Infant Well-being Research Articles

COVID-19 threatens maternal mental health and infant development: possible paths from stress and isolation to adverse outcomes and a call for research and practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed mothers to stress and social isolation during the pre- and post-natal periods. The deleterious effects of stress on both pregnant women and their infants are well documented, with research suggesting that effects are exacerbated by reduced social support. In this brief report, we summarize evidence linking stress and social isolation to negative outcomes for mothers and infants and present a conceptual model featuring inflammation as a driving mechanism. There is strong evidence that the coronavirus pandemic will affect mothers and infants through immune pathways that, in previous research, have been shown to link stress and social isolation during the pre- and post-natal periods with deficits in maternal mental health and infant well-being and development across developmental stages. We close with recommendations for novel research, policy changes, and integrated clinical care that can address these biological threats to infants and mothers while leveraging the anti-inflammatory effects of social support.

War trauma and infant motor, cognitive, and socioemotional development: Maternal mental health and dyadic interaction as explanatory processes

BackgroundTaking care of infants in conditions of war is highly demanding and a few studies reveal the negative impact of war trauma on maternal and infant well-being. Yet, little is known regarding the influence of trauma on infant development and the potential explanatory mechanisms. First, the present study examines how mothers’ prenatal exposure to traumatic war events is associated with infant cognitive, motor, and socioemotional development. Second, it analyses the mediating roles of maternal postpartum mental health problems, quality of dyadic mother-infant interaction, and earlier infant development (at six months) in the association between prenatal traumatic war events and infants’ developmental skills at 18 months. MethodThis prospective three-wave study involved 502 Palestinian pregnant females in their first trimester during the 2014 Gaza War and participated at delivery (T1) and when the child was six (T2;N = 392) and eighteen (T3; N = 386) months of age. Mothers reported their exposure to traumatic war events (human and material losses, horrors, and threat to life) at T1 and T2, and researchers photo-documented the extent of destruction at T1. Mothers reported infants’ language, fine- and gross-motor, and socioemotional skills at T2 and researchers tested infants’ motor, cognitive-language and socioemotional skills using the Bayley Scales of Infant development (BSID-II) at T3. Mothers reported their mental health problems (symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression and somatization) at T2 and T3 as well as dyadic interaction quality (the emotional availability self-report, [EA-SR] brief) at T2. ResultsFirst, the structural equation model (SEM) on direct effects indicated, in contrast to our hypotheses, that maternal prenatal exposure to traumatic war events did not associate with infants’ developmental skills at T2 and predicted higher level of developmental skills at T3. Second, as hypothesized, we found two negative underlying mechanisms (paths) between high exposure and low levels of motor, cognitive-language, and socioemotional skills at T3: (1) through increased maternal mental health problems at T2, which then were associated with problems at T3, and (2) through increased maternal mental health problems at T2, which then were associated with a low quality of mother-infant-interaction and low level of infant developmental skills at T2. ConclusionImproving maternal mental health and encouraging close and positive dyadic interaction can be critical for infant sensorimotor, cognitive, and socioemotional development in war conditions.

Multipathogen Analysis of IgA and IgG Antigen Specificity for Selected Pathogens in Milk Produced by Women From Diverse Geographical Regions: The INSPIRE Study.

Breastfeeding provides defense against infectious disease during early life. The mechanisms underlying this protection are complex but likely include the vast array of immune cells and components, such as immunoglobulins, in milk. Simply characterizing the concentrations of these bioactives, however, provides only limited information regarding their potential relationships with disease risk in the recipient infant. Rather, understanding pathogen and antigen specificity profiles of milk-borne immunoglobulins might lead to a more complete understanding of how maternal immunity impacts infant health and wellbeing. Milk produced by women living in 11 geographically dispersed populations was applied to a protein microarray containing antigens from 16 pathogens, including diarrheagenic E. coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogens of global health concern, and specific IgA and IgG binding was measured. Our analysis identified novel disease-specific antigen responses and suggests that some IgA and IgG responses vary substantially within and among populations. Patterns of antibody reactivity analyzed by principal component analysis and differential reactivity analysis were associated with either lower-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) or high-income countries (HICs). Antibody levels were generally higher in LMICs than HICs, particularly for Shigella and diarrheagenic E. coli antigens, although sets of S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and some M. tuberculosis antigens were more reactive in HICs. Differential responses were typically specific to canonical immunodominant antigens, but a set of nondifferential but highly reactive antibodies were specific to antigens possibly universally recognized by antibodies in human milk. This approach provides a promising means to understand how breastfeeding and human milk protect (or do not protect) infants from environmentally relevant pathogens. Furthermore, this approach might lead to interventions to boost population-specific immunity in at-risk breastfeeding mothers and their infants.

