Babies that have an early loss of weight might benefit from being given a limited amount of formula in addition to their mother’s breast milk, suggested a new study published in Pediatrics on Monday. In fact, the trial, which was randomized, suggests that the early feedings of formula might help babies transition later to only breast milk. Thirty-eight newborns were studied by researchers. The babies had lost a minimum of 5% of their body weight in the first 24 to 48 hours after being born. Nineteen... 

It has been well documented that some women, after having a child, suffer from depression. However, what was less known until now is how many women suffer from postpartum depression. A study that was the largest of its kind to date showed that up to one out of every 7 mothers suffers from some form of postpartum depression. The study, which was published this week, found that amongst women that were tracked for a full year after giving birth, close to 22% at some point were depressed. The study recommended... 

Women that are experiencing hot flashes from menopause may benefit from regular exercise, a new study reports, finding that women who exercised have far fewer flashes during the 24 hours following an aerobic workout. “For women with mild to moderate hot flashes, there is no reason to avoid physical activity for the fear of making symptoms worse,” commented study co-author Steriani Elavsky, assistant professor of kinesiology at Pennsylvania State University, in a news release. “In... 

Pfizer announced that it is recalling at least 1 million birth control packets. It said that the cause of the recall was a manufacturing mix-up on its part that led to some packets distributed with pills out of order. A patient who skipped a dose increases her chance of accidental pregnancy. Pfizer issued the recall order on about 1 million packets of Lo/Ovral-28 and its generic equivalent. The company added that only 30 percent of the packets contained flawed pills. They were manufactured and shipped... 

According to the researchers from the National Institute of Health, Asian women have higher estrogen levels when drinking 200 milligrams or more of caffeine each day. This is equivalent to two cups of coffee. The study was posted online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. White women who drank the same amount tend to have lower estrogen levels than those who didn’t have the same amount of caffeine. African American women who drank the same amount as Asian and white women were also observed... 

According to a study from the Guttmacher Institute and World Health Organization, the decline of abortion rates across the globe has stopped. The study, called Induced Abortion: Incidence and Trends Worldwide from 1995 to 2008 by Glida Sedgh et al., stated that the total number of terminations per 1,000 women from the age of 15 to 44 years has decreased from 35 per 1,000 to 29 per 1,000 between 1995 and 2003, and 28 per 1,000 in 2008. The United Nations said that the stall in abortion rates happened... 

A recent study shows that use of oral contraceptive pill can ease the bloating, cramps, and other pain associated with women’s period. There had been previous research and anecdotal evidence that suggested that the Pill could help women suffering from painful periods. According to a 40 year research made by a Swedish team, women who used the combined birth control pill suffer less severe pain than those who did not take the Pill. The findings were published in the journal Human Reproduction on... 

In 2005, Susan Wood resigned from her position as assistant commissioner for women’s health at the Food and Drug Administration because she was dismayed with the political forces that were delaying the efforts to make Plan B emergency contraceptive available without prescription. She rejoiced in 2009 when President Barack Obama signed a statement that said decisions in his administration would be based not on politics but on science. But at present, she’s frustrated with the administration when... 

  A new study claims that pregnant women who are exposed to secondhand smoke either at home or their workplace, are at increased risks of having stillborn babies or those with birth defects. Researchers from the University of Nottingham, led by Prof. Jo Leonardi-Bee of the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies at the University, analyzed 19 previous studies that were undertaken at North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The pregnant women who participated in the studies were non-smokers... 

Women, who experience intense hot flashes and night sweats during the onset of menopause, can take heart and look upon these as protection against cardiovascular diseases, according to the findings of new research. Vasomotor symptoms or hot flashes as the layperson knows it are caused by changing hormonal levels and dilation of blood, can lead to physical and emotional upheavals in a woman’s life, and has no effective remedies. Some studies had earlier identified hot flashes, night sweats...