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

Launched by IWK HEALTH CENTRE · May 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Essential Coaching Postpartum" trial is studying how a text message program can support new parents during the challenging first few weeks after their baby is born. Many parents experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty during this time, so the program aims to provide helpful information and encouragement through text messages. Parents will receive messages tailored to their roles—whether they are the birthing parent or the partner—covering topics like newborn care and parenting support. The goal is to see if this communication can improve parents' confidence and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

To join the trial, you need to be a first-time parent with a baby less than a week old, live in Nova Scotia, understand English, and have a cell phone that can receive text messages. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups: one will receive the text messages, while the other will not. After six weeks and again after six months, the researchers will compare the well-being and parenting experiences of both groups. This study hopes to show that the text message support can make the transition to parenthood less overwhelming and help parents feel more connected and confident.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Eligible birthing parents will (1) early postpartum (\<7 days) with their first child; (2) understand English; (3) have a cell phone with text and data; and (4) live in Nova Scotia. Eligible non-birthing parents will (1) be early postpartum (\<7 days) with their first child; (2) understand English; (3) have a cell phone with text and data; and (4) live in Nova Scotia.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Participants (both birthing and non-birthing parents) will be excluded if: (1) newborn die or are expected to die prior to leaving the hospital; (2) they have no access to mobile phone, either personal or shared; (3) unwilling to receive SMS messages; (4) decline or withdraw to participate; or (5) participated in a previous iteration of this project (e.g., either the development or evaluation).