Demand grows for doulas who can help moms with addiction

The demand for doulas trained to support mothers dealing with addiction is rising due to concerns over maternal mortality and substance use disorders. These doulas provide essential services and emotional support to pregnant and postpartum women who face challenges related to addiction.

Cases have emerged where doulas, like Emmalee Hortin, advocate for clients with substance use disorders. In one instance, a doula recalled a client expressing strong feelings about avoiding narcotics during a medical procedure, highlighting the importance of respecting the wishes of mothers in recovery.

As awareness of these issues grows, states like Colorado and Utah are responding by expanding Medicaid coverage for doula services. Many doulas in this field have personal experiences with addiction and recovery, making them empathetic supporters for mothers navigating similar challenges.

Olympic Mom Athletes Lack Child Care and Other Support During the Games

Many Olympic athletes who are also mothers face significant challenges, especially regarding child care and support while competing. Motherhood has historically been seen as a barrier to athletic careers, but some athletes have successfully navigated both roles. Sarah Newberry Moore, a five-time national champion sailor, is one such athlete who competed in the 2024 Olympics after having her son during the pandemic. Despite her efforts to bring her child to the games, she faced difficulties because the Olympic Village historically does not accommodate athletes' families.

During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, provisions were made for parent athletes, including a nursery for children of diaper-wearing ages and private breastfeeding spaces. However, these facilities were not accessible to Newberry Moore because her competitions were held in a different location, limiting her time with her son to brief visits. She ultimately had to skip the closing ceremony to reunite with her family. The situation for mothers competing in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics appears to be even worse, as there will be no designated family spaces nor permanent breastfeeding facilities in the villages.

Alysia Montaño, an Olympic medalist and mother, has become an advocate for better support for mothers in sports. She founded a nonprofit to help address the challenges faced by athlete moms, including providing financial grants for travel and accommodation to ease the burden of competing while raising children. Montaño emphasized that these grants, while helpful, highlight a flawed system that needs significant improvement to support athletic mothers adequately.

Training for Gold While Raising a Baby: Olympic Moms Through the Decades

Women have been participating in the Olympics for over a century, but it was only at the 2024 Paris Olympics that gender equality was achieved. Despite this progress, challenges remain for female athletes, particularly regarding support for those who are pregnant or raising young children. Recent developments have begun to address these issues, such as the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee introducing protections for pregnant athletes in 2022.

In a groundbreaking move, the 2024 Paris Games featured the first Olympic Village Nursery, allowing athletes to care for their children, which is a significant change since family members typically aren't allowed in the Olympic Village. Throughout history, many Olympic mothers have trained and competed while balancing motherhood, highlighting the unique challenges they face.

Famous examples of Olympic mothers include Margaret Ives Abbott, the first American female Olympic gold medalist, and athletes like Wilma Rudolph and Hayley Wickenheiser, who have celebrated victories while managing their roles as mothers. The new facilities and policies introduced in recent years reflect a growing recognition of the importance of supporting athletes who are also parents.

AI tool predicts dementia risk, brain age, and brain cancer

A new AI tool called Brain Imaging Adaptive Core (BrainIAC) has been developed by researchers at Mass General Brigham to predict and detect brain health issues such as dementia, brain aging, and brain cancer. This AI model is trained on nearly 49,000 brain MRI scans, enabling it to analyze large datasets and provide better predictions for various brain conditions.

BrainIAC can identify brain age, assess the risk of dementia, detect variations in brain tumors, and predict survival rates for brain cancer patients. This information can help healthcare providers make decisions about treatments or preventive measures, ultimately improving patients' quality of life and survival rates. For example, if a patient is found to be at high risk for dementia, clinicians may recommend early interventions like exercise and cognitive training.

The tool is notable for its efficiency, outperforming other specialized AI models, especially when there is limited training data. Researchers believe this AI technology has the potential to unlock valuable insights from the countless brain MRIs performed annually, supporting early detection and intervention for serious brain health concerns.

