ImplementingEssential Coaching for EveryMother during COVID-19: A Pilot Pre-Post Intervention Study

ObjectivesThe primary objective was to evaluate the preliminary impact ofEssential Coaching for Every Motheron self-efficacy, social support, postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. The second objective was to explore the acceptability of theEssential Coaching for Every Motherprogram provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA prospective pre-post study was conducted with first time mothers in Nova Scotia, Canada between July 15thand September 19th, 2020. Participants completed a self-report survey at enrolment (after birth) and six-weeks postpartum. Various standardized measures were used and qualitative feedback on the program was also collected. Paired t-tests were carried out to determine changes from baseline to follow-up on psychosocial outcomes and qualitative feedback was analysed through thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 88 women enrolled. Self-efficacy increased between baseline (B) and follow-up (F) (B:33.33;F:37.11,p=0.000) while anxiety (STAI) declined (B:38.49;F:34.79; p=0.004). In terms of acceptability, 89% of participants felt that the number of messages were just right, 84.5% felt the messages contained all the information they needed relative to caring for a newborn and 98.8% indicated they would recommend this program to other new mothers.ConclusionEssential Coaching for Every Mothermay play a role in increasing maternal self-efficacy and decreasing anxiety, although future work with a control group is needed to delineate the true effects of the program. Overall, mothers were satisfied with theEssential Coaching for Every Motherprogram and would recommend it for other mothers, during COVID-19 and beyond.