Perceptions of Surrogacy Within the Yoruba Socio-Cultural Context of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Background: Surrogacy might be a reproductive process that brings joy and fulfilment to many but it also brings with it numerous ethical and legal concerns; it raises questions about the fundamental human rights, welfare and wellbeing of women and infants especially within a context where it is barely regulated. This article examines the perception of surrogacy within the Yoruba socio-cultural context in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. It brings to the fore various socio-cultural concerns that questions the influence of surrogacy as a reproductive process on womanhood, motherhood and parenthood. It discusses by analysing the narratives of participants how surrogacy process is a dereliction of the sacredness and cultural sanctity of the family system, most especially in an African context. Methods: 15 stakeholders (traditional birth attendants and gynaecologists) were engaged in an in-depth interview to unravel the challenges surrogacy might or is encountering within the socio-cultural context of Ado-Ekiti. Results: There are various social, cultural and religious beliefs that police the reproductive sphere of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, which has grave implications on fertility treatment. These socio-cultural and religious factors do not provide a fertile ground for surrogacy to thrive within the study location. Hence, it is important that the socio-cultural framing of reproduction within this cultural context become receptive to medical reproductive solutions and innovations if at all the processes are to thrive or at least become less stigmatised. Conclusions: The process of surrogacy is very complex and people’s attitude towards the practice is greatly influenced by their culture, religion and social belief systems about what is considered appropriate for procreation. Also, it is important to have clear-cut policy regulating surrogacy and all forms of ARTs in Nigeria, as this will protect women and infants, as well as, ensure that they are not to exposed abuse, commercialization and exploitation.

Physiological and psychological outcomes of kangaroo mother care of preterm infants–an overview

Background: Neonatal care especially for premature infants may require varying periods of intensive care which may limit parental involvement. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) allows for close contact between mother and infant, widely used by Indigenous populations but now introduced into neonatal nurseries. This paper reviews the growing literature highlighting the physiological and psychological impact of its introduction in the care of preterm infants. Methods: A brief introduction of current practices in the care of preterm infants is followed by discussing the rationale of KMC. The benefits or otherwise of such care is reviewed, drawing on the current literature. Future avenues of study are suggested. Results: KMC has been successfully undertaken of preterm infants. Such care improved the infant’s circulatory physiological parameters which included heart rate variability, oxygen saturations and temperature control. There also appeared to be a reduction in pain scores during uncomfortable neonatal procedures. An increase in successful breastfeeding, improved maternal-infant interaction and better neurodevelopmental progress has also been observed. Further study may utilise vital signs to affirm clinical outcomes. The administration of the relatively straight forward measure of the Alarm Distress Baby Scale may objectively assess infant well-being and their resultant social interactions. Conclusion: The current literature suggests multiple benefits for preterm infants exposed to KMC with improvement in physiological parameters and developmental outcomes. It also empowers mothers to be more intimately involved with their infants. These reported findings encourage the safe introduction of KMC into further nurseries

Child Life Services.

Child life programs are an important component of pediatric hospital-based care; they address the psychosocial concerns that accompany hospitalization and other health care experiences. Child life specialists focus on the optimal development and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults while promoting coping skills and minimizing the adverse effects of hospitalization, health care encounters, and/or other potentially stressful experiences. In collaboration with the entire health care team and family, child life specialists provide interventions that include therapeutic play, expressive modalities, and psychological preparation to facilitate coping and normalization at times and under circumstances that might otherwise prove overwhelming for the child. Play and developmentally appropriate communication are used to (1) promote optimal development, (2) educate children and families about health conditions, (3) prepare children and partner with families for medical events or procedures, (4) plan and rehearse useful coping and pain-management strategies with patients and families, (5) help children work through feelings about past or impending experiences, and (6) partner with families to establish therapeutic relationships between patients, siblings, and caregivers. Child life specialists collaborate with the entire interdisciplinary team to promote coping and enhance the overall health care experience for patients and families.

