Using remote voice technology to improve maternal experiences in the NICU
Official title: VoiceLove: NICU Utilization of Remote voice Technology to improve mateRnal Experience (NURTURE)
Funded at Voicelove LLC · NIH-11195185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using voice technology can help new moms feel more connected to their babies in the NICU and improve their mental health during a tough time after childbirth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Voicelove LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scarsdale, United States) |
| Project start | April 12, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,410,133 |
| NIH project number | 4R42MH135602-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are mothers of infants who are currently admitted to the NICU.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not mothers or whose infants are not in the NICU may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers whose infants are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It aims to enhance maternal-infant bonding and reduce feelings of disconnection by utilizing remote voice technology to facilitate communication between parents and their infants, even when physical contact is not possible. The study will also explore how improved communication with healthcare providers can bolster parental mental health and support. By increasing social support and contact, the research seeks to mitigate the emotional burden on mothers during this challenging time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence and severity of postpartum depression in mothers of NICU infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that enhancing communication and social support can positively impact maternal mental health, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Voicelove LLC
Scarsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Osmundson, Sarah Scheiderich — Voicelove LLC
- Study coordinator: Osmundson, Sarah Scheiderich
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An app to improve communication and family engagement for critically ill patients with delirium
This study is testing a new app called VoiceLove that helps families communicate better with healthcare providers about loved ones in the ICU, especially those with Alzheimer's and related dementias, to reduce confusion and improve their care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.