Evaluation of the Essential Coaching Postpartum Text Message Program for First-Time Parents in Nova Scotia

What this Trial Is About

The transition to parenthood can be exciting but also challenging, with many new parents experiencing lower confidence, increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation during the first year after their baby is born. Researchers are evaluating a mobile health program called Essential Coaching Postpartum, designed to support both birthing and non-birthing parents by sending text messages with information on newborn care and parent well-being. This program aims to improve parenting confidence, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance co-parenting. The Essential Coaching Postpartum program sends standardized text messages starting the second day after birth and continuing for six weeks. Messages are delivered twice daily for the first three weeks and once daily for the next three weeks, tailored separately for birthing parents and non-birthing partners. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive these messages or to a standard care group that does not receive text messages. Parents will be involved from early postpartum through follow-up at six weeks and six months after birth. Researchers will assess parenting self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, relationship satisfaction, and co-parenting at enrollment, six weeks, and six months. The study monitors these outcomes to understand the programs impact and hopes to provide trusted information and support to parents during this important period.

Essential Coaching Postpartum: Evaluating a Parent-focused Postpartum Text Message Program in Nova Scotia