Factors Influencing Infant and Child Mortality: A Case Study of Cumilla District, Bangladesh

Infant and Child wellbeing is an approachable sign of enlargement and often reflects a country’s excellence of living. The main purpose of the current study is to determine and analyze the factors which highly influence infant and child mortality. To complete the analysis this study conducted a questionnaire and interview method for data collections. The major findings of this study are the infant and child mortality used as independent variables and household income, education level of the mother, and sanitation used as independent variables. Whatever, the estimated result shows the level of income works to reduce infant and child mortality by ensuring the social standard. The sanitation facilities and mother education influence to reduce infant and child mortality, maternal health also has a significant impact. The current study works as the first effort to investigate the Influential factors of infant and child mortality in this study area.

The Global Alliance for Maternal and Child Health (GLAM): A Pioneer Organization for MCH Students.

Currently, there is an insufficient representation of racial/ethnic minority groups in the maternal and child health (MCH) workforce. A student-run outreach organization, the Global Alliance for Maternal and Child Health (GLAM), seeks to address this disparity by increasing the representation of racial/ethnic minority groups in MCH workforce. Founded by students at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, United States, GLAM, seeks to establish productive alliances and create programs that would help improve the well-being of mothers, infants, and children locally, nationally, and internationally by engaging an active cadre of students passionate about MCH. Through community outreach and global engagement using evidence-based strategies, GLAM is committed to the elimination of health disparities plaguing the MCH population.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion does not correspond with pregnancy outcomes despite better glycemic control as compared to multiple daily injections in type 1 diabetes – Significance of pregnancy planning and prepregnancy HbA1c

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to compare pregnancy outcomes with glycemic control, total increase in insulin requirement, and body weight gain in the women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI). Material and methodsThis was a single center retrospective observational study involving 209 pregnant Caucasian women. Among the study participants, 95 subjects were treated with MDI and 114 patients were using CSII therapy. The primary outcomes were pregnancy results, while secondary ones were HbA1c, increase in daily dose of insulin (DDI), and body weight gain. ResultsAt baseline, the CSII users were older (P = 0.0373), they were diagnosed with T1DM at a younger age (P = 0.047), and more often planned pregnancy (P = 0.032). A majority of the women were classified as class D, according to the White classification. Among the CSII users, a significantly higher proportion of the subjects in class B was noted than in the MDI users, with no differences in the proportion of the remaining White classes. Prepregnancy HbA1c was insignificantly lower in the CSII group, however, a significantly higher proportion of the CSII users reached the target value of HbA1c (P = 0.008). A prepregnancy daily dose of insulin (both total and per kg of body weight), body weight, and body mass index (BMI) did not differ between the groups.The 1st and 2nd trimester HbA1c was lower among the CSII users (6.83 ± 1.38 vs 7.52 ± 2.11%, P = 0.01 and 6.17 ± 0.9 vs 6.57 ± 1.12%, P = 0.009, respectively), while the 3rd trimester HbA1c as well as the total change in HbA1c were comparable. Neither DDI and body weight in concecutive trimesters, nor their total gestational increase, differed between the groups.The rate of pregnancy loss, such as abortions, fetal and neonatal death did not differ between the groups. As regards composite pregnancy loss, prepregnancy HbA1c was 8.41%±2.81% among the MDI cohort vs 7.22%±1.31% in the CSII users (P = 0.517). No differences were found in the gestational age at delivery, the mode of delivery, neonatal birth weight, the rate of macrosomy, LGA or SGA. A higher Apgar score was noted among the CSII users (8.63 ± 1.63 vs 8.03 ± 2.49%, P = 0.047), however, the proportion of neonates with an Apgar score lower than 7 points was similar. In the women planning pregnancy, as compared to the subjects who did not, HbA1c was significantly lower in the 1st trimester, together with a significantly higher rate of the women achieving the target HbA1c value during planning as well as in the 1st trimester. In the group of women planning pregnancy, significantly lower 1st trimester HbA1c and composite outcome of pregnancy loss were observed in the CSII users vs the MDI treated women. Lack of pregnancy planning and a high HbA1c level in the 1st trimester were independent predictors of both LGA (OR = 4.99 [95%CI 1.12–21.0], P = 0.033 and OR = 3.02 [95%CI 1.19–7.65], P = 0.019, respectively) and macrosomia (OR = 8.43 [95%CI 1.36–51.93], P = 0.021 and OR = 5.47 [95%CI 1.77–16.87], P = 0.003, respectively). ConclusionsThe course of pregnancy and obstetric outcomes were not dependent on the mode of insulin delivery, but only on pregnancy planning and HbA1c in early pregnancy. Further studies are needed to explore more precise parameters describing both glycemic control in pregnant women as well as perinatal infant well-being.

