Publications

Maternal depression results from multiple factors and may persist beyond the postpartum period. While depressive symptoms are common around the world, both specific national policies and women's personal resources may influence the speed and magnitude of recovery from depressive symptoms over time.

New research suggests that, while maternal depressive symptoms are common around the world, both national policies as well as personal resources play a role in women’s recovery from depressive symptoms during the early years of their child’s life.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a stressful time for American adults. Indeed, rates of clinical depression and anxiety were 300% higher in the early days of the pandemic than they were the previous year. Not only was there substantial concern and worry about the virus itself, but social measures to stem the virus spread (i.e., lockdowns; school closures) created work-family stressors for many adults, parents especially.

In a new brief report from CCF, Jessica Su finds that breastfeeding benefits are modest, and reach some children more than others.

Mothers’ employment dropped during COVID-19 not only due to school closures but also because of health concerns. Without better public health measures and paid sick leave, mothers’ employment will remain unstable and gender inequality will persist.