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Research

More than a decade of efficacy and effectiveness research has demonstrated the impact of MB in varying pregnant and parenting populations in one-on-one and group settings.

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Mothers & Babies Research

Our team has conducted a variety of research studies examining intervention impact on health and implementation outcomes. Research-to-date has shown that MB is efficacious in preventing the onset of major depressive episodes, and in reducing depressive symptoms among pregnant and parenting people. MB was highlighted by the United States Preventive Task Force as effective in preventing postpartum depression. See the article detailing their recommendation here. Our research has also demonstrated that participants receiving the MB intervention understand the content and find the skills useful in their daily lives. Additionally, both mental health clinicians and individuals without formal mental health training (e.g., parent educators, home visitors, health educators) have generated successful client outcomes and delivered the intervention with good fidelity.

For providers and agencies interested in our ongoing evaluation efforts and appropriate assessment tools for MB, please click on the ‘Research Tools’ section.

For more information on our past effectiveness research, please click on the ‘Effectiveness Research’ section.

We also have a variety of ongoing research studies – you can find more details about each below.

Current & Past Research Projects

We always have a variety of ongoing research projects. Below you will find a short summary of each of our current and recently completed studies – click on each one to learn more.

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EPIC Study

A 5-year NICHD funded study examining the long-term effects of MB on parenting and early child development.

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MB in Qatar

A collaboration between Northwestern University School of Medicine and Sidra Medicine in Doha, Qatar examining the feasibility and effectiveness of a culturally-adapted MB for pregnant, Arabic-speaking women in Qatar.

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Promoting Healthy Brain Project

In collaboration with Lurie Children’s Hospital, this randomized control trial examines the impact of prenatal stress reduction on maternal well-being and early-life neurodevelopment.

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Mothers and Babies Virtual Group (MBVG) study 

A 5-year R01 funded by NIMHD that collaborates with Johns Hopkins University to examine the effectiveness and implementation of the Mothers and Babies group intervention delivered in a virtual format to immigrant Latinas.

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Early Intervention to Promote Cardiovascular Health of Mothers and Children (ENRICH) 

A UG3/UH3 funded by NHLBI that aims to promote the cardiovascular health of home visiting-enrolled pregnant individuals and their children.

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Mothers and Babies Online (eMB) 

A pilot study in partnership with Palo Alto University to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an online version of Mothers and Babies delivered to families enrolled in home visiting programs. 

 

Fathers and Babies (FAB)

We recently completed a pilot study of FAB that demonstrated that the intervention reduces paternal depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Future work is being planned to train service providers across the country in FAB and to conduct a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to further study FAB impact and delivery.

Latest Research News

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Mothers & Babies Prevents Depression During and After Pregnancy

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Culturally Rooted and Responsive Ways to Bridge Gaps in Maternal Mental Health

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How Mothers & Babies Makes Mental Health Support Accessible Through Virtual Home Visiting

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