Feasibility and acceptability of a postpartum mental health internet intervention in mothers of multiples.

Abstract

Aims/background: Parents of multiples (twins, triplets+) have elevated postpartum mental health risks. About half of such parents desire postpartum mental health treatment, but only a minority receive care. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of Be A Mom - a self-guided web-based postpartum mental health intervention - in mothers of multiples (MoMs).

Design/methods: Thirty-seven women who gave birth to their first set of multiples in the past year were recruited on Portuguese-language postpartum support websites on social media. Participants completed baseline measures and were granted access to the Be A Mom platform for 8 weeks. They then answered questions evaluating feasibility and acceptability and provided feedback via brief, semi-structured interviews.

Results: Of 26 participants who completed baseline measures, 8 (30.77%) used Be A Mom. One completed all five modules. Seven completed some content. The median number of completed modules was 1.50 (30%). Participants logged into the platform a median of 6 times, spending 27.50 min on Be A Mom. Lack of time was universally endorsed as a barrier to greater engagement; participants suggested more audio-only content as a solution. Overall perceived quality was high (3.25/4). Acceptability was good, particularly for enjoyment, credibility, learning, worthiness, utility, and relevance. Participants suggested adding multiples-specific content.

Conclusion: With adaptations, Be a Mom has promise as a feasible, acceptable, and accessible way to support MoMs' postpartum mental health. Future work should use a larger sample of new MoMs to test the effects of a tailored version of the intervention on depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being.