Baby swimming to help new mothers with depression and attachment issues

BIDAP - Baby Swim As an Intervention for Depressive Symptoms and Lacking Attachment During the Postpartum Period

Not applicable Interventional Uppsala University · NCT06807801

This study tests whether baby swimming can help new moms with depression feel better and build a stronger bond with their babies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUppsala University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Uppsala)
Trial IDNCT06807801 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on using baby swimming as a therapeutic approach to address depressive symptoms and attachment difficulties in postpartum women. The study targets mothers who have recently given birth and are experiencing depression, aiming to enhance their emotional well-being and strengthen the bond with their infants. Participants will engage in swimming activities with their babies, which may promote positive interactions and alleviate feelings of inadequacy related to motherhood. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated through standardized assessments of depressive symptoms and attachment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 and older who have given birth at full term and have a baby aged 3-7 months exhibiting depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple pregnancies, known psychotic or bipolar disorders, or those unable to communicate in Swedish or English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and mother-infant bonding of postpartum women experiencing depression.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of baby swimming is novel, other interventions targeting postpartum depression have shown varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Women who have

* given birth at full term
* are 18 years or older
* have a baby aged 3-7 months at the time of inclusion
* exhibit depressive symptoms according to the EPDS scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
* Known psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
* Inability to communicate adequately in Swedish or English, or inability to read and complete digital questionnaires in Swedish or English.

Where this trial is running

Uppsala

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depression - Major Depressive DisorderAttachmentPostpartumdepressionattachmentpostpartumbaby swimming
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.