What We Are Reading, May 2022
Mom Congress
In May, the articles below emphasize the incredible challenges mothers have been facing. Though it can feel overwhelming, it also can feel validating that mothers are being heard, studied, and that the media is paying attention.
Meeting the Challenge of Moms’ ‘Double Double Shift’ at Home and Work
As the United States emerges from the pandemic, how can businesses build a more inclusive working environment to improve outcomes for women in the workforce?
Mothers and Maternal Health: The Impact of COVID-19 and Black Trauma
Black mothers absorbed much of the stress of the coronavirus pandemic as they worried about their children’s future and their mental health.
‘It’s Like a Petri Dish for Worry to Grow’: Baby Formula Shortage Takes Toll on Parents
... diagnosed with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, further complicating the impact of the formula shortage.
Applying for Child Care Benefits in the United States: 27 Families’ Experiences
A timely new report published by the U.S. Digital Response highlights five key recommendations to enable the 85% of U.S. families that have not taken advantage of child care benefits due to customer experience barriers. This highlights the need for human-centered design within the child care infrastructure.
The Pandemic Has Been Punishing for Working Mothers. But Mostly, They’ve Kept Working.
When the pandemic hit, working mothers mostly stayed on the job, new reports show, and college graduates with babies and toddlers became significantly more likely to work.
How Kate Middleton Became the Data-Driven Royal Expert on Early Childhood Education
Earlier this month, the duchess announced a new role with a maternal mental health organization, proving that her plan to change Britain’s approach to childrearing is right on track.
The State Behind Roe’s Likely Demise Also Does the Least for New Parents in Need
When it comes to reproductive care, Mississippi has a dual distinction. The state spawned the law that likely will lead to the Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade. It is also unique among Deep South states for doing the least to provide health care coverage to low-income people who have given birth...
Every other state in the Deep South has extended or is in the process of extending Medicaid coverage to 12 months postpartum.
America Runs on Mothers’ Sacrifice—and It’s Not Ok
Notably, this year’s State of Motherhood survey reveals that nearly 50% of today's working mothers are the primary breadwinner in their family earning 50% or more of their household income. Without addressing issues like the motherhood penalty, affordable childcare, parental leave, and creating flexible work options that enable working mothers to integrate their work and mothering responsibilities…
I Was Hospitalized For My Postpartum Anxiety. Abortion Bans Mean More People Will End Up Like Me
Are the politicians eager to outlaw abortion prepared to take on the mental health care needs of the people who they force to give birth?
To Fix the Labor Shortage, Solve the Care Crisis
The US desperately needs workers. Workers desperately need help taking care of their children and (increasingly) their parents.
Period Leave
Spain could become the first Western country to offer time off for serious period pain. Every month, many women around the world put their work ahead of their health and wellbeing. And they try to do so without even showing they’re in pain. Now, Spain could become the first Western nation to give some relief — without strings attached.