A Postpartum Adaptation Study of the Connecting and Reflecting Experience Parenting Program

A Postpartum Adaptation Study of the Connecting and Reflecting Experience Parenting Program

Experiencing postpartum mood and/or anxiety disorders (like postpartum depression; PMADs) can make parenting challenging, but group therapy may help both these parents and their babies. This study will test whether postpartum parents with PMADs find a 12-session parenting group therapy to be likable, doable, and helpful for mental health, parenting stress, and relationship with their infant. The therapy that is being tested is called the Connecting and Reflecting Experience (CARE) parenting program, which has not yet been used specifically with postpartum parents with PMADs, but has been found to be appealing and helpful among parents/caregivers of older children with mental health conditions. CARE focuses on parents' ability to consider how their own and their children's thoughts, feelings, intentions, and other mental states shape behavior and parent-child relationships. Participants in the study will be asked to fill out surveys before, during, and after participating in the group therapy. Adults may be eligible to participate in the study if they gave birth to an infant who is now 3 to 12 months old, are receiving postpartum medical and/or mental health care at Montefiore Medical Center, and have experienced postpartum depression and/or anxiety.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Birthing parent (of any gender) of an infant age 3-12 months old at time of enrollment
• Receiving postpartum OB/GYN or mental health services at Montefiore Medical Center
• Experienced or currently experiencing moderate to high levels of depression and/or anxiety symptoms in the postpartum period
• English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior participation in a Connecting and Reflecting Experience (CARE) group at any time
• Participation in another parenting-focused group during the current postpartum period
• Current episode of psychosis or mania or active suicidal ideation
• Serious psychiatric, neurocognitive, or substance use related difficulties necessitating a higher level of care than outpatient support (e.g., current inpatient treatment) or that, in the judgment of the PI, would impede group participation (e.g., severe cognitive impairment)