerful way to encourage take-up rates."You just expect the baby to make its way to the breast and to feed naturally. That didn't happen for me."With my first, we had so many issues in the beginning. She couldn't latch, sometimes she had to feed for more than an hour because a nipple shield was acting as a barrier to her getting all the milk she needed and she lost weight."There were so many times when I wondered whether I'd done the right thing, but after six to eight weeks I got support from a feeding specialist team and from local family hubs."She recalled feeling like all her time was spent preparing for the next feed and "wondering if the baby's had enough"."It's stressful and exhausting, but that doesn't last forever. Be kind to yourself. If you do nothing else in a day other than feed a baby then that's more than enough."I look back now and don't focus on the negatives. I remember the beautiful moments we had." Lorna Mulungi, of Middlesbrough, initially found things difficult with her baby and credits help from health professionals and her husband, Yassir, for making the situation easier."There was a point I was going to give up," she said. "I thought I couldn't do it because it was so painful and stressful."But with lots of practice and patience I finally got it. I also talked to health visitors and went to family hubs."Emma Cooksey, who is also from Middlesbrough, describes herself as "heavily tattooed with piercings" and said she had been "pigeon-holed into not looking maternal enough – whatever that means".Initially planning to breastfeed her daughter for two or three months, she has continued for 15."It got easier with the support I was given and as my body got used to it, so we just kept going," she explained."I didn't have to think about bottles or sterilising anything. It's there and on tap. We'll go on until she wants to stop." Anne Rose, of Public Health South Tees, said breastfeeding rates in the area had "historically not been as high as the England average"."It can be due to lack of community support, or [influence from] family and friend networks."It might be that new mums are following how their own mums fed their babies, and also there's the marketing of breast milk substitutes as well."Other factors mothers often say make them reluctant include infections, such as mastitis, and disapproval from onlookers if they breastfeed in public. What does the NHS say? Breast milk is "tailor-made for your baby", according to the NHS. It says breastfeeding provides:Vitamins and mineralsProtection from certain infectionsReduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), childhood diabetes and leukaemiaProtection for mothers by lowering their risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis (weak bones), diabetes and cardiovascular disease Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
SBS Australia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
Melbourne's Filipino seniors to lead 127th Philippine Independence Day tribute to heroes old and new
Bayanihan in Melbourne Inc. is a group of mostly senior citizens dedicated to combating loneliness through social activities and cultural engagement. The event, themed "Greatness of the Past, Strength of the Present," will pay tribute to figures from Dr José Rizal to modern heroes, including nurses, legal advocates, and community changemakers—featuring Rizal's great-granddaughter, now living in Melbourne. Set to take place at St Peter's Eastern Hill Hall, Melbourne, the celebration will include cultural performances, games highlighting Philippine national symbols, and opportunities for social connection. SBS Filipino 29/05/2025 10:56 In an interview with SBS Filipino, Versie Tamblyn, president of Bayanihan in Melbourne, shared that her personal modern-day heroes are mothers. "Mothers sacrifice so much, especially here in Australia, where there's often little help with raising children, unlike in the Philippines, where you might have nannies, parents, and extended family for support. Mothers are often forgotten, even by their own children, yet they continue to love unconditionally. That's why, for me, mothers are true modern-day heroes.' 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
U.S. moms are experiencing a sharp decline in mental health
Mothers in the U.S. are facing more widespread mental health struggles. That's according to a new study published by JAMA Internal Medicine, out this week. The research, which took place from 2016 to 2023, showed mental health declining, as self-reported by respondents. Of the 198,417 female parents of children 17 and under who were surveyed, only 25.8% reported 'excellent' mental health in 2023. Just eight years earlier, 38.4% could say the same. Mothers who described their mental health as 'good' rose from 18.8% to 26.1%, but so did those who describe it as fair/poor, which went from 5.5% to 8.5%. Mothers reported lower rates of 'excellent' physical health, too, which went from 28% to 23.9%. 'Good' physical health rose from 24.3% to 28.1%, and 'fair/poor' physical health didn't change significantly. It's certainly not the first time we've heard about parental mental health worsening in recent years. In 2024, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy published a stark warning on the decline of parental mental health in America. 'Forty-one percent of parents say that most days they are so stressed they cannot function, and 48% say that most days their stress is completely overwhelming compared to other adults (20% and 26%, respectively),' Murthy wrote in the study. However, according to the new research, moms' mental health is declining more than dads'. The mothers who reported 'fair/poor' mental health were four percentage points higher than the fathers. Unsurprisingly, the survey showed that when it comes to maternal mental health, socioeconomic factors play a big role. 'Mental health declines occurred across all socioeconomic subgroups; however, mental and physical health status was significantly lower for single female parents, those with lower educational attainment, and those with publicly insured children,' the authors noted in the study. Financial struggles are deepening for many demographics. However, parents face issues like rising childcare costs, the growing cost of feeding a family due to inflation and the impact of tariffs, as well as a challenging job market and economic uncertainty. The latest research on the cost of raising a young child is troubling, too, as it has skyrocketed to around $300,000 —an increase of 36% since 2023. Likewise, it now takes a salary of about $180,000 per year to comfortably afford childcare, according to a 2025 analysis from the National Women's Law Center. Those high costs have been driving some parents, most commonly moms, to stay home. However, given that most families need two incomes to get by, they aren't just child-rearing at home, they're also working. That means more stay-at-home moms are essentially doing two jobs at once, creating a potential firestorm of stress.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
The sad reason why a $29 Bunnings buy is selling out across Australia
