“Motherhood will change your life.” It may sound like a greeting card sentiment — but it’s also a statement of fact. Pregnancy changes the way bodies function and look. It affects women’s hormones and weight — even their brain chemistry. In this episode, The Pulse looks at the impact of new motherhood on women’s health. We hear stories about the ongoing debate over breastfeeding, and why so many hospitals are no longer using their nurseries. Plus, why some women of color are reluctant to seek help for postpartum depression.

Also heard on this week’s episode:

• Inside a new initiative that’s letting incarcerated women pump breast milk as a way to maintain their ties with newborn infants (based on this story published by Generocity)
• We hear from women about the many ways pregnancy and motherhood have affected their health.