Women’s Health
Your health matters, mama! And Motherly is here for you with trusted information and resources about pregnancy, postpartum and more.

Periods cause changes in your brain architecture, landmark study shows
A small study shows that there’s a physiological link between hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and changes in white and gray matter.

75% of women go untreated for postpartum mental health conditions
That staggering number shows there’s still a major access issue and stigma around receiving postpartum mental health support. A new National Maternal Mental Health Task Force hopes to change that.

Only 32% of women learned about pleasure in sex ed classes, survey finds
What’s missing from sex ed class? Lots.

Your gut may be telling you to switch OB-GYNs. Here’s why you should listen
Before I started trying for my second baby, I knew I had to make a switch.

7 things to do before your next run
Running helps moms of all ages and stages reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, dementia and insomnia.

9 pregnancy warning signs to watch out for
Some pregnancy symptoms are normal, but others can turn into a sign of something more serious. Send this to all your pregnant friends, stat.

Looking to boost your milk supply? Try power pumping
Here’s what to know about the pumping technique—and how to make it work for you.

The actual cost of breastfeeding might shock you
“This is the first time that we’ve really taken a look at the cost borne by breastfeeding women in dollars and cents terms,” a Yale researcher states.

Doctors blamed this woman’s health problems on her weight — but it was actually lupus
Too often, women are told to lose weight instead of getting treatment for serious health problems

Are moms drinking too much?
Alcohol has become a socially acceptable form of self-care—but it's not without risks.

Can I eat Thanksgiving turkey while pregnant? Here’s what to know
The list of foods to avoid during pregnancy can feel long. Is your dad's perfectly cooked turkey among them?

A breast self-exam saved my life—four months after my daughter was born
Here’s what to know about pregnancy-associated breast cancer.

Insurance covers breast pumps and lactation support—but doesn’t cover formula or donor milk for those who can’t breastfeed
Bobbie For Change x The Breasties is bringing awareness to this glaring insurance gap.

Infertility care is healthcare—and should be covered by insurance
The reintroduction of the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act aims to make that happen.

5 common breastfeeding questions you might be too embarrassed to ask
“Can I still breastfeed if I have inverted nipples?”

Using an IUD could significantly lower your ovarian cancer risk
A 2019 study found that IUDs reduce ovarian cancer risk by 32%—here's what two cancer experts say about the findings.

Fertility benefits aren’t enough. We need menopause support, too
Menopause is costing both women and employers. The CEO of Elektra Health shares what companies can do about it.

Decongestant in common cold medicines doesn’t work, FDA says. Here’s what to take instead
If the agency decides to ban the ingredient, it could mean products for both kids and adults will be pulled from shelves.

What is microchimerism? Tiny cellular souvenirs may keep you connected to your baby long after pregnancy
Fetal microchimerism means a small number of your baby's cells can travel through the placenta and take root in your body, where they may remain for decades. It can even occur in surrogacy, experts say.

It takes a village… but who should be in yours?
When it comes to building your postpartum care team, it’s hard to know where to start. Here’s a good roster.