It's Science - Expert-Backed Research For Families - Motherly
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It’s Science

From breastmilk to brain development, researchers are making huge strides in understanding the science of motherhood. Get the scoop at Motherly.

It’s science: How your child’s social skills set the stage for success

Achievement is driven by both cognitive ability and non-cognitive characteristics, like emotion regulation.

Updated Aug. 15, 2019
mom breastfeeding baby

It’s science: Breast milk can provide surprising health benefits for life, mama

Scientists now believe that maternal exposure to pathogens prior to pregnancy can influence infant health and permanently alter offspring immunity by programming their immune system.

Updated Dec. 16, 2022

The (very good) reason why so many people insist on telling pregnant women how hard parenting is

Giving unsolicited advice is just one parent's attempt to help another parent avoid the challenges they went through.

Updated Oct. 14, 2021

That newborn baby scent is addictive—science explains why

In an evolutionary sense, that amazing baby smell helps keep babies alive, and in a physiological sense, it can even help mothers relax.

Updated Jul. 02, 2019

Kate Mara is refreshingly honest about her emergency C-section

But she says that looking back, she wouldn't do a thing differently.

Updated Feb. 18, 2025

It’s science: An early bedtime for men leads to healthier sperm

It's nice to be reminded that men's lifestyles have a significant impact on fertility too

Updated Nov. 04, 2022
pregnant woman sleeping on her side

It’s science: Why pregnant women should sleep on their left side

Did you sleep on your left or right side, mama? 🤰🏽

Updated Oct. 04, 2022

The scientific reason why most women always feel cold

Who is always changing the thermostat in your house, mama?

Updated May. 24, 2019

Born before 1989? You might need another measles vaccination

Back in the day, one shot was the standard protocol, but one shot of the MMR vaccine isn't as effective as two.

Updated Oct. 14, 2021

It’s science: Being barefoot boosts your kid’s development

I realized I was scared of all the wrong things when I insisted my kids leave their shoes on at the park.

Updated Apr. 24, 2019

Beards and bacteria: How germy is Daddy’s face?

Is human facial hair really harboring more bacteria than pet fur or a toilet?

Updated Apr. 19, 2019

It’s science: Picture books are best for little brains

It's called the Goldilocks effect.

Updated Mar. 27, 2019

This viral photo shows just how much bacteria is on children’s hands

But parents don't need to panic—because letting our kids get dirty is actually good for their health.

Updated Mar. 25, 2019

It’s science: These are the best kinds of books to read to infants

"When parents label people or characters with names, infants learn quite a bit," says Lisa Scott, co-author of the study.

Updated Feb. 27, 2019
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