WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Kate Daniels talks about the truth of motherhood – its strangeness, its wonder, and its lusciousness.

A recent New York magazine article sparked an interesting conversation about the often complicated relationship between mothers and their daughters. The piece, titled, “My Mom Is My BFF,” profiled a mother and daughter so close that mom stays in touch with her daughter’s exes.

A hospital that delivers more than a quarter of babies born in Chicago is entering an international program that aims to improve the health of both newborns and their mothers.

A new French study shows that breastfeeding may have lasting benefits for a child’s metabolism. Other studies suggest breastfeeding helps prevent infections, chronic diseases and obesity.

Almost half of African-American mothers in Illinois never breastfeed their newborns, according to a report by state and university researchers and a nonprofit group called HealthConnect One.

It will remain unlawful in Illinois for midwives who lack advanced medical training to attend homebirths without supervision.

Illinois lawmakers are considering some hot-button measures this week. The state House of Representatives has voted down a medical-marijuana bill and approved an expansion of rights for same-sex couples.