Can Telephone Support from Other Mothers Help Prevent Postpartum Depression?

What you need to know

• Postpartum depression affects 1 in 6 new mothers in Australia, but many women are reluctant to seek professional help
• Peer support from other mothers who have experienced and recovered from postpartum depression may help prevent its onset
• This study tests whether proactive telephone support from trained peer volunteers can reduce depression risk in vulnerable new mothers

The Challenge of Postpartum Depression

Having a baby is often portrayed as a joyous time, but for many women, the postpartum period brings unexpected emotional challenges. Up to one in six new mothers in Australia experiences postpartum depression within the first year after giving birth. This common but serious condition can have long-lasting effects on both mother and child.

Despite its prevalence, many women suffering from postpartum depression don’t get the help they need. Some feel ashamed about not coping or worry about being judged. Others face practical barriers like transportation or cost. This gap between those needing help and those receiving it has researchers looking for new approaches to support new mothers.

The Power of Peer Support

One promising solution is peer support - connecting new mothers with volunteers who have personally experienced and recovered from postpartum depression or anxiety. These peer supporters can offer something unique: genuine understanding from someone who’s “been there.”

Peer support works by addressing a key risk factor for postpartum depression - inadequate social support. New mothers often feel isolated and overwhelmed. Having someone to talk to who truly understands can provide emotional relief and practical guidance. Peers can help normalize the challenges of new motherhood while encouraging women to seek additional help when needed.

How the DAISY Study Works

The Depression and AnxIety peer Support studY (DAISY) is testing whether proactive telephone support from trained peer volunteers can help prevent postpartum depression in at-risk mothers. The study will involve 1,060 new mothers in Melbourne who have factors that increase their risk of developing depression.

Half of the participants will receive standard care, while the other half will also get regular phone calls from a peer volunteer for 6 months. The peer volunteers - mothers who have recovered from postpartum depression - receive special training to provide emotional support and help connect women with other resources when needed.

The phone calls start shortly after birth and continue regularly throughout the critical first 6 months. Volunteers aim to build trust and provide a safe space for mothers to share their struggles without judgment.

What Makes This Approach Different

Unlike professional mental health services, peer support offers a more informal and accessible way to get help. There’s no need to travel to appointments or pay fees. Mothers can speak openly with someone who personally understands their experience.

The proactive nature of the support is also key - volunteers reach out regularly rather than waiting for mothers to ask for help. This helps overcome the reluctance many women feel about seeking support. The telephone format provides flexibility and privacy while maintaining the personal connection of voice-to-voice contact.

What This Means for You

If you’re expecting a baby or know someone who is, being aware of postpartum depression risk factors and support options is important. While this study is still ongoing, previous research suggests peer support can make a meaningful difference.

Consider:

• Talking openly about emotional challenges during pregnancy and after birth
• Building a support network before baby arrives
• Learning about postpartum depression symptoms and local resources
• Reaching out to other mothers who’ve had similar experiences
• Not waiting until crisis point to seek help

Conclusions

• Peer support offers a promising way to prevent postpartum depression by providing understanding and encouragement from mothers who’ve been through it
• Phone-based support removes many practical barriers while maintaining personal connection
• Early intervention through peer support may help more women get help before depression becomes severe