PREVENTION OF PERINATAL DEPRESSION
Perinatal depression is a serious, but treatable mental health condition that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth1. Symptoms are different for every person but may include feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, fatigue, or loss of interest in things the person once enjoyed. This condition can make it difficult for people to care for themselves and their babies. Perinatal depression can increase the risk of adverse maternal outcomes and can affect the infant’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MOTHERS & BABIES PROGRAM
Mothers and Babies is an evidence-based program for pregnant people and parents to help manage stress and prevent postpartum depression. This program is based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, attachment theory, and psychoeducation. It teaches strategies to help manage mood and stress within the context of parenting a baby, focusing on three specific areas: encouraging more engagement in pleasant activities, promoting healthier ways of thinking, and improving social support. MDMOM is partnering with the Mothers and Babies Program at Northwestern University to offer training and support to home visitors, community nurses, and other maternal health providers in Maryland to implement this program.
THE PARENTS AND BABIES PREFERENCE STUDY
The Mothers and Babies program can be delivered during individual 1-on-1 sessions, or it can be completed via an interactive, online program (eMB) with coaching support. The MDMOM team and Northwestern, in partnership with Maryland home visiting programs, are conducting a preference study to learn about participant preferences and experiences with these two options. The purpose of this study is to compare acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of 1-on-1 delivery versus online delivery with coaching support. The study will produce evidence on which option participants prefer, what motivates their preference, and how their choice affects engagement and effectiveness of the program.
References & Key Resources
- References: (1) National Institute of Mental Health. Perinatal Depression [Internet]. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression