The arrival of a newborn is a delightful occasion for many parents, but the transition to parenthood can be challenging.
An app developed by the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies at NUS Nursing offers helpful information and tips for new parents, including parenting, baby care, and coping with psychological challenges after birth, addressing stress and sleep deprivation.
The SPA app, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been found to improve parental outcomes, particularly in perceived social support, among parents. It also offers a discussion forum and chat function for emotional support.
A study found that mothers who used a mobile health app experienced a decrease in depressive symptoms post-childbirth, while those who did not experienced an increase. Infants with parents who used the app also had better developmental outcomes. The app provided evidence-based, localized information and reliable support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study explores the use of technology-based interventions like SPA for postnatal depression, highlighting its potential to improve mental and emotional well-being, particularly for parents with vulnerable backgrounds and low socio-economic status.