For Men
How Fathers, Family, Friends Can Help
Women
An Effective Alternative for Reducing Stress and Depression among African American Women
A Northwestern University pilot study found that mindfulness training can be used to alleviate stress and depressive symptoms among African American women with lower socio-economic status. Mindfulness training includes techniques such as sitting meditation, yoga, mental body scans, and practicing self-awareness. After participating in the study, thirty-one women reported gaining the ability to recognize stressful triggers in their lives; their bodies’ reaction to these triggers; and an overall improvement and increase in well-being.
Victims of Sexual Abuse Stop Breastfeeding Earlier
While there are long lasting effects of any form of abuse, sexual abuse can have an impact on mothers who choose to breastfeed. A recent study revealed that 2 out of 10 women who had been sexually abused as a child are more likely to stop breastfeeding their baby before they turn four months old. While there are many positive results to breastfeeding these women are more likely to stop. The study even found that women who have been exposed to different types of violence have a 50 % greater chance of stopping to breastfeed than those who have not been exposed to violence.
