Latest news with #newmothers
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Israel's mental health crisis: The war's hidden toll on mothers and soldiers
Rehabilitating the Israeli psyche. A national plan is urgently needed. The ongoing war has exposed a disturbing reality that can no longer be ignored: Israel is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. The accumulating data paints a grim picture – a third of women report experiencing postpartum depression during the current war, alongside a sharp increase in PTSD cases among IDF soldiers. This was revealed in a recent study of 862 women in Israel. Simultaneously, research from Tel Aviv University indicates that approximately 12% of reserve soldiers report multiple PTSD symptoms – a dramatic rise compared to the 4%–6% observed during regular service, and more than double the 8% measured six months after discharge. These are not two separate crises but one national crisis that demands urgent, systemic attention. The connection between the distress of new mothers and that of soldiers is no coincidence. National trauma affects us all, but it especially harms vulnerable populations. The data is particularly alarming: 34% of women reported PTSD symptoms 62% suffer from war-related nightmares; 69% actively avoid war-related thoughts; 73% feel constantly on edge or easily startled; 40% feel disconnected from people and their surroundings; and 17% experience guilt related to the events of the war. Concurrently, reserve soldiers have been directly exposed to traumatic battlefield experiences. Common to both groups is a glaring lack of an adequate and tailored response from state systems. Now, it is buckling under the pressure. There is a shortage of mental health professionals, waiting times for treatment are increasing, and resources are scarce. The human cost of this neglect could be devastating – studies show that, without proper treatment, conditions like postpartum depression and PTSD can become chronic and may even affect future generations. What must the state do? First, it must recognize this as a national emergency requiring a comprehensive plan. Significant resources should be allocated to expand mental health services, with a focus on high-risk populations. More trauma care professionals must be recruited and trained, and dedicated treatment programs must be established. Second, barriers to treatment must be dismantled: reduce stigma, improve access, and ensure that treatment is free for those affected by the war. Responses must be tailored to the needs of different groups – for example, offering specialized treatment models for new mothers and for soldiers. Lastly, robust community support systems must be developed to serve as a safety net for those in need. Evidence shows that social support is a key protective factor in coping with trauma. The war will end someday, but its emotional scars may last for years. Investing in the mental health of our population is not a luxury – it is a strategic necessity for the resilience and future of Israeli society. The writer is chair of the Board of Directors at Benafshenu – The Israeli Center for Mental Health & Social Support, founded by Amcha. Sign up for the Health & Wellness newsletter >>
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Patty Gatter of The Breastfeeding Shop Shares Expertise On Insurance-Covered Breast Pumps for Expectant Mothers in HelloNation Magazine
EMMAUS, Pa., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Are breast pumps covered by insurance, and what should new mothers know about the process? Patty Gatter of The Breastfeeding Shop in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, offers guidance in HelloNation Magazine, helping expecting mothers understand how to access this important benefit with confidence and ease. According to Gatter, most health insurance plans are now required to cover the cost of a breast pump under the Affordable Care Act. However, coverage details can vary—some plans may only include specific models or brands, while others might require a prescription or supporting documentation from a healthcare provider. To avoid delays, expecting mothers should contact their insurance carrier early in the process to confirm what is included under their plan. Gatter emphasizes the value of working with a supplier that handles insurance verification and simplifies selection. Trusted providers can help navigate eligibility, offer guidance on pump options, and ensure fast delivery. Choosing a supplier that provides responsive customer support and replacement parts when needed adds to a seamless and supportive experience. Access to an insurance-covered breast pump isn't just about convenience—it promotes healthy feeding routines, supports milk production, and helps new mothers transition back to work or daily responsibilities with greater flexibility. For families in the Emmaus area and beyond, understanding how to get a free breast pump through insurance removes one more stressor from an already busy and transformative time. To learn more, read the full article, What Expecting Mothers Should Know About Insurance-Covered Breast Pumps, in HelloNation Magazine. About HelloNationHelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative 'edvertising' approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Staff Writerinfo@ photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'I bin think say I don kill my baby' - di reality of postpartum psychosis