The FDA’s Lethargy Is Harming Women and Overburdening Doctors

The FDA is being criticized for its slow response regarding the abortion drug mifepristone, which could be putting women's health at risk. Dr. Christina Francis, a board-certified OB/GYN, argues that without timely action from the FDA, many women could face unnecessary suffering, dangerous complications, or even death due to the unregulated use of this medication.

A recent Senate hearing highlighted concerns about mifepristone, specifically addressing the removal of important regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the requirement for in-person doctor's visits. The hearing showcased a strong call for the FDA to swiftly implement safety measures to protect women and ensure proper oversight of mifepristone's use.

Despite long-standing requests from medical professionals and pro-life advocates for a safety review of the drug, the FDA's response has been slow. Notably, Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst testified about the serious health risks associated with mifepristone, including hemorrhaging and the need for emergency care. This is supported by FDA data indicating significant adverse effects experienced by women after taking the drug.

The Illusion of Modern Medicine

Midi Health raises $100M as it plans expansion into urgent care, research

Midi Health, a health technology startup focused on women's health, has recently secured $100 million in funding. This investment will support its growth as it aims to expand into urgent care and research services.

Founded during the pandemic, Midi Health has evolved from its initial focus to encompass broader virtual care options. The new funding round positions the company to enhance its offerings and reach more patients, particularly in urgent medical situations.

As a rising player in the health tech sector, Midi Health is now considered a unicorn, indicating its significant market value. The company’s efforts reflect a growing trend in healthcare towards digital and remote solutions, especially tailored to women's needs.

The cost of being a woman: pay gaps, pensions deficits and product prices

Women's financial burdens in society are highlighted during the celebration of St. Brigid’s Day, emphasizing how women often face economic disadvantages solely based on their gender. From pay gaps to higher costs for everyday products, the article outlines how systemic inequalities affect women in multiple aspects of life.

One significant issue mentioned is the "pink tax," where products marketed to women are priced higher than similar items targeted toward men. This disparity is evident in various consumer goods—such as razors and shaving gels—where women pay considerably more for identical or comparable products.

Beyond consumer prices, this financial disadvantage extends to women’s earnings and pensions, with many facing a significant gender pay gap and pension deficits. The article suggests that the economic framework of society has historically favored men, leading to ongoing financial penalties for women in everyday situations.

I went from Wall Street to content creation: Here's my journey

At 23, I started my career at BlackRock, eager to make a mark on Wall Street after graduating from Wesleyan University. By 28, however, I transitioned from a corporate finance role to content creation with a focus on empowering women. My journey showed me that significant impact can come from outside traditional institutions.

Initially, I worked in BlackRock’s Financial Markets Advisory team, helping governments and banks with financial issues. I later became a corporate bond trader at an investment bank, where I thrived in a fast-paced environment. Despite building an impressive resume, I often questioned the purpose of my work, especially since I couldn’t share important financial knowledge due to corporate restrictions.

A pivotal moment came during my time at the investment bank, where I noticed systemic pay inequity affecting Black employees. This realization propelled me to switch gears and start sharing financial insights through social media. I aimed to create a brand that not only informed but also inspired others, ultimately focusing on content that supports women and promotes financial empowerment.

Men are lining up for male birth control trials. One reason is Dobbs

Men are increasingly signing up for clinical trials of male birth control as interest in these options grows, particularly following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning abortion rights. Traditionally, men have limited contraceptive choices, mainly relying on condoms or vasectomies, which are often viewed as too committing for younger men.

Research indicates that attitudes toward male contraception are changing. A survey showed that 61% of men globally are open to trying male contraceptives, with a significant increase in interest among U.S. men following the Dobbs decision. Female partners are also supportive, with many expressing a desire for their partners to use birth control.

There are promising developments in male birth control methods currently in trials. Options like the Nestorone/testosterone (NES/T) gel and YCT-529, a non-hormonal pill, are showing positive results in early studies. Additionally, an implanted gel called ADAM is undergoing human safety trials. If successful, these products could provide more effective and reliable contraceptive options for men in the near future.