Mindfulness intervention for mothers and infants
Official title: Mother-infant Bonding in the Brain: Promoting Maternal Mental Health and High-quality Mother-infant Interactions Via a Mindfulness-based Intervention
Run by Tilburg University · NCT05830266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if a mindfulness program for mothers and their babies can help reduce postpartum depression and anxiety while strengthening their bond.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Tilburg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tilburg, North Brabant) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05830266 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Dutch-speaking women aged 18 and older who are experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or parental stress after having a baby between 5-9 months old.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe psychiatric disorders, substance abuse issues, or those who do not have internet access may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention called 'Mindful with your Baby' for women experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, and parental stress. The intervention is designed for mothers with infants aged 5-9 months and aims to enhance the mother-infant bond while reducing mental health issues. Participants will engage in both group-based therapist-guided sessions and self-guided online activities. The study hypothesizes that this approach will improve behavioral interactions and neural synchrony between mothers and their infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health of postpartum women and strengthen the bond with their infants.
How similar studies have gone: While mindfulness interventions have shown promise in other contexts, this specific approach focusing on mother-infant bonding is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women (18+y). * First antenatal visit \< 12 weeks. * Score above cut off on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) and/or the Parental Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) at 8-10 weeks postpartum. * Dutch-speaking or understanding Dutch. Exclusion Criteria: * Gemelli pregnancy (or higher order pregnancy). * Known endocrine disorder before pregnancy (diabetes-I, Rheumatoid arthritis). * Severe psychiatric disease (schizophrenia, borderline or bipolar disorder). * HIV. * Drug or alcohol addiction problems. * Any other disease resulting in treatment with drugs that are potentially adverse for the fetus and need careful follow-up during pregnancy. * No access to the internet.
Where it's running
-
Tilburg University
Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marion I van den Heuvel, PhD — Tilburg University
- Study coordinator: Marion I van den Heuvel, PhD
- Email: m.i.vdnheuvel@tilburguniversity.edu
- Phone: +31134664085
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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.