Baby Swim As an Intervention for Depressive Symptoms and Lacking Attachment During the Postpartum Period

Launched by UPPSALA UNIVERSITY · Jan 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether baby swimming can help new mothers who are experiencing depression and struggling to connect with their babies after giving birth. Many new mothers face mental health challenges, with about 10-15% experiencing depression. Symptoms can include feelings of inadequacy as a mother and obsessive thoughts about their baby, which can make it harder to form a strong bond. The goal of the trial is to see if participating in baby swimming classes can reduce these depressive symptoms and strengthen the attachment between mothers and their babies.

To be eligible for the study, women must be at least 18 years old, have given birth to a full-term baby, and have a baby aged 3 to 7 months. They should also show signs of depression based on a standard screening tool. Participants will engage in baby swimming sessions, which take place in warm water and involve various activities designed to promote bonding and development. This program not only aims to improve mothers’ mental health but also to create a fun and safe environment for both mothers and their babies.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Women who have
• • given birth at full term
• • are 18 years or older
• • have a baby aged 3-7 months at the time of inclusion
• • exhibit depressive symptoms according to the EPDS scale.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
• • Known psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
• • Inability to communicate adequately in Swedish or English, or inability to read and complete digital questionnaires in Swedish or English.