Postpartum Support Study - H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas

A new mother kisses her child in the postpartum process.

MUSC Women’s Health offers support in postpartum depression, postpartum substance use, and access to resources in the form of a current study called H.E.A.R. (Healing, Equity, Advocacy, and Respect) 4 Mamas.

About H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas

The purpose of this study is to learn if a program for new moms can improve detection of complications after delivery, and help women get medical care quickly and easily. Participants will be asked to complete a survey at the time of enrollment and at three additional times. All surveys can be completed via cell-phone or email. All women will be followed for 1-year after delivery.

Women that enroll will be assigned to one of two groups:

Usual in-person care.
Usual in-person care PLUS the H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas program (text message-based program that will ask about signs and symptoms of complications that may occur after delivery).

If there is a concern, a nurse advocate will call on the phone to discuss options and help refer to care if needed. Participants will be paid for their time in completing surveys.

Are You Eligible for This Postpartum Study?

To participate in the H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas study, you must be:

Between 16 - 49 years old.
Insured by Medicaid.
Pregnant, or within two weeks of delivery.
Delivered, or delivering at a hospital in South Carolina.

H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas Testimonials

“ When you are feeling overwhelmed there is someone to talk to. ”

32-year-old mother of three, from Goose Creek, SC.

“ It's nice to know you have someone you can call on. I haven't had many occasions to call on my own but even when I've had my surveys it's been nice to have somebody concerned about you. ”

24-year-old mother of one, from Columbia, SC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to travel for this study?

No, this is a completely remote study!

What will I be asked to do?

All participants will be asked to complete four surveys over the course of the year.

How often will I be texted?

If randomly assigned to our H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas program, you will receive a “daily check-in” text every day for the first eight weeks of the program. Frequency of texts will decline after the first eight weeks.

Will I be paid?

Yes! You will be compensated $30 for completing each survey, so a total of $120 is possible! Payments will be sent via Amazon gift card.

What Our Participants Say

What made you interested in participating in H4M?

"My mother had postpartum depression and general depression so I was concerned that I would have postpartum depression and wanted more support than I currently had in my life and more professional support."

"Help with research to improve care for mothers and their new babies."

Can you share what has been helpful about having access to your nurse advocate?

"Knowing that resources and support are only a text/phone call away is just really nice--when you're feeling overwhelmed (which is a common experience postpartum), just finding someone to reach out to for help can feel like it would take more energy than you have."

"It's nice to know you have someone you can call on. I haven't had many occasions to call on my own but even when I've had my surveys it's been nice to have somebody concerned about you."

"She helps out with any concerns I might have. Also, she responds in a timely manner."

Interested in Participating?

If you are interested in participating in our study, click here!

Are You a Health Care Provider?

If you have patients who would be a good candidate for our study, click here!