Essential Coaching Postpartum: a 6-week parent-focused text messaging program in Nova Scotia
Official title: Essential Coaching Postpartum: Evaluating a Parent-focused Postpartum Text Message Program in Nova Scotia
Run by IWK Health Centre · NCT06996067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test if a 6-week series of supportive, tailored text messages helps first-time birthing and non-birthing parents in Nova Scotia feel more confident and less anxious after their baby is born.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 332 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IWK Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06996067 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
First-time birthing and non-birthing parents in Nova Scotia who are 18 or older, English-speaking, within 7 days postpartum, and have a cellphone capable of receiving texts and data.
✕Probably not a fit
People who cannot receive SMS (no phone or unwilling), who are not English-speaking, who live outside Nova Scotia, or whose newborn has died or is expected to die prior to hospital discharge are excluded and unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll about 332 first-time birthing and non-birthing parents within 7 days of delivery and deliver tailored text messages for 6 weeks, with separate message streams for birthing parents and non-birthing partners. The messages cover newborn care and parental mental-health topics intended to support parenting self-efficacy and reduce postpartum anxiety, depression, and stress. Participants must be 18 or older, English-speaking, have a cellphone with text and data capability, and live in Nova Scotia; those without phone access or who opt out are excluded. Outcomes will be measured using standardized questionnaires and follow-up contact per the study protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase new parents' confidence and reduce postpartum anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation by delivering timely information and support via text.
How similar studies have gone: Previous postpartum text-message interventions have shown modest benefits for maternal support and confidence, though partner-targeted programs are less commonly tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Eligible birthing parents will * early postpartum (\<7 days) with their first child * understand English * have a cell phone with text and data * be 18 years of age or old * live in Nova Scotia. Eligible non-birthing parents will: * be early postpartum (\<7 days) with their first child * understand English * have a cell phone with text and data * be 18 years of age or old * live in Nova Scotia. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants (both birthing and non-birthing parents) will be excluded if: * newborn die or are expected to die prior to leaving the hospital * they have no access to mobile phone, either personal or shared * unwilling to receive SMS messages * decline or withdraw to participate * participated in a previous iteration of this project (e.g., either the development or evaluation).
Where it's running
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IWK Health
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Justine Dol, PhD
- Email: justine.dol@iwk.nshealth.ca
- Phone: 902-470-7766
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.