The M-O-M-S™ (Mentors Offering Maternal Support) intervention is based in a theoretical
framework addressing the major transitions that occur with pregnancy and close
relationship processes. Weis et al. found that community esteem-building support, focused
in first and second trimester, decreased anxiety associated with pregnancy and maternal
adaptation. The M-O-M-S™ intervention was specifically designed to address
pregnancy-specific anxiety (inclusive of depressive symptoms), concerns related to
family/partner relationships, and provide esteem-building peer support, with each session
directly aligned to specific aspects of anxiety and depression pertinent to the point in
pregnancy for the women. Women are recruited in early pregnancy and attend a series of
classes on the cognitive and relationship changes of pregnancy and motherhood, and mental
preparation for labor, led by a "mentor", a mother who has experienced pregnancy, labor,
and motherhood.
Up to 400 subjects will be recruited, with a goal of 240 completing the study. Each group
will consist of 15-20 recruits, assuming a degree of attrition that will lead to group
sizes of 10-12. The outcome measures will be compared between the intervention and
control data and linear regression (with adjustment for partial clustering) used to
adjust for differences in participant characteristics. Given an estimated effect size and
variance (both pre-post and intervention-control) from previous trials, 240 participants
gives good power for reasonable effect sizes for both the pre-post analysis and
intervention-control analyses incorporating a design (cluster) effect.
Recruitment will take place at ob/gyn practices, WIC clinics, health units, and at
community sites. Clinicians will be informed of the intervention and asked to encourage
their patients to participate. They will also refer potential participants and provide
flyers to interested women. Study staff will also attend the clinics on days when a large
number of prenatal visits are scheduled, and clinic staff will inform them who can be
approached as a potential participant. Flyers and posters will also be provided to
participating clinics, and participants can self-refer. Participants will be contacted
via the method they indicate they prefer.
Participants will attend 6 group meetings lasting 1 hr. every other week. These sessions
are aimed at decreasing pregnancy concerns and building coping skills through supportive
relationships with experienced local mothers and the other participants in the group. The
meetings are closed group sessions.
Participants also receive a "Birth of a Mother" manual designed to guide open discussion
during the course of the sessions.
In addition, participants will complete questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the
intervention about their mental health, experience of the intervention, and disaster
experience.
