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A free, online program developed by �鶹��ý researchers has been shown to reduce risk of depression relapse by double digits among new moms and moms-to-be who have struggled with it before.

Known as (MMB for Moms), the digital offering teaches mindfulness techniques and cognitive behavioral skills through audio-guided practices, videos and advice from peers and professionals.��

The findings, from a national study of 500 expectant mothers, were published Oct. 20 in the journal .

“When it comes to mitigating depression relapse, new and expectant moms need to have choices, and for many, there aren’t a lot,” said first author Sona Dimidjian, a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the director of the . “This study used the rigorous tools of science to identify a non-pharmacological approach that works.”

Addressing perinatal depression

About one in five women experience major depression during the perinatal period (during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum). For those with a history of depression, the prevalence is . Symptoms can include extreme and persistent sadness, sleep problems, appetite changes and difficulty bonding with one’s new baby.

Professor Sona Dimidjian, director of the Reñee Crown Wellness Center.

Dr. Lee Cohen

Antidepressants have long been the standard treatment for preventing depression relapse. But that most pregnant women prefer psychotherapy over medication, and about half discontinue or decrease their medication when pregnant, a move that can boost the risk of relapse.��

Due to stigma, expectant moms are often reluctant to seek counseling.

“There is a stereotype that pregnancy is the happiest time in a woman’s life. It is for some. But it can also be a time that brings depression, anxiety and stress,” Dimidjian said.

Cost, lack of transportation and a shortage of properly trained therapists also hinder access to care.��

“To a large extent, we have failed moms across America by not attending to this issue adequately,” said senior author Dr. Lee Cohen, director of the Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women’s Health at Massachusetts General Hospital. “We have a lot of tools, but we have failed to enhance access to everyone who needs them.”

Mindfulness for moms

To help fill the gap, Dimidjian and her colleagues developed MMB for Moms, an eight-session digital program that participants can complete at their own pace.

In a randomized, controlled trial, the research team recruited 500 expectant mothers with a history of depression from all 50 states, via Everyday Health’s digital parenting platforms BabyCenter and What to Expect. All participants had taken antidepressants in the past or were still taking them. At the time of recruitment, none were clinically depressed.

Half participated in MMB for Moms for 12 weeks, along with periodic coaching check-ins. The other half continued with their usual care. Depression relapse was assessed up to 6 months postpartum.��

On average, those in the MMB for Moms group were 26% less likely to experience a return of their depression. Most also found significant protection from symptoms of anxiety and stress during the program.

Dimidjian stresses that the program is not intended to “treat” perinatal depression. Rather, it provides tools for preventing relapse—from mindful breathing practices to new ways of thinking to asking for support.��

One session provides mindfulness practices that moms can do with a new infant. Another teaches them to respond to self-judgment with grace and compassion.��

“New moms often feel as if everyone else has it figured out and they don’t,” said Dimidjian. “We try to prepare them to respond in these moments with care and kindness toward themselves.”

Other sessions teach participants to recognize the signs of depression and make a game plan for how to address early warning signs.

Pia Long, a mother of two, went through the program and served as a coach to other participants.��

“It encouraged me to take bite-sized pieces of time for myself, to slow down and notice and stop thinking about all the things that are coming ahead or came behind,” she said. “It was life-changing for me, and I watched how it was life-changing for other moms.”

A 'ripple effect' on families

Cohen said the program is not necessarily intended to replace medication, but it could serve as a useful adjunct or alternative depending on an individual’s unique needs and preferences.��

“What we do know now is that for patients looking for a non-pharmacologic alternative to mitigate their risk for recurrence of depression, this program helps,” he said.

About three-quarters of participants in both groups remained on antidepressants throughout the study period. Future research will explore differences between participants who stayed on medication and those who do not.

It’s unclear how long the benefits can last. But previous studies of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, the decades-old approach upon which MMB for Moms is based, for as long as two years in people with a history of depression.

In future studies, Dimidjian hopes to explore how the program influences moms’ parenting and the well-being of their children.��

“Our mission at the Crown Institute is to promote the wellness of young people and the adults who support them” she said. “We are committed to understanding how best to support moms and have a positive ripple effect on their children and families.”��