At first, Ellie say she bin dey veri happy. She born pikin for house without pain relief and she dey overjoyed to be new mama. Although she try sleep for few hours ova three days, she later decide say she no even need sleep at all. "Di best way I fit describe am na like waking from a nightmare wia you no fit tok weda na dream and reality. But [dat feeling] just continue dey go on," she tok. "Den I tink say I don kill my son for bed. I remember say I see my partner and I just dey reason say, dis dey real?" Ellie bin dey experience postpartum psychosis (PPP), one unbearable illness wey fit temporarily turn life upside down for new parents. Wetin be postpartum psychosis? Among di early warning signs for PPP na if new mothers no just dey feel like themselves or e be like say dem don lost touch wit reality. Although sleep-deprivation dey common wit new parents afta birth, one woman wey get PPP fit stop to dey sleep entirely. According to UK National Health Service, symptoms include: PPP na medical emergency, where in most cases, go need hospital admission for specialist care and treatment. But experts say di most important thing to remember na as severe as an episode of psychosis sound, wit treatment most women fit recover within months. Wetin dey cause postpartum psychosis? Despite years of research, e neva still dey clear wetin dey cause PPP. Doctors suggest say sudden change in hormones wey dey happun during childbirth fit get something to do wit am. Dis shift fit trigger extreme confusion and fear. But no reliable way dey to predict who go dey affected, for instance – blood test no dey. At least half of new mothers wey dey diagnosed wit PPP neva experience psychosis bifor, so for dem to begin hallucinate na sometin wey dey new and terrifying for dem. For Ellie, di beginning of PPP bin dey very fast. "I dey wonder now if e start as I dey active labour for hours overnight for house, for some reason, I bin decide not to wake my husband up until 6am," she tok. PPP dey affect one to two women wey give birth in every 1000. E no too common like post-natal depression wey dey affect around one in 10 new mums. Experts believe say more women dey affected pass bifor. For years, dem don dismiss severe post-natal depression as 'baby blues' but doctors warn dis attitude to mental health fit make am really hard for parents to access adequate support. Anecdotal research from UK charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) suggest say e still common for women to dey misdiagnosed, maybe by community midwife or doctor, who fit suggest sleeping tablets. Charities like APP, COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence and Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa (PADA) dey work on campaigns wey dey raise awareness of PPP among di general public and frontline healthcare workers. For Ellie, wey dey work now for one charity wey dey support mothers' wit PPP, na few factors dey lead up to crisis point, wey include lack of sleep and di huge pressure to be perfect new mum. However, she also now know say she dey at much higher risk as she get bipolar disorder, type 1. Around 25% of women wey get dis disorder go get severe episode wey go make dem need hospital care afta dia first baby, according to Cardiff University research dem publish for The Lancet. For UK, Australia and New Zealand, dem dey encourage women for dis group to continue dia medication – Women for dis situation go need to see specialist perinatal psychiatrist for advice according to APP and multiple oda organisations. Research by Dr Ian Jones, one leading perinatal psychiatrist for Cardiff suggest say increased risk of postpartum psychosis no dey for pipo wit history of childhood trauma. E say dis add weight to im idea say biological element dey involved in PPP and surge in hormones be like one of di biggest driving factors. Wetin fit help? Risk dey say without treatment mothers wey get PPP fit try to harm themselves according to multiple pieces of research. For UK, Australia, and New Zealand clinical studies don establish say e dey beta to treat mums wit PPP by keeping dem wit dia babies in mother and baby psychiatric units under very close observation. "For me, e feel more like 'a switch' bin go off for my brain and e dey very obvious," Ellie tok. She get memory gaps but she remember say she stand for di top of di stairs for house dey listen to her husband phone di local maternity ward. "I dey very scared. I need help and bicos dem hear say I dey shout, di head midwife bin fight for me to go to MBU (mother and baby psychiatric unit)," Ellie tok. "Di most important thing e dey do na to keep you well, dat na di primary focus." Ariane Beeston, tok-tok pesin for di non-profit Centre of Perinatal Excellence for Australia wey don experience PPP, describe di need for these beds as crucial. For Ariane wey bin work for child protection, PPP come completely out of di blue. For her book I no be myself you see, she describe she hallucinate say she dey see dragons next to her baby son and government drones dey fly overhead. Afta dem finally admit her to a mother and baby psychiatric unit, she dey supported to get enough sleep, bond wit her new son and take part for 'parentcraft' lessons and recover. She say di experience don change her. One of di hardest moments for women wey dey transition out of these MBU na deciding wit dia care team, wen be di right time to return home. Weda or not to breastfeed na anoda major decision for women at higher risk, as you gatz understand how e go work with taking any ongoing medication, according to Dr Clare Dolman, one researcher for Kings College London. Accessing dis kain support fit dey extremely limited for oda kontris. Serious sociocultural differences dey for first time mums around di world. Some cultures still dey compulsory 40 days of confinement post-birth for new mums. For some parts of India, dem dey explain PPP as a religious fate — devva hididide, or being possessed by a ghost. Whereas for oda cultures, dem dey see postpartum mental health disorders as a personal deficit or failure as a mother. Researchers see say mothers for Hong Kong dey under pressure to play traditional maternal role and any failure to do dat go dey experienced as a shameful loss of face. So, wetin dey happun if you want anoda baby? For one in two mothers wey experience PPP, unfortunately dem dey go on to experience am again wit subsequent births according to Manchester and Cardiff University research. For mums wey get more children dem describe detailed pre-planning to ensure say dem get extra support in place - weda dis na additional family or friends on hand to help, prioritising sleep and essentially trying to "put yourself first, in order to be a good parent," Ellie tok.
