Text-based mentoring for postpartum mothers: a feasibility study. Issue 10 (26th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Eleanor; Weiland, Christina; Page, Lindsay C.
• Is Part Of: Early child development and care. Volume 190:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: 1537
• Page End: 1560
• Publication Date: 2020-07-26
• Subjects: Parenting intervention -- infants and toddlers -- maternal mental health -- technology -- mentoring; Child development -- Periodicals; Children -- Services for -- Periodicals; 155.405
• DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2018.1540984
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-4430

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Although text messaging interventions targeting parents of older students have shown promise for improving a variety of outcomes, evidence on text-based outreach and support for parents of young children is just emerging. We explore programmatic data from a text-based mentoring intervention designed to support postpartum mothers and promote healthy child development. We coded 18, 897 texts from 162 mother-mentor pairs to describe their interactions. On average, mothers remained engaged for 296 days. Mothers and mentors discussed both child-focused (28% of exchanges) and mother-focused topics (8%). Mentors responded to 86% of mothers' problems within 48 hours, offering emotional support (39% of offers) and advice (35%) most frequently. Based on the demonstrated ability of the programme to engage mothers commensurate with other early parenting interventions, the content addressed in mother-mentor interactions, and the mentor offered supports, we conclude text-based mentoring may be a promising strategy for providing outreach and support to postpartum mothers.