Baby’s here, healthy, and now you get to take her home. How could you feel anything but elated?
Emotional vulnerability is normal, even expected after childbirth. But the unwelcome symptoms of postpartum depression – confusion, anxiety, and loss – are relentless, and oftentimes mothers feel isolated and out of touch.
Text messages are becoming a new means of helping mothers feel taken care of. A new study from Saint Louis University found that the low-cost, feasible means of reaching mothers via text can provide much-needed support for at-risk mothers.
The supportive texts range from informational:”Having a routine is comforting for babies,” to motivational and reflective: “Today let’s focus on making decisions from the facts, not our feelings.”
Texts like these help counselors reach mothers who would not otherwise seek out help, and provide essential guidance so new mothers feel supported and can bond with their newborns.