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
‘I had to borrow money from friends and family during my maternity leave – I felt ashamed and humiliated'
New mothers have been left feeling 'ashamed and humiliated' after having to borrow thousands of pounds in order to finance their maternity leave. Campaigners are warning that at just £187.18 a week, statutory maternity pay and maternity allowance are pushing mothers into poverty. New mothers have reported going without meals and spiralling into debt because of low maternity pay, as a survey by Maternity Action found over half had resorted to credit cards, loans or borrowing from family to finance their leave. One in four of the 1,176 pregnant women and new mothers surveyed said they had borrowed between £2,000 to £4,000, whilst 23 per cent said they had borrowed more than £4,000. Laura, 39, found herself having to borrow £6,000 from her family to help pay her bills and for food after having her second child. The charity director, who did not want to include her second name, told The Independent how she was forced to return to work early as she could no longer afford to provide for her children on her maternity pay. 'By about five months we were really starting to feel the pinch so I ended up going back to work full time after seven months,' she said. 'I don't think I was really emotionally ready to do that. It was difficult for me and it was difficult for my baby. 'I was still breastfeeding so I was going into work with engorged breasts and I'm a manager so I didn't want to be sneaking off and expressing milk halfway through a meeting. There was that pressure and anxiety and I was really tired as I wasn't sleeping properly.' She described having to shop more carefully and said almost every new mother she met had had to borrow money from elsewhere. 'There's a certain amount of shame and humiliation. I've been working for 20 years and my job is not paid badly, but I'm now forced into a position where I actually am in poverty and that carries shame,' she said. 'There's just this embarrassment of having to essentially admit you're not succeeding at something. It feels like you're failing to be able to provide. 'When you're a mum it's already a very emotionally difficult time, so psychologically it damages people's confidence which means you're wellbeing is compromised which can damage your baby.' The allowance is worth just 44 per cent of the standard weekly National Living Wage and less than a third of women's full time average earnings. Maternity Action say this means that an average earning new mother could lose more than £17,000 over nine month's leave. In fact, the report found that 57 per cent had cut their maternity leave short, or are planning to, because they can't afford it. 'Our system of maternity leave is vastly outdated, with an expectation that a mother will be supported by another higher breadwinner, and dangerously out of touch with today's reality that women are often the main or higher earner in the household,' Ali Fiddy, director at Maternity Action, said. 'Our critically low level of maternity pay is pushing pregnant women and new mothers into debt and poverty with implications for the Government's pledges for closing the gender pay gap, making work pay for women, tackling child poverty and improving maternal and infant health.' Half of those surveyed also said they had to buy less healthy food due to high costs, as 38 per cent said they ate smaller meals or skipped meals entirely for cost reasons. A quarter went without food themselves to priorities feeding their children and the majority said they had to reduce the number of hours they put the heating on. Ms Fiddy added: 'If it wants to deliver its pledges on these issues, the government must consider the provision of more adequate maternity pay as part of its forthcoming review of Shared Parental Leave. 'Long-term, the chancellor should implement a programme of phased investment that delivers parity between maternity payments and the standard weekly National Living Wage. 'In the shorter-term the government should aim to at least restore payments to their 2012 pre-austerity level of around two-thirds of the National Living Wage, which financial modelling has shown is achievable.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How inadequate maternity leave harms mothers' wellbeing
Returning to work after having a baby isn't easy. On the one hand, the opportunity to gain some independence and earn money may be a welcome change after the routine of night feeds and nappies. On the other, looking after a baby while getting back into the swing of work can be overwhelming — especially if you don't feel ready. One mother, Laura from North Yorkshire, had to return to work after three months because she couldn't afford her mortgage repayments while on low maternity pay. 'I feel guilty because I've had to miss out on bonding time with my child,' she says. 'There has been no time to recover from pregnancy or the birth. I'm tired and stressed, but I have no choice.' Around 40% of mothers are forced to go back to work within four months of having a baby because they simply can't afford to stop working for longer, according to data from Pregnant then Screwed. Both statutory maternity pay, aimed at employed women, and maternity allowance — for those who are self-employed — are now worth less than half of the weekly National Living Wage. Amid the rising cost of living, many new mums are missing out on meals because they can't afford food. Read more: How to speak to your boss about a women's health issue For many, the only option is to head back to work sooner than they would like. Yet cutting short the important postnatal period can have a detrimental effect on the mental and physical health of new mothers. 