Effectiveness of breast milk application on sore nipples among postnatal mothers

Breast feeding is very important for the health and well-being of infants and mothers. It has been traditional way of feeding newborn in our country and is one of the most natural and beneficial acts a mother can do for her child. Areola irritation is regular in breastfeeding ladies during the initial not many days after conveyance. Most of the sore and broke areolas are the aftereffect of wrong situating and connection of the infant at the breast. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of breast milk application on sore nipples among postnatal mothers in a Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. A quantitative pre-experimental one group pretest and post-test research configuration was embraced and the examination was directed with 30 postnatal moms who were chosen by utilizing non-likelihood purposive inspecting method. The organized meeting was utilized to gather segment information and Nipple Trauma Checklist was utilized to survey the sensitive areola. Pretest was directed prior to overseeing the bosom milk by surveying the areola utilizing Nipple Trauma Checklist. Investigator expressed the mother’s breast milk into a sterile gauze piece and gently rubbed over the nipples, allowing it to air dry for 10-15 minutes. Intervention was given for thrice a day for two days and posttest was done on the third day. The study finding shows that critical improvement was seen which unmistakably derives that use of expressed breast milk over areola was discovered to be compelling in the administration of areola irritation among postnatal moms.

Antenatal interventions for preventing stillbirth, fetal loss and perinatal death: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews.

Antenatal interventions for preventing stillbirth, fetal loss and perinatal death: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews.

Effectiveness of Mobile Phone-Based Support on Exclusive Breastfeeding and Infant Growth in Nigeria: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study examined whether mobile phone-based support improve the rates, duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) as well as infant growth patterns in Nigeria. A 6-month prospective randomized controlled trial with 75 participants assigned to receive 'usual care' or 'mobile phone-based support in addition to usual care' EBF rates and duration as well as anthropometric measurements of infants before and after intervention were compared using proportions and mean differences. Attrition rates of 10.7% and 14.7% were observed in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Treatment groups were identical in all baseline characteristics and participants in the intervention group showed a slower rate of decline in the practice of EBF. The mean difference of 0.6 months (95% confidence interval: -0.22, 1.42) in EBF duration between intervention and control groups was not statistically significant (t = 1.45; p = 0.149). Similarly, the difference in the EBF rates at the 6th month for the intervention (55.2%) and control (46.8%) groups was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.623; p = 0.430). Although the intervention group had significantly higher mean weight (p = 0.030) and length (p = 0.044) at the 6th month, the difference in the gain in weight and length of these infants over the period was only significant for the weight (p = 0.044). Although the incidence of adverse clinical nutritional status was more in the control group, these differences were not statistically significant. Mobile phone-based intervention has positive effects on the rate and duration of EBF as well as the growth of young infants. Sustaining this simple and cheap technology will improve infant wellbeing especially in resource-constrained settings.

