Postpartum depression affects up to 18% of new mothers, and risk can increase 2-5 times in immigrant and indigenous populations. Madison’s work is part of a multiphase research project with the overarching goal of creating a web-enabled intervention to assist women experiencing PPD.

To accomplish this, the study team has conducted focus groups in seven communities across BC in the past 2 years to explore the experiences, needs, and ideas of women in BC who have suffered from PPD. In 2019, groups with non-Indigenous Canadian women were completed, and the main themes that emerged related to a need for education, validation, and empowerment to help bridge gaps in care and ensure that women are able to determine and connect to the best care options for them.

Moving into 2020, the team has created a high-level outline of what the intervention platform needs to include in terms of content and functionality for it to be accessible and acceptable, based on participants’ feedback. This information is being used to identify and collaborate with local tech developers to bring these features to life. While a preliminary prototype begins construction early this year, the research team is excited to engage with Indigenous and immigrant communities to continue learning about the needs of women in these communities, and how to create a tool that is useful for all women in BC.

“We’re hoping this will help women in communities across BC by connecting them to resources and information that can be personalized to best suit their needs and experiences,”

For more information on the project, click here.