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What moms told researchers about the Momwell community
In 2023, independent researchers at the University of Connecticut and the University of Toronto asked 569 moms what had changed for them since joining the Momwell community. The study was commissioned by the Daymark Foundation.
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Why this study happened
Most of what we hear about social media and mental health is a warning. The Daymark Foundation, a Canadian foundation working to improve perinatal mental health, wanted to know whether it could also help. In December 2022 they commissioned a study of Momwell, where moms had been learning about maternal mental health, mostly on Instagram and the podcast.
The research was led by Dr. Molly Waring at the University of Connecticut and Dr. Cindy-Lee Dennis at the University of Toronto. Their team ran the survey and analyzed the results independently of Momwell.
“I came to realize that what I was doing was actually a form of care that was helping moms feel heard and less alone.”
Who took part
Everyone who took part followed Momwell on social media, listened to the podcast, read the blog, or received the newsletter. The survey ran from July to September 2023.
What moms reported
Moms rated how much they agreed with statements about what had changed since joining the Momwell community. Each number is the share who agreed or strongly agreed.
- 97%I feel like I am more open to hearing and understanding mental health challenges and experiences other mothers may face.
- 96%I feel more aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health problems.
- 93%I feel less alone.
- 92%I am kinder to myself when things with my children don’t go “right.”
- 90%I feel more comfortable talking to friends and family about how I’m feeling.
- 90%I feel more confident in my approach to parenting.
- 88%I am more likely to seek mental health care when I need it.
- 84%I feel like I am part of a supportive community.
- 82%I am more able to prioritize my own health as a mother, for example my own diet, exercise, and sleep.
About the paper
The question the researchers asked+
The study draws on self-determination theory, one of the most studied theories of well-being. It says people do better when they feel capable, feel connected to others, and feel free to make their own choices.
Many moms turn to social media and podcasts for information and support, but little was known about how that affects them. The researchers wanted to know whether being part of a mom-centered online community could support those needs for mothers.
How the study worked+
In the summer and early fall of 2023, Momwell shared the survey on social media, in the newsletter, and on the podcast. Anyone 18 or older who followed Momwell could take part, and moms who had joined in the past week were not asked about changes.
Moms rated how much they agreed with statements about what had changed since joining the Momwell community, from strongly disagree to strongly agree. The University of Connecticut’s research ethics board approved the study, and participants received a small gift card or an entry into a gift card draw.
What they found+
The 569 moms in the final sample were 34 years old on average, and 45% were pregnant or had given birth in the past year. Most had been part of the Momwell community for more than a year.
Every participant reported at least one positive change in feeling capable as a mom. 99% reported feeling more connected, and 97% reported feeling more able to make their own choices, like prioritizing their own health.
What the researchers concluded+
The researchers called the results encouraging, especially that 96% of moms felt more aware of the signs of mental health problems and 88% were more likely to seek care. Not recognizing symptoms is one of the most common reasons moms don’t get help.
They also named the study’s limits. Moms chose whether to take the survey, so those Momwell helped most may be overrepresented, and the most engaged followers were the most likely to see the invitation.
Who did the research+
Katherine E. McManus-Shipp, Christiana M. Field, and Sandesh Bhusal of the University of Connecticut; Dr. Cindy-Lee Dennis of the University of Toronto and the Lunenfeld-Tannenbaum Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital; and Dr. Molly E. Waring of the University of Connecticut, who led the study.
Questions about Momwell and this research
Is Momwell evidence-based?+
Yes. Momwell therapists specialize in maternal mental health and use evidence-based approaches. Independent research on the Momwell community, led by the University of Connecticut and the University of Toronto, found that 93% of moms felt less alone and 88% were more likely to seek mental health care after joining.
What did research find about the Momwell community?+
In a 2023 survey of 569 moms, commissioned by the Daymark Foundation, 96% said they were more aware of the signs of mental health problems since joining the Momwell community. 93% felt less alone, 92% were kinder to themselves, and 90% felt more confident in their approach to parenting.
Who conducted the research on Momwell?+
The study was led by Dr. Molly Waring at the University of Connecticut and Dr. Cindy-Lee Dennis at the University of Toronto, with Katherine E. McManus-Shipp, Christiana M. Field, and Sandesh Bhusal. Their team ran the survey and analyzed the results independently of Momwell.
How do I start therapy with Momwell?+
Start with a short online form, no phone call needed. We’ll match you with a therapist who specializes in maternal mental health and check your insurance coverage for you. Momwell offers virtual therapy for moms across much of the United States and Canada.
Care that’s backed by research
For years, moms have told us that Momwell helped them feel less alone and finally understand what they were going through. Now independent research backs that up. When you work with a Momwell therapist, you get that same understanding in a space that’s just for you, from a specialist in maternal mental health who uses evidence-based approaches.