'Societal expectations on women often infer that they should be 'recovered' from pregnancy and childbirth by six weeks after a baby's arrival, when in reality the physical, hormonal, and psychological shifts resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a new baby take anywhere from six to 18 months to settle down,' says Dr Hannah Nearney, consultant psychiatrist and UK medical director at Flow Neuroscience. When you factor in sleep deprivation, the constant demands of feeding, the mental load of caring for a newborn, and the struggle to secure reliable childcare, the reality is that it can take even longer to adjust. 'It becomes quickly apparent that returning to work too soon after maternity leave can result in enormous additional external stress for women and their whole family system,' says Nearney. The postpartum period isn't just about giving mums time to care for a new baby — it's a time for recovery and adjustment. Pregnancy and childbirth exact a physical and psychological toll on women, who may be healing from a traumatic birth or recovering from major surgery after a caesarean. On top of that, they're adjusting to life as a new parent; not just the sleepless nights, but also the profound shift in their sense of identity. When women are able to take adequately paid maternity leave, it can have a protective effect on their mental health. A systematic review of 45 studies, published in The Lancet in 2023, found that taking longer leave is associated with reduced risk of depression, distress and burnout among mothers. But when financial circumstances force women back to work before they're ready, the psychological, emotional and physical effects can be far-reaching. 'There's often a profound sense of guilt and shame twinned with the overwhelm they experience linked to a sense of personal failure, both at home and at work,' says psychotherapist Alex Iga Golabek. 'Mothers I have worked with who are in this situation often fear that they are the main reason why the child's wellbeing may be affected, and conclude that they're 'not a good enough parent' when, in reality, the system they're a part of lacks adequate support measures." Read more: Could child-friendly co-working spaces fix the childcare crisis? The guilt women experience can be twofold. They may feel like they're failing their child, but they're also unlikely to feel like they're able to work to the best of their abilities. Out of 1,000 mothers surveyed by Tena, 31% said they found it harder than expected to return to their job after 10 months' maternity leave — let alone just a few weeks. Lucy Kemp, a future of work expert and employee experience expert, says there can be a constant sense of not doing anything properly, at home or at work. 'That's not a sustainable way to work, and it's certainly not how you retain brilliant women in your business,' she says. It's also important to note that the reasons for returning to work too early can be complex. Money may be the main reason, but counselling psychologist Dr Nivedita Nayak adds that there is additional societal pressure for women to seamlessly juggle multiple roles as mothers, professionals and more. 'While the economic necessity, especially for the self-employed, is undeniable and frankly a societal failing, I also believe there's a less visible layer of performative motherhood at play,' says Nayak. 'Women might feel pressured to project an image of coping and competence, minimising their struggles to avoid appearing less dedicated to either their career or their family. Read more: How 'mum brain' stigma is holding women back at work 'This internal pressure, though rarely discussed openly, can be incredibly damaging. Also, this pressure is amplified by subtle societal narratives that still often frame the ideal mother as effortlessly balancing all roles.' Inadequate maternity pay and the pressure to return to work to "prove" your worth reflect deep-rooted, harmful narratives that devalue motherhood as a legitimate and meaningful role. These expectations send a message that caregiving is secondary to paid labour, forcing many women to choose between financial stability and their own recovery and bonding time with their child. A complete overhaul of the maternity system is essential, alongside a fundamental shift in how society values and supports mothers. 'Employers should better support mothers during and after maternity leave - and can start by actually listening to what mothers need,' says Kemp. 'Enhanced maternity pay is a game changer. So is proper handover support, phased returns, coaching, and flexibility that works in real life, not just on paper. 'And it shouldn't stop the moment someone returns. Employers should be checking in regularly, making sure progression doesn't stall, and offering support without making it feel like a favour.' Read more: Five questions you shouldn't be asked in a job interview How to manage 'time blindness' at work if you have ADHD Can body doubling make us more productive at work?Sign in to access your portfolio