As concerns over personal safety grow across Australia, a pocket-sized device from Bunnings is becoming a must-have item for women, and now their children too. The Swann Graphite Gen 2 ActiveResponse Personal Alarm, retailing for just $29, is flying off the shelves as more women turn to the affordable gadget for extra peace of mind. But it's not just adults who are reaping the benefits of this modern safety essential, concerned mums are now purchasing the alarm for their kids as they become more independent. Small enough to clip onto a key ring or backpack, the device features two alarm modes: a siren and flashing light activated by pulling the keychain for immediate attention, and a discreet red button that silently sends an SOS message with real-time GPS coordinates to designated emergency contacts. 'Every parent should get one of these for your child,' one Bunnings reviewer raved. 'It's amazing how well it works.' The surge in popularity reflects a broader trend in Australia, where women, particularly mothers, are increasingly investing in personal safety tools amid rising concerns about violence and street harassment. In a 2023 report by Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety, nearly two-thirds of Australian women reported feeling unsafe walking alone at night. It's no surprise then that products like the Swann personal alarm are gaining traction as a modern solution to an age-old problem. 'This is a wonderful product, small and well made,' another reviewer wrote. 'I bought this for my child who has just started high school and has started catching public transport... We've tested it a few times just to be sure and it's amazing how well it works.' For mums like this, the device offers 'a little bit of backup just in case.' 'I'm not paranoid,' she wrote in her online review, 'but you still want that little bit of backup… She barely notices it's there, and I know if anything ever felt off, she could press the button and I'd get the alert straight away.' Unlike traditional personal alarms, the Gen 2 version includes built-in mobile connectivity and GPS, removing the need to pair with a smartphone - a critical feature for younger users or those who may not always carry their phones. The personal alarm also has the tick of approval from New Zealand TikToker Jen Lourdes, who posted a now-viral video on the device. Jen said she picked up the device after seeing other women recommend it as a simple but effective way to feel a little safer. 'There was a lady on TikTok that recommended getting the personal alarm,' Jen said. The small, pocket-size device packs a serious punch when it comes to making enough noise to help ward off danger 'This is really great if you're going runs or you're solo travelling, or if you work night shifts.' The small, sleek, pocket-size device doesn't look like much, but packs a serious punch when it comes to making enough noise to (hopefully) ward off danger. 'What you do is you pull it, and it makes a really loud noise,' Jen explained. Alternatively, you can push a button and it texts a friend or family member. Compact enough to clip onto a keychain or lanyard, the alarm is easy to carry during a jog, stash in a handbag or keep close while walking to the car after a night shift. 'I'm slowly started to get into running so I thought it would be perfect to take with me when I go on a run,' Jen added. 'I also do a lot of solo travelling for work, I feel like it's just a bit of extra security.' While it's comforting to know gadgets like this exist, the surge in popularity sadly reflects a growing reality: women in 2025 are still forced to think about personal safety every time they step outside alone. 'The fact that we live in a world where we need this to feel safe,' one follower commented. 'These should be handed out for free at police stations tbh. Genius!' added another. While the Swann ActiveResponse offers a quick, affordable way to feel more empowered, the hope remains that one day, women won't have to plan their day around personal protection. For now though, many are praising Jen and others like her for spreading the word about such a useful gadget. 'Omg this is such a good idea!! Need this asap.'
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Moms in the U.S. report large decline in mental health in recent years, study finds
How to check in on your mental health How to check in on your mental health Only about a fourth of moms in the United States say they have "excellent" physical and mental health, according to a new study. The study, published Tuesday in JAMA Internal Medicine, looked at 198, 417 mothers with children age 17 and under, finding large declines in self-reported maternal mental health and small declines in physical health from 2016 to 2023. The health outcomes were measured on a four-point scale, including excellent, very good, good and fair/poor. Within the time frame studied, the prevalence of "excellent" mental health declined from 38.4% to 25.8%. "Good" mental health rose from 18.8% to 26.1%, and "fair/poor" mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. Prevalence of "excellent" physical health declined from 28.0% to 23.9%. "Good" physical health rose from 24.3% to 28.1% while "fair/poor" physical health didn't change significantly, the study found. "Mental health declines occurred across all socioeconomic subgroups; however, mental and physical health status was significantly lower for single female parents, those with lower educational attainment, and those with publicly insured children," the authors noted. The study also looked at changes among male parents, finding declines in both "excellent" physical and mental health within the same eight-year study period — but overall, they still had better health scores than their female counterparts. In 2023, for example, the prevalence of "fair/poor" mental health was 4 percentage points higher among female parents compared to male parents. This isn't the first time parental mental health has been put in the spotlight. Last year, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called for changes to national attitudes toward parenting and caregiving in an advisory titled "Parents Under Pressure." "The work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society. Additionally, we know that the well-being of parents and caregivers is directly linked to the well-being of their children," Murthy wrote in the advisory, highlighting his own experience raising children. As the study authors note, their findings are consistent with documented increases in depression and anxiety among pregnant and reproductive-aged women, as well as the general U.S. adult population. "Our findings are supportive of the claim made by some scholars that maternal mortality may be a canary in the coal mine for women's health more broadly," they wrote. Though more research is needed to identify the specific causes of declining mental health, the authors said leading theories include limited access to mental health care, social isolation, rising substance use disorders as well as broader stressors, from inflation and racism to gun violence and climate change.