Barrier and facilitator on breastfeeding education and promotion: A literature review

Breast milk contains many nutrients according to the needs of the baby for growth and development. Breast milk is very important for the health and well-being of infants. The world health organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding mothers for six months starting from the baby's first life and continuing until the age of two. Breastfeeding can provide economic benefits for the family and community. This study aimed to explore the barrier and facilitator on breastfeeding promotion and education. This study was literature study. This study finding that support from the baby's father is needed as a strong decision exclusively breastfeeding mothers. Pediatricians and midwives have an important role to support in providing exclusive breastfeeding from mothers and infants. Mothers who work full time find it very difficult to care for their babies exclusively. The workplace can be a barrier for mothers to care for and provide exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding competency-based training is needed as a more optimal promotion of exclusive breastfeeding. Promotion of breastfeeding can increase the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. Knowledge promotes breastfeeding can increase the chances of successful breastfeeding and improve baby's health. An important role in the successful promotion of breastfeeding is the quality of knowledge and support for exclusive breastfeeding.

Effectiveness of a Brief Psychological Intervention Delivered by Nurse for Depression in Pregnancy: Study Protocol for a Multicentric Randomized Controlled Trial from India.

Background:Perinatal depression (PD) has important implications for maternal and infant well-being but largely goes undetected. There is a need to develop low-intensity psychosocial interventions applicable to obstetric health care facilities.Objective:To assess the effectiveness of a brief psychological intervention for mild to moderate PD delivered by a nurse as compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU).Methods:This study is a randomized, open-label, parallel-group, multicentric trial being conducted in four sites of India. A total of 816 pregnant women with mild to moderately severe depression (Patient Health Questionaire-9 score of 5–19) are being assessed for the effectiveness of the intervention. Participants are randomly allocated to two groups of trial intervention (psychological intervention given by nurse) and TAU. The primary outcome is to compare the proportion of women reporting improvement across both groups. Participants are serially followed-up in each trimester and at 6, 10, 14 weeks, and 6 months postpartum. Secondary outcomes include pregnancy outcomes, feeding practices, physical growth, and immunization status of the infants.Conclusion:It is a prospective pregnancy birth cohort with a robust design and long-term follow-up. This is one of the largest studies utilizing non-specialist health workers for the screening and management of PD. This study also holds promise to cast light on the course and outcome of depression during pregnancy in different parts of India. It is envisaged to help in developing a sound screening and referral-based protocol for obstetric settings.

For pregnant women with gestational diabetes, how do probiotics compare with placebo for improving maternal and infant health and well-being?

For pregnant women with gestational diabetes, how do probiotics compare with placebo for improving maternal and infant health and well-being?

The professional identity of Lithuanian midwifery students: An exploratory study.

INTRODUCTIONMidwifery practice, which contributes to the improvement of the health and well-being of mothers and infants, varies greatly across the world. In former Soviet Union countries, midwifery was developed in a context marked by the Soviet regime and often remains underdeveloped. However, it is now gaining momentum in several countries including Lithuania where midwives have gained some autonomy in the past years. This study aims to explore the professional identity of student-midwives in Lithuania.METHODSSemi-directed interviews were conducted with six student-midwives recruited in two educational institutions in Kaunas, Lithuania. The interviews addressed the respondents’ perception of midwifery in Lithuania as well as their personal experiences.RESULTSThis study suggests that the participants view midwifery as a medical profession, strongly anchored in the biomedical world. Indeed, they associate midwifery with medicine and nursing, they greatly value their medical degree, and they associate their profession with the hospital setting. The respondents further defined their profession by emphasizing their holistic woman-centred approach, which sets them apart from other healthcare professions. These elements of the participants’ professional identity can be viewed as professionalization strategies used to better establish their profession within the field of maternal healthcare.CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that the participant student-midwives view midwifery as a medical profession, rooted in the biomedical field, but also characterized by a unique care approach. This exploratory study thus contributes to a better understanding of midwifery in Lithuania.

Optimal Duration of Breastfeeding.

