Mental Health App 'Real' Targets Postpartum Support

- An estimated 1 in 5 mothers are affected by maternal mental health conditions, which are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Suicide and overdose are leading causes of death for women in the first year following pregnancy. - Digital therapeutics are an emerging class of interventions; in April 2024, the FDA approved MamaLift Plus™, the first prescription digital therapeutic for the treatment of mild to moderate postpartum depression. Clinical trials showed that patients using the app improved by four or more points on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. - Many digital health platforms for postpartum care incorporate features based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mood tracking, peer support communities, and integration with teletherapy providers. A systematic review of mental health apps found that those using CBT, mindfulness, and telecounseling were effective in reducing symptoms of postpartum depression. - The link between lactation and mental health is significant, as difficulties with breastfeeding can increase the risk of postpartum mental health challenges. This positions lactation consultants to play a crucial role in screening for perinatal mood disorders, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends screening at least once during the perinatal period. - Other digital tools are being developed to support the full continuum of maternity care. The Safe Delivery App, supported by MSD for Mothers and the Maternity Foundation, gives providers in low-resource settings instant access to evidence-based clinical guidelines for emergency obstetric and neonatal care. - In Virginia, recent legislation has significantly expanded the role of nurse-midwives. As of July 1, 2025, House Bill 1904 allows Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) to be on 24-hour on-call rosters for newborn nursery care, and House Bill 1923 mandates insurance reimbursement parity for all licensed midwives. - As of July 20