Developing 'Essential Coaching for Every Partner', a postpartum text-message digital health solution for non-birthing...

Non-birthing parents (fathers, 2SLGBTQ+ parents) are less supported in the transition to parenthood than birthing parents (mothers). Education via text-messaging has potential to fill a postpartum health service gap for the non-birthing parent. A postpartum text message program (Essential Coaching for Every Mother) was developed for birthing parents, with a need identified for a similar program for the non-birthing parent.

The objective is to describe the design and development of Essential Coaching for Every Partner as a postpartum text message digital health solution for non-birthing parents.

Using a descriptive, user-centered iterative study design, initial messages were designed from Essential Coaching for Every Mother, modified for the non-birthing parent. Non-birthing parents (n = 11), postpartum healthcare providers (n = 11), and experts (n = 2) were involved in four rounds of iterative user testing using semi-structured interviews. The Information Assessment Method (IAM) Parents was also completed by non-birthing parents.

Over four rounds, the content and timing of when the messages were sent were modified based on participant feedback. Additional content areas were suggested (e.g., combination feeding). New messages were created, resulting in a total of 59 messages. All non-birthing parents felt the information was relevant and understandable, and 91 % felt it would make them less worried.

Through inclusion of non-birthing parents, postpartum healthcare providers, and experts in the development and iterative testing, the messages are patient-focused and evidence-based. Essential Coaching for Every Partner is anticipated to increase parenting self-efficacy and reduce postpartum anxiety for non-birthing parents, while filling a health service gap.