* Abbreviations: aIRR — : adjusted incidence rate ratio CI — : confidence interval The American Academy of Pediatrics1 and World Health Organization2 recommend breastfeeding as the optimal method of infant feeding. Multiple other medical and health professional organizations concur with this recommendation on the basis of the evidence that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, with continuation after the introduction of complementary solids, promotes optimal health and well-being for mothers and infants.3–6 The reported benefits for infants are strongest in the first 12 months of life, and the benefits continue after the period of direct breastfeeding has ended.7–12 In this edition of Pediatrics , Christensen et al13 present a study demonstrating that longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with decreased risk of hospitalization for infection during the first year of life. For every extra month of any breastfeeding, adjusted analysis revealed a 4% reduced rate of hospitalization (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–0.99). In addition, breastfeeding for 10 to 12 months and ≥13 months reduced hospitalization for the first 2 to 3 years of life (aIRR 0.52 [95% CI 0.33–0.82] and … Address correspondence to Joan Younger Meek, MD, MS, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 250 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32801. E-mail: joan.meek{at}med.fsu.edu

Hypomanic symptoms in early pregnancy: prevalence and associated factors.

Given that the perinatal period is a time of increased risk for pregnant women to manifest mental health problems, the identification of antenatal hypomanic symptoms is particularly important. However, data on antenatal hypomanic symptoms is lacking. The present study was aimed at filling this research gap by investigating the prevalence of hypomanic symptoms, including the "active-elated" and "irritable/risk-taking" sides of hypomanic symptoms at the first trimester, and examining their associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms at the following time points: the first trimester, the second trimester, and up to 6-week postpartum. A prospective longitudinal design with a quantitative approach was adopted. A consecutive sample of 229 pregnant Chinese women in Hong Kong was assessed. Hypomanic symptoms were assessed with the Hypomania Checklist-32 (HCL-32). Of the sample, 43.6% had elevated levels of hypomanic symptoms in the first trimester. Multiple regression analysis showed that after adjusting for potential confounding factors, irritable/risk-taking symptoms were independently associated with higher anxiety symptoms in the first and second trimesters and in the 6-week postpartum period. Primary healthcare practitioners should be made aware of antenatal hypomanic symptoms in pregnant women to facilitate early identification and intervention for anxiety and depression to improve the well-being of both mothers and infants.

Element profiles in blood and teeth samples of children with congenital heart diseases in comparison with healthy ones

BackgroundSome elements were claimed to play a role in the pathogenesis of congenital heart defects (CHD) and influence the general well-being and health of these children. ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the levels of some elements simultaneously in the blood and teeth samples of children with cyanotic and acyanotic CHD compared with healthy children. MethodsA total of 39 children with CHD (11 with cyanotic and 28 with acyanotic CHD) and 42 age- and sex-adjusted controls were enrolled. Levels of 13 elements, including magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, strontium, cadmium, lead, mercury, and molybdenum, were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. ResultsChildren with cyanotic and acyanotic CHD had significantly lower teeth calcium and calcium/phosphorus ratio as compared to the controls after adjusting for confounders. The mean blood iron level was found to be significantly higher in the cyanotic CHD group compared to the other groups. In addition, children with acyanotic CHD had significantly higher teeth copper levels, higher blood molybdenum and lower blood magnesium levels compared to the healthy control group. Blood cadmium and mercury levels were found to be significantly elevated in both the cyanotic and acyanotic CHD groups compared to the healthy control group. There were no differences in toxic metal levels of teeth in cases with CHD. ConclusionMonitoring adequate and balanced gestational micronutrient intake might support not only maternal health but also fetal cardiac development and infant well-being. Supplementation of magnesium should be evaluated in patients having CHD.

Paid Family Leave to Strengthen the STEM Workforce

In the United States many women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) leave their careers after becoming a parent. Attrition is simultaneously occurring with workforce shortages in STEM with two million jobs potentially unfilled by 2025. While there has been an increase in STEM recruitment of women over recent decades, policies aimed at decreasing departure of women in STEM have not been prioritized. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) guarantees workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave, but has not shown to increase workforce attachment of new mothers. Instead, studies suggest that short durations of paid leave (6-12 weeks) increase workforce attachment. Medical consensus suggests that a leave of 26 weeks is necessary for maternal health and a leave of 40 weeks is optimal for infant well-being. Coupled with recently introduced paid parental leave legislation in Congress, we recommend timely action to decrease the departure of women from the workforce and to strengthen gender equality in STEM. We recommend instituting 12 weeks of federal paid family leave (PFL) under the recently introduced national family leave insurance program in the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act (FAMILY Act; S. 463/H.